Lumen crinkled his nose, a stream of sun shining directly on his face; he rolled to his side, prying his tired eyes open. The sun was high in the sky at this point. Lumen thought to himself as he pulled his body from his drowsy haze.

He stood, feeling the sluggishness of a restless night through his muscles. He had been too consumed with his thoughts last night after everything that had happened. Still, Lumen couldn't help but smile at himself, realizing he could finally go. He can finally figure out a cure. He may never fit in, but at least he had a shot at ridding himself of his ailment.

The thought rejuvenated Lumen as he made way to his warmly lit kitchen; the sun brightly coloring his walls. His eyes were drawn to the scarf hanging from the back of his chair, it shone brightly in the sunlight. Lumen mindlessly folded it into a neat square, placing it in the center of his table beside his well-used pouch. He figured he would bring it with him to Astradel, since the rainy season would be starting soon.

Biyo wound his body around Lumen's ankles. He smiled in response as the Feline stared up at him. He knew exactly what he wanted.

Lumen reached into his cupboard, pulling out tightly wrapped brown paper, revealing dried fish nestled inside. He took a few pieces and placed them beside his feet for Biyo. The cat quickly began to gnaw at his breakfast as Lumen stepped beside him, grabbing his cloak and throwing it over his shoulders. He wanted to let Mena know he was leaving for awhile, but he would surely be back.

He had already informed the farmers that he would be gone for some time and apologized for any inconvenience it caused, but they seemed to understand. He kept it vague. Lumen never wanted people to know about his sickness, something he felt fear and shame for. He had no control over his episodes, and the embarrassment would overwhelm him if it happened in front of strangers.

Biyo hurried out of the door as Lumen opened it, closing it behind him. He glanced at his clothes rustling in the wind on the drying line; he had forgotten them the night before. Lumen decided he would bring them inside later. Despite the weariness of the humans in the village, it was still peaceful. Nobody came to steal or damage peoples belongings around here. He had heard stories from merchants about thieves on the roads. Their unrelenting violence to get what they want.

He had heard stories about certain beast tribes being ruthless in nature. Lumen began to follow his worn out path to town, as he bounced various thoughts around his head, like the types of people he may run into once he left the safety of this familiar area.

He remembered hearing about Beast tribes and their brutality. Naturally strong and agile, they always made excellent fighters. It's not to say they were all bad, or violent. But it was common within certain villages to raise the strongest of them to be fighters, and protectors. He had heard about certain ways they arranged marriages or arranged children. Lumen didn't remember specifics, but he did remember vague mentions of mating cycles, and that certain males could birth children. Lumen couldn't comprehend something like that at all.

He knew his journey would be hard. Still, he hoped with all his heart he would make it there alive. Lumen's mind drifted to the thought of the man he hired; he was of Beast blood. Maybe that's what made him so strong. Maybe that's why he fought. Lumen felt anxiety spiral through his stomach. He was nervous to leave with this man, to venture so far out with him, and only him.

His hands balled into fists as he tried to direct his anxious thoughts into them, as if to rid himself of it. Lumen was well into the city by the time he snapped out of it. He hurried past the prying eyes of others, before hearing loud chattering, the sizzle of food stalls and boisterous merchants.

Lumen's heart lightened as he starred at the sprawling, greatly colored market and all its numerous stalls. He stepped inside, working his way through the crowd of people. Lumens gaze shifted quickly as he heard someone calling to him

"Young man!" Ah, Lumen thought. It was the older woman who had gifted him the scarf. He smiled just a bit, as he walked up to her. She spoke before he could greet her.

"It's so nice to see you again, how is it? Do you like the scarf?"

Lumen smiled warmly at her and nodded

"I do, yes. It's so carefully made sometimes I worry if I wear it, it would spoil."

He shook her head at his words

"Nonsense! They are strong as they are beautiful, like their wearers"

She grabbed Lumen's hand, nodding in earnest as she smiled at him. Lumen's brows creased at her words; she was kind. Too kind for somewhere like this. She began to speak again

"Remember, no matter what happens, your strength will keep you alive. Find it" She pointed to her chest as her voice became quiet.

