·✧•· 𝑭𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑭𝒐𝒓 · 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒇 ·✧•·

· ⋄ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟑 ⋄ · ﴾𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑭𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔﴿ ·

Sapphire dusk veils the infinite evergreen in its enchanting darkness. Beams of pale moonlight carve through the twilight, illuminating the pine.

The forest sways in the crisp breeze. The travelers endure the blistering cold as they maze through the dimly lit timberland.

As the outlaw led the royal through the dying midnight hour, glee and dread clashed behind her seemingly relaxed demeanor.

Unfortunately, it was the night before the royal would meet her first fiance-in-waiting.

The King and Queen had returned sooner than anticipated.

To Snufkin's saving grace, he swept the damsel away for a few final hours of freedom.

Esmeralda decided to neglect her distress and woes for the evening and simply appreciate the mumrik's company.

The frigid winds began to carry hints of a savory aroma as the pair drew near the end of their trek.

Distant warmth thaws Esmeralda's frozen features. Her core growls at the mouth-watering scent. The crowded brush began to open up, revealing a campsite in the center of a small clearing; the familiar tent and belongings that were scattered about indicated who claimed the land.

A bonfire raged in the center of two seating logs. A pot simmered over the alluring flame.

The Princess eagerly claims a seat. Snuggling closer to the blaze, she embraced the comfort it emitted even as its searing heat grazed her tender skin. Her vision strained as it lingered on the fire's untamed dance. As her trembling frame began to ease, she then pondered what Snufkin had in store for the evening.

When Esmeralda was returned to the palace, she was immediately suffocated by the numerous preparations for her betrothal, and so was unable to accompany the mumrik on his fishing outing.

It would be a long while before they were reunited. And so in those days of dull waiting, the crook planned a quaint dinner.

Just the two of them sitting before a cozy bonfire, enjoying a delicious meal beneath the glittering night sky.

A simple gesture but one suitable enough for them to enjoy their fleeting time together, after all, it was the tame moments that meant the most to them.

Snufkin stood over the simmering pot. He stirs the contents within, raising the spoon to his lips, a smile graces them as he is satisfied with the flavorful stew.

He serves the princess first. Taking the bowl, Esmeralda feels its heat pour through her numb hands, returning sensation.

The crook sits across from her with his dish. He stares at his dinner, ready to dig in, but before he does, his interest is suddenly drawn to the royal.

He wonders if she was pleased with what he had planned this evening. Did she like the stew? What would he do if she didn't? Countless doubts fester in his mind.

Sneaking a glance, his gaze intertwines with hers. They are caught in a lasting moment. The royal beams at the thief, grateful and alight with affection.

It had been a while since Snufkin had seen her charming radiance, it was something he didn't know he missed.

An unknown emotion flickers in his stare before he withdraws and begins to dine.