Jungkook reluctantly left Jin to say his goodbyes, dark eyes filled with concern and brows furrowed.

Something didn't feel right.

Years leading the guard provided Jungkook with a certain set of skills, one of which was his ability to sense danger and he was never usually wrong when it came to these things. It was his job, his duty to protect the people from any and all threats. Yet this felt different, he was nervous.

Jungkook was never usually nervous.

Jin was about to make his first journey through the gateway and even though Jungkook didn't doubt his brother was worthy, a small part of him still worried. It was a huge deal, not only does the individual need to be pure of heart but also mentally and physically strong enough to reach the Ando Thúle.

The Ando Thúle (Temple Of Spirits) was a temple located deep within the Zephyr forest, it was where the passage to the gateways began but in order for them to reach the Ando Thúle they first had to cross Zephyr.

That wasn't going to be easy.

The forest itself was vast, filled with beautiful yet deadly creatures and forna. Jungkook only crossed through the forest once a year during the annual expedition and even though they always made it safely to the temple it didn't mean they never encountered dangers. Jungkook liked to think he was prepared for this journey, making sure to map out the terrain and work out their exact route. There was going to be six of his guards joining the party, those with knowledge of the forest who he trusted to keep his family protected.

Yet something felt different this time.

"Haryon! Ilquárea!" (Haryon: Prince ~ Ilquárea: Commander.)

The youngest prince was halfway across the courtyard, still deep in troublesome thoughts when one of his guards called to him from the stables.

"Speak Ailmar." Jungkook instructed, hand coming to rest on the hilt of his sword.

Ailmar was one of his most trusted men, he would be joining them on the expedition as he did the previous year.

"The horses are ready Ilquárea, just waiting for you to complete your final checks and then for your brother and father to join us."

"Rations packed?" Jungkook cocked a brow quizzically, continuing across the courtyard with Ailmar beside him.

"Yes Ilquárea, enough rations for the entire party plus extra just in case we should be away longer than intended.

Jungkook blanched, that familiar feeling of dread returning.

Just in case they were away longer than intended.

Something about what Ailmar said didn't sit right with Jungkook, it was a completely harmless conversation and rightly so they should take extra rations because one could never know what the future holds but still the feeling of dread was overwhelming.

"Everything okay Ilquárea?" Ailmar slowed his pace, brow furrowing in concern.

"Of course Ailmar, how about armour and weaponry?" Jungkook cleared his throat, pushing all feelings of dread and uncertainty aside so he could focus on the task at hand.

"Plenty of longbows, flatbows too for those that prefer. I packed away daggers for dual wield, straight swords and shields. I assure you we have enough to defend ourselves Ilquárea."

"Tonics?"

Ailmar gave a nod.

"Serenity made us enough Vala tonic to last a few days, we've also got plenty of water and supplies for kkul tea."

"Good." Jungkook forced a smile.

Ailmar immediately picked up on Jungkook's unease, the two had been training and fighting alongside each other for years so it wasn't easy to hide the way they truly felt.

"Ilquárea you're not just my Haryon, you're my friend too. I can tell when your mind is troubled so please burden me with at least some of what plagues you."

Jungkook despised weakness, it was his duty to protect the people and so there wasn't any room for doubts and concerns.
"I'm fine Ailmar, my burdens are mine and mine alone to carry."

"Jungkook." It was rare for Ailmar to drop his title and so Jungkook dropped albeit briefly his indifference.

"These words are for your ears only, I don't need anyone questioning my leadership."

"My dear friend you know me, better than most. I would never betray your trust, please speak freely."

Jungkook reached the armoury, Ailmar following close behind.

"I know the dangers we can expect on our journey to the temple, we've done it countless times and made it through relatively unscathed but I've always had confidence in myself and the success of our expedition."

"Now you don't?" Ailmar questioned, standing opposite Jungkook as he rolled out a map of their territory.

"Our usual route takes us five days give or take, usually depends on how many stops we take and what we encounter along the way but what if we take the pass instead?" Jungkook leaned over the table, index and middle fingers tapping over Aeglos Ered.

"You want to take the mountain pass?" Ailmar's eyes widened. "We haven't sent scouts to that area in months, if we take the pass it would be a risk Ilquárea. Yes it could potentially get us to the temple in two to three days but that's not taking into account threats we could encounter along the way plus we need to think about the change of terrain and weather conditions, why take such a risk?"

Ailmar trusted Jungkook, would gladly give his life for him but this seemed too dangerous and surely wouldn't end well.

"We know the forest route? We've done it countless times, never had a serious casualty so why would we change that now? The guards are trained for forest combat and survival, equipment already packed for the relevant terrain. If we changed the route to pass through Aeglos Ered we would need to rethink the equipment, inform the guards and not to mention your father and brother will question the sudden change. I trust you Ilquárea, you've never steered us wrong before but maybe the reason you're doubting yourself this time is because of your brother. I know Seokjin means a great deal to you, the fear you must be experiencing about his expedition through the gateway will obviously change things. The route through Zephyr takes longer but is safer, you know this. It'll take us longer but with the tree canopy as cover we're better protected from the elements plus there's plenty of fresh water and places to camp, it's the better option."

Jungkook nodded, he knew Ailmar was right but still there was that feeling deep down in his gut that told him something about this expedition wasn't going to end well.

Maybe Ailmar was right, maybe Jin's involvement was causing him to needlessly worry.

Maybe he was just overreacting.

"You're right Ailmar, the pass would be too much of a risk. I know Zephyr is our safest option, maybe my concerns were for naught, stemming as you say from the presence of my brother."

Ailmar smiled, bringing his hand to rest on Jungkook's shoulder. "I'll be with you Ilquárea, everything will go according to plan."

"I appreciate your candor, please tell the guards to bring the horses."

"Of course my Haryon, you can always rely on me." Ailmar smiled, giving Jungkook's shoulder a gentle squeeze.

~

The moment Jungkook arrived at the stables he was greeted by his family, the five brothers staying behind stepped forward to wish them well and Jungkook didn't miss the longing in Taehyung's eyes as he watched the expedition party mount their horses.

"It'll be your turn one day Tae, don't be disheartened."

"Thanks Jungkook, keep Jin and father safe okay?"

"You have my word."

"You come back safe too, we aren't a family without you."

Jungkook gave a nod, the feeling of dread not lessening any as he shifted on the saddle.

~

Taehyung watched the expedition leave, worrying not only for the safety of his family but their people too....what danger lay in wait and would they truly survive it?

There was longing too....longing for his Enda.

He needed to see her again....even if only for a moment.

He knew exactly who could help with that.