Travel Sickness

"Perhaps." Tiella started but Balar cut her off.

"I wont be joining you, not that way." he stumbled and cursed.

"Why not?" Luna pressed, "if my magic can take us safely away..."

Balar struggled to pull off one of his leather gloves to reveal his bare hand beneath. The skin was snaked with black lines that shifted and writhed.

"What is that?" Tiella gasped.

"Magic." Balar growled, "Or at least the price of it."

"I would not do this to you." Luna protested, but Balar waved her to silence fitting the glove once more over his hand.

"Magic always has a price, especially for humans." he gave a weak smile, "You saved my life and i regret nothing, but I fear that I would not survive another escape of the kind that you provide."

"I can not believe you said nothing." Tiella said glaring down at his gloved hand.

"It wasn't until the fight with Sigrid that I realised how serious it was, I figured it would simply fade in time, but it has weakened me, slowed me, and it is getting worse."

The sight of the great Hof was looming overhead now and the bonfire danced strong and bright before them.

"We wont leave you." Tiella said.

"You may have to." Balar answered, "Go with Luna if things get worse."