Timeline: TC1853.02.13 (Morning departure through evening)
Location: Whispering Forest (Empire territory, between Veiled Winds and Imperial City)
Morning brought clear skies and crisp air that tasted of recovery. Camp broke with practiced efficiency, everyone moving through routines that had become second nature after weeks of travel. Elian woke refreshed, the exhaustion from his healing display finally released after two full days of rest.
"Are we traveling today, Mama?" He blinked golden eyes at her, small face showing energy she'd worried might not return.
"We are." Raven helped him into warmer clothes, checking his condition with healer's instinct. Meridians stable. Spiritual energy replenished. No lingering damage from pushing himself beyond safe limits. "How do you feel?"
"Good!" He bounced slightly, that childish enthusiasm that had been absent during recovery now returning. "My insides don't hurt anymore. And I'm not tired."
