After traveling for some time, they finally made a small camp by the riverside. It was a quiet place, hidden enough to feel safe. The soldiers set down their packs, some fetching water, others preparing small fires for warmth. The sound of the river rushing past gave a sense of calm after the long journey.
Aeron noticed Nyella standing by the water's edge. She was staring deeply into the flowing river, her thoughts far away. He walked up slowly behind her and said, "What's worrying you so much that you're lost in thought, just staring at the waters?"
Nyella didn't answer right away. She kept her eyes fixed on the stream. Aeron stepped closer and said gently, "Are you alright? I thought you'd feel better, now that we left that man behind without as much as a fight."
Finally, Nyella spoke in a quiet voice. "If you saw what we saw… if you fought what we fought… You wouldn't have a smile on your face either."
Aeron frowned. "Is that what's bothering you this much, the Bone Hydra?"