"Find it in here, and trust it" She quickly released his hands. Lumen wasn't sure what to make of her words. He simply nodded in response. Unsure of what to say, he simply thanked her

"I.. I'll do my best! Thank you, I must be going now, it was nice to see you again"

He waved at her as he began to turn away. She waved at him, clasping her hands together as she watched him disappear into the crowd. Lumen sighed as the large tables came into view; Mena, and her family talking to various customers, bagging items, exchanging coins. Mena's eyes met his; she lit up, her brows lifting as she faced him behind the stall.

"Hey! Lumen!" She beamed towards him; Lumen returned her gesture and smiled back, relived to see her always accepting him.

"Mena, How are you? It looks busy is this a bad time?"

Lumen noticed her parents behind her, shuffling through, speaking with customers. Mena waved her hand, dismissing the comment

"No! of course not, they've got this."

Mena slipped out from under the table. She stood in front of Lumen; she was a few inches taller, and her long ears added even more height. Lumen felt a familiar sense of shame, as usual in front of Beast-bloods. She worked hard on her farm. Her body, well toned, made it obvious.

"So what brings you here today? now I know you don't eat enough to need food again so quickly"

Lumen felt a twinge of guilt. His eyes shifted downwards. He began to fidget with with hands.

"Yeah, about that.. I need to leave for awhile.. I'll be back. But I'll be gone for at least a month.."

Lumen trailed off as he saw Mena's eyebrows shift down slowly, her ears wilting a bit at his words.

"Oh.. Well, You'd better come back Lumen, or I'll drag you back myself"

Lumen lifted his gaze back up to meet hers. He smiled through his guilt.

"I know Mena, I will. I just have some things to take care of.. For myself."

She smiled at him, and although her eyebrows were creased, he knew she wouldn't pry.

Lumen thought for a second if this was what it was like to have a friend. Mena suddenly pulled him into a hug. It was brief, but his eyes widened for a moment. She pulled away and gave Lumen a genuine smile.

"Be safe out there! We will be here when you get back" Lumen nodded.

"Yeah"

He waved her off as she ducked under the tables, popping up on the other side. She waved as he turned to leave. His heart felt a bit lighter. He didn't want to leave without saying something to her, and he's glad she didn't scold him for it.

Lumen lifted his gaze to the bright sky above. He was meant to depart tomorrow morning, before dawn broke. He figured he should probably begin to gather what he needed to bring. Lumen hurried out of the city, staring down at his feet. His shoulder colliding with a much firmer one.

"Watch it, freak"

A nasally voice spat words at him like a knife. Lumen continued, ignoring the man.

He hurried from the gates. The only sound that filled his ears was the dry crisp earth beneath his boots. His cabin came into view before long. He loosened the string on his cloak, allowing his arms more movement, he walked to his drying line and carefully unclipped the clothes hanging from it.

He took them within his home; folded them as compact as he could make them, and placed the fabric on his table.

Biyo had followed him inside, sprawling out on a sunspot that shone on his floor.

Lumen began to gather his essentials, his paper-wrapped herbs, the glass bottle, and the small dish. Lumen had grabbed his larger bag from his room. He needed more than his modest pouch for such travel. He carefully placed his herbs in a side pouch and buttoned it up. He did the same with articles of clothing, a worn book, its spine barely containing the pages. It was a book of herbal remedies and medicine, what was safe to eat and what wasn't. Lumen carefully tucked it away inside. His coin pouch he made sure to keep inside his usual bag, close to him at all times.

Lumen grabbed some long-lasting vegetables, some paper wrapped smoked fish, a worn looking towel, and his carving knife.

Lumen sighed as he sat in his kitchen, watching Biyo's chest rise and fall with his small breaths. He examined his home, empty as it was; he would miss it dearly. His eyes shifted to the vivid shimmer of the scarf on his table. He placed it on top of his larger, black bag. Making note not to forget it.

Lumen sat for some time. He had made himself a cup of tea, his eyes watching the movement of steam rising from his cup. He packed a few bundles of tea leaves for himself.

