Chapter Thirty-one ♛

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The lush green beauty of the Old Forrest surrounds us as we walk down the stone path. A variety of shape ancient trees stand so tall that one cannot determine what lays ahead. Shrubbery as well as wildflowers rest on the forrest floor. The lush green grass that covers the forest floor  is unruly and untamed. The further we walk down the path I begin to notice small white and purple wildflowers spring up from the grass. Smaller flowers hid between larger blades of grass. Carita and I lead our party to the meeting point where we are to meet my father and cousin Roark. Our party consists of Asher, Azalea, Callen, and Barri, as well as a number of trusted warriors.

We left the Emerald Isle early this morning so that we could clear the Crossing. The magic did not have as powerful of an affect on the newcomers to the Isle. Carita did require a short rest after the passing due to her sensitivity toward powerful magic. Thankfully, Asher prepared an elixir made of natural medicinal herbs, which restored her strength. Once Carita faired well we began our journey through the forrest.

Our walk through the forrest does not last long until we reach our meeting point. I spot father from the distance leaning against a wooden stable. The area we are meeting in is used as a resting place for travelers, as well as residents of the Old Forrest. He is wearing his riding gear with his sword seated and attached to his leather belt. Sitting down on a wooden stump next to him is Roark, the successor to the throne of the Old Forrest. I have not seen him for a year, so he has grown since then. Despite that he is sitting I can tell that his height is close to mine. His black hair is tied with a lather strap yet several loose strands frame his face. His piercing silver eyes with specks of red seem to glow against his bronze colored skin. His frame no longer resembles a small child but rather a growing warrior. His muscular frame is visible through his riding gear, which indicates hours of daily training.

"Blyn we were beginning to wonder when you would arrive. Roark's steed has been restless in the stable," said father.

Roark chuckles as he leans back while looking into my eyes, "It is not my fault that he only enjoys to be in the presence of mares".

I chuckle as my shake my head at his antics as I hold onto Carita's hand, "Your steed is just as wild as you are Roark".

Roark throws his head back in a booming laugh while father turns his attention to Carita. My mate smiles at father as she waves at him. "Hello father it is lovely to see you again. Mother and Elycia send their greeting," said Carita.

Father's smile brightens when Carita calls him father, which has been a regular occurrence for some time now. Since his last visit home she has addressed him as father, which overjoyed him the first time she addressed him as such. Tradtionally once a pair becomes mates they address their mate's parents as you would your own parents.

"Carita, this is my cousin Roark, and he is the heir to the Old Forrest's throne," I introduce.

Roark turns his attention towards Carita, and silently takes her in for several moments. Cartina smiles at him as she remains close to my side. "Hello Roark it is lovely to meet you," she said.

Roark nods his head while he continues to stare at Carita. "It is a pleasure to meet you Carita. I have heard wonderful things about you from uncle," he said.

"Wonderful! Now that we are all aquatinted shall we continue with our journey? It will take us several hours to reach the Orin," said father.

Roark turns toward the wooden stable and then walk inside. Several minutes later he returns with a large black stallion, and father's white and gray steed. Roark releases his hold on father's steed, and he walks to father. Roark holds onto his stallion, and swings his foot over the saddle. He moves his upper body toward the other side, and is on his horse.

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