"So why did you change your mind all of a sudden?" Loon asked as Ayren was riding the horse, with him in front, totally unbothered by the fact the two were close, but the immortal was actually enjoying most of the time with him.

"Uhm..." Ayren focused on the road ahead, but when Loon turned slightly to meet his gaze, he let out a heavy sigh as the wind tousled the half-dragon's long dark hair, shifting the hood intended to conceal his horns and pointed ears. "Don't move too much," he said, placing a hand on the fabric of the hood to keep it steady against the breeze.

Loon tilted his head a little, Ayren raised his eyebrow to then force him to turn his head again "Aresta city is one of the most important cities of the outer territories, managed by tons of guilds who are secretly against the Emperor despite the alliance contracts."

Loon opened up his eyes and got many questions after that. He wanted to turn to talk to him instead of looking at the road they were on, but Ayren's hand was still on his head between the two horns. "How is it still.... Wait, are you taking me to the ruins of a city?"

Ayren brought the horse to a halt, and Loon turned to face him completely. Crossing his arms, Loon fixed his blue gaze on Ayren, who wore an annoyed expression.

"Seriously," Ayren muttered, rubbing the top of Loon's head until he closed his eyes from the rough affection. "Why on earth would I take you to ruins? That city is very much alive and is actually one of the capitals... Aah. Why do I enjoy putting myself through this?" he lamented, feeling a sense of hopelessness as he questioned his decision to bring Loon along.

"Huh? In my memories... I remember... Aresta was destroyed." Loon sighed at the thoughts "I was already stuck in that place where you rescued me, I had some good people telling me what was happening around."

"They were so good that they didn't help you." Ayren said as he crossed his arms, looking at Loon who looked at him with an obvious expression

"Have you ever heard of the Imperial Guards?" Loon asked and Ayren laughed "Don't laugh! Nobody could help me; the imperial guards would have murdered them, and it was

my responsibility anyway to help myself... I was just... hoping things would turn different without the need of... suffering from both parts."

"Whatever makes you feel good," Ayren remarked with a slight sigh. "Now, could you please turn around? This horse isn't exactly top-tier, and stopping in the middle of the road is getting a bit dull."

"Yes, but I would like... "

"Aresta was indeed destroyed" Ayren said over him "It has been rebuilt many years ago and became an untouchable city. The organization of the city is on its own, and it relies on many mercenaries and many units from different reigns to assure some commercial routes. The Emperor can't touch that city, so can't the other reigns... It's a city where many outlanders, mercenaries, artists, eremites, find refuge."

"Oh? You think I will be safe?"

"No."

Loon tilted his head and Ayren sighed as he couldn't help but see a big question mark around the man in front of his eyes.

"But there might be someone, who can help you find a place away from humans but protected... Surely we will find someone out of the people from different reigns, who can help you."

Loon raised his eyebrow "Help me? How? What do I need help for...?" he asked confusedly and the swordsman looked away for a moment asking himself the same question.

Loon was a God, yet wasn't it almost absurd for a deity to seek help? Despite his divine nature, he often appeared bewildered, lost, and far too trusting of humans. Ayren was living proof of that irony. The God of Life had placed his faith in a man cursed with immortality, a man who left death in his wake. From the outside, it was almost laughable.

Still, something kept Ayren tethered to Loon. Perhaps it was the immortal's mana, the strange aura that seemed to influence him. He wasn't sure, but one thing was certain—he couldn't abandon Loon, not after that mysterious attack by those men in purple robes.

Ayren sighed "I don't know, surely those villagers would have got into more troubles if you stayed there... I think Aresta isn't safe, but you're going to be less likely to be attacked."

Loon nodded slightly, mumbling, "A city..." He then glanced at Ayren, a hint of suspicion in his voice. "Hey, Ayren. Why do I feel like you're not telling me the truth?" His blue eyes narrowed as he continued, "I sense something around you... You know lying to an immortal brings bad luck, right?"

Ayren tilted his head, his lips curling into an evil smile. He leaned in close, their faces nearly touching, as if the challenge excited him. "Nice try, dragon," he whispered, his voice dripping with confidence. "But there's no way that's happening to me."

"Why do you say so?" Loon asked, confused and Ayren let out a little amused giggle.

"Because I don't think my luck can be any worse right now." he replied with an obvious tone "The fact I can't die... isn't there anything worse?" he asked innocently.

"Why do you seek death so much?" Loon asked softly, his voice filled with curiosity. His blue eyes, though fixed on Ayren, seemed distant and hollow, as if he wasn't truly present. At times, his presence felt almost ethereal, like a phantom lingering between worlds.

