Loss of Ignorance (Yandere male x female reader)

Ch. Six: Travels among the Plains

It had been three days so far of traveling on horseback and camping at night. They did indeed stay off of the main roads; they took smaller ones and sometimes weren't on a road at all, but Keiran knew where he was going. He carried them north with urgency, and both of them were watchful. At night, they'd take turns on who would sleep and who would watch.

When it was her turn, he'd sit her up against the base of an oak tree, and he'd lay close by. They didn't have fires to keep their presence hidden, except to cook food, but eventually, they'd need to as they got more north. Already, she could feel the colder air. If it weren't for the long sleeves of the dress and the cloak, she'd be freezing, but her wounds appreciated the cold to the heat.

To be honest, she enjoyed when she was put on watch. It made her feel like she could do something besides sit around and have every need of hers taken care of. Even the simplest act of drinking water from a water skin was impossible for her without falling forward and spilling the drink, and they couldn't afford to waste it.

Over the three days when both of them were awake, they would keep an eye out for trouble as well as resources. Keiran packed supplies, but for water and food, they'd need to restock if they wanted to keep their energy up. If they saw water and were low on what was in the water skin, he'd refill it. Same for food. He'd sometimes stop and hunt if he saw an animal for food, and she learned that his daggers could be used as throwing knives as well. Not to mention that he had good aim, and she was grateful that he used what little free time he had at the castle to practice on so many other useful skills too.

As for conversation, they'd mostly talk about things in the present, such as if they saw resources or being cautious if someone else was crossing their path. Thankfully, few did since they stayed away from more settled areas and well traveled roads. There was little small talk since Keiran didn't want to bring up her life at the castle and cause her more hurt at memories. And, (F/n) attempted it at times, asking what his mentor was like and what he enjoyed crafting the most, but she noted that he wouldn't ask much back. She appreciated the gesture and remained quiet when it was clear that he would've asked if he felt it okay to do so.

But, she was happy to know that his mentor had been genuine before he passed. She had met his mentor as well, but like with Keiran, she hadn't spoken to him much. Her father probably had been saving the grisly details of battle from her as long as he could, and neither of them had expected his ... death so soon.

As for his craft, he enjoyed making the weapons he carried now the most, which made sense. Why wouldn't he take his favorite weapons with him when he left Credel? Hopefully once she had new limbs, he would teach her how to fight. She no longer had the protection of the castle, its knights, city guard and her parents; she'd need to learn. It was only Keiran, her and she supposed the magic user, May, that was awaiting them at the northern forge.

Today, though, they were almost done with their ride. They were going into their fourth night, and a chilly breeze passed over the plains. Keiran took them forward a couple minutes more before he stopped and settled them between several oaks.

Once he got her situated, he tied the painted stallion to a nearby tree and began to set up their site. He untied a couple of quails from the stallion and began to put together a fire for them. She wished she could help, but she reminded herself that watching their surroundings was useful. A light sigh escaped her lips, and she focused on the scenery rather than letting her thoughts get the best of her.

Leaves rustled above them in the breeze, and it was just them. That was how they liked it. Her eyes glanced south towards her old home, but she averted her eyes so as not to let her mind drift. That was her attempt, but Keiran's next works brought back memories. His question made sense. He probably was curious given her reaction back in the home near Credel.