“You can go with Sooyoung,” Jungeun said. She was leaning from one foot to the other. “She’s with Jiwoo, Chaewon, and Hyejoo. Having one more wouldn’t be too much.”

Jinsoul shrugged. 

“They’re a good unit,” she added. “Jiwoo’ll be someone you’ll warm too quickly, Chaewon to.” She shook her head. “But if you’re talking to Chaewon, Hyejoo’ll open up by that time.”

 Something about the sheer uncertainty on Jungeun’s face made her pause.

“I can go with you on patrol,” Jinsoul said.

Her red eyes widened. “But you don’t have too. They’d be happy with it. You can go with them, or Sua if they’re on patrol tonight, or—”

“How many options’re you giving me?” 

Jungeun chuckled, but there was an edge of nervousness. “I was thinking of them since we left the sea.” She looked away. “There’s a lot of—you know—better options.”

Jinsoul didn’t miss the insecurity in her eyes. She felt a pang of guilt for being the reason for it. 

“I’ll meet the rest in my own time,” Jinsoul said. “Today–night, I just need to learn how this works.” She knew she sounded cold. She could already hear Haseul telling her she was too harsh. It was almost like when her mother had used to chastise her for diving too deep into the sea. 

But Jungeun just nodded, looking more relieved than anything. 

They started preparing then. Jungeun didn’t tell her much more than to make sure she had an actual knife with her. 

“Even if I didn’t have moonlight,” Jinsoul peered at the blade, “I wouldn’t need it.” And she’d started summoning light. Most of what she’d managed were shapeless clumps of it, but occasionally she’d made something that looked somewhat like a club. Jungeun strapped an axe and a short sword to her waist. “Then make sure you have a decent amount of water.”

She wanted to ask her about the weapons. Why would a fire elf need actual weapons? And why two? Especially if the light gave her an actual arsenal?

But she didn’t. What if that led to another path she didn’t want to tread? She didn’t want to know if Jungeun had specific tactics for killing different targets. She didn’t want to hear about what was more efficient. She didn’t want to hear any of it. 

Jungeun hefted a massive pack onto her shoulder. It looked like it was about twice her weight. Whatever strength her immortality had given her meant it wasn’t a problem, but it still looked bizarre. 

Catching her eye, Jungeun smiled ever so slightly. “Food,” she explained. “And some things we’ll be able to sell.”

Right. Patrols included training. They sometimes lasted more than a day too. It looked like this would be one of them. 

Her smile faded. “You can still go with Jiwoo. They always leave later than I do.” 

“Do you even want to do this with me?” Jinsoul asked. 

Again, Jungeun looked surprised. “I,” she trailed off. “Yeah,” she said. “I do, but if you’re uncomfortable around me, then—”

“I’m not uncomfortable,” she cut her off. “I just don’t want,” she broke off, realising she had no idea what she wanted to say. 

But Jungeun just nodded. “I get it.” She adjusted the bag she wore. “Let’s go.” Whatever smile she might’ve had before was gone. 

And Jinsoul was the reason for it. 

_____

Both of them had had to conceal their hair. Jinsoul was able to turn hers black, but Jungeun’s was only a lighter brown. Jinsoul had no idea why that was. The biggest change was when her eyes turned from red to brown. It was the closest she’d come to looking normal. 

But even though the changes succeeded in making her seem less ethereal, Jungeun still didn’t look all that human. She was far too beautiful for that. 

But even so, she spoke with a relatively accent-free Korean in the human village. Her eyes were only gentle and her entire way of carrying herself had humbled. She’d managed to make herself seem like just a young woman who’d managed to find different herbs and other assortments of valuable items. 

Not one of the mortals whose eyes caught on her would’ve been able to guess what she was capable of. 

Jinsoul wondered how much that mattered. Just as Haseul had said, as well as Sua, many of the Astra had also been into cycles of violence. She wondered if even the kindest faces had also been there. Haseul definitely fell into that category. 

And if she hadn’t heard of Jungeun’s actions over the years, the fire elf could’ve very well fallen into that category as well. At least in the beginning.

“Thank you,” Jungeun said. She seemed so sincere. It was so strange to see Jungeun look like a mortal, acting like it too. 

The vender smiled widely. “It was lovely to see you again.” 

When they left, Jungeun muttered, “normally, it’d be best to avoid someone like that. Problem is he’s got the best prices in this region. His father was like that too.” 

“Aren’t you risking them recognising you?” It wasn’t as if Jungeun was in any way forgettable. No amount of grime could conceal the fact that she didn’t age. 

