He's a battle-hardened knight; she's from the modern world.
He has faced the unthinkable, while she was sheltered in comfort.
His body and soul bear scars, but she still believes in wonders.
He seeks redemption and peace, and she craves true love.
B...
The day dawned bright and clear in the pine forest, a gentle breeze rustling the trees. Upon waking, Elizabeth noticed Dan and William already gathered around a small fire, sharing breakfast. William chewed on a piece of hard bread, while Dan struggled to tear a slice of dried meat. Fruits and cheese completed their modest meal.
After joining them, Elizabeth's spirits lifted with each bite. The chilling tale about bloodfiends faded, feeling more like a distant nightmare. As they ate, Elizabeth remembered how she had wanted to camp in a forest. But when she shared her dream with Dan, he dismissed it as impractical and foolish. 'It doesn't suit us,' he would say to her suggestions. This 'us' particularly irritated Elizabeth—as if he knew her desires better.
But here, in this forest, every sense of hers sharpened—she could almost hear the ancient trees whispering tales of old. Overwhelmed, she realised she was living her dream at last. Her heart filled with hope and anticipation for what lay ahead. She smiled to herself—one never knows how or when one's dreams may come true, sometimes even in a twisted way.
After breakfast, they had to move on, witnessing a transformation in the landscape. The dense pine forest gave way to a diverse mix of woodland where towering oaks and other broadleaf trees stood beside the evergreens. The forest floor now had moss-covered stones, adding vibrant green hues to the setting.
Upon reaching a quaint creek, the travellers eagerly splashed their faces and quenched their thirst, while the water gurgled over algae-coated rocks. After refilling their flasks, William led the horses to drink. He affectionately patted the muzzle of his chestnut horse, which bore a distinctive white streak down its nose.
"Is this your horse?" Elizabeth asked, approaching them, her eyes filled with admiration.
"Yes," William said. "His name is Starlight."
She reached out tentatively towards the horse's muzzle. "May I?" she asked, looking at William with uncertainty.
"Of course." He nodded.
She paused her hand for a moment in hesitation.
"Go ahead, he's friendly," William encouraged her.
The horse seemed wary at first, but then relaxed, his eyes softening, and he neighed gently at her touch. A bright smile appeared on Elizabeth's face as she caressed the animal.
"He likes you," William said, a hint of a smile on his lips.
"I've never stroked a horse." She looked into the man's eyes, and her genuine smile was now aimed at him.
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"Liz!" Dan's agitated voice cut through their moment.
Elizabeth's joy faded instantly under Dan's scrutiny, replaced by a pang of guilt, as if he'd caught her doing something forbidden. With eyes downcast, she made her way to her boyfriend.
"Why are you talking to him?" Dan said under his breath, his voice edged with tension. "Don't get me wrong. I'm just worried about you. He's... a weird dude."
