If Niro thought Theory wouldn't notice he hadn't slept a wink that night, he was sorely mistaken. The Carrier watched him like a hawk, scanning his frame for any sign of fatigue as they packed up their things early in the rising. 

Something was up with him and Theory wondered if it had anything to do with the suspicious bag Haywen had given him before they departed for their travels. It couldn't be that far-fetched right? The Healer had slipped him extra tonics after all, what's to say he wasn't keeping the Breeder's secrets as well?

At that point, could Theory even fault him? It wasn't as if he was being honest himself about his condition. However, he knew well enough how to manage his...ailment without causing them any problems along the way. Niro's behavior thus far hardly said the same. Though he did have to admit, he could see no trace of exhaustion or fatigue. Only paranoia.

Perhaps it was something that kept him awake all night? Whatever was in that bag? And if sleep was the issue, what would happen if Niro did happen to nod off? What danger would that put them in? Or maybe it was to treat night terrors? 

Theory had heard of some warriors needing it if a particular assignment went bad. Hell, they had even offered it to Theory after the incident, though he hadn't needed it.

The questions and concerns continued to brew within Theory as they fed the horses and led them to the nearby river where they would wash before setting out for the day.

Tying his mare to the nearby tree, he quickly undressed, not wanting the cool air to freeze his nether bits. Worse place to catch a chill, he knew that from experience. The orphanage was never properly heated, even with all the Fire Form Shifters. 

The river rushed quietly before them, a gentle balm amongst the terrifying unknown of their mission. Theory mentally braced himself before stepping into the bed, shivering as tiny bumps covered his flesh in reaction. The warrior in him pushed forward until the water was waist-deep before dunking in. He scrubbed himself quickly and thoroughly, only focused on the task until he heard a splash a few yards away.

Niro stood in the water, nudity visible only from the waist up. His movements were slow and careful as he washed, golden skin flushed as if the water around him was heated.

No, the closer he looked, the water actually was heated. Bubbling slightly around his muscular form. No doubt about it, he was definitely a Fire Form Shifter. Most assumed he was a drake, which sort of made sense as to why he never shifted. Drakes had softer scales, and hardly any defense. Most had to wear armor and unless in their first form, the use of outside assistance to fight equaled weakness. In the Astorian Guard...that was heavily frowned upon. Another reason why they disliked Theory who was forced to use them.

Theory's gaze traveled to the thin strip of white bandage around the male's lower waist, getting soaked with the rushing water. He didn't think the Breeder was injured, seeing as he never took it off, even when in the bathing room back at the encampment. 

For all his strange peculiarities, the Breeder certainly cut a nice form. His hulking figure was intimidating at first, the way he towered over everyone. The mean snarl and mismatched eyes didn't help his case either, but had he been a little more approachable, Carriers would fawn over him. 

They likely still did. Some were into the burly sort. 

Not Theory though, never Theory. 

The Carrier's eyes scanned the bathing male one more time, lingering on the pebbled dusky nipples before the Breeder's eyes landed on him. 

Theory quickly averted his gaze, frowning. A faint blush blossomed on his cheeks as he aggressively washed the rest of himself off. 

All the while, he hadn't noticed, those peculiar eyes had not left him. 

As they dried and dressed, Theory stopped Niro before he could mount. "Perhaps we should take the potion now? We are nearing the edge of Shifter territory."

After their lands ended, they would be venturing through talamir or "unclaimed lands". Talamirs often held mixed races but if they were to remain undercover, this close to their territory put them at risk of exposure. They had to be careful about who saw them, there could be no tracebacks to their faction.

Niro studied Theory for a moment, then gave a small nod, reaching in his bag for one of the vials they had been provided.

Surprised he hadn't completely ignored his suggestion, Theory gaped for a moment, then reached for his own bag to pull out the vial. The sludgy potion smelled less than appetizing and Theory knew it would only taste even worse. His assumptions were made a reality when he chucked it down, wincing at the impossibly bitter flavor. 

As it traveled down his throat, his vision blurred around the edges, and a light and floaty feeling swam around his head. The uncomfortable feeling lasted a few moments before his senses returned to normal. 

Curious, he looked down at his hands, wiggling his fingers as if he stared hard enough, he'd notice the changes. When there was no change, he glanced at Niro, who had already mounted his horse.

He still looked the same. Theory wasn't sure what he expected since they'd been told that they would not appear different to each other from the way the spell was woven, but still...

How were they supposed to know if it worked or not?

