A Peaceful Forgiveness

A Glimpse of the Past

Ayslin had troubles sleeping. She tried again and again to tell herself that she wasn't really worried about August. He would recover. And why should she care anyways?

She went to visit August everyday, she didn't know why she felt she had to. Perhaps it was because it was basically her fault. If she had never sent August on that mission, or if she had run to him and explained the pass, he may have had better luck. Nonetheless, she was very glad to see him progressing towards good health again. The first day was, unfortunately, much like when he had gotten there. He was out, unconscious, for most of the day. When Ayslin arrived to check on him, he didn't wake for the whole of her half hour visit. The second day, he awoke near the end of the visit, just in time for her to wish him good health and walk out the door. The third day was where he really began to improve. She arrived at Mrs. Billows' home and went in.

"Mrs. Billows? Are you here? I've come to see August. Is he any better?"

"I'm here!" Mrs. Billows called from the back of the house. "Come in, I need your help!"

Ayslin followed those instructions. In the back of the home was the cot and a small fire, cooking a pot of white colored soup. It smelled strongly of cauliflower and dill.

"Ah yes, dear, I need to go get some more crushed plants for headache remedies. I'm going to need you to look after him until I return."

"Aah...I guess...am I really qualified? I know little of the healing a-"

"You're qualified enough. All you have to do is make sure he gets this soul in him. He may not keep it down, so be prepared. He ruined your last dress. Best it not happen again."

Ayslin agreed. When she had returned home, her parents had been appalled. Ayslin had narrowly escaped without telling about August. She has avoided it only by saying a friend had thrown up on her on accident. Her parents ordered the dress to be burned, but another, identical one be made, for it really was a lovely dress; her ada's favorite. She was sent up to her bedroom without dinner. She hadn't lied, I guess, but she hasn't told the entire truth. She was mostly ok with it because she was protecting August. But she still felt a little guilty. If she hasn't sent him on that trip to begin with, all of this never would have happened. It was all her fault.

Now she was regretting the whole thing as she sat on the edge of the cot. Why did she ever have to meet him? Why did he have to enter her life? If he died, it would all be because of her. She had to make sure he recovered.

She felt compelled to gently pick up his hand. She did, and began lightly tracing the lines. His hands were cold. Too cold for comfort. She held his left hand in hers and tried to warm them. August coughed and sputtered. He gagged as he sat up sharply, sweating and groaning. When his coughing subsided, he moaned and took many deep breaths. He felt awful. Then he realized Ayslin's presence. Not only could he feel her sitting on the side of the cot, but he felt her presence in his hand. She was holding it gently, but she gave it a little squeeze when he looked into her captivating bright green eyes.

Just like when she had showed up at the prison, she looked like an angel with the sun hitting her face and her perfect features and posture. He was in trouble. He was falling for her, something so illegal in the works of social classes and royalty. He couldn't do this to himself. But, she was so independant, so beautiful, so intelligent, so carefree, and so delicate. She was the most perfect being he had ever encountered.

However, there were many things standing between them. Her parents, for one. They had practically already married her off, and they would almost positively reject a forest boy, with no home, no more inheritance, and no great family to run to. There was literally no good reason to let him into the family. Plus, how did he know that she felt the same. If she didn't give him her consent, her parents' wouldn't matter. All would be for naught. Oh, he wished she would be falling for him too, otherwise, his world was going to turn black and grey without her. He would find no more purpose. She gave him motivation, and morality. She gave him joy and peace. It seemed so simple. She radiated her attitudes and lessons into him, and it was wonderful.