Aster sensed the deer before it moved. With eyes wide open, unease clouded his thoughts as he forced the sleep off his mind and heightened his senses.

Still leaning against the trunk of the great tree where they had made their camp the night before, he turned his gaze in the direction of where he sensed the disturbed aura. As the creature came into view, Aster could not help but admire the figure of the magnificent Coelyxia. A rare species of deer, fully grown with light fur and antlers that curled beautifully, like well-crafted blades, standing merely meters away.

Sensing a presence beside him, he realized his master had already awoken well before him. Her eyes were focused on the beast in front of them. Aster pulled his knife from the holster around his waist.

“Nai,” She whispered in their tongue, denying his movement. She grabbed his arm to stop him.

Even under all the heavy garments she had on, Aster could tell his master was keeping absolutely still. Her hand was steady against him, having slipped out from under the great shawl over her shoulders. Its beaded threads and ornamental medalions refusing to brush against each other least they make noise. Not even her breath could be detected with how focused she was. He quickly adopted the same rigidity, readying his muscles should he be forced to act. 

There had to be a reason she had let the deer get so close to them. She was much better at sensing auras than he was. Any sudden actions might result in the deer giving away their position. Though the Coelyxia were nimble, their eyesight was astoundingly poor. “Perhaps that is why she did not wake me,” thought Aster. More conscious auras meant more danger. Who knew what sorts of creatures might be stalking the deer now. Startling it would be a grave mistake. 

Something was clearly troubling the animal. Its ears were flickering in the morning mist, and it was gazing at a spot behind itself. The forest was still greatly under a veil of shadow, the light only slightly breaking through the canopy above them.

It was then that a sound came from their right in the underbrush. Something was making its way towards them. Aster stiffened slightly, ready to move at any moment. Any sort of beast could easily kill the Lyxia and then could just as easily turn on them.

 A moment later the head of a youngling deer peered out from the surrounding brush and bounded over to the clearing where its parent stood.

Aster relaxed, allowing his frame to bend and they both watched the fawn nuzzle its mother in affection. It bleated in happiness at having found its way back to its mother, frolicking all the while. 

A moment later his master released his arm. Allowing her own hand to retreat into the cocoon of her robes. 

He turned to look at his silent companion. She had not yet looked away and was engrossed in thought. As she watched the deer, Aster could tell that her thoughts were somewhere other than in the moment. Seeing what had unfolded before them, he could easily guess what she was thinking.

“X’anna.”

No response.

Again, he called to her softly, but again she did not respond. He knew this pattern well. Sensing the clouds beginning to thicken in her eyes, threatening to trap her in a memory. One that would do her no good to dwell in.

“Nayura.”

She stirred immediately, turning to study her companion. Aster did not use his master’s name often. Her title was often enough. It took only a moment for her to remember where she was and why she was there. Her eyes narrowed and the angle of her jaw tightened as she flicked her gaze back towards the deer.

 But the mother and child were nowhere to be seen. Gone. Lingering for only a moment and then moving on.