The next morning, Jon brought Asha out to the courtyard for a breath of fresh air. She looked stronger now—still tired, still carrying sorrow—but there was hope in her amber eyes.
The wagon stood ready, hidden beneath a tarp, enchanted with concealment magic. Asha brushed her fingers along the side and whispered a short prayer to the wind spirits.
Jon:
"It's a long journey. We'll travel by night, rest by day. And we'll avoid cities. No unnecessary risks."
Asha smiled faintly.
Asha:
"You've thought of everything."
Jon:
"Not everything. But enough to keep you safe."
She turned toward him.
Asha:
"Jon… do you know what happens if we make it back to Seirei no Tami?"
He blinked.
Jon:
"No."
Asha:
"The child will be tested. And so will you. They'll want to know if your heart is pure. And if it's not…"
Jon (grinning):
"I've never passed purity tests in my life."
Asha gave a soft laugh, then reached into a satchel beside her and pulled out a small silver pendant shaped like a crescent moon wrapped in vines.
Asha:
"This belonged to my husband. It's a Spiritfolk heirloom—only those recognized by our land can carry it without rejection."
She placed it in Jon's palm.
Asha:
"If the spirits accept you… then maybe, just maybe, we'll find sanctuary."
---
As night fell and the stars began to glitter across the darkened skies, Jon stood at the border of the Desolate Expanse, wagon behind him, Asha inside resting peacefully. The winds whispered tales of danger and destiny.
He tightened his grip on the reins, looked forward into the unknown, and said quietly to himself:
Jon:
"Seirei no Tami… ready or not, we're coming."