Chapter 282 - A Parting of Pilgrims (1/2)

*Eldovian Era 1714, 16th day of the 1st month*

Aegin was practically skipping down the hallway towards the ferry. He was so ready to get off this ship that he'd packed up his belongings the day before. Of course, that had left him with nothing to do but stand around idly as the Mariner got as close to Rene as she dared and dropped anchor. Even then they still had to wait for the tides.

Devina had looked exhausted. So much so that Aegin had worried that she'd snap at him if he came anywhere near her. So instead he'd waited until she was in the bathroom to go in and retrieve his things.

It had almost worked as a means of goodbye too. Aegin had never been great at such things. However, just as he was finding a seat on the ferry after climbing down ladder, Devina's scent hit him. He sighed as she too made her way down, then moved to take a seat beside him.

”Anyone would think you were trying to run away,” Devina stated as she sat down.

Aegin huffed, ”I am”.

Devina looked at him in surprise.

Aegin shrugged, ”Two months on a ship will do that to you”

Understanding dawned in Devina's expression as she turned away. They both lapsed into silence as the Ferry pulled away from the Mariner, headed towards the bustling Port.

As they drew closer, the passengers on the Ferry began to make out the city itself more clearly. It became quite clear that the only buildings in the city that stood above 2 storeys and were built with something other than wood, stand stone and straw, were those in the centre. The buildings on the outer edges of the city were not nearly as tall. They also appeared more akin to shacks than anything else. Not the people seemed too displeased from a distance. The bustled around like it was any other city.

In the centre of Rene there were several larger buildings, and one palace looking structure that possessed 3 high towers. Usually a building that tall would be for a church, but the architecture, with it's more rounded spires that appeared like budding roses, were not consistent with the other buildings Aegin had seen. If Aegin had to guess, that was where those with power lived in the city, watching over all of those below them. It was certainly how the Kildares had liked to run things. They'd even built on the hill above the city to ensure nobody could build higher.

Aegin sensed Devina's nervous movements beside him and turned slightly to see her rubbing her wrists. She noticed his look almost immediately, and he turned away politely.

”It's gone,” Devina said, ”I thought I'd be relieved but...it just feels like a loss”.

Aegin knew she was talking about the thorns on her life lines. He'd felt the connection vanish the night before. He still remembered how she'd screamed at him upon first discovering them.

”Our contract is done,” Aegin replied just as the Ferry docked, ”We have no obligations to each other anymore”.

He stood, hoisting his meagre sack of belongings over his shoulder before moving towards the dock. Devina caught his arm, ”That's it?”

Aegin frowned at her, ”Exactly what else were you looking for, Devina?”

Devina released her hand suddenly as confusion dawned on her face. What had she been looking for? As Aegin had said, their obligations to one another were done.

”I...”

Aegin gave her a half-smile, ”I would say it's been a p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e, but it hasn't. Not really...Get home safe”.

Then he was gone.

Devina stumbled up onto the dock with the rest of the passengers, her head craning over the growing crowd to see a figure at the end of the dock pull up a dark hood and meld into a larger crowd.

The sense of loss Devina had been feeling seemed to increase. Her burden was gone, her contract done. Most of the passengers had made it to the Western Continent safely, and those that hadn't had not died due to some darkness that was spiraling out of control.

Surely the High Priestess would know? Surely she would be able to comprehend that the shadows they'd all been taught to fear were perhaps not as terrifying as they'd once believed. That she'd once believed.

Devina could not stay idle on the dock, but she could not follow Aegin either, not now that their connection had been severed. She would have to wait until he hunted, and even then she would have to be near him to sense his presence. Besides, it was clear that he had no d.e.s.i.r.e to keep contact with her. After forcing herself upon him like she had, the least she could do was respect that choice.