The sun was just rising behind the hills. The cool morning breeze carried the smell of wet dirt and grass across the fields. Birds were singing — the calm before a stormy day.
Ethan was sitting by last night's half-burned fire. His cloak wrapped tight around him, eyes locked on the horizon. Alice sat next to him, holding a cup of warm water.
Alice smiled and said,
"Good morning, Key Master."
Ethan grinned,
"Morning to you too. Ready for a day full of trouble?"
Alice laughed,
"I'm always ready for trouble."
Fayra, in her human form, brushed her long red hair off her shoulders and stood by Ethan.
"If everyone's awake, let's move."
Selena, looking half-asleep, walked out from behind a tree,
"I'm still sleepy… but yeah, I'll come for you."
Luna was wrestling with Azarakhsh and Sho'le, laughing.
"I'm ready! Let's go see what kind of people this Valdor tribe is."
Ethan stood up and threw his cloak over his shoulders.
