"...Do you really have a way to build all this?" she asked softly.
"Yes." He spoke lightly, but without hesitation, "As long as we don't make big mistakes, aren't too greedy, and take it slow, it will certainly succeed."
Emily gazed quietly at him, her eyes mixed with complex emotions: respect, reassurance, affection.
Suddenly, she realized that unknowingly, she had grown accustomed to spending such nights, in such a carriage, watching him draw maps, make plans, while she offered suggestions, took notes, occasionally sought warmth, and sometimes remained silent.
When they came to their senses, the carriage had slowly entered the border of Red Tide Territory.
The morning light pierced through the heavy clouds, and a wisp of smoke rose in the distance, appearing quiet and gentle in the gray-white sky of the Northern Territory.
Louis put away the map and rubbed the corner of his eyes, which were a bit sore: "We're here."