His mind wandered, his nerves beginning to swell, he started to wonder if he really could leave, if he could really go so far. His hand clutched his mug as his eyebrows creased at the realization that he'd genuinely made a deal with the stranger he'd encountered before.

His lips twisted in a defeated smile as he absurdly joked to himself.

"Must be some kind of divine fate" He shook his head at his own foolish words. Of course it wasn't like that. The irony of it all made him laugh.

He sipped his tea as the sun faded from the sky. He felt too nervous to sleep, but he knew he should try.

Lumen stood, Biyo perched on his window, licking his paws, cleaning his ears. Lumen couldn't help but smile. He loved Biyo, but knew he couldn't bring him. Lumen headed for the comfort of his room. He slipped off his cloak, but not bothering to take the rest of his clothes off. He'd have to be dressed in a few hours anyways. Lumen sat down in his bed, his weight causing the cushion to give under him. He lay down, his head resting on his mother's blanket. He closed his eyes, but only for a few moments, before he felt a sharp twinge of pain in his stomach. His eyes shot open. He quickly sat up, expecting horrid agony to consume him.

Instead, the pain only lasted a few moments, before fading away, dragging his anxiety with it. Lumen felt relief, but also feared an episode was on the horizon. Perhaps it was due to his anxiety, but Lumen noticed his cheeks flushed and his chest hot. He decided to remove his shirt after all, in an attempt to quell the sudden heat.

He thought nothing of it as he tried to shift into comfort, finding it difficult. He brought his hand to the blanket under his head, running his fingers across the stitching, gentle as though it would fall apart. He closed his eyes, managing to find sleep for a few hours.

Lumens eyes fluttered, he quickly sat up, seeing it was still dark, he sighed in relief, only a slight fade of brightness touched the horizon, sunrise was still a few hours away.

He stood, stretching his arms, as he headed out of his room, slipping a gray shirt, with large black buttons on the front, over his thin frame. He stood in his kitchen, picking up the delicate fabric of the scarf. He wound it around his neck loosely. He tucked his small green pouch into the larger bag, and slung it over his shoulder. It was a bit heavy, but he had no choice. Biyo rolled over from his sleeping position, watching Lumen with his bright yellow eyes.

Lumen felt his nose prickle as he stared at Biyo. He walked up to the feline, pushing his forehead against the small cats head, petting his back; as he quickly nuzzled him for a moment, he could feel the soft rumble beneath his hand of his purr.

Lumen's damp eyes scanned his home. He would surely be back. And he would be better.

Biyo jumped down from where he slept, and left along side Lumen. He smiled, Biyo surely wouldn't notice the length of time. Lumen's eyes drifted across his small home, the welcoming of the forest around him, the smell of the air, and his well-walked dirt path. He sighed deeply, as he turned to head towards the city gate. The walk felt much longer for some reason. The trees were still, and the forest was quiet. Birds still in slumber, they would surely begin to waken soon.

Eventually the outline of the city caught his view. His stomach twisted in knots as he approached slowly, wondering if the Mercenary he hired was already there. As Lumen walked, his head flustered. His question was answered as a broad figure, cloaked in black, leaned against the city's gates. As Lumen approached, the man shifted his weight, standing straight. Lumen realized how much taller he was than himself. He swallowed his nerves, and approached, stopping in front of the hooded man. The potent smell of cinnamon tickled his senses, but it wasn't unpleasant. Lumen wondered for a moment why this guy smelled like that, but quickly cast away the thought when he heard him speak.

"Ready?" Even under the man's hood he could see his piercing gaze. Brilliantly warm colored eyes examined him, unreadable.

Lumen nodded, he was as ready as he could ever be. The large frame in front of him shifted, and began to walk forward. Lumen watched the back of the man in front of him blend together with the shadows of twilight. The man stopped, turning his head. Sharp words echoed in the air

"Let's go"

Lumen let out a breath he didn't realize he'd held, quickly stepping forward, pushing away his hesitation as he followed. Staring at the back of the man in front of him, his cloak swaying behind him in time with his heavy steps; Lumen could only watch as he followed in silence. He was finally doing it, he thought. He was going to Astradel. He wished his mother could see him now. He wondered what she would say.