Ayren's gaze softened, and without thinking, his free hand reached out, gently brushing through Loon's hair.

The dragon didn't flinch, just kept staring, his expression unreadable. "After all, we're not that different..." the immortal murmured, a faint smile forming. "Huh, did my hair somehow catch your attention?"

Ayren looked at his own hand and coughed a little to then sigh "Enough chit-chat." he tickled his forehead "Get back to the front, you're distracting me from riding."

Loon sighed as he turned "Why didn't we take two horses?" the immortals muttered "It's kind of unpleasant."

"Wait, have you ever ridden a horse?" Ayren asked, breaking into laughter at the silence that followed. Though he couldn't see it, Loon's cheeks flushed slightly, frustration building as his pride took a hit. Yet, he remained composed, refusing to give Ayren the satisfaction of knowing he'd flustered him. "Oh my..." Ayren chuckled, clearly amused by the situation.

"You do realize I have a dragon on my side, right?" Loon asked, turning slightly, revealing a grumpy stare that made Ayren chuckle inwardly. "I can merge with him or ride him as we soar through the skies. Why would I even bother riding this... thing you humans use?" he scoffed, motioning toward the horse with obvious disdain, appearing just even effortlessly cute to Ayren's eyes.

Ayren laughed and Loon did bite his lips out of frustration. The swordsman couldn't help but feel amused by the immortal's expressions till he reached the conclusion that after all it wasn't that bad to have him around.

There were surely other reasons for Ayren to take Loon with him, but since there were too many question marks around already, he didn't let his mouth speak completely the truth, and he wouldn't have done that till he'd known something more that would explain his thoughts.

"By the way... why did you take that arrow?" Loon asked, his brows furrowing slightly. "I know I already asked, but I'm an immortal. There was no need for you to intervene. I don't understand why you'd do that."

Ayren raised an eyebrow, staying silent for a moment. He hadn't given it much thought at the time. His instinct as a swordsman had kicked in, always alert and defensive when it came to protecting those, who were too weak to defend themselves. But now, faced with the question, he found himself unsure of how to explain it.

It's like even though Loon was as powerful as a God known in that world, to Ayren's eyes he would look just like any other villager, who isn't able to protect themselves.

To be fair, Ayren was undeniably bloodthirsty and frightening when the adrenaline surged through him, readying him for battle. He was not only skilled but eager to spill blood at the slightest provocation, especially when the situation leaned toward chaos. All that violence served as a distraction from the hollowness inside him—a way to numb the emptiness of his aimless, endless journey through the world with no real purpose.

Ayren felt like his life had to end as his goal was reached, but instead, that goal granted him something he never wished for.

Probably a Fate's joke - something that would always hit and trigger Ayren's madness.

"I simply did it," Ayren replied, his voice calm but firm. "I have honor as a swordsman. If I see someone being targeted by a surprise attack and I'm aware of it, I can't just stand by. That's all." He let out a small sigh, his gaze distant for a moment. "Part of my past mistakes came from staying silent, from not reacting, because I was ordered not to. I watched things happen without lifting a finger..." His lips curled into a faint smile as his red eyes glowed ominously. "When I finally broke free, I had a brief moment of satisfaction—and gained an endless curse in return. But even knowing that, I'd still do it again."

Loon leaned back against Ayren's chest, tilting his head to meet the swordsman's red eyes. There was a hint of surprise in Ayren's stare, but Loon smiled, as if something Ayren had said amused him. "Sounds like you're still trying to convince me you're human after all." Loon teased, his voice light. "Stubbornness is such a human trait." He placed a thoughtful hand on his chin, his bright blue eyes fixed on Ayren, who appeared calm as he guided the horse forward.

"I don't need to convince anyone," Ayren replied, his tone flat and unwavering. "I don't care what others think of me, because most of them will eventually die by my sword anyway." His words were cold, devoid of emotion, and Loon nodded slightly, recognizing Ayren's indifference.

"It's weird." Loon sighed as Ayren coughed a little, noticing Loon actually keeping his back laying on him as before, he was stiff and even trying to be as little as he could not to have any contact with the swordsman.

It seemed Loon was finally surrendering, determined to let go of his embarrassment over the closeness between them. After all, Ayren projected an air of indifference, as if nothing mattered to him at all. So why should Loon feel differently?

"Even though you say you can't die, you still feel pain." Loon said with a calm stare "So, next time do not protect me, I am an immortal and the least thing I want to see is someone being hurt because of me, and that counts also you."

