Out of Time ★ [1] ✔

Highlands

Winter in the Scottish Highlands was terrible! It was always so cold. The clothing was never warm enough to withstand the frosty winds, even with my fur coat. The snow came up to my knees, stiffening everything below them.

It was torture. But I was stuck there. I had a job, and I wasn't leaving until it was complete.

I huddled around a small fire in a damp cave. The constant dripping of water from stalactites was comforting. The wind howled outside. The fire crackled peacefully, casting shadows on the cave walls.

I pulled my fur coat tighter around me for warmth I wasn't receiving.

"How's it hanging?"

I shot to my feet, my dagger in hand to defend myself. I groaned in annoyance as I saw him leaning against the cave wall by the entrance, his arms folded over his chest.

I sat. "Go away, Eilian."

He spread his hands to the sides. "That's no way to treat a friend."

"We are not friends."

"Of course we are! How would you survive without me?"

"Very well."

"Oh, come on." He crouched parallel to me in front of the fire. "I'm here to help you, darling."

"You are here to condescend me."

Eilian rolled his eyes. He moved to a sitting position. He found a stick and began poking the fire, sparks dancing in the breeze. "In all seriousness, I really am here to help you."

I groaned in irritation. "Ego perferre piget hanc stupri fatuus."

"Language!" he reprimanded with a look of mock motherly shock. "Swearing is unlady-like. Even if it is in Latin."

I threw a stick at him, which he nimbly dodged. I had no time or patience for the irritating man. I wanted him gone, and I wanted him gone now. "I am not a child, Eilian. I do not need to be taken care of by the likes of you."

Eilian raised an eyebrow. "Really? If you were tagging along with me you wouldn't be squatting in a cave."

"Squatting?" I said, confused.