"I'm Aelira Vaelor," she said, stepping forward with a casual grace that didn't quite ease the tension. "Looks like you two could use some company on this long, dusty road."
Helios shifted immediately, placing himself slightly in front of me, his shield ready. "People who sneak up on travelers usually don't have good intentions."
I felt my heart quicken. "We're fine on our own," I said cautiously, watching her carefully.
Aelira's smile didn't falter. "Maybe. But traveling alone out here can be… dangerous. And I'm not just offering small talk."
Helios's eyes flicked to her hands, then back to her face. I noticed subtle tattoos swirling over her fingers, glowing faintly in the morning light.
"Magic," Helios said quietly, almost to himself.
"I have my ways," she replied, locking eyes with him. "And I'm no threat. Just someone who knows the road ahead is rough."
Helios narrowed his eyes. "Even if you mean no harm, doesn't mean trouble won't follow you. Who are you really?"
She laughed softly. "Aelira Vaelor. Noble house, Svenian born. And yes, I'm armed."
She raised a hand and with a small, almost theatrical gesture, summoned two daggers and a bow to appear from glowing sigils—Caladryl and Hildr's Whispers.
"I don't go anywhere without these."
Helios didn't budge. "Showy. But magic and titles don't impress me. What do you want?"
Aelira tilted her head slightly. "Honestly? Just company. And maybe to avoid getting ambushed by highwaymen alone."
I stepped forward slightly, trying to soften the mood. "We're heading to Firewatch."
"Well, so am I," she said brightly. "Seems fate wants us to walk together. For now."
Helios crossed his arms. "We'll accept your company — but don't mistake our caution for weakness. If you try anything—"
"I won't," she interrupted, smile softening. "You have my word."
She studied us for a moment, then asked, "Are you both Vidarian?"
I shook my head. "No, I'm a Svenian."
"Really?" Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "You're quite small for a Vidarian, so I suppose that tracks."
Helios smirked. "He's small for just about everything."
I rolled my eyes. "Ha ha—Thanks, Helios."
She chuckled. "I too am a Svenian. And these are my linked weapons: Caladryl and Hildr's Whispers."
I nodded appreciatively. "Yeah, those are nice. The Valley of Weapons sure is a blessing."
"Kerdus is one hell of a god after all." She paused. "But where are yours?"
"About that, I didn't choose any. I chose my body as the weapon."
She blinked. "Wait, does that mean you can talk to your body?"
I smirked. "Never tried, but I don't think so."
Helios added, "It means he's stubborn enough to believe fists are better than sacred weapons."
"Sometimes fists are," I muttered.
Aelira laughed again, and then asked, "So, are you brothers? If you're a Svenian and he's Vidarian?"
Helios looked at her directly. "Yes. Not by blood, but by soul. We've bled enough together that it doesn't matter where we came from."
She nodded thoughtfully. "That's rare. And beautiful."
Helios added, softer this time, "Family is what you protect, not just who you're born to."
There was a quiet moment. The wind stirred dust from the road, and for a second, the tension loosened.
Aelira smiled. "You two are something else."
Helios gave her a long look. "Just don't forget that we're watching."
"I wouldn't expect anything less."
And with that, we continued down the road — three steps in sync, three strangers learning to walk as one.