Deadlands

Chapter 11 - The Nest

As the night vanished with the forced brightness of the sun, I awoke relaxed and somewhat comfortable, even in the freezing morning. I look around and notice Cro- ..Meridale.. is gone. Looking up from the grass I see Emalia watching and smiling silently from the fire we set up last night just in the forest by the road. I get up, stretch, take in a deep breath, and head over to Emalia. She just so happens to be the only one there. I sit down and she hands me a small amount of food.

"You're friend's quite a talker, ain't she?" She asked rhetorically. I simply nodded, as I took a slow bite of the food she gave me. "You're lucky to have her as your wife you know... To have her alive at that."

I stopped eating for a moment and stared at the remaining coals.

"Hey.., this doesn't change anything- at least anything drastic. We caught it in time I believe.. Don't look at me like that. I don't want to feel upset about this." She said looking down while she held her knees up to her chest. "She's told me a lot. She doesn't mind me here as long as I don't steal you away!"

She laughed awkwardly as I took my last bite and looked at the remaining coals to watch it slowly burn away. I told Emalia I wanted to be alone for a second and I walked just outside of the woods and down to the beach. It's only a lake but it's nice to get some watery air, even if winter's on it's way.

I found a nice damp, rotting log to sit on and rest while I stared out into the lake, watching the ripples form as the wind got stronger. The trees to my left, yet bare, share few of the feelings I have at this moment in time. The muddy sand to my right show the signs of rain or dampness, even though I was dry all night without a tent. The cool breeze coming from the watery plain chilled my bones and face, and sadly, even with the sun on me, I could not keep warm for long. I think winter will be here sooner than later, considering it's been like this for a while. But after a few moments, I decided to talk to Mir, seeing as it's been a little bit..

"Lady Mir?" I asked in my head.

"Oh, Ferrin, you've returned.." She said

"I'm having an issue, Mir."

"Yes, well me too, young knight. But I know your issue is not as dangerous as mine."

"Agreed.., but it's just tearing me apart."

"I can tell. You don't sound as 'happy' or 'willing' as you once were two weeks ago.."

"It's my wife, Meridale.., the only reason why I came in to this land was to save or at least find her. I got more than I bargained for I guess. But it's not just that... I've found someone who I've grown to like; and she, the same to me. It's just.., finding out one of my friends has turned out to be the one I love.., It's weird..."

"I can attest, dear Ferrin. I too have felt these feelings at one time. But I should have stated I already knew of the things in your life; the hellish world, your love life, your feelings... All of it. I can feel this pain, Ferrin. And it's tough I can tell," She said softly in my brain. I shuddered at the thought. "But don't let this bring you down. You are still friends and still together. Happiness will come later so for now, and trust me it will, feel strong, confident, and get going. You're running out of time. Go Ferrin! Meridale will come to you soon. It will blow over. I shall talk to you again."

I shook my head and got up quickly. I ran up the hillside and into the forest where Meridale was just coming up from the opposite side of the clearing we rested in. I gave a small smile and she nodded through her mask. We met up in the middle and sat down.

"You've eaten?" She asked curtly. I nodded. "Good. Let's go."

We started walking down the road and eventually caught up to the other two who weren't at the resting place. Emalia smiled at me and then I nodded next to Meridale. Continuing on we shared no words. Sooner or later I'm going to go insane with nobody talking.