Aera listened with the same stillness, her eyes dark despite the glow of the many fires. She knew Kire had a point, had reasons to enjoy spending time and forming relationships with those with far shorter lives. And Aera had her own fondness for it. She remembered the passion her late husband had expressed, the urgency in the way he needed to express it. Watching the others in the tunnels of Ziad grow so quickly, age so fast. 
Some things she would never witness again, here. It was a small, dark ache that she always ignored. It was safer to be stranded here, where nothing ever happened that was unintentional or unexpected. At least to her. After everything that had happened. 
Judging by the scar that marred the empress's face, and the stories and knowledge of these horrible monstrosities beneath their fires, Kire had her own horrors. [i]We’ve lived under different circumstances[/i]. 
"Yes. We have." Aera agreed. 

She meandered away again, supervising her people. Ruli wandered back, silent but thoughtful looking. Ysaryn sidled up to him, her arms folded over her chest, and they watched the elves and the fires. When at last the embers died down, devoured by the moist earth and starved for things to continue destroying, their goodbyes were said. 
"I am sure you are eager for proper accommodation and meals." Aera replied without the least bit of sarcasm. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Empress Akire, and I am glad we could be of help to you. However, do not take this the wrong way when I say that I hope we do not cross paths for a while. After all you and your family has endured, I hope you find some reprieve." She bent in turn to Narda, Zeke, and even Ysaryn, who mockingly copied the princess. But Ruli, Aera glanced to for a moment, never meeting his gaze. Instead, her eyes fell on his left shoulder.

The moment they were back in the dark and chilly caves of New-Ziad, Ysaryn raised her arms as if in victory. "Oh, not me. I will still eat a whole shark." She announced, running her fingers through her short hair. 
"Not too loud, you'll wake the elf." Zeke warned, and Ysaryn clamped her hands over her mouth. 
"Oh." She whispered, wide-eyed. "Will he want some of the shark?"
"Go to bed."
Chuckling, the elf waved. "See you in morning." She threatened before she vanished out of one of the many underground paths. 
"Likewise." Zeke said, raising his hand. "I hope you're expecting some rest before you return to your world? If not, then farewell, and I'm kind of with Aera. I wouldn't mind not seeing you for a while."

Even Ruli wasn't sure if he was joking or not. The blond watched his former friend disappear before he realized he was now alone with Kire and Narda. Suddenly very aware of how he was standing and sure it wasn't normal, he cleared his throat. "Good night, then." he said, staring for his house.