"We should settle here for the night," Coxen says, already searching for wood to build a fire with.

It's unusual that we're setting up camp so early, especially since there's still enough light out to go a few more miles. With Xalale not too far behind us, I don't think it's the wisest decision to get settled so quickly. I, of course, don't voice this objection with Coxen seeing how you could still freeze water between us at this point, so I bring my concerns to Elle instead- someone I know will see my side of things.

"I think we should keep going," I tell her, my voice at a discreet volume. "I mean, it's just too early to stop."

"I think it might have something relating to the possible storm coming in," Olivos suggest, eavesdropping in on our conversation.

Glancing to the south of us, I can see that the accumulating clouds don't appear too friendly but there have been no other telltale sides of a rough storm blowing in.

I bite my lip a little. "Yeah, but do we really want to be wasting time? I mean, Xalale can locate the stone anytime he wants, plus he's on horseback. I think we should keep going."

They think it over, looking at each other with apparent uneasiness scoring their features. They know I'm right. Xalale is probably right on our tails and stops like these aren't helping our chances.

When Coxen re-emerges from the woods carrying some kindling wood- knowing Elle and Olivos, they won't bring this issue straight to him, rather they'll dance around it- so I prepare to voice my concerns. Elle, surprisingly, does speak up though.

"Coxen, why are we settling so early? I thought we might be able to get further before stopping."

He starts setting up the fire. "I know, but there's a storm coming in, I can sense it."

Like I figured (unsurprisingly), Elle nor Olivos press the issue and I really don't feel like kicking up the dust that's just starting to settle but I just don't think this is the wisest choice.

"Maybe we should try to keep going before setting up camp for the night," I gently suggest. "We need to get as far as we can and there's still enough daylight left."

He continues setting up the fire. "It's a swift storm, it will come in before you expect it. It's safer to stay in place than get sidetracked."

"Okay, but I think we can get a little further if we try."

Moving onto trying to start the fire, he sighs. "I don't think that's the wisest choice of action."

"I don't think this is either. Xalale is not going to rest until he gets that stone, let's not make his job easier by acting like sitting ducks."

He gives me a sideways glance that rubs me the wrong way.

"Well, I'm not resting until this matter is taken care of so don't worry about him."

I'm actually surprised at how nonchalant he's handling this- he seems to have forgotten who he's dealing with. Xalale is diligently determined, he is the definition of persistent and he's not going to let this stone slip through his fingers again- of that I am sure.

"I'm not worried about him," I state, folding my arms over my chest. "I'm worried about you- about all of you."

He sighs once more, pausing in his work but not looking around before starting back up.

"We'll be fine. Get settled for the night and find higher ground so you won't get wet during the rain."

He's not going to listen, that's what it comes down to. I won't be able to persuade him about the dangers of underestimating Xalale and I don't hold the stone anymore which means I don't hold power over anything. Instead of trying to stir the pot, I simply go about getting ready for bed.

By the time he gets the fire started, the clouds have completely coated the sky, hiding the stars from view.

Coxen and Sephora retire early and Clifford crashes not too long after. I watch the fire, prodding it like some science experiment while Elle and Olivos whisper in each other's ear, quietly giggling to each other, and doing other cutesy couple stuff. They're the type that are so infatuated with each other in their love that nothing else in the world exists- no evil can undo them, the world hinges on their unity- they just look so complete with each other. Usually, I would gag at this stuff but it's something in the way they act that captures my attention at times and makes me hold it like some creepier stalker.

Finally, Olivos settles down for the night, allowing Elle to come sit next to me by the fire. We say nothing for a little bit, though our silences never bother me.

"That was an interesting story you told Clifford today," She comments quietly, a small smile still lingering from her conversation with Olivos.

I poke the wood with a stick, letting the end burn.

"Thanks. I wasn't expecting him to ask about that."

"I enjoyed it."

"That's good."

We let our banter sizzle out like the burnt end of my fire stick. It doesn't last long before Elle speaks up again, more intrigue in her voice.

"I kept meaning to ask," She begins, pointing at my hand. "But that ring is the most flawless piece of jewelry I have ever seen, where did you get it? You never wore it until recently."

A bit self-conscious, I glance down at the ring which I forgot was on my finger. It has a unique gleam in the firelight, a memorizing kaleidoscope of blue mingled with fiery red- as though the sea were ablaze.

"Uh," I didn't feel like telling her Xalale lent it to me. The truth of why I came would start unraveling if I told her this one truth, so I don't state names. "Someone gave it to me to borrow. I have to give it back once I get home."

"Oh," She breathes, in awe of it. "Whoever lent you it must trust you with their life."

"I don't know about their life, but..."

"Yeah, they trusted me."

And I trusted him, like an idiot; mistakes were made.

She spends a few more seconds inspecting it in great detail as I add-

"The only reason I got to wear it was because I was going to a dance."

She glances up, an even brighter smile dawning on her face. "Ah, how beautiful."

"Yeah," As stupid as it is, I can't help but allow a nostalgic smile at the thought of getting dressed up that night. "It's customary for a young woman to wear a ring to a formal event so I just went along with it."

At this, she stops inspecting and gives me a quizzical expression.

"I've never heard of such a custom. Grant it I have not been to many dances but I know that's not a custom here."

Now it's my turn to look baffled at her.

"I mean, it's not where I'm from. I thought that was the custom here. That's what I heard."

At least, that's what I remember Xalale telling me. I remember that because I thought it was such a sweet tradition and it's the only reason I got to wear the ring.

But judging from the slight frown on her face, I'm starting to think I've been led astray.

"The only custom for giving a young woman a ring is when it's a confession of love. A man will give the woman he loves his own ring as a sign of affection."

Staring blankly at her, it sinks in that I've been purposefully misled. A clear sign of what laid ahead that night and it completely flew over my head. He knew that custom was a lie and he lied like it was fact.

"Just when I think he's done. Unpredictable I tell you."

I'm floored. Staring down at the ring, things are starting to make more sense- at least the last few interactions are. Everything is starting to change perspectives.

My mind is still reeling from this revelation when she gently speaks up.

"Olivos doesn't have a ring to give me but he fashioned me one out of a flower stem." She flashes the plain, crudely fashion thing. Though it wasn't the most appealing, it clearly meant the world to her- she treasured it.

"Ah, what a joy love is," She sighs in bliss, her eyes dazzling at the ring as if it were made from pure gold.

I stare down at the ring on my own finger, a ring which held history, memories, evoked emotions, reminded of promises never kept. This ring was a being of its own, with a life to tell. But the story didn't seem to be over- it was old but it wasn't done telling a story, a story that pulses from my finger to my core, palpitating through me.

Slipping the ring off, the sensation fades.

Beside me, Elle lies down to go to sleep, her eyes closed but her mind still awake.

"Goodnight, Mallory," She whispers so softly the faint wind almost carries it away.

"Night," I reply, though still focused on the small piece of jewelry I hold.

Inspecting the ring, I tentatively begin to slide it back on my ring finger. Honestly, I feel foolish for being afraid to put on a ring that I was fine with minutes ago, but things are different now, the world has shifted and my perspective is gradually changing into something unknown. Sliding this ring back on my finger is not the same as it was before or even the very first time I wore it.

I knew something was going to change on this journey but I wasn't expecting this- I wasn't prepared for it (but change never comes when you're ready for it).

With the ring on my finger, everything seems anew and for the first time since coming back to Edalirwen, it's not utter exhaustion or fear that drives me to sleep, it's something much more comforting but nonetheless unknown.