Page 115 of To Fight and To Fold

Runa swallowed and averted her gaze from it. "It's fine. I will live. I just—I tried to help, and I accomplished nothing but hurting myself." She released a slow breath after she finished speaking, and Aaryn winced at the pain in her expression.

"Come with me," Aaryn said. "Let's see if we can find you a healer."

Runa followed, but with a questioning look at her apparel, said, "You yourself seem like a healer."

Aaryn smiled at her kindness. "Not at all. We'll find someone more advanced. How did you end up in Skymore?"

She didn't answer for a while, and eventually cleared her throat. "Well, after I lost you at the ball, I was relieved of my duties," she said quietly.

Aaryn's steps halted, and she covered her mouth with her hand as horror dawned on her. "Runa. I am so sorry."

The former guard waved a hand. "Worry not. I should've done a better job looking after you." She smiled softly. "But it seems as if you've learned to look after yourself. And others," she said, motioning to the small bag of ointments and pain relievers Aaryn carried.

Aaryn's cheeks bloomed with color. "I'm still sorry that you were caught up in it all."

"I think it's not your place to apologize," she said, expression falling as she gazed out at the makeshift camps full of survivors. "We all know who's responsible for this."

Runa's face hardened. Aaryn had never seen the guard look so angry.

"We do."

"Magical," Runa whispered in awe as the healer's palms glowed softly. Aaryn watched the relief cross her face as the magic healed her, her wounds dissipating like fog on glass.

Aaryn was surprised by her wonder. She now knew Evergale spared magic for battle—staves charged with spells to activate when needed, armor that was enchanted for their protection. How could they spend such a precious resource for harm and not healing? Even on their own guard?

"There we go," the healer—Enya—said with a sweet smile. She patted the now unblemished skin. "Right as rain."

"Thank you," Runa breathed. "I will not accept your generosity lightly."

Enya chuckled warmly. "You're indebted to no one here. Take care of yourself."

Aaryn nodded to her, and didn't get a chance to properly thank her, because Runa was too busy doing so, at least thrice more before they were dismissed. Enya pressed a small jar of salve into Aaryn's hands. "For Thea. I think she'll need it."

Aaryn's stomach churned with worry. Why would Thea need burn salve? She hadn't been hurt last night, right? Aaryn would've known.

The silence might have been awkward as they walked, except Aaryn was lost in her thoughts, and Runa had eyes only for the surroundings, excitement clear in her eyes. "It's beautiful here. In the clouds. Who would have thought?"

Aaryn showed her the bonfire, where several tents and cots were set up for the refugees, and she pointed out the taverns and kitchens and blacksmiths and tanners and schools and⁠—

"It goes on forever. Practically a city. This is amazing," Runa hissed. "How did the druids do this?"

"Every time I ask, they tell me, ‘magic,’" she said, imitating Thea's voice.

"Did you leave Evergale willingly?" Runa asked suddenly.

Aaryn glanced up, finding worry in her gaze. "Yes," Aaryn admitted. "I wanted to see Starspark. And now that I'm here, looking from the outside in, I wish I'd come sooner. Carissa is here, too."

Runa gaped, and absently rubbed a hand over her healed skin. "Have you seen her?"

"I visited her this morning. She's…" Aaryn swallowed, empathy welling anew. "Rolim is missing. They were honeymooning on the outskirts of Skymore when the attack happened. Stormstrike brought her back safely, but there was no sign of Rolim."

Runa covered her mouth, shaking her head. "She must be devastated."

"She is," Aaryn said. "So seeing a friendly face might be good for her."

"Alright," Runa agreed. "If you think my face is friendly enough, let's go."

It was outside Carissa's home that Aaryn heard a familiar voice. “I thought I’d find you here.”