Two days of travel had befallen the Sunfire elves. Janai led them strongly, but Amaya knew of her true sufferings. Still, Janai steadily continued.

Kazi did not accompany them, Janai insisted they stay safe with the other civilians. Janai glanced over at Amaya, only to be surprised to find the human staring back.

"What? Is something wrong?" Janai asked, making sure to face Amaya.

Amaya shook her head, but signed, "We should stop."

Janai picked up on the gesture for 'we' and the gesture for 'stop,' so she signaled for everyone to stop. They would arrive within half a day, and they all desperately needed to rest anyway.

They both assisted in pitching tents and lighting campfires. It was without word, that Amaya and Janai decided to share a tent.

Janai crawled into the tent to find Amaya wrapping gauze around her palm. Janai moved closer, and felt immediate guilt when she realized it was her fault that Amaya was injured.

Janai tapped Amaya, and proceeded to sign for the first time, "I'm sorry." She was shaky and nervous, but Amaya smiled brightly at the sincerity.

Amaya signed back, once she finished dressing her palm. "Don't be, you couldn't help it. I'm just glad you are here."

Janai tried to grasp the words to manage a vague understanding. Amaya saw her confusion, and decided a better form of communication.

Amaya leaned forward, hugging Janai quickly, replying with a simple, "thank you," instead.

Amaya leaned back onto her bedroll, and Janai copied her actions.

Sleep overcame them within minutes.

. . .