A glimpse of surprise faded away, the beastkind flew, disappearing from sight. Looking straight into the bright sun. Blinking, Bastian turned forward. Feeling the breeze easing up, like his posture, sinking back into his seat. The horses halted their gallop, provoking a serene silence.

The wagons contents stayed intact within their containers, shifting very little from their original positions. The road ahead hadn’t changed. Beginning to pass farmland, tall fences surrounded endless colorful seas of grain, tomatoes and corn stocks. Catching a pungent smell of roadkill, his nostrils twitched, rubbing his nose until it stopped tingling.

[color=0072bc][i]“Avoiding unnecessary stops, we should make it before nightfall. If we’re lucky they’ll be present by the time we arrive...I didn’t-”[/i][/color] Cutting his thoughts off. He looked down and held his necklace in his paw for minutes, clenching it and speaking up.

[color=0072bc]“Do you think I was being unfair?”[/color] Bastian asked. [color=0072bc]“I thought I only did what was necessary to keep you safe…but I've been screwing that up too haven't I?” [/color]

Interrupted by Bastian’s stomach rumbling. He sighed. [color=0072bc]“There’s some smoked fish and mutton inside the barrels in front of you...feel free to eat whatever’s inside the barrels. Could you hand me a mutton chop?”[/color]