Time Lapse

Chapter 20 ~ The Gaze ~

Each day passed slower, but the Rime Estate finally got off their backs. The family didn't have the tools to send a party after Erys, but this didn't mean Reyanard wouldn't do anything to regain his daughter. Ever since the eventful night in the estate's gardens, he's slowly been recovering from an illness unknown to the residents.

Meanwhile, the two horses carrying the red wagon with the party of five finally stopped for a break. They had been moving for four days now. And while the crew themselves weren't sure whether or not the Rime estate had stopped searching for them, it kept them steady on time. However, the wagon could only continue supporting everyone's weight for so long. Atlas and Helmer insisted on walking alongside the cart. However, Erys and Shal argued they also needed to stretch their legs. Although the group structure was new, the four didn't have the strength to talk about the events that led them all to run away. Helmer himself wasn't even sure why he left with everyone. Atlas knew it was because he didn't need to consider Shal and his friend anymore, even though Shal was unaware of Helmer's attraction.

"We need to stop at a town and get the steeds some rest," Rak said, slumping at the wagon's reins. His voice was hoarse, matching the exhaustion etched into his face. Shadid walked beside the horse on the right, occasionally feeding it bunches of hay scattered around the grassy paths.

"There's a town just over the next line of trees," Atlas replied, walking up to Rak's side of the wagon. He glanced at the forest, shadows dancing between the trunks. "I met some locals a few days ago. They might not have much right now."

"And why is that?" Shadid asked, still feeding the horses.

"They just recovered from an agma raid."

"What happens if we come across and they're infested?" Shal inquired, making her opinion known. "It's still my job to ensure Erys is safe."

"I'm pretty sure Reynard wouldn't take us back if we begged on all fours," Helmer insisted, walking beside Shal awkwardly.

"I've spent too long dedicating my time to others," Shal replied, raising an eyebrow. Besides, I decided to hit Reynard with a pan. So I should take some responsibility." Shal said, turning away with embarrassment. It was most likely her pride as a caretaker and figure of management settling in, an insecurity that she failed her job, even if it was forced at her hand.

"It doesn't make sense for us not to stop. The horses need a break. Those three have clothes," Erys observed, pointing towards Atlas, Rak, and Shadid. "Meanwhile, we've been in the same manor dinner attire for more days than I'd like."

"And when the locals who have suffered an attack see nobles come in with fancy dinner garments, you're positive they'll be sparing?" Shal raised, challenging Erys per usual. Or was she testing her logic? Nothing could be said other than the two had their own way of figuring out situations.

"Well, there's one more thing," Atlas mentioned briefly. The rest stayed quiet and waited for him to finish. "I'm not exactly welcomed there. They found out." Looking towards the treeline nervously, Atlas looked towards the treeline. The usual sprites played indifferently. Atlas turned to see if Helmer was watching them. He could now see wonders beyond ordinary understanding. Yet there he was, still enthralled by Shal's side profile. He truly is a fool in love.

"Then just stay in the cart. You fey happen to bring trouble whether you care to admit it or not." Rak insisted, "But don't let that stop you from causing trouble as long as it's the good type."

"Is there such a thing?" Shadid asked, jumping back atop the cart while motioning the horses with the reigns to begin moving again. "I say we move. We don't have many options outside of town, do we?"