{{Night – Path to Duskban}}
As darkness blanketed the forest path, the group decided to make camp for the night.
"We should rest first. We'll continue our journey tomorrow morning." Jin said, his voice calm behind his mask.
"We could've arrived earlier if you just rode me." Vela said, gazing up at him from the rock where she sat, her tail flicking playfully.
"There, there, Vela. You shouldn't talk to our party leader like that," Tristan said with a smile.
"He just wants us to be safe, right, party leader~?" she added teasingly, nudging him lightly.
Jin thought to himself, but a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips beneath the black mask with white crack designs.
Still, he wouldn't have it any other way. His journey as an adventurer wouldn't be the same without Tristan… and now, with Vela.
"Yes, you're right, Tristan." Jin replied.
Tristan began preparing the space where they'd sleep, laying down the soft travel mats and checking the perimeter. Meanwhile, Jin arranged a small firepit and placed firewood at its center.
"Tristan." he said. "could you light this with your magic?"
"Of course." she said, lifting her hand.
A gentle flicker of flame sparked from her fingertips and danced into the wood, igniting it with ease.
Jin nodded, then reached into his infinite storage pouch and pulled out a metal pot. He began cooking their meal... carefully chopping dried vegetables, adding bits of cured meat, and stirring them with practiced ease.
As the meal simmered, the warm aroma filled the quiet forest air.
The crackle of the fire was soothing.
As they ate , Jin turned around and removed his mask to eat, Tristan respected it. So did Vela.
After they finished their food and shared a moment of quiet together, Jin looked up.
"You two should get some rest." he said. "I'll take the first watch."
"Nope." Vela said firmly, leaping up. "I'm the guardian here. I'll keep watch."
Jin raised an eyebrow behind his mask.
Tristan chuckled and shook her head.
"Alright, alright." she said. "We'll rest."
As they lay down, the fire crackling low beside them, Jin stayed seated with his back against a tree, eyes raised to the sky.
Stars blanketed the heavens—scattered, shining, endless.
But as Jin stared…
The sky suddenly shifted.
Red.
Smoke.
Flames.
The trees around him wavered like silhouettes in a blaze.
Jin blinked—
And it was gone.
Everything was normal again. The sky was dark and clear, the stars unmoved.
"Jin?" Tristan's voice cut through the silence.
He jolted slightly, turning toward her. She had propped herself up on one elbow, staring at him with worry shimmering in her eyes.
"Are you okay?"
He hesitated. "…Yeah. Just tired."
She stared a moment longer.
Then she noticed his hand.. slightly trembling.
Without a word, she reached out and held it.
"W-what…?" Jin murmured, caught off guard.
Tristan didn't look at him. Instead, she gazed up at the stars.
"Maybe those stars up there… are people." she whispered. "Souls trying to find their way back. Maybe one of them is my mother… watching from above."
Jin said nothing.
"And Jin." she continued gently, "you don't have to be afraid. I don't know what's haunting you… but you said you'd help me change how people see dragonkind."
She turned to him, her eyes firm, but warm.
"So I'll help you too.. through whatever it is you're carrying. I promise."
Jin stared at her, his thoughts swimming in silence.
Then slowly… he gave her hand a light squeeze.
"Thank you, Tristan." Jin said softly.