"The site for investigation is still a full day's ride away. It may be a good idea to set up camp before it gets too dark," Eliqinor said as he looked over the map in his hand. It was clear to Shafir that it was only a matter of time before they would find a place to stop as the sun descended in the sky. They hadn’t passed a single house for a few hours and it was obvious they wouldn’t see anymore for a long time. Shafir didn’t mind sleeping under the stars. There was something about the peacefulness looking up at the night sky brought. Warm beds and good food were always nice, but he preferred the quiet the woods brought at night time. 

“Understandable Captain.” Shafir nodded. It was nice that they hadn’t fought too much on this mission, but Shafir couldn’t help worrying if it was only a matter of time before they started throwing punches. The two horses trotted along for another good mile or two before Shafir held up his hand and they both pulled on the reins, making the horses stop. The sound of trickling led Shafir to believe there was a stream nearby. “I think it would be good to camp here.” Eliqinor didn’t contradict Shafir and nodded. 

“Sounds good,” Eliqinor said as he folded the map back up and put it away in his saddlebag. Being near a freshwater source was the best plan of action for both themselves and the horses. They needed to bathe as the stench of sweat was getting heavy and they needed to replenish their supply of water. At some point, Eliqinor had caught his cape on a branch when they were taking a break somewhere and it caused a tear in the fabric. “I’ll set up the tent.” 

Shafir nodded, and Eliqinor hopped off his horse. He watched as the older elf pulled his saddlebag off and went off into the woods. The trees mostly sheltered them from the road as Shafir couldn’t see where Eliqinor had wandered off until he reemerged with no bag in hand. Knowing that the captain had found a suitable place to make camp, Shafir pulled himself out of his own saddle and grabbed his bag. Grabbing the reins of both horses, Shafir followed Eliqinor as he disappeared into the woods once more. Upon further walking over fallen trees and broken branches, they came upon a clearing. It had to have been artificial, as the clearing seemed all too unnatural. 

“There is a river down a small incline.” Eliqinor pointed in the direction where the clearing sloped and there was a part made in the trees. From where he was standing, he couldn’t see the river, but he could hear it roaring. Shafir walked to a tree that made a good place to tie the horses and he listened as the horses brayed. They must have been happy to relax as well. They had done all the work, after all. Shafir handed each one an apple. Nabu took her apple greedily while Eliqinor’s horse was careful not to bite at Shafir’s hand. 

“What’s your horse’s name again?” Shafir asked as he rubbed the stallion's muzzle. It had been a while since he saw this horse, but he couldn’t recall its name. The horse nuzzled Shafir’s face and noticed how the horse seemed to calm around him. Eliqinor walked briskly toward Shafir and the horse. He pulled the horse’s muzzle away from Shafir’s face and gave the horse a stern look. He had caught a look at Eliqinor's face. Shafir could see that it dusted his cheeks and ears pink. It had been hot out, so Shafir could only assume it was the heat getting to the other. Eliqinor always turned red when it was too hot out. 

“Shifar…” 

“What?” Shafir looked at Eliqinor, who hid his face and rubbed behind the horse’s ears. It was clear the name of his steed embarrassed Eliqinor. Shafir would also be embarrassed if his horse had been named Qinoreli.

"My mother named him," Eliqinor said before pulling himself from the horse and walking to the area he deemed sufficient for the tent. Shafir was sure that when they became knights, they got to name their horses. Shafir named his horse Nabu because it was quick and simple. Nabu did her job well, and she helped him reach home. He knew he could rely on her when things were troublesome. Shafir still remembered he had fallen asleep at the reins on the way home from a mission. When he had awoken, he was back in the city with her being trotted along by Eliqinor to the stables. It would have been heartwarming if Eliqinor hadn't berated him for falling asleep at the reins. It was extremely embarrassing. 

"Cloak." Shafir walked up behind Eliqinor and held out his hand. The captain stood up from where he was kneeling down, setting up one of the tent corners.