"Let's go," Niro grumbled. 

Theory rolled his eyes before climbing on top of his horse and urging her forward. 

They remained on the beaten paths through the forests, mindful of the horses' hooves and what injuries the uneven terrains may have caused. Despite the present company, Theory felt at peace. It was rare he was able to travel this far west for a task, usually being assigned in the southeast near the Dopen Peaks. It was a nice change of pace, with more tall trees, and less uneven mountains, bare of any greenery.

The quiet noises of the forests eased something deep within him he hadn't realized was rattled. A sense of belonging. How lucky were those who lived in these lands far removed from the intensity of cities or villages? 

He had dreamed of it for so long, this trip and this path only reminded him of how close his dream was to reality. Soon, he would be here, amongst the trees, settled in tranquil silence, allowed to live without the judgment and cruelty of society. It would just be him...and maybe a few animals.

A cottage would be nice, one with an overhang, allowing him to gaze down at the lands or between the leaves of all the trees. He'd pick the tallest, sturdiest tree to make his home, giving him the vantage point to spot anyone unwelcome. The trees would allow him to hide. 

Part of him wanted to build it himself...the satisfaction of it coming together by his hand was more than attractive, but he only had the crude carpentry knowledge from the orphanage. It was poorly maintained, and most of the repairs were left to the abandoned children who lived there. The Shifters in charge could care less if they lived or died. It was the first lesson he had learned from them, if you want something you had to grip it with your own hands. 

Back then had been a difficult time. Theory often found himself daydreaming about running away, deep into the forests where they had found him. He'd start over, remain in the comfort of his own presence. It's where the dream had come from, the wish of a small child who just wanted to be left alone.

Theory glanced over at Niro, whose steady canter never faltered. 

What had his childhood been like? Surely not a happy one. Someone with clouded, guarded eyes like those had a story. But what did he care? Niro was just another egotistical Breeder. That alone gave him a leg up in the world. It left no room for Theory's sympathy. 

The day was long. They rode for horas at a time. Despite all the training on horseback, prolonged periods astride had left his backside sore. Even though they hadn't stopped at a village, choosing another small clearing of land to settle for the night, Theory was relieved. Some rest was better than none. 

"I'll take the first watch," Theory said after the pair had set up their cots and tended to their horses, tied a little ways away.

Niro grunted, propping up against the tree, staring out into the darkening foliage with an intensity Theory was starting to grow familiar with. 

"You're not going to sleep?" Theory asked, the words incredulous as he stopped to stare at the Breeder.

Niro didn't answer, just twirled the red amulet he always wore between his fingers over and over again. 

"You've been awake for nearly thirty-two horas, there is no way you're not tired," the Carrier snapped.

Niro didn't even blink, as if he hadn't heard Theory speak. His attention fixated on the trees before him, though there was not much to see. The flickering light of the fire did not reach farther than a few feet. They were enclosed in darkness. 

Theory stormed over to the Breeder, entering his space with arms folded across his chest in displeasure. 

"You're supposed to watch my back. I can't trust the senses of anyone who hasn't had a proper rest. Go to fucking sleep!"

Niro narrowed his eyes, signifying that he was in fact listening, before shoving Theory away. The Carrier stumbled slightly as Niro shouldered past and walked off into the blanket of darkness outside of their camp. 

The nerve.

Theory followed him, hot on his heels, practically fuming with each step. 

"Where are you going?"

Not breaking his stride, Niro grunted "I'm taking first watch."

"The hell you are! What part of 'I don't trust you' didn't you get?" Theory demanded.

Niro only grunted in response, continuing to walk. They were getting too far from their encampment. Theory snarled and walked faster to cut him off, but the moment he stepped in the Breeder's path, Niro shoved him...hard. There was strength in that push that Theory had no hope of contending. How could he when he was a failure of a Shifter, lacking the basic abilities of one?

The move had Theory slamming into the nearby tree, bark scraping against his body, surely to bruise underneath the thin fabric of his tunic. 

Nary a tick to breathe, Niro was in his face, pupils slit dangerously. For once, Theory felt the niggling sensation of fear in him.

Face twisted into a snarl, Niro growled. "I am the one with the package. I do not need you to finish this task. You're the liability, Carrier."

Stunned to silence, Theory could only watch as the Breeder stormed off. This time...Theory did not follow.

Anger bubbled in his chest, burning, choking. It swelled deep within like a monster looking for a way out. 

Breeders. They were all the same.

And he hated them for it. 

***