Taehyung knew leaving the castle grounds wasn't exactly the smartest idea, especially considering the darkness Serenity spoke of was on the horizon but watching the expedition party leave earlier that day had left him with that all too familiar ache in his chest. All these years Taehyung figured that ache in his chest was longing....longing to be something more, to pass through the gateway and explore the mortal realm. Yet now he knew different, all these years his reason for not feeling complete was because there was a vital part of his soul missing.

His Enda.

Taehyung knew he should take heed of Serenity's warning, that he should wait for the right moment to connect with his Enda but there was another way. It was reckless, if anyone knew of his plans they would insist he reconsider but the longer he was away from that vital missing part of his soul the more his body would weaken.....would fail him.

Taehyung dressed in his riding attire later that afternoon, making sure to avoid detection as he made his way to the stables.His journey would take him through Arden forest and across Tethoris bridge to Khisfire Town, a place filled with those who didn't do well when it came to following the rules. The moment he was on horseback, galloping out across the moors Taehyung breathed a sigh of relief. The thundering of hooves split the silence as his stallion galloped through the landscape, wind wisping the mane into the air like flames. The muscles rippled from under a freshly groomed pelt as powerful legs propelled them forward.

As the light slowly drains away there is barely enough even for shadows. Whether Taehyung likes it or not the darkness comes and under it everything in the forest is hidden. Even the stars and moon cower behind a dense layer of cloud, giving the air that tincture he associates with the world before a storm. Taehyung's ears become sharper, Arden Forest is home to many beautiful creatures but of course with the good comes the bad and so he needs to be alert. Taehyung rides for almost twenty minutes, the moonlight now casting a hauntingly beautiful white-silver glow over the approaching town, in the distance the rooftops and spires are silhouetted against a deep velvety sky.

He slows, sharp eyes looking out across the bridge.

The creatures that control Khisfire wouldn't be too happy to see a member of the royal family enter their domain and so he lifts his hood, allowing the dark material to cover the majority of his Elven features.

Khisfire is ruled by criminals, mostly Fae but some dwarfs and giants have been known to cross the borders. They don't take kindly to Elves, especially since it was his father who banished them to Khisfire in the first place. So Taehyung approaches carefully, staying alert as he crosses the bridge.

Khisfire is a maze of narrow winding streets, as complex as the heart. The streets are the veins, paved with dark red stones, and the people are the blood. The sound of the smiths, beating swords and breastplates into shape, was the consistent and dull pounding that let you know the town was alive.

After weaving his way through the labyrinth Taehyung arrived at his destination

He knew the Fae seer that resided here, she once was a trusted member of the royal court until she began to dabble with dark magic. It was Serenity who discovered this, immediately bringing it to the attention of his father who then banished the Fae seer to Khisfire.

Taehyung once considered her a friend, part of him still did.

"Melinö?" Taehyung called out as he pushed open the door, stepping over the threshold. "I'm sorry to disturb you at such a late hour." Taehyung closed the door behind him, eyes surveying the interior for any sign of his old friend.

The old house must have been little more than a glorified shed even in it's hay day. But now it looked for all the world like a giant had sat on the roof, for it sagged terribly. The windows were gaping holes for the wind to rush in and out through and the door hung on it's hinges at a jaunty angle, although now it was really just a frame. It was a rotting heap, bowing down, subservient to the elements. There was a fireplace across from him, the flames curl and sway, flicking this way and that, crackling as they burn the dry wood. It's so good to feel the warmth after spending so long riding, he holds out his hands to get just a little more of the gentle heat.

"Look who it is." A voice drifts out from the darkest reaches of the house.

"Melinö? Is that you?" Taehyung spins around to search the darkness, eyes widening as his old friend steps into the light.

"Yes." Melinö answers, eyes curious. "What are you doing here little prince?"

Taehyung smiles, the name bringing back memories of his childhood, a time where Melinö hadn't yet fallen so deeply for black magic.

"I know it's late, that you probably wouldn't want to see me of all people especially after what my father did to you but I need your help with something."

Melinö cocks her head, eyes now filling with amusement.

"So the little prince finally found his soulmate and not just any soulmate.....his Enda, you know what that means don't you?" Melinö moves closer, dress sweeping behind her across dirt and dust.

"The longer she stays away from you, body....mind and soul, the more you weaken." Melinö smirks, long fingernail pressing gently underneath Taehyung's chin.

"To find your Enda is the greatest of gifts but like everything else in this plane of existence there's also a downside, it's what keeps the balance...the yin and yang. To have your Enda such a marvellous feat but then you need them close for if you don't the body begins to shut down and the sands of time have now started to turn for you little prince."

Taehyung already knows this, is well aware that an Elf without their Enda will die if the joining ceremony isn't performed. It's one of the reasons he's here, why he risked crossing the bridge.

"That's why you're here isn't it my little prince, your Enda doesn't dwell here in our realm....so far away, the loss you must be feeling." Melinö sighs as she steps back.

"I know you don't owe me anything, especially after what my father did to you but you're the only person who can help."

Melinö huffs, shaking her head.

"It's not you that banished me little prince, it's not you I blame."

Taehyung nods, watching as the seer sits down at a small table, one cluttered with magical artifacts.

"Come, sit." Melinö instructs, smiling as Taehyung does as she asks albeit a little trepidatiously.

"You know this requires a lot of strength for me, to astral project within our own realm is one thing but to another...."

Melinö stops speaking the moment Taehyung places several gold pieces on the table, sliding them across to her.

"For your trouble." He adds, not missing the way her eyes gleam at the sight of it.

"Now you're speaking my language little prince."

"Now give me your hands." She reaches across the table, palms facing up.

Taehyung hesitates, a moment of uncertainty washing over him.

"Do you want to see your Enda or not?" Melinö questions.

More than anything.

Taehyung reaches for her hands.