The Time of the Hidden

The Sith Othwan

Although the sun shined bright that day, it proved to pierce through the thick leaves with little success. It made me glad to not be walking through the woods, and out in the clearing of the road. I enjoyed the sun on my face in the fine spring day, although the hood of my cloak sadly worked to shadow half of my face.

Both Theo and I were in our natural forms. Theo, to keep on his guard, and ready for any dangers we might encounter on our journey. And I, to make haste with my healing. Our cloak and and hoods hid our "unique features" from passing eyes.

I personally quite enjoy walks through nature, but walking for hours on end was not something I found as an ideal pleasure. The refreshing sun began to grow hot as the hours passed, and the black of our cloaks were very welcoming to the heat.

I usually do not tire out easily after the extensive training with Theo for a month, but as the sun was creeping close to the horizon, my legs felt like jelly beneath me. I wasn't sure how much longer I could keep walking. I looked up at Theo to see how he was fairing from the travel, and he looked untouched. Aside from a shine of sweat across his forehead, he looked as if he could walk for hours more. I don't understand how someone could have energy like that! I had decided to hold back my desires to stop until night fall.

Theo finally announced our stop for the night as the sun was setting. With no hesitation, I collapsed to the ground, giving my legs a desperately needed break. I laid down on the grass a produced a genuine yawn.

Theo's gaze circled the perimeter before settling on me. I looked up at him through tired eye lids.

"Don't get comfortable just quite yet. There's still work to be done." He said in response to my obvious urge to curl up into sleep. I released a sigh and propped myself up on my elbows as he continued to speak. "I'm going to go see if I can find any fresh water. Meanwhile, I'm putting you in charge of gathering fire wood. Afterwards we'll meet up here for the night. You got that?" I have him a nod as he held out a hand, and lifted me up to my feet in one good tug.

I wiped off stray grass from my skirt as I examined the bordering trees. I set off without hesitation, wanting to get finished before I lost all light, not that it would do much against the dense forest. But still, it was at least something. I also wanted to hurry so I could finally get some sleep.

I kept as close to the clearing that Theo and I had resigned in as possible, while still being able to find a decent amount of wood. The thick, dark woods sent shivers down my spine. I couldn't help but find myself making a connection between them and Mirkwood in Middle Earth.

Once my arms were full of fallen twigs and branches, I gladly headed back to the small meadow. As I reached the edge of the forest, a chilled breeze found its way into my cloak. I attempted to pull my cloak closer around me with on hand while still cradling the wood in my arms. This didn't do much against the sudden wind.

I hurried over to Theo after the last drops of golden sun slid down behind the mountains. Dumping the branches down at my feet, and tugged my cloak around me as Theo began to build a fire. Once it began to burn, I knelt beside the fire to feel the radiating heat. Theo came and sat crisscross right by me, pulling his cloak closer around him as well.

Theo handed me some more bread and cheese for dinner, and I gladly accepted. Although I enjoyed the food, it didn't satisfy my growling stomach as much as I would've liked.

"So Skyler,"

"Hmm?" I answered while watching the flames dance in front of me.

"You never answered my question when I asked about your life before you came here."

"No, I actually did. You apparently aren't that great of a listener."

"You said it's boring. That doesn't tell me much."