[b]“Very funny.”[/b]
	Elayra shrugged, a bit disappointed at his lack of reaction. Though, it [i]did[/i] look like he was about ready to just collapse where he stood. The trek had clearly done quite a toll on him. Even [i]her[/i] legs had started to tire, and she was accustomed to traveling the world on foot.
	“Uh huh, sure you do.” She smirked and took a swig from her waterskin. “That’s what we call beginner’s luck.”
	Taking advantage of Ghent’s momentary silence, she listened to the familiar sounds of the forest. Listening for any disturbances. Any sudden silences in the melancholy cries of birds. Trees of various shapes and sizes grew proudly all the way to the stream. Many of their roots reached into the water. The bushes and weeds below growing tall, making for perfect hiding places. 
	Anything could be lurking anywhere.
	She looked to Ghent as the boy pulled out his water bottle. She eyed it curiously, then her brows raised as she read the frilly, pink text on it. A mocking grin spread over her lips. Elayra’s smile only widened when Ghent’s eyes narrowed at her.
	She gave a one-shoulder shrug. “Whatever makes you feel better.”
	Her expression fell slowly as Ghent switched the topic to Gardale. She snorted and looked to the river with a shake of her head. “Trust me. No one would notice enough to remember there.” Her brows rose at his question. “It’s populated by living zombies. What do you [i]think[/i] its like?”
	She sighed; may as well tell him as much as she could to save Drust the time when he returned. She adjusted her scabbard for comfort’s sake, then leaned back into the rough bark of the tree.
	“I only know the place by name. But if it’s like all the others, then it’s purgatory. Remember what I told you about the Forsaken?” She looked to Ghent. “They’re the ones infected with the Curse when it first hit,” she reminded, not giving him the chance to answer. “They function on instinct, nothing more. With their own, they’re usually fairly docile, but if an Omitten walks into their midst, the Curse in them senses it. Something about their numbers giving it that ability. Sends them into attack mode.
	“But it’s the Forgen you [i]really[/i] need to watch out for.” She paused, taking another drink of her water. “The Forsaken are blundering idiots most of the time. They make even [i]you[/i] look like a genius!” Her lips quirked upward, but she continued quickly. “Forsaken are easy to trip up or outrun. But their offspring—the Forgen—are a different story. They’re still dumb as rabid animals, but they’re more observant and nimble. If it looks even remotely like it’s under fourteen, don’t go near it.”