Corin pulled one volume from the stack, opening it to reveal geographical drawings. "This shows the regions near us. We're somewhere in the Eastern Wilds."
Jamie studied the map, grateful for at least this practical information. "How far to the nearest settlement?"
"Not far," Azelon said. "But something has disturbed the beasts in the forest. It's dangerous. That is why we've been staying here."
"Then we'd better prepare," Jamie said, straightening.
Corin blinked. "We?"
"Unless you're planning to stay here alone?"
"No!" Corin's response came too quickly, followed by a nervous laugh. "I mean, someone has to keep you from getting eaten by shadow beasts."
Azelon frowned. "The wilderness is treacherous for those unfamiliar with its dangers."
"All the more reason I need guides," Jamie countered.
"You intend to leave the safety of the store?" Azelon asked with clear concern in his voice.
"I intend to find answers," Jamie corrected. "Starting with a better understanding of where we are and what's nearby. The store provides shelter, but it can't tell me everything."
As if in response, a cabinet alongside the bookshelves slid open, revealing sturdy boots, weather-resistant cloaks, packs, and what looked like waterskins.
Corin laughed. "Your store disagrees with you leaving, but it's going to make sure you're prepared anyway."
Jamie examined the items, oddly touched by the building's apparent concern. "Just to scout the immediate area," he clarified, patting the nearest wall. "We'll be back before dark."
Corin's mood shifted again, a mixture of excitement and anxiety filling the air. A nearby book fluttered its pages in response.
"Control yourself," Azelon murmured to him.
"I'm trying," Corin snapped, but the books settled.
Jamie watched the interaction with growing interest. Despite their apparent conflict, Azelon and Corin moved in unconscious tandem, adjusting to each other's presence with the familiarity of long acquaintance.
"How long have you two known each other?" Jamie asked.
Another loaded glance passed between them.
"Azelon saved my life," Corin said finally. "About eight months ago."
"From what?"
"Myself, mostly." Corin's smile was brittle. "My emotional projections aren't always harmless light shows. Sometimes they create... manifestations. Dreamscapes that trap people."
"The nightmares," Jamie remembered what Corin had told him the night before. It seemed he was about to get more details.
Corin nodded, not meeting his eyes. "I lost control. Created a drowning dreamscape that caught several villages in its effect. People were dying in their sleep, trapped in my nightmare."
"His magic doesn't affect me too badly," Azelon said quietly. "I was able to enter the dreamscape and extract Corin, breaking the effect."
"And you've been together since?" Jamie asked.
"Someone has to keep an eye on him," Azelon muttered.
Corin flinched, his hurt rippling outward and making a nearby lamp shatter.
"Enough," Jamie said firmly, stepping between them before the situation could escalate. "Whatever is between you two can wait. Right now, we need to work together if we're going to make any progress."