Ayren stared at Loon in silence, watching him flinch under his gaze. "Huh? Ayren?" Loon finally asked, breaking the quiet, but Ayren didn't respond.

Loon let out a sigh, and just as he was about to lose his balance when the horse reared up, he almost toppled off.

"Damn it!" Ayren gritted his teeth, wrapping one arm tightly around Loon's waist to steady him while gripping the bridle with the other hand."Why is he so nervous?" Ayren muttered in frustration, glancing at the empty road ahead, puzzled by the horse's sudden reaction

"Uhm..." Loon murmured, looking around nervously before coughing, realizing how tightly Ayren was holding him. A part of him felt both surprised and pleased by the swordsman's spontaneous gestures, finding comfort in the fact that Ayren didn't seem to care about his powers or expect anything in return.

Deep down, Loon hoped that there were still people who could bring him joy, anchoring him to the world below rather than drifting among the heavens with the other immortals.

"They're coming." Ayren drew his sword, a smirk playing on his lips as he heard the thunder of hooves approaching.

Loon widened his eyes. "Let's get off the path! We don't have to fight."

"We don't have to, but I want to," Ayren replied, his tone unmistakably eager.

Loon sighed in resignation, recognizing the familiar glint of excitement in Ayren's eyes. It seemed that the prospect of battle ignited something primal within him, and once that fire was lit, nothing could extinguish it.

In mere moments, a patrol of five men appeared, one of them brandishing a red banner emblazoned with the crest of a prominent family.

"Hold on!" one of the soldiers shouted, halting his horse as he took in Ayren's shining sword and the fierce figure of Loon standing protectively in front of him. "You've entered the land of Aresta."

"Ugh, city guards." Ayren muttered; his frustration evident as he sheathed his sword. Loon chuckled softly, amused by the swordsman's obvious irritation.

"We're just travelers looking to stay a few nights in Aresta." Ayren explained, only then realizing he was still holding onto Loon's waist. With a sigh, he loosened his grip, and Loon exhaled in relief, grateful to be freed from the somewhat suffocating hold.

"I see." said one, who looked like the captain of the patrol unit, to then leave his helmet off the head, showing his red long hair and dark eyes "If it isn't the troublemaker." He muttered annoyed.

"Calling someone who nearly ran his sword through your throat troublemaker feels a bit insulting, don't you think, Talon?" Ayren said, flashing a creepy smile that left the others feeling a bit unsettled.

Loon turned a little and laid on Ayren the side of his body as he was crossing his arms.

The dragon raised his face a little to lock his blue eyes on the swordsman, who was just enjoying provoking the guards.

"You..." Talon gnashed his teeth "It's been months we haven't seen you around, we really thought someone finally killed you, but instead you even come back with more friends." The captain of the unit laughed, making everyone confused by his reaction. It felt like the man was glad he was still alive somehow.

"I have no friends." Ayren smiled to then laugh "Do you want maybe a rematch?" he drew his sword "I will make sure no one will recognize your corpse after our little match."

Talon sighed, his smile unwavering as the soldiers drew their swords, unbothered by the impending danger. It was clear he had no fear of death.

Actually he was. But he didn't want to show Ayren that emotion to give any satisfaction. On the other hand, Ayren didn't really care.

"Calm down, Ayren. We're the guards of Aresta, and you're in our territory. There's an important contract prohibiting violence from outsiders."

"No one will take the contract up against me if you're all dead." Ayren answered with an innocent grin, and Talon tried so hard not to lose it to his provocations.

Ayren sighed, then flinched when he noticed Loon staring at him. "What?" he asked, maintaining a calm expression as his hair fell over his right eye. He didn't realize that his demeanor was softening as his gaze locked onto Loon.

"Hm..." Loon smiled, capturing Ayren's attention. The swordsman tilted his head, causing the guards and Talon to nearly shout in confusion. They couldn't fathom how such a drastic shift in Ayren's demeanor was possible.

Just moments before, he seemed poised to rampage, but now he appeared relaxed and focused, as if he had entered a bubble of tranquility just to stare at Loon.

"What is it?" Ayren asked, ignoring the guards and everyone else as Loon kept looking at him. He raised his eyebrow once the immortal touched his cheeks and pinched them, making the guards and Talon almost fall from their horses.

Even the horses were about to fall to the ground with them from the surprise and the incredible sight of Ayren letting someone touch his cheeks without cutting his fingers.