She shook her head. “I still have to visit the places further away, but in this one’s life,” she pointed, “I’ve still got a few years until his children are old enough to remember my face.” 

Jinsoul frowned. “He has children?” That meant a wife too. And the way he’d stared definitely hadn’t shown that. 

“I know.” Jungeun grimaced. Then she looked back to the road they were on. “We still need to stop by their witch.”

They kept walking. Jinsoul started to spot people staring at her. She hadn’t been among mortals much. If she had, she’d used more illusions to remain out of the humans’ attention. 

Jungeun seemed oblivious to it, though she occasionally smiled at those she passed, including an elder woman with a basket of bread in her arms. It was strange to see someone of that age in villages like this. Sadly, too many died long before they should have. 

Jinsoul looked away. The mortality of the humans wasn’t something she wanted to consider. It never failed to make her heart heavy. 

The witch in question lived in a more luxurious house, but it wasn’t the wealthiest. So there was some restraint in extravagance. 

“If you’re not careful, you might come away with bright blue hair ro a missing nose.” The expression on Jungeun’s face was a fond one. 

“Are there traps or does she have a short temper?”

She smiled slightly. “Both. She had one encounter with necromancy, but that was years ago. Now she just likes using a few jinxes now and again.”

They reached the door and Jinsoul immediately felt uncomfortable. 

“You’ll sense magic more viscerally than before.” Jungeun’s voice was soft. “The moon makes a lot of magic seem grey or black, even if most of it isn’t destructive.” Her hand went to the door. “They just feel wrong to us—once you’re tied to the moon.”

Jinsoul noted the hitch. She didn’t know why it had been there. 

The fire elf just opened the door then, leaving it open for Jinsoul. 

The house felt sweet, like a bakery. There was an undertone of several other scents, all of them belonging to potions or their various ingredients. 

“A new one?” A very bright voice reached her ears. 

From behind a large shelf, a girl appeared. She had a distinct look to her that seemed more like a fairy than a witch. Her hair was pale, but with several hues of pink. 

“Also chosen by the moon,” Jungeun said. “How far’re you with the elixirs? 

She pouted. “That’s all I’m good for?” After a moment, she added, “they’re almost finished.” 

She nodded. “And is there anything new?” 

The pout deepened. “Might just send your after a pack now.” Then she smiled at Jinsoul. “Mind introducing us?” 

“That’s Yeri,” Jungeun told her. “One of the youngest witches we’ve ever dealt with, but she’s the best I’ve ever seen.” 

The witch’s eyes lit up with glee. She was practically glowing. 

Jinsoul looked once to the luge and saw that there was actual a small glow. She felt a bit of pride as she watched it. 

“I’m Jinsoul.” 

“Oh!” She smiled. “The healer. I didn’t know it was you going to the Astra.” 

“You’ve heard of me?”

“A little,” Yeri winked, “my mentor was called to the sea a bunch.” 

Jinsoul nodded. At the very least, it was only because of that. Her name wasn’t known. She preferred that. 

“From what I know, you lunar types never let us come. We just get asked for potions.” Yeri grinned at her. “So I’d appreciate it if you don’t start brewing everything for them.” Then she pursed her lips. “Unless it’s an emergency. I’m not heartless.” Then she disappeared into another room. “Want a drink?”

Jinsoul found herself looking to Jungeun. She shook her head. 

“It’s really strong,” Jungeun said in crosesh. “Maybe on the way back,” she called in Korean. 

A snort. “You’re boring today.” Then she returned. “But here’s something for the road.” She handed her a bag. It sounded like there was glass in there. 

Jinsoul caught Yeri sending Jungeun a pointed look. 

The fire elf just nodded. “Thanks.” She smiled lightly. Then she handed her a large piece of light. 

“There’s a battle tomorrow. Smaller than most, over the passage to the north.” Then she frowned. “And on that road up there, I also heard of an attack. Be careful there.

She nodded. “No witches? Blood ers?” 

Yeri shook her head. “A fairy stopped by. She was tracking another down, but I think she’ll do fine without help.” 

“How many people come by here?” Jinsoul asked. Witches were relatively common, but many were often sought after.

“You’d be surprised,” she replied. “I’ve had wolves before the full moon, elves who can’t brew a healing potion for their life, fairies lecturing me about herbs, even vampires wanting a little something against their thirst.”

“And you have a solution for all of that?” 

She nodded, pride evident in her expression. “Except for the lectures, but they actually help a bunch.” 

Jinsoul felt herself start to smile. “Want to pass it on?” 

Yeri’s eyes widened. “You’re interested in that?” 

