Resilience Run

Chapter 4

Running in the dark is not a fun activity, even when you're being led around by someone who's better at seeing in the dark then you are. I discovered this the hard way as Rhys and I made our way through the darkness out of Shutine and to the paths in the woods. For a while, it was just the two of us, running through the darkness. Aside from the occasional branch I ran into, I wasn't getting the chance to see much.

"Where are we going?" I asked after some time in the darkness.

"I want to make sure that we're clear from the city," said Rhys, "If the hold's guards find us, we could be in trouble."

"I mean, it's not like we broke any laws by leaving," I said, "It's not like they were forcing us to stay."

"Keeping undue attention off of us is probably the best plan," said Rhys, "I don't want anything to happen to you."

I was glad Rhys was focused on moving through the darkness, so she wouldn't see the blush on my face.

"You should tell her how you feel," said Felice, "It'd probably make you feel much better."

"Thanks for the input, didn't ask." I said.

"You seem to get rather defensive when it comes to your feelings concerning Rhys," said Felice, "Why is that, moor-acu?"

"Maybe I'd rather not talk about them, did you ever think of that?" I snapped. Felice immediately looked - and felt - hurt, so I said, "I'm sorry. It's just... it's complicated."

"It doesn't seem that complicated," said Felice, "You like her, and it's apparent she likes you back. Why not just sit down and explain your feelings the next chance you get?"

"I just... I don't know," I said, "It's like whenever I even think of broaching the subject, my heart starts racing and I feel like I'm about to pass out."

"Maybe... I could do it? Take control of your tongue and..."

"I'm gonna have to stop you right there." I said, interrupting Felice immediately, though I couldn't help but laugh a little out loud.

"What's up?" Rhys asked.

"Oh, nothing. Felice just said something funny." I said, "Let me know when we're gonna be stopping."

"Will do." said Rhys.

Felice didn't say anything more, but I made sure to keep my mouth closed, just in case she thought to try anything.

Rhys and I were finally able to take a breather when we came across an inn in exactly the middle of nowhere. My lungs were very thankful, as were my feet, and when we stepped inside the building, the warmth was just the best thing in the world.

"Welcome to the Happy Lantern Inn," said the keeper behind the bar, "Room for two?"

"Yes, please." said Rhys.

"I got one room free. It's only got one bed though, will that be an issue?" the innkeeper asked.

"I'm starting to see a pattern with these places." I muttered under my breath, while Rhys took the key from the innkeeper, and we followed her into the room.

"Enjoy your night, ladies." said the innkeeper, "Let me know if you need anything else."

"Thank you." I said, and then Rhys and I were alone. I could feel Felice like she was on my back, smiling like the cheshire cat. I tried to ignore that feeling as we got into the room and Rhys dramatically collapsed onto the bed.

"Tired, aren't you?" I said, smiling as I laid down next to her.

"Very." said Rhys, "I told you we shouldn't go out of our way to help others."