"Am I hallucinating?" Talon muttered to himself, feeling nauseated by the sight before him. "The mushroom in that soup... that wretch poisoned me... am I... dying?" he whispered, his voice barely audible under the concerned gazes of his soldiers, who were starting to question their captain's mental sanity.

"Seriously..." The swordsman grabbed his hands and Loon laughed even more "What's so funny? Hm?"

"I tried to pinch your cheeks and pulled for a smile that's less deadly than the one you usually have on, seems nothing can help on that, but it was fun trying" he explained under Ayren's hopeless stare.

"Once we're in Aresta, I am going to throw you in whatever tavern and we won't see each other anymore hopefully, that's the last favor I am doing to you, dragon." he whispered and Loon did pout for a moment to then cross his arms.

"As you wish." he said as he turned, leaving Ayren amused from his childish behavior whenever he would pull down the aura of the God.

Those two together sometimes couldn't notice how they were letting themselves be something they've never been with other humans or creatures.

Maybe it was Loon luring the swordsman into his sea of peace, or maybe it was Ayren pulling slowly the immortal into his eternal insanity..

"Who is he? Who are you taking in the city?"

Ayren, still focused on the dragon, shifted his gaze back to Talon. "He's my guest," he said firmly. "He wants to go to the city."

"I am Loon." The half dragon smiled gently as he let his hood off the hair to show better his face under the annoyed stare of Ayren.

"Oh!? A half dragon! How interesting! Ayren where have you found him? I thought those creatures were legends!" Talon exclaimed while the other soldiers were whispering to themselves under Loon's confused stare.

"This is why I told you to keep your profile low." Ayren whispered once he laid his head close to his ears. Loon could feel some annoyance in his tone and he tilted his head even more confused. "Doesn't matter where." Ayren cut it off "I want to take him to Aresta and check if any guild can find him a refuge as he's not totally safe in the Emperor's lands."

"Oh, that crazy bastard," Talon laughed. "He'd cherish him like his fool of a father did with so many creatures." He turned his gaze to Loon, who looked away, momentarily lost in thought as the blue of his eyes sparkled like the magic waters of sacred sanctuaries. "But I wonder... When did you become so kind? It must be a special day—have you eaten honey or something?"

Ayren gnashed his teeth "You better cut it unless you want to lose that tongue of yours." He made his horse move past the guards and Talon "We're going."

"WAIT, US TOO!"

"WE MUST PROTECT THE CREATURES!"

"AYREN, YOU IDIOT, YOU BETTER KEEP THE HOLD ON HIM, MY WIFE IS AN ARTIST I THINK SHE WOULD LOVE TO STUDY HIS ANATOMY."

"Oh, sir! Maybe the bards of the guild will take him as a Muse!"

"Seriously." Ayren swore he could lose that few of mental sanity left once he noticed the guards happily escorting them to the city under Loon's curious stare.

"These humans want to be your friends," Loon said, leaning back against Ayren as the swordsman urged the horse to pick up speed toward the city.

Ayren's stare was neutral to his words. His red eyes looked at the dragon, who was again with his head tilted to look at him as he was riding the horse "Friends." He repeated "I do not seek for friends."

Loon's face got for a moment lost in his thoughts "Why?"

"Why what?" Ayren laughed a little "Humans always betray, don't you know that as well?"

"I am not a human." Loon crossed his arms, and smirked under Ayren's surprised stare "I don't betray."

For a moment, Ayren found himself staring at the man beside him, a mix of flustered irritation and exasperation washing over him. Just then, he interrupted the moment by tugging at the hood, pulling it down to almost completely obscure the dragon's face.

"Hey!" Loon protested.

"Shut it," Ayren grumbled, forcing Loon to turn his gaze back to the road, avoiding his eyes. He felt a sense of hopelessness, as if he were dealing with a child. Loon couldn't help but smile, convinced he saw a hint of color creeping into the swordsman's cheeks.

"Once we're in Aresta, I guess the best thing to do is to talk with the mage guild." Talon said once he reached them on his horse, and Ayren nodded a little.

"Mage guild?" Loon inquired, and Ayren nodded, sensing an underlying uncertainty in those blue eyes. It was clear that Loon was hesitant about the idea. Perhaps he had reservations about mages?

"The head of the mage guild, he will surely know what to do with you." Ayren said, trying to reassure him. "He's a protector of any magical creature... But maybe it's better if you do not... speak too much of yourself."

Loon nodded a little under Ayren's stare.

The swordsman honestly had no other ideas. He wanted to finally find the answers of the questions that the village chief made him think about.

What if...

Loon knew a way to deal with his curse since he lived in the same Era as his?