Mystic

Chapter 7; Amira

Once they had gathered the supplies they needed, the sun gradually sank beneath the rolling hills, leaving them with their makeshift torches in hand. Amira trailed behind Matthew until her legs were straining to continue.

"We should stop for the night, maybe? Hello?" Amira called to Matthew, who was several paces ahead of her.

"Hmm?" Matthew asked, slowing down slightly. Amira wondered how he could tread so quickly after a whole day of walking.

"We should stop... Maybe?" Amira repeated.

Matthew stopped without turning."We will be at the edge of the city soon. We can set up a camp then."

"It's so far, though!" Amira whined. It looked as if Matthew had finally had it with her, but she was surprised when he said so calmly, "It's just a little more. We can take a little break if you want, though."

"Yeah, I'd like that." Amira said, out of breath. Matthew came to a stop and leaned against a wooden beam. Amira sat down on a small flight of stairs. She was glad to be off of her feet. They could see a few people carrying their merchandise back to their homes for the night; ready to start fresh tomorrow morning. Matthew was still leaning against the pole, but was busy fishing for something in his satchel. After about a minute, he pulled out a small book.

Amira watched in silence as he flipped through the pages, scribbling something here or there as he went. Somehow her hand had gone to her neck and was rubbing the pendant on the chain gently.

"No, the ears aren't right...." she heard Matthew mutter.

"What?" Amira asked., curiously. Matthew's eyes went wide.

"Nothing. I was just trying to... Nevermind." He turned away and went back to scribbling in his notebook.

Amira wanted to look over his shoulder and peer at what he was doing. He had a drawing of a small creature that appeared to be comprised of twigs and vegetation. A caption underneath read "Woodland Pixie."

"That's a really good drawing." Amira exclaimed. Matthew's face turned red.

"Thanks." he muttered, his hand going to the back of his neck. He put the notebook back in his bag. "We should get going."

"Why don't we just rest here for the night? Surely there is a decent inn nearby?"She suggested.

"I don't think so..." Matthew replied.

"Why?" Amira asked.

"Uh, we need money." Matthew said.

"And?" Amira said sarcastically.

"I don't have any left..." Matthew said, his face turning red again.

Amira rolled her eyes. "Don't be embarrassed. It's fine, you know? I don't mind. Everyone messes up sometime."

He stared at her for a few seconds. "Wait, what?"

"Nevermind. Just--can we stop for tonight? I don't care where."

"We only have about one mile left. It's not that much."

"A mile!?I don't think I can walk another step." Amira replied indignantly.

"We just took a break." Matthew answered.

"But to stop for the night," she said. "Please stop fighting me."

Matthew dropped his satchel. "Fine. Can you help me with the firewood?"

As Matthew walked away to a small tree, Amira followed him uneasily. She wasn't used to people telling her what to do except her parents. She tried to get the image out of her head, almost hitting her head on a branch above her. Matthew turned around to warn her but saw she was doing fine.