The dawn air was chilly and damp as Laeleth reluctantly opened her eyes.
She did not know how long or how late she had slept. The only awareness she had was every muscle in her body screaming in pain. She lifted her head from where she had been resting in Gabriel’s lap and glanced around the somber forest as one in a stupor.
“How are you feeling, Laeleth?” his soft voice met her ears in a soothing way.
Her eyes looked into his compassionate, concerned ones and she smiled slightly. “I am feeling better than before at least,” she reassured him.
Gabriel smiled weakly in return as he seemed to apologize, “I wish we could tarry longer, but as soon as you feel able we should start again.”
Laeleth nodded in agreement and reached for her satchel and crossbow beside her. She wanted this to be over more than anything. “Did you even sleep, Gabriel?” she asked in a worried tone.
“I am rested; do not fear for me,” he responded and stroked her arm in a comforting way.
Laeleth wished she could stay here for awhile more, gazing into his mesmerizing, indigo eyes. But she knew this serenity was only fleeting. They needed to go.
He helped her to her feet and they resumed their journey. The short rest had helped calm her fatigue, and she felt as though she could carry on a little better this time. The ground was more even and flat here which made their travel much easier.
This forest was very different from the ones Laeleth had been used to. Any sign of life was vague and fleeting. Few bird calls could be heard and only some skittish squirrels ever crossed their path.
Gabriel again walked behind Laeleth. If she showed any sign of fatigue or illness he wanted to be able to aid her.
Laeleth however, felt guilty that she had burdened him with her frailty. She knew he would never tell her how truly concerned he was about their situation. She did not regret her decision to come, but was resolved to be strong and not hinder their progress. Both of their hearts were too full for any sort of conversation, and they continued for several miles without speaking.
The sun had now climbed to its highest point and filtered its light through the trees above.
The transition of the seasons was always the loveliest time of year, and the peaceful beauty of nature began to cheer Laeleth’s heart again. She always enjoyed being in the untamed, unconfined spaces the most. Despite Nerisis’ presence in these lands, the natural purity had, at least, remained untouched.
It was not much longer before they emerged from the trees into a vast, open clearing.
Laeleth stopped as she looked around in silent awe. Gabriel came up beside her and the sight that met their eyes lifted both of their spirits.
Before them lay a beautiful meadow of tall grass that waved gently in the breeze. There were blue flowers scattered throughout like an endless sea, before climbing up the sides of the gray mountain walls.
It was a beautiful and calming sight after the long and wearying trek through the thick bracket.
“We can rest here, Laeleth, for a little while.” Gabriel suggested. She had not given any sign that she was as feeling as ill as the day before, but he feared she might push herself too hard again.
“I would like that,” she spoke softly and took his hand.
They stayed near the tree line, but the waist high grass was cover enough. There seemed to be nothing living out here except for the nearly invisible forest life, for they had not passed any homes or any sign of hunters.
Gabriel had assumed that this northern waste was largely ignored by Nerisis, and it appeared he had not been wrong.
After they had both refreshed themselves with some water and food, they sat quietly as they absorbed the beauty and grandeur of this place. The gray, jagged mountains loomed in the distance; their peaks perpetually covered with a blanket of snow. This field was in lovely contrast to the cruelty that awaited them.
It was as though it were a final oasis before they passed into a land of heartless stone.
