𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘴, 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘪𝘦𝘴

The First Night (part 2)

I lay with my head in Wymond's lap and allowed sleep to wash over me. His face was haloed by the stars and the moon filtering through the trees. He stroked and played with my hair as I drifted off with the comfort that all would be safe whilst he was watching over us.

***

Kamden was shook awake from a hand on his shoulder.

"Your turn, mate." Wymond breathed in his ear.

Carefully, so as not to wake Lena, he rose and stooped next to a tree on the edge of the group.

He fought back sleep for the entire time, occasionally jumping at the sound of a nocturnal animal up above him or deep in the woods.

When he could do no more, he knew he would have to wake one of the girls, choosing Hilda, he swiftly woke her and she seemed almost happy to take a watch.

***

It was almost dawn by the time Lenas watch came. She woke to Hilda telling her it was her turn so she disentangled herself from Kamden's arms and took her position.

"How did you sleep?" Hilda asked quietly.

"Quite well, actually." She replied mimicking her sister voice volume. "You should get some more rest, I will be fine just here."

Hilda smiled and nodded her head before laying back in her husbands arms.

Lena played with the locket that Kamden had gifted her the evening before. She took it as a confirmation that they were in love - having never been in love before and this was all new ground. Then again, Hilda had been through it, worse than Lena had, and still came out with the husband she wanted.

Deep in her thoughts, the sound of a snapping branch bought her back to reality. She grabbed her bow and arrow and looked around her: the green leaves were glowing yellow and orange in the sunrise; the scent of dewy grass hung heavily in the air; the birds were beginning to sing their morning chorus. Nothing else unusual. She settled back into the roots of the tree and forced herself to stay focused.

Eventually, the others began to show signs of awaking from sleep.

Lena heard footsteps from behind her and turned to find Kamden striding towards her. Her lips arched upward when their eyes met and he stooped down, placing a lingering kiss on her cheek.

"Good morning, my love." He said in a hushed tone.

"Good morning, Kamden." She replied, still smiling.

His eyes flicked upward for a moment before he pointed past her and placed one finger on his lips telling her to be quiet.

She turned and followed his finger: there was a brown colored doe and stag just a short distance away. The stag had great antlers and was moving away from them. Then a fern became visible from behind a wide oak tree and the doe was leading it away, following the father.

It was a beautiful sight and Lena watched them until they disappeared around the mountain.

Turning back to Kamden, she noticed that Hilda and Wymond were watching the deer too.

"Wasn't that the most delightful thing you have ever seen?" Hilda cooed.

***

Having eaten, we packed up and and were on our way agin. According to Kamden, we would be at Oxbourne the following afternoon. All that needed to happen after that was to create an army and take down Father. It was easy to say, I was sure it would not be so easy to do.