She nodded. “What the fae’re willing to share should be heard more than once.”

The witch laughed, a bright smile on her face. “Oh you Astra have won with this one!”

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jungeun nodded. Then she stopped.

“So when you come back for supplies, I’ll give you some of my notes.” 

“What do you want in return?” Jinsoul would give it, if reasonable.

“Nothing.” 

She didn’t believe that. “And what’ll you want in a year?” 

A small smirk appeared. “By that time, I’ll have done a few other favours. They’ll be repaid, but you don’t have to do this one.”

“Okay.” Jinsoul knew she’d sounded cautious. Almost every time witches came to help at the coast, they’d demanded payment, mostly from the riches that the sea held. 

Yeri shrugged. “I know you probably never took anything for your healing work—which is great, but not when the food prices and taxes are getting brought up.” 

“Taxes?” Jinsoul repeated. She’d heard about them before. At least she’d heard the word. 

Yeri stared at her. “I always forget how little you people know about humans.”

She felt a blush coming. “It’s to do with the town leadership, isn’t it?”

“And the kingdoms,” she said. “Or empire if you’re really unlucky.” She sniffed. “But you don’t have to pay for a whole eternity. I’m mortal, and I’ve gotta pay.” She sounded heartbroken, but she didn’t look it. 

“So now that you’ve explained taxes,” Jungeun said, her eyes light with humour. “We’ll get to that spirit and the battle.” 

The witch just stuck her tongue out. “I barely explained that.”

“It was enough when I asked you,” she glanced at Jinsoul, “unless you want to know more?”

She shook her head. 

“See you in a bit!” Jungeun started walking back. 

Jinsoul followed. 

Then a hand blocked her path. 

And then there was a sharp crack. Jungeun coughed, but it almost sounded like a squeak. 

There was a light laugh, but it sounded a lot like a cackle. 

Jungeun took her hand back. She looked stunned and very confused. 

“What happened?”

“Jinx.” Her voice came out as a high-pitched squeak. Her eyes widened. “Ye—” Another squeak. She clamped shut. 

Behind them, Yeri was laughing fully. 

“Maybe if—” Jungeun whispered a high-pitched curse then. 

Jinsoul snorted. Yeri laughed harder. 

The fire elf immediately left the house.

“How long does it last?” Jinsoul called. 

“An hour,” Yeri said. “Maybe two. It’ll go faster if she speaks.”

She frowned. “Really?”

Another laugh. “Might be worth a try.”

When Jinsoul left the house, Jungeun was still there. She was staring at the sky, her ears a bright red. Even though she’d made them round to look like human ears, she hadn’t hidden that odd blush of hers. 

“She told me it wears off in a few hours,” Jinsoul said. “Faster if you talk.” 

“Don’t believe a thing,” Jungeun squeaked. Then she covered her face. “Let’s leave?” Her voice was barely a whisper, but it was like a whistle. 

Jinsoul hid the smile that was forming. “Let’s go.” 

The next small journey turned out to be hilarious. Jinsoul had started by asking where exactly they were going. 

Jungeun had started to answer, stopped, and then kept talking. She’d only stopped when she’d caught Jinsoul snickering. Whatever annoyance she’d had faded for a second. Then it came back.

“You’re doing that on purpose.” The fire elf glared at her. With her high voice, she looked nowhere near as threatening as she might have. It didn’t help that her face was as luminously red as her ears were. 

“Does it hurt?” Jinsoul raised her brow. 

“No—” Jungeun sighed, even that was higher than normal. 

They kept walking. Jinsoul felt lighter than she had in days. 

“This isn’t the worst one,” Jungeun muttered. Jinsoul hadn’t even heard children that sounded like this. At least, none that were so articulate. And none that swore. 

“Did you also walk into that one?” She asked, even though she knew Jungeun had kept her from taking that spell as well. 

“Jiwoo did. It made her have to sniff the person speaking to her.”

Jinsoul snorted. “You’re lying.” Though the picture in her mind was perfect. “They can’t make a spell so specific.”

“Yeri managed it.” She shrugged. “I can always ask her to cast it for you.”

“By that time she’ll like me enough that she’ll give it to you instead.”

Jungeun gave her a look. It was ruined the moment she opened . “I don’t think you want me sniffing people.”

Jinsoul covered to stifle the laughter. It didn’t work. 

Jungeun groaned. It sounded like a whine. 

She laughed harder. “Stop,” she gasped, “talking.” 

“I’ll try my best,” she mumbled. Her ears were somehow even redder. Almost glowing. 

