The Ridgerunner in the Durgan Guild 9

The sound of rustling awoke Hahner to his dark room but he already knew who the source of the noise was.

Keya had been staying at his place for the past two days since her father went off on his secret trip. At this very moment, she was working on getting her human clothes ready to head out to Jireh's house for school. Despite being told it would be nearly impossible for her to enter a human school by Hahner, she was determined to keep her promise she made to Jireh a little over a week ago.

Hahner yawned and sat up in his sling. "Keya? Are you really going through with it?"

"Yep." Keya replied in the darkness with more rustling.

"So early? What time is it?"

"Probably an hour or two before sunrise. I dunno." She replied. "I didn't want anyone to see me in these clothes."

He sighed. Hahner hadn't voiced his full opinion about Keya's adventure. Sure, he told her it would be dangerous and difficult but he didn't tell her that he would miss her when she left. He didn't have many other friends. Nevertheless, he held his peace.

"At least let me walk you half way..." Hahner got up from his hammock and lit the small lantern on his nightstand.

The light revealed Keya was wearing Wendy's old clothing and Hahner's headband. She was hoisting her bag over her shoulder when she came over to Hahner. "Best not to draw more attention... Unless you really want to come with me. I don't want you to wait for me this time though."

Hahner nodded. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yep." She seemed eager to go and clearly a bit anxious.

"Then let's head down- wait." He straightened Keya's headband and made sure it was covering her ears. "Okay- now we can."

Keya smiled at her friend and the two headed out of the tree.

They ventured carefully through the village before slipping into the woods. Neither one of them spoke a word; this was due to them not wanting to get caught and also not knowing what to say.

Thoughts of the school filled Keya's mind. Was she crazy to want to go? Jireh told her the other kids liked to pick on him. What could she do if he was picked on in front of her? She was smaller than he was and the kids were bigger than him! What was she thinking? She couldn't stop those kids even if her life depended on it- but... She promised, so she would keep her word to him.

The two of them finally reached the mid-way point to the forest and stopped beside the tree Hahner had been in before. By this time, the sky was starting to appear bluer like it does right before a sunrise; so they were able to see each other.

They turned toward another and with one look, the friends embraced.

"Please don't hesitate to send a raven¹ if something's wrong-"

"Hahner, I'll be careful, I promise." Keya reassured him.

"You better be. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something happened to you." Hahner half lectured with a lump in his throat.

Keya hugged her friend tighter. "I'll be back tonight." She pulled away and rubbed the tip of her nose on Hahner's².

Hahner smiled with a sad and worried expression. "I'll be waiting beside the oak tree."

With that, Keya left Hahner standing there beside the tree.

As she ran towards Jireh's home, Keya shook all doubt from her mind, remembering how he took care of her before. He could have let her run off that day to possibly be eaten by a toothy cow but he didn't let her take that chance. Because of his caring nature, Keya's curiosity about the humans had peaked. She had to find out more.

Just as the sun began peeking over the horizon, Keya arrived at Jireh's house. However, she didn't wait at the door to be let in. Instead, being the ridgerunner she is, she climbed up the ivy on the side of the house to reach a second story window.

Keya peeked inside curiously, hoping to see her friend inside. She squinted and cupped her hands around her eyes when she saw the room was still dark.

Inside she saw a twin sized bed against the wall in the corner with a pink quilt spread out over it neatly, a night stand beside the bed, and a big trunk at the end of the bed... But no Jireh.

Confused that she didn't see her friend inside, Keya looked around the outside wall for another window. She spotted one a few feet away so she carefully climbed over to look inside.

Looking inside, she was relieved to see Jireh sleeping in his bed. The room looked mirror to the one she had previously seen except it was more of a green theme than a pink one.

Not thinking much about the difference in the rooms, Keya tapped on the glass to alert Jireh of her presence.

From inside, Jireh's eyes were seen slowly fluttering open and looking toward his window. When he saw Keya, his eyes widened and he threw the covers off and ran over. He opened the window to speak with her.

"Keya! You came back!" Jireh exclaimed excitedly. "Please, come in."

Keya smiled and entered through the window. Jireh closed it behind her once she got inside.

"How's your head? Are you feeling better?" Jireh asked enthusiastically. "Are you really going to come with me to school today?"

Keya laughed in response to all the questions. "Yes, I'm feeling a lot better. My dad went on a trip so I should be able to go with you a few days this week."

"This is great!" Jireh could hardly contain his excitement. "Wait- What time is it? I need to get ready-"

There was a soft knock on the door. "Jireh? Are you up already?" It was his mother, Nelly.

Jireh turned toward the door. "Yes, mom!"

"My, you sound excited this morning." Nelly could be heard giggling before slowly opening the door. Did you change your mind about the Durgan Guild-" She paused when she saw Keya standing there. "Keya? How in Aerwiar did you get in here?"

"The window." Keya replied before quickly explaining. "I'm a good climber." She smiled nervously, hoping Jireh's mother wouldn't shoo her away.

Nelly's surprised expression became a calm smile. "We haven't seen you in a while. How's your head?"

"Much better now." Keya replied.

Jireh quickly interjected. "Mom, can Keya come with me to school today?"

"Well, goodness, I don't know." Nelly replied quickly before looking at Keya. "Does your father know you're down here?"

"U-um... Not exactly..." Keya nervously rubbed one of her arms.

"I don't know how I feel taking you to school if your father hasn't enrolled you." Nelly sighed softly. "I'm sorry, Keya. It would be one thing if he made arrangements with us or wrote a note but-"

Keya waved her hands as she interrupted. "My father doesn't know how to read and write... Neither do I... But I want to learn! And he's on a trip so I can't ask him..."

Nelly looked at Keya curiously. "He left you alone?"

"W-well, not exactly but..." Keya stammered as she glanced at the floor. "This may be the only chance I have..."

"Please, mom? Can't she come?" Jireh begged.

Nelly sighed again and looked between the two children. "Oh, I don't know..."

"I promise I'll stay by Jireh and won't wander off!" Keya promised in haste, very much wanting to go with Jireh to school.

"Aw, alright. I'll talk with the Head Guildmadaam." Nelly gave in as Jireh cheered. "But you must return home as soon as we return here. I want all children to see to it they have an education but that doesn't mean I want your father or guardian worrying about your whereabouts. Understand?"

"Understood!" Keya nodded.

Nelly nodded back to Keya and looked at Jireh. "Now, you best get dressed. Breakfast is waiting." She looked back at Keya. "Come with me. I'm sure you're hungry."

Keya grinned and followed Mrs. Nissi out of the room while Jireh got himself ready for the journey to school.

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¹Sending a raven between ridgerunners often had some kind of message that was specific to the parties involved. Sending certain items could indicate danger or safety- even celebration. For example, a ridgerunner sending a raven with a fruit in its claw meant good fortune.

²Ridgerunners rubbing noses together was a common farewell when two ridgerunners were going to separated for an expected amount of time. It's either an affectionate "good luck" or an action done when reassuring another they will see other party again soon. Not many ridgerunners keep this practice- only those who are close friends.