"About portals? That would take some time," Sabine answered.

Fendros rolled his eyes. "About starting more than a friendship, Sabine."

"I...perhaps?" Sabine said, tightening her lips in momentary anxiety from being pressed on the issue. "I do not know. He is reserved. At least around me. I think he tries to avoid offending people by getting their names wrong. He cannot see very well and can only use magic to see properly for short periods. He says it hurts his eyes."

Curious, Fendros lowered his brow. "Are you worried he will brush you off?"

"No, it is..." Sabine sighed. She likely did not know where she was going with the thought. "I do not know if now would be the time. How long do we have until we travel to find the axe?"