There and back again, a journey to love.

Chapter 21 - The continuing journey.

The next day brought torrential rain, and as they rode, it became obvious that they would need to find some sort of substantial shelter, for both themselves and the horses that night. They were fortunate to come across a vacant farmhouse with a stone fireplace and though empty, it appeared sound and was still in a reasonably clean condition.

There was an adjoining stable for the horses, in which there were also several bales of fodder. Guy thought that perhaps the tenants might be planning to return and they decided that when they left, they would leave coin to cover the cost of the fodder and fuel that they used.

He unsaddled the horses, fed and watered them and after checking that the stables were reasonably secure, he entered the farmhouse where Auriel, still in her wet clothing, was cursing out loud and struggling to light the fire. The wood she was using was sodden, as it was stored outside and the rain was torrential. She did not see him standing there in the darkened doorway, and in sheer frustration at her failure to set the wet wood alight, which would enable them to cook some warming food, and dry their clothing, she stood up, snapped her fingers twice in the direction of the hearth and the wood burst into flame. He walked into the room, and stood quietly beside her at the fire, reaching out to warm his hands.

She was startled by his presence and turned to look at him, "You startled me my lord", she said, "I would not have risked the use of magic in your presence, for I know you fear it."

Softly he replied, "It is merely a part of you my love, a part I will grow to love in time."

They disrobed quickly, spreading everything out before the fire to dry, retrieving spare clothes from the bundles Guy had unloaded from the horses, and after rubbing their naked bodies dry, they both put on fresh garments.

Auriel then busied herself in the skinning and gutting of a large hare that Guy had managed to kill earlier in the day. She cut it into small chunks and placed them in the cooking pot, along with various herbs, seasonings and vegetables bought the previous day from a farmer on his way to market, who had also sold them milk, eggs, cheese, and a pot of strawberry preserves, along with some large potatoes which she now pushed into the embers of the fire to bake.

About an hour and a half later a delicious smell filled the room and Guy was becoming impatient to eat, and while they waited she made pancakes from her store of flour, using three of the precious eggs, tossing pancakes so expertly that Guy decided he would like to try it. Amid much laughter and the eventual removal of a pancake from the beamed ceiling they sat down to eat at the rustic farm table, enjoying the hot stew, before tucking into the pancakes spread with strawberry preserves.

"My God," said Guy leaning back in his chair, "I am fit to burst."

She laughed at the sight of him as he struggled to loosen his belt. Later, he saw that she was looking around the room and he asked her, "What are you thinking sweetheart?"

"I am thinking that I could live here and be quite content," she replied.

Guy built up the fire and they lay down on their blankets before the fire. Guy's sword, the crossbow and the bag containing the gold and jewels, on the floor beside them. They talked quietly for a while and agreed that if the weather did not improve they would remain where they were for at least another day and then held each other's hands as they drifted off to sleep.

Auriel awoke in the early light of dawn and hearing a noise outside, she placed her hand against Guy's mouth while attempting to wake him. When he finally came out of his deep sleep, she whispered to him that there was someone moving about outside, and this was confirmed by the sound of footsteps just outside the door. Guy was instantly alert and reached for his sword, standing quickly and placing Auriel behind him for protection.