The Lost Sister

The Encounter

"Alright, so who's riding with who?" Asked Kadence.

"Well we only have 4 horses, but 8 people. I think Kadence, Sage, and I should have separate horses since we know how to ride," Atix suggested. "And I'm assuming since Lynx and Lizzie are married they'll want to share a horse."

"Uh.." Lynx looked over to Lizzie nervously. "I uh, can't ride a horse though.." Lynx confessed.

"Oh it's okay babe! I know how! This'll be fun!" Lizzie said as she linked arms with him.

"And I assume I'll be escorting you?" Kadence gestured to Rose. She smiled at him. "Of course."

Ash looked at Casey. "Uh, Casey? Can I talk to you?"

"Uh sure.."

Ash pulled her close and wispered, "Casey, can you ride with Sage? I really want to ride with Atix..."

"Oh.. I forgot you liked him. Yes of course." They walked back over to the group.

"So which one of you lovely ladies will I be escorting?" Atix asked slyly.

"Um, me," Ash said.

"Alright then m'lady."

"So.. you're riding with me?" Sage asked.

"Yeah, I guess."

•••

"Hey are you sure you're okay?" Sage asked. He was sitting next to Casey. She didn't respond. "Casey?"

"Huh? Oh yeah sorry.. I'm just.. distracted, that's all."

"Why?"

"Well.. I mean.. what if she doesn't like me?"

"What do you mean?"

"What if she doesn't like who I am? What if my own sister hates me?"

"What? How can she not like you?"

"Well, what if she thinks I'm annoying, or dumb, or just hates me because I'm the daughter of the parents who cursed her?"

"Look, I don't know about that last one, but that other stuff isn't true. She'll love you both."

"But how can you tell?"

"I can't, but if she's anything close to as nice as you, I think you'll be fine."

"Thanks Sage," She hugged him. Casey walked over to Ash. They had rode for a few hours and decided to set up a small camp once it got dark. "Hey, want to share a tent?"

"Yeah, sure." She replied.

•••

After traveling for a few more days the reached the edge of the forest, and to the gates of East Berry. The group stood on the edge, looking over to the gates.

"What do we do?" Asked Lynx.

"Let's set up camp a few yards into the forest, so they don't see us. Then when we're ready we'll go in," explained Kadence.

"But what's our plan when we get inside? This village is kind of fancy you know, plus the berrians look different, so I'm sure they'll notice we don't belong?" Sage said.