Two weeks was a long time. Darin was starting to get restless. She never thought that she would get restless. Yet she couldn’t help but feel that way since she had other places that she needed to be. Everyday she wasted was a day closer to the death of The Tree. She felt enclosed in this little village. She supposed she couldn’t count the two weeks as fully wasted. Ridhane had needed time to heal and recover from the injuries the Red Hand had given her. The Elf wouldn’t have recovered if they kept moving. So, even though it made Darin anxious she was glad that they had rested in the Eluri village for as long as they did.

She supposed that rested was the wrong word for her. Darin had spent the two weeks helping the villagers in their farms. Most of the Elves regraded the humans with a wariness and suspicion that Darin couldn’t fault. Harris didn’t. Neither did any of those who saw what she had done the night of the rain. They simply let her know where the tools were and let her know how they distributed assignments. Darin took her assignments without complaint and worked her hardest to do her best work. She returned to Konie’s hut sore and exhausted every night. It was the good kind of exhaustion that came from a productive day’s work.

The night before Konie finally gave Ridahne the okay to start traveling. The healer had made it perfectly clear that they needed to take it slow. It was clear that the Eluri had not been impressed with the fact that the human had been traveling with stiches that she kept ripping. Though Darin had healed as well, and she was happy now that she had full use of her arm again. Ridahne and Darin weren’t the only members of their party that had healed. Taja’s wing was finally mended. The hawk was capable of short flights, but he still only put up with Darin. The hawk tolerated Talbot as well, but that was more due to the fact that Talbot didn’t tolerate Taja’s attitude. Though the bird’s attitude had improved since he had been able to hunt for himself.

Right now, Darin was right outside Konie’s hut with her arm extended wearing the falconry gear she had recently acquired. She was waiting for Taja to come back to her after looking for breakfast. She could see him in the trees surrounded the village. She had already eaten and packed last night. They were leaving the village early this morning. The sun was just starting to peak out from the horizon and sky was painted in the rose oranges and blush pinks of dawn. Darin was glad that they were getting a move on. There were a few more Eluri villages she wanted to visit before they reached Azurei. Darin was still trying to make friends. Though she figured that she had done a pretty good job her even if most of them still thought she was a boy.

Darin called out, “Taja! Come on! We need to go get Talbot and finish getting ready to go.”

The hawk let out a screech before gliding over the small open space to landing on his person’s arm. Darin ran her fingers of the golden bird’s chest feathers as he hopped on to her shoulder. The Seed-Bearer was glad for the tough leather protecting her skin. At least the hawk wouldn’t be able to accidently injure her again. Darin turned and began walking towards the stables. Taja figured out where they were going and took of to fly of towards the building. He couldn’t only fly short distances, but soon he would be back to full strength. The human figured he would fly off to not be seen again. That was a bittersweet thought.

Darin got to the stable and called out, “Talbot! We’re leaving.” She muttered quietly, “I’m so glad.”

Talbot must have heard her because he let out a snort of agreement as he tossed his head in a nod. Darin laughed as she got what little tack the horse would let her put on put on. Since that was the reins and the reins only it was easy enough. She also attached Taja’s traveling basket and her bags. She had added to her small collection of things while being in the village. She now had a better knife, another blanket, a pair of leather gloves and she now had three changes of clothes. She also had a proper mending kit and fresh supplies. Harris had made sure she and Ridahne were properly outfitted. The elders of this village still didn’t like her, but as far as Darin could figure out Harris actually had more clout in the village.

Speaking of Harris, a voice filled the air, “We’ll be sad to see you go young Martin. You’re a good worker; better than some of our own young adults.”

Darin smiled at the Eluri as he came up to Talbot’s stall, “I thank you for the compliment, and I wish I could stay, but I have work to do. I cannot do it here.”

Harris nodded, “I didn’t figure you would. You’re a farmer alright, but power like yours comes with responsibility for sure.”

The human bit her lip as she considered. Finally, she spoke slowly, “Yes. To all the Children of Astra.”

Harris instantly understood that he was being trusted with something big and secret. He was completely serious, “What do you mean?”

Darin’s voice was barely a whisper, “The Seed.”

Harris’s eyes went wide, and his response was instant, “Enough!” His voice was sharp, “I need no more!” Then his gaze softened, “Though I can think of no one better.” He bowed slightly as he maintained eyes contact, “Noble lady.” Her eyes went wide, and he laughed lightly at her shock, “I knew when you wouldn’t go swimming with the other young ones. Though you are wise to travel as a boy. Especially if you had such an important task as you are implying, and I do not think you would lie.” He placed a soft kiss on her forehead, “Best of luck young Martin.”

He turned to walk out of the stable when she suddenly called out, “Darin!”

He turned to smile over his shoulder, “Best of luck Martin. And thank you for everything.”

Darin’s voice gained a touch of something, “May The Tree Bless you Harris, Child of the Wind, Child of the Sky. And may that Blessing elevate you. Go Harris Seed-Friend; with my thanks for all that you have done.”

Harris smiled widely as he turned to bow deeply with his right hand crossed over his chest and his fist over his heart. His waist created an almost perfect 90 degrees. Then he turned to leave again. This time he managed to leave. Darin let out the breath she didn’t realize that she had been holding. She needed to stop doing things she didn’t understand even though it felt right now. The Seed had been burning against her thigh the entire time. It was a pleasant sort of burning. There was a change in Darin’s soul that was similar to the time she Chained Ridahne to The Seed. This was done out of respect instead of anger so felt different, but the change was still there. Harris wasn’t quite Seed-Honored, but that was okay. Darin let out another breath. She needed to finish getting ready to go.

She turned to smile at Talbot, “I’ll need to do that for your person.” Talbot nodded and Darin laughed, “Well you’re ready to go. I’m going to go check on Ridahne. I bet she’s even more excited to leave than I am.”

Darin left the stable to head towards Konie’s hut for the last time. She was glad to be leaving, but it had been nice to be a farmer for a little bit. She had not been on ordered bed rest for two weeks. She had just been told to take it easy. She didn’t but her injuries had still healed and Konie only made her ingest a minimal of terrible tasting concoctions designed to help her heal. Darin may have been feeling restless, but Ridhane had to be ready to explode with boredom. Leaving would do them both some good. Then again maybe the Elf didn’t want to leave. Darin didn’t think so, but she was trying to not jump conclusions.