Traveling and camping

It took some time to convince Layla that Kelara is not going to steal you away, and that together you will have easier time treading through dangerous territory. You promised her she could sleep next to you and that settled the deal.

You were well on the road in two hours. Kelara offered to give you a ride, and you tried it, but it wasn't the greatest idea, for three reasons. First, you never tried riding on a horse for more than fifteen minutes. Second - she didn't have a saddle, so you had to ride bareback. And third, every time you moved slightly, she trembled and jumped a little. All of that combined made your butt, back and legs extremely painful and you felt sore for long time after that.

Layla also offered to give you a ride, but her body was build in a way that sitting or standing on her would be impossible without constantly sliding off. Of course she wanted to tie you to herself, but that seemed excessive, so in the end you all travelled in a slow, human pace.

Miles later, when the sun started to disappear beyond the horizon, you decided to set up camp for the night. Layla quickly rushed away to hunt, and Kelara saw some berries not that far away from the fireplace that you were starting.

You were alone again, first time since the morning. You pulled out your wallet, one of the few personal items you took from your world. You didn't have any money in it, just your ID and a single picture. You looked at it wistfully, your eyes filling with tears. It wasn't that long ago since...

The tiniest noise focused back your attention before you start to reminisce. It was like someone sepped on a thin branch and broke it.

You pretended to be busy with pulling out cooking utensils from your backpack.

"Shit." Barely audible curse managed to reach your ears. You waited hopeful for intruder to show itself. It couldn't have been Kelara, because you could see her slowly approaching with arms full of berries. And it couldn't be Layla, she was way too noisy.

"Did something happen?" Kelara asked while putting berries in the bag.

"I'm not sure." You responded.

"What do you mean? Did you hear something?" She continued to inquire.

"I thought I heard something, but maybe it was just a wind."

She smiled at you.

"Perhaps you are just tired. Here, you can have some."

She shared some of her food with you.

"I'd like to learn more about you. Who are you, David?"

The question caught you by surprise as you were swallowing a chewed berry. It got stuck in your throat and you had to cough it up. That gave you time to think of an answer.

"My full name is David Trent. As you can tell, I am from the world of humans. From New York, to be exact. I lived there most of my life."

"Is New York a country?" She asked, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"No, it's a city. One of the greatest cities on Earth. Our planet, I mean. The city spreads for miles in every direction. It's both connected to the continent and has an island inside of it. The buildings are so high, sometimes you can't even see the rooftops. And at night it's lights create a beacon for those who travel by sea."

You felt like you gave a fair description.

"It sounds amazing. Is the city working on it's own, or is it a part of the country?"

"It's a part of United States of America. It's a great country, although we did have some issues during times of our last few leaders." You looked into the fire remembering, talking. You noticed Layla came back few minutes ago, but she was also listening attentively while quietly chomping on whatever she hunted.

"My mom was also from America. My dad however moved there before I was born. He lived previously in Europe."

"Is Europe a country?"

"No." You smiled at her. "It's a continent. There is a lot of countries on it, both big and small. My dad came from Italy, it's a country in a southern Europe. He crossed the ocean to get to America and meet my mom"

Kelara, also looking in the fire, had glassy eyes.

"That sounds fascinating. I wish there was a male out there for me..." She started.

"I'm sure there is someone." You responded reassuringly, but she dropped her head.

"I don't know... The chances are not that big. But... Well, I don't give up." She looked at you full of hope.

"Good."

"Was it scary?" This time Layla asked the question. "Going to our world. Leaving everything." She added. That was quite unexpected question coming from her.

"Yes. I miss a lot of things."

"Your parents?"

You blinked few times. There was a very annoying tear that was seeking a way out of your eye.

"Yes. But not only them."

"Oh? Who else then?"

You couldn't stop it anymore, so you turned your head away so noone could see your face.

"We should get some sleep." You decided to not answer. "I'll take the first watch." You volunteered.

"I'll take the second." Kelara answered.

"And I third! And don't you forget, dear, I get to sleep next to you!" Layla came closer and got herself comfortable a few inches away from you.

Kelara looked at you with compassion.

"You know you can talk to me if you need to? You don't have to hold it in."

"Thank you. I will. Maybe. I don't know."

"Okay." She said as she prepared herself into sleeping position.

"Your parents. What happened to them? You keep speaking about them in past tense."

"They died."

You **** a smile.

"I'm sorry to hear that, David. Have a good night and please, wake me up when the tiredness will start to overcome you."