Zi'da 9th 717, Noon
Location: Crest Break Tavern
Zi'da had brought a much more harder cold here than she anticipated, then again Kayleigh had been so accustomed to Rharne's weather... she didn't suspect winter elsewhere to get much colder. Thus she'd dressed in her warmer outfit as of late, jade colored coat often a layer carried around with her. Within the tavern however that didn't seem to be an necessity, as the workers here did a fine job of keeping the place warm and toasty inside. Kayleigh had been set on searching for Higan of course, even after her search all throughout Ne'haer came up short of nothing.
Only this time during her stay she'd had help to make it easier, as Uphrisca had been apt to help out in her spare time also. However with the end of Vhalar to confirm it, both Uphrisca and Kayleigh were convinced the boy had already moved on elsewhere. Wherever that may have been was his own knowledge, while all Kayleigh knew was that his motives were misguided by a robed figure watching over him. "I'm sure Higan's fine dear, the boy's keen and definitely a capable one." Uphrisca reassured her with a hand on Kayleigh's wrist, the two had been eating dinner together... although admittedly Kayleigh had been more occupied with worry than eating.
"I know." She sighed and almost frowned in doing so, however covered it with a soft smile to her companion. "I just don't have any sort of clue where to look next." With no real incentive on where he went, Kayleigh's best bet was to just look at a map... and point herself to the next closest city. There were either Argos and Rhakros, which Kayleigh hoped Higan didn't choose either. Uthaldria was way further north and if he went there... she prayed that weren't the case also. But what of Etzos? Could she look for him there?
"Maybe he's left this part of Idalos dear?" Uphrisca suggested as she pointed at the bowl for Kayleigh to eat. "Something tells he would've taken a boat elsewhere instead, rather than head off to these other places where his sister could tail him."
"So you think Higan boarded ship and moved on elsewhere?" Kayleigh checked as she gave in and fiddled with her spoon a little, however she merely stirred the soup within and failed to take a bite. The more she thought of it the more sound it felt, and admittedly she hoped Higan did as she told... which was to sail back home to Rharne. "Where else could he have gone?"
"Well... I do know people sail to Desnind, or maybe even Ivorian... Strosden perhaps?" The elder counted digits as she named these places, and somehow Kayleigh could only feel the weight of her search grow heavier on her shoulders. "I'm sorry dear! I know this can't be easy for you."
"No, it's alright." Kayleigh murmured as she released the spoon again. "Maybe I should just check in at home, if I'm lucky he would've went back to Rharne."
"Rharne huh? What other place is close to Rharne again?"
"Rynmere?" Kayleigh inquired with a bit of curiosity.
"That's the one! He might've sailed for Rynmere perhaps." Uphrisca enthused with a bony finger, determined to imply something to Kayleigh.
"You... think that Higan would sail for Rynmere?"
"Well why not?" Uphrisca remarked with a cheery grin. "It's close to home but still new territory for him to explore."
"I doubt it." Kayleigh sighed with a soft and weak smile, her eyes fallen onto her bowl as she thought more of it. Higan probably wouldn't have gone there, unless he had real reason to do so that is... Which was whatever that hooded man told him. However... her father mentioned he'd sail around looking, so the chance that he were in Rynmere seemed a more likely possibility than Higan. It was a bit of a long shot but Kayleigh imagined it feasible, and it probably served a good idea to look for both of them while there.
"You look pretty certain that it's a good guess." Uphrisca chimed in amusement as she yet again tapped the bowl, Kayleigh finally gave in and took a sip of her soup.
"It's because Rynmere isn't that bad of a choice to look actually, as far as I know it's a safer place than the others near Ne'hear. But it's not Higan I'm thinking will be there... I'm thinking I might also find our father there instead."
"Got a hunch do ya? So it looks like you'll be setting sail for Rynmere then?"
Kayleigh looked to her feeling a little bit confused with the question. "Y... You think I should?"
"Why yes dear!" Uphrisca encouraged. "Rynmere is a fascinating place, far different than Western Idalos. Even if you didn't find one of your family members there, I'm sure you'd come to learn a lot about that place during your search."
"Really now?" Kayleigh actually smiled then. "Funny you should suggest that." Ironically it was as if Uphrisca had been thinking on it herself recently, determining where to next Kayleigh should journey towards. "Guess I..." She sighed again and stirred at her soup once more. "Guess I should make sure everything's packed huh? When does the next ship leave?"
"Figured me out already? Clever girl." Uphrisca giggled as she took another bite of her soup. "There's actually a ship leaving a little later today, I've already talked with the captain for you even. All he asks is a fair wage for the journey, and he'll transport you there without a hitch!"
"Awfully confident, aren't we Uphrisca." Kayleigh remarked with a simple shake of her head, she had to admit she really did admire the elder lady's spirit. "Guess I should eat my soup then, although this technically makes our last shared meal together." The thought already felt bittersweet to her, she didn't wish to say goodbye so soon.
"Oh..." It must've just dawned on her then, the fact this would be their last time together. "Well you already know good and well dear." She pointed out with a smile and before she could finish, Kayleigh interjected with the phrase she knew would be next.
"No matter how far apart, we're always in each other's heart." She quoted alongside the woman, already able to determine what the lady meant.
"Seven be praised, you've spent too long in my company." Uphrisca mused with a short laugh, Kayleigh actually chuckled alongside her as well. The two spent the rest of their time eating, as Kayleigh determined what the first step to do was before she decide to leave. Essentially packing is what came to mind, but she felt there had to be more than just packing to be done before she left.
