The cold air bit at Xion's cheeks as he sprinted down the slope, his boots thudding softly against the grass-covered ground.
There were five ox carts in total, each one carrying essentials— and, of course, people. The Archduke's carriage was second in line.
Xion slipped past the scattered figures, bypassing them one by one. His destination was the fourth cart.
As he neared it, Noxian was already there, balancing two bundles in his thin arms while a third rested at his feet.
The sight pulled a smile from Xion. Everything the boy carried was something he and Allen had picked out together.
"Brother! You are here." Noxian excitedly waved his little hand.
Though the river was shallow and the bridge not particularly treacherous, crossing it at night made the task more burdensome. The handlers were preoccupied, busy securing the oxen and fastening their loads to the carts.
Hence, when Xion waved back at Noxian with a smile, it went mostly unnoticed by the busy retinue.
