The horses of Azurei were known for being spirited, high-energy creatures, nothing like the placid ponies the Eluri often kept as pack animals, or the work horses of farmlands. They were magnificent, sleek, swift beings, and were bred to withstand tough conditions and riding. Tsura, even among Azurei horses, was spirited, so he did not take the group's little vacation very well. At first, the rest had been welcome.  But after a few days he got moody, and tossed his head at the stablehands that tended to him. So when Ridahne finally came to him speaking promises of open skies, he was very agreeable and excited. Once, when Ridahne stood too long talking to Konie, the buckskin horse took the elf's new gray shirt between his teeth and pulled back as if trying to coax her away. Ridahne understood how he felt. They were kindred spirits, she and him. It's why she chose him, and why he'd been so faithful to her over the years. They understood each other's fiery hearts better than most. 

The elf had been very grateful for the break and for the hot meals and to not have to think about where or when she'd find water, or what foodstuffs could be found in the wilderness and what things had to be rationed. It was nice for a while to just sleep, and then wake to find a meal ready, and a good one too. But the comfort of Talyn and Konie's home became a cage after a while, and especially as she began to feel better, she started to get more and more restless. Even if it meant having to constantly think about supplies and routes, Ridahne was ready to leave. 

Darin found her holding Tsura's reins and standing with the three Azurei. The mood between them was confused, and not at all like a group of old friends. Yet there was an acknowledgement there of kinship, one that could not be ignored. And though Salei had told her group of the truths she learned from Ridahne, there was still a tension. In their hearts, they might have pardoned her as a criminal, but they could not quite come to forgive her for the loss they still felt. Ridahne did not expect them to. So they stood there, sort of stiffly amiable. 
"It was your kill. You should have the larger portion of the pay."
Ridahne shook her head. "I don't want it. I wasn't contracted to come out there and track them down, and I'd rather have not met them at all. It's yours for your time here." 
"Then take some of it at least," Salei insisted, portioning off a smaller handful of the coins and holding it out. Ridahne opened her mouth to refuse, but Salei reached out her other hand, grabbed Ridahne's and slapped the coins into her forcibly outstretched palm. Though the exchange seemed aggressive, Ridahne didn't even bat an eye. That's how they did things down south.
"Fine. Take care of yourselves on the road, whether you take the long way or the Dust Sea. If you don't know the Sea, get a guide. Trust me, I've cleaned up a lot of messes out there." 
"Right. Good luck...with...whatever you're doing."
"I'll see you three back at the palace in due time," Ridahne said. 
The man scoffed. "You won't. The Sols will have you killed before you set foot on the first step." 
Ridahne just laughed drily, though it ached a little still. She was well-healed now, but it would take a long time for the aches and pains to really go away completely. "Probably. We'll see." And with that she turned to the approaching Darin.

"These people have been decent hosts, but [I]let's get out of here.[/I]" She laughed a little. "Some stupid part of me is longing  for sleeping outdoors. I'll regret that in a week. Are you all ready? Tsura's all packed up and Mitaja..." The elf gave a withering look to the cat, who was lying on her side while a gaggle of children petted her silky fur. "...She'll come when she's called."