The Waters Secret

Wilspar - Part 1

Raven huffed as she laid out on the grass. It had almost taken a week to get this far, but they still hadn't made it to Dragon Tears. Tristan and Simon stood at the water's edge arguing over the best route. Huxley simply snorted as he went back to grazing.

Raven smiled reaching out to rub his cheek. It had taken a while for him to allow this from her. Loyal to Simon and only Simon, Huxley would not listen to her. Unless, of course, Simon allowed it. When the shouting got out of control Raven sat up growling.

"Enough! The sun will be setting soon anyways. We don't need to go off wandering around in the dark. Let's just set up camp and relax a little. We can figure things out in the morning." Raven told them as she got to her feet.

The lake had been larger than she thought possible, stretching around the mountain side as it fell below the clouds. She was awe struck by the sight, smiling happily. She ignored Simon as he sighed grumpily wandering over to the deer to prepare food.

"Dragon tears is just around that lip there. I guess you could call it the dragon's jaw. Once we get around the jaw, his tears should be clearly visible." Tristan told her as he pouted by her side.

"So, then what's the problem? You seem pretty adamant about not traveling along the lake side." Raven asked as she crouched beside him. Tristan's long pointed ears dropped as he glanced out over the calm surface. The sun was beginning to disappear behind the mountain, casting shades of red across the water.

"I'm terrified. I don't want to be anywhere near the lake. I'm solid stone! I will sink faster than a rock and then be trapped on the lakebed with no way out. I will drown and be dead." Tristan whined softly as he backed away from the edge. He paused blushing when Raven hugged him.

"We are all afraid of dying. There is nothing wrong with that. I'm scared that I will die before I get a chance to see my family again. After all, it seems like people will keep coming after me. The important thing is to never give up. It isn't over till it's over." Raven told him making a fist. Tristan chuckled pulling away from her. He paused when he noticed Simon standing behind them.

"Fear is not a bad thing. It shows you your limitations. It can keep you alive. It can also help you make life choices. Everyone is afraid of death, but everyone dies sooner or later. Fear can guide you, but it should never control you. It should be something you face and something you overcome." Simon told him as Tristan grumbled at his paws ashamed.

"I am not annoyed that you are afraid. I am irritated that you based all your logic on it though. You should have just said; the badass cat is afraid of water." Simon huffed as he walked past him dipping the pot into the lake. Raven rolled her eyes as Tristan stuck his tongue out at him. Raven tried to stifle a giggle as she got to her feet and wandered back to the meadow next to Huxley.

"What can I do to help?" Tristan asked as Simon nodded.

"Raven can prepare the veggies while I get the meat. You can help by gathering wood." Simon decided as Tristan hoovered by his hip.

"Can I hunt with you?" Tristan asked shyly as Simon frowned at him. He considered it before nodding.

"Have you ever hunted anything before?" Simon asked walking away. Tristan shook his head as he followed Simon into the woods. Raven sighed as she watched them go, turning back to the veggies.

She fed Huxley a carrot as she filled the pot with carrots and potatoes. They were running out of food making Raven worry as she dug around in the packs for spices. They needed to restock sooner than later. Simon was hunting for meat to try and take the pressure off their depleting supplies. They returned sometime after the sun had set making Raven frown at them.