The Hunted

Chapter 20

Faith stroked Charlies mane, as she fastened his saddle snuggly to his back. The Tan horse rubbed his neck against her in enjoyment.

She were getting ready for her date with Nicholas, even though she denied that it was one to her mother.
Faith had told her she wanted to know more about hunters, learn there secrets, while acting as a double agent of sorts. She convinced herself that it were for that one particular reason she was even going on this silly date, and nothing more.

Truthfully Nicholas intrigued her. From the first moment she laid eyes on his bright blues she knew. There was something about the built, dark haired man that she couldn't quite put her finger on. It had her craving his presence. All of these thoughts of course were buried deep within, hidden from herself as she figured she knew better then to have such feelings towards her enemie.

"Told you!" Clare spoke, entering the Stables, coming to gloat. "I see all." She said dramatically, waving her hand out in a circular motion in front of her, staring off into the distance.

Faith slapped her hand away playfully.  "Put a cork in it, will you?"

Clare's lips turned up in a amused smile. "You might want to speak more like a lady, and less like a truck driver if you are going to impress Sir killerlot" She stated with a grin, readying herself for another set of playful slaps.

Faith rolled her eyes. "I am not trying to impress Nicholas." Faith said Truthfully. If she had been trying, she would have placed a fancier, more expensive gown on instead of a rather average, blue laced dress that she certainly wore.

"Sir Killerlot." Clare corrected, shaking a finger at Faith "Address the man probably."

Faith through her head back laughing at Clares ridiculous humor. After the many drastic changes made to her life recently, it was comforting to have someone as bubbly the tall redhead around. "Sir killerlot," She agreed, the nickname for Nicholas growing on her.

Faith climbed up on to Charlie as gracefully as possible, though before her recent time traveling adventure, she had little experience with Equestrian Arts.
"Good boy," She complimented the horse with a soft voice.

"Be careful." Clare's voice changed to a serious tone. "He might be a nice guy, but he is still one of them. Don't forget that." She warned, her own past experience with Alexander resurfacing.

Faith nodded, not wanting to dig any deeper into Clares painful past. "Come on Charlie." She commanded as he took of in excitement towards the woods. She frighteningly pulled back the reins to no avail as he continued in gallop.

She could hear Clare's obnoxious laughter from behind.

                               ~~
The forest she road into was oak-brown and primitive. The leaves that fell onto the trail crinkled beneath Charles four feet as he walked. She were in awe of the size of the trees. Their knotted arms rose ever upwards, as far as her head could lift without losing her position in the saddle.  Faith were thankful when he had ran out of anxious energy,  slowing down to a brisk walk.

The simpering wind carried a fragrance with it. It was refreshing to Faith, as she grown use to the smell of  city, the smoke from Factorys, instead of the beautiful smell of mulchy mix, the forest’s perfume.

After almost falling off of Charlie half a dozen times she finally arrived at what she assumed to be the lake Nicholas spoke of. It was absolutely breathtaking, a sight in nature that truly deserved applause.

A turquoise-blue stream wound its way through the forest. Babbling and burbling, it sprung over the aged  limestone rocks in its way. Pebbles washed under the lakes clear surface like pieces of glitter.  Chords of soft afternoon sun speared down from above, bathing its surface in gold.

Her eyes then focused on something that was far more beautiful, 'or handsome' she corrected her inner thoughts as she took in Nicholas presence.

He was comfortably seated on a large blanket that pushed down the growing grass around him. His strong gaze on the lake in front of him, the waters reflection dancing in his eyes.
The sun beamed down on his neck length black hair, as well as his firmly set jawline that was now pulled back into a smile at the sight of Faith, who's breath failed to catch up to her.

She looked every bit of the gorgeous  but strong willed woman that he knew her to be from on top of her tan horse. Her chocolate eyes met his as she sat there, unmoving. Truthfully he had been worried that she wouldn't show after last night's humiliating events. But here she was, in all of her beauty. 

He stood from his spot, and began walking towards her, worried that she might just turn and leave. "You came," He stated with a smile as he stood beside the four legged animal.

She smirked at him. "I've noticed."
Her cocky demeanor changed when he lifted his hands up, and gripped her waist tightly. His touch, and near proximity sent shivers up her spine as he gently pulled her off of Charlie.
She were thankful when her now  sore legs made contact with the ground. He held onto her as she caught her balance.

He took his time in releasing her, liking the feel of her in his arms. Once She steadied herself, he regretfully dropped his hands back down to his sides.

"You look to be in one piece," He said,  referring to yesterday, when her mother gave the pair a death glare from on top of his Steed.

She looked herself Over, jokingly padding herself down if she wasn't quite sure she was still intact.

He smiled at her silliness. "I was lucky to get away," He stated as he briefly looked down to his belt. "Intact that is," he joked.

Her face become stone red from his sudden abruptness, causing him to laugh even more.
                                ~~

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Mariska98