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Gaddok leapt down from his cart and stretched. He had spent many hours on the road for his father in that cart, but finally he was granted the leave to make a trek he had been putting off for far too long. Giving his traveling companion, a Quahr, a friendly forehead scratch he detached the beast from his load and lead him to a place to rest.

At the edge of Yera he stood at last. The whole trek down he had a pit in his stomach, this bitter pain that he couldn't explain; nerves he chalked it up to, but now that he has finally arrived his spirits lifted. Soon he would be able to see Sathe again; and then the pain returned... but it was different. Not sharp and stabbing, more of a deep throbbing ache. He clutched his chest and murmured, "What is with you today..."

Its true, he had been away for what felt like too long, but walking through these familiar streets reminded him of a simpler time. He saw the Inn he had once stayed at years ago and gave a friendly wave to Paola, the innkeepers wife, as he passed by.

The woman in kind waved, but tipped her head then flailed a rag in his direction, "Gaddok!? Is that you? Is that really you?~" parting the gate surrounding the back of the inn she ran over and scooped the young man into her arms. "I knew it wasn't true... I just knew~"

Gaddok gave a chuckle and managed to wrestle a hand free to return the embrace, "Paola, I know it's been a while but this is quite the welcome" Its true, the woman had become somewhat of his mom away from home while he stayed in Tale, but he was startled by the woman's response; and the pain in his stomach moved to his chest, "How have you been?" He breathed while pressing on his chest, but pretending to straighten his vest.

"Oh Gaddok... Its been so long, Business is good. The area is growing now that the conflict has resolved between Oba. The Alkidike settled their differences with one another and lately new earthlings have been coming to the mainland; some are even staying here," she smiled warmly and took his hands, "You should come in and see Art~ He would be so pleas-"

"I'm actually on my way to see Sathe... Seen her around?" He asked while scanning the streets.

Paola's expression went from excitement to concern, "She Moved from her parent's home... I can mark it on a local map for you."

The pain grew as he held tight to his mother's necklace, "No Paola, That's fine... Just point me in the right direction... I'm sure I'll find her."

Paola pointed, "Over that way dear... But Gaddok Its been a long time since we've seen you... Things are different now." she released his hands only for them to fall limp to his side, "It was good to see you."

Gaddok stared deep into her eyes and knew that statement held a double meaning. Still he smiled nervously and gave a small nod before heading in the direction she pointed. 'Had it really been that long? He thought to himself, 'And why does everyone keep looking at me as if I were dead?'

Staggering through the door Gaddok found an empty dining area, a wooden lowball glass of a fluid that would help him get a grasp on this wildly unraveling situation. Gripping the bartop for dear life, he drank deeply of the strong grain alcohol and set the glass down slowly as he exhaled, "You tried to spare me of that... didn't you?" He asked while shooting a glance in Art's direction.


Suddenly interested in cleaning All of the delicates behind the counter, Art simply grabbed the jug of clear solution and refilled his cup, "Did the room stop spinning yet?"

"No." Gaddok replied simply while tipping back the glass; hoping, praying this was all an awful nightmare that he would stir from and be faced with her gentle smile.

"You're still thinking about her..."

"I always will."

"Another Then?"

Gaddok shook his head as he fixated on the grains in the wood, "Is that how I am to live my life... Searching for the answers at the bottom of a bottle." a smile curved his lips as his eyes flooded with tears, "I ******** up... I did what I thought I had to without any regard for her or her feelings on the matter."

Art continued his work but remained focused on the broken man before him. The boy that stayed here once before was gone. replaced by this hollow look alike that lost himself long ago to a fate chosen for him by people who claimed to love him. He knew enough about the situation to know the injustices done to this poor man was cruel, and the only support Art knew how to give was a clean glass, an open tab, and a safe place to lay his head when it was over.

Gaddok removed a parcel of paper from his pack and a quill with ink. lighting a candle at the stool he began to write. The words flowed from him like blood from a flesh wound; raw, intense, brutal... there were several crumpled masses of attempted, and failed, verbiage lying all around his stool by the end of it all. Once he was finished, though, he looked it through one last time and fanned it dry with a brisk wave of his hand, "Think you can get this to her?" he asked, not meeting Art's eyes for fear of the emotions it might evoke.

Art took the letter, "I'll hand deliver it at your request."

Standing from his stool, Gaddok gathered his materials and placed a large sum of coin atop the counter, "For all the years you both have been so good to me... Thank you."

Art flinched at the coin pouch being placed on the counter. He knew the boy knew it wasn't necessary and protesting it would be a waste of energy, so he simply nodded, "you know you have always been welcome here; always will be too." watching as Gaddok made his way to the exit, Art pushed off of perch, "When shall this be delivered?"

"A few days... Long enough for me to get out of Tale." Gaddok hesitated about his answer, hoping maybe his words might elicit some emotion still buried deep inside that would warrant her seek him out; but no, this was for the best. Stepping through the doors Gaddok found his cart, reconnected the Quahr and began the long journey back to Zena... He and his father would have much to discuss... seeing as his future had dramatically changed... but for better or for worse?