Red Within The Forest

Chapter Fourteen: Touch Of The Heart

Asena was humming to herself as the clunking noise of a meal being made erupted from the kitchen. Nia placed the plates down on the dining table; sometimes her gaze would trail over to Asena. Just watching her soft graceful movements kept her in a trance of some kind. Nia blinked away and shook her head, her cheeks warmed when she focused back on her small task. She placed the last plate down and patted down her pajamas. A tired groan reached her ears. A smile drew on her lips, "Morning Gawen." she said. 

Gawen yawned, "Moring sis..." he mumbled and pushed back some of his hair from his face. Nia tilted her head, "Didn't get enough sleep?" she asked him. Gawen's side-eye glance answered her question. He stretched his neck to pop his back, "Corvina was throwing up earlier this morning." he mumbled. He smiled at Nia, "She's doing a lot better. Thankfully she's asleep right now. I'm gonna bring her some breakfast for her so a certain someone doesn't eat everything." he stated.

"Okay first of all, rude. Second of all, true, and third of all...shut up." Anton grumbled when he claimed a chair. He reached his arms up and released a groan, "It's not my fault I love food!" he exclaimed. Nia shakes her head at him. Asena entered and placed the food down in the center of the table. Asena looked over to Gawen, "Oh, Gawen." she called out. The man gives her his attention. She smiles at him and hands him a different plate. Her smile grew, "I overheard Corvina's condition earlier this morning and thought I would make her something else that wouldn't be too harsh on her stomach. I hope that's okay." she tells him. 

Gawen chuckles and takes the plate, "Hey, whatever helps is appreciated. Thank you, I'll be sure to let her know." he says. He glanced down to see the assorted food on the wooden plate. A small nice portion of porridge oatmeal with some fresh picked blueberries decorating the top. Some steaming fresh eggs with chopped tomatoes were separated by some fresh pine nuts and banana slices. Gawen grinned at Asena, "I'm positive Corvina will appreciate it." he stated and strolls away with the plate in his hands.

Anton nods while Nia sits down next to him and across from Asena. Nia saw a big slice of bacon staring up at her. Beckoning her to pick it up and consume it. However, she wasn't the only one. She gazes looked up to catch Anton's stare. They both narrowed their eyes at one another. This is a battle that needs to be won once and for all. To claim the desired victory of the largest piece of bacon. To consume it in front of the other in mockery. They both leaped for it. Nia pushed his face away and used her other hand to fight off his hand trying to reach for it. Anton shoved against her hand and attempted to stretch his arm some more. Nia grunted; she had to win this fight! She can't allow herself to lose this! She used some more of her weight of her body to lean on him.

His body wavered. She took the slight opportunity to strike. This had to be it! This had to! Anton slammed his other arm on her hand and shoved back. Nia groaned; they two growled at each other. Anton grinned, "Surrender!" he exclaimed. Nia huffed out, "Never you asshole!" she retorted and pushed her body against his some more. Their shoulders started to ache from the pressure they applied. Each one of their hands inching closer and closer to the slice of bacon. So close, they could almost graze their fingertips against the slice. 

The piece of bacon disappeared before their eyes. They snapped their attention up to see Gawen devour the bacon. Their hearts stopped. Anton released a devastating shout, "NOOO!!!" Nia's jaw dropped, "You monster!" she exclaimed. Gawen cackled at their reactions and licked his fingers. He hummed in satisfaction, "Thanks for the meal Asena!" he said and walked back to his and Corvina's shared bedroom. His grin grew some more when Anton said, "God dammit! You should have let me take it!" he tells Nia. Nia gasps, "Why, so you could have it all to yourself?!" she exclaimed. Anton groaned, "We could've shared!" he whined. 

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Nia opened up the back door to see nothing more but the surrounding forest. The sound of buzzing insects and the greetings of the woodland animals met her ears. It was strange to her. With the bloodshed still fresh in her mind, Nia's feet lead her past the door and towards the dense forest. Her bare feet brushed against the soft snow; each step crunching underneath her. She lifted her head. A ghostly breeze caressed her cheeks while she took in a deep breath. Nia breathed out and wrapped her arms around her body. A small tweet met her ears. She snapped her head over to see a small pure white bird sitting on a thin branch; just observing her. Nia smiled up at it. It tilted its head at her and tweeted once more.