Jinsoul calmed down quickly enough, but she felt good. She’d have to thank Yeri for that jinx. 

A hand waved in front of her face. 

Jinsoul looked at Jungeun. She made a motion of not speaking, a slight challenge in her eyes. Then she waved at the path. 

So Jinsoul looked there. It was a normal man-made path, with a sign pointing to a town somewhere in the distance. 

“There’s nothing here.”

Jungeun said nothing. 

Jinsoul looked for any water. Thankfully, she couldn’t do anything with blood, but she could sense the water within it. 

She didn’t find any, save for that which the ground and plants had absorbed. 

Jungeun was still silent, motionless. Whatever she wanted Jinsoul to see, she wasn’t going to give her a hint. 

Somehow, Jinsoul appreciated that more than it annoyed her. 

She looked back to the path and just focused on it. 

She started to feel something distinctly off. Wrong. It made her nervous. 

So she looked to the light. She saw shadows appear across the ground. They almost looked like bloodstains, full of fear. There was a more focused streak of another shadow, one that she could follow in the direction of that town. Jinsoul felt anger emanating from it. Terror as well. 

“Oh,” Jinsoul blinked once and the shadows vanished, “and what about the person who was attacked?”

Jungeun shook her head. “If Yeri,” she closed her eyes, another sigh leaving her, “if she didn’t tell us where to find them, that means she didn’t know.” 

This time, Jinsoul was able to not smile. 

“So before tomorrow, we’ll find them and,” her expression grew sombre, “hopefully take back whatever they got.” 

“And what about what they saw?” If a mortal’s worldview was shattered and they were hurt by it, that trauma was especially damaging. 

“Yeri’ll have already sent for a mental fee. They’ll come after.” She went in the direction of where that shadow had gone. “We might meet them. We might not.”

Jinsoul was torn between wanting to see them and not. She didn’t want her mind to be invaded, but she also wanted to see how someone else acted around Jungeun. If they could see what was in her mind, would they be scared, disgusted, or something else?

But even then, she didn’t want to use someone’s magic to find that out. It had to be obvious, or at least not that hidden. And the mental fae overstepped any boundary as soon as they read your thoughts. The emotional fae were almost worse, because they could both see and change your emotions. The Astra seers saw your future, some saw your past, while all of them had some idea about who you were in that moment. They either saw the hints of your mood, or other pieces of your past. Shadows meant fear, anger, sadness, or something close to evil. 

Haseul had told her they weren’t all bad things, because there were shadows that followed every immortal. That sort of thing was inevitable when they lived so long. It was normal. 

But that didn’t mean that Jinsoul wanted anyone seeing any of that. 

Before, Jinsoul had only ever been able  to tell if someone was fighting tears. She’d already thought that was too personal. 

“Do you want to come with me when I find them?” An open question. 

You don’t have to come, was the other meaning. Jinsoul appreciated the phrasing, but Jungeun probably didn’t notice the way she’d said it. 

“I’ll come,” Jinsoul said. “Because if your voice still sounds like that when we get there, you’ll probably need me."

Jungeun stared at her. “Probably.” She looked away, but Jinsoul swore that she saw the corner of her lip raise up. 

She started walking on to the next town. 

Jinsoul occasionally asked her about what they were going to do. Sometimes it was genuine and Jungeun actually answered. 

Other times, she realised Jinsoul was just asking to get a high-pitched answer. Then she gave her a pointed look and didn’t answer. Or, she muttered something under her breath about the witch, sounding ridiculous, or Jinsoul having too much fun with her voice. 

“I think your voice’s getting deeper,” Jinsoul said after some time of walking. 

“Really?” Jungeun’s brow rose. 

She made her voice several octaves higher. “Really.” 

A very high sigh was the response. “You’re having fun with this.” 

Jinsoul hummed. “I think I’ll ask Yeri to teach me that spell too.” 

Jungeun looked horrified. 

Jinsoul nearly smiled. Then she stopped herself. 

Only Jungeun’s voice had changed. Nothing else. 

She looked away. 

And just like that, the lighter atmosphere around them collapsed. 

Jinsoul only saw a hint of it before it disappeared, but she saw Jungeun deflate. 

Not for the first time, she felt a pang of guilt. She also pushed that down. 

_____

Author's Note

A slightly more light-hearted chapter. At least when it comes to the way they're talking to one another. 

Any thoughts on what's happening? Or what may come? 

Hope you're all doing well! I can't quite express how excited I am for their comeback. This'll be my second one with Loona, so it'll be a new era to enjoy as well, so that'll be great. 

See you next chapter.