The dawn finally broke, and though the air was cold, Viana, filled with spirit, prepared to depart. Once ready, she headed to the palace's back gate, a small gate rarely used by anyone.
There, a slender, dark grey Elf forest horse with intelligent, calm eyes waited for her. Beside the horse, the young Elf who had come to her last night, Faylen, was already waiting.
"Your Royal Highness," Faylen greeted, bowing deeply. "Everything is ready."
Viana returned Faylen's greeting, then glanced over her shoulder. She saw no one.
Joel and Reyes, after a long debate that had continued slightly into the night, finally agreed not to follow her, though they seemed very reluctant. Viana had managed to make them promise not to send visible guards, only distant spies to watch over her.
Viana trusted they would keep their promise, and she felt relieved to make this journey alone, free from the burden of their constant attention. Sometimes, a woman needs space to feel, to understand this world.
