Silence filled the distance, broken only by the sound of a gentle breeze sweeping across the desert. The wind was cool and biting as Raiden pushed forward, rubbing his arms together to generate warmth, while Ash rested against Noelle's back as she led the way.
Noelle had been quiet ever since her encounter with Snow and Ekko, and all Raiden could do was stare helplessly. He found himself confused and utterly perplexed about the right words to use; a single misstep could worsen her situation.
And if he were in her place, he would prefer being left alone to wonder and work through it himself.
So he braced himself as they both pressed on, the journey continuing without a word shared between them. Their boats dove deep into the dark water before they fought to drive them back to the surface with raw determination.
