Castlevania: Awakening

Chapter 14

It seemed as though it all had ended as soon as it had begun.

Laeleth now felt herself slowing, drifting towards the ground, as an autumn leaf descending on a dying summer breeze.
She was resting on her back in a forest glade. The canopy of evergreen trees was sparse overhead and she could clearly see the light of the rising sun. The weak rays kissed her cheeks with warm reassurance.
She breathed in deeply of the scent surrounding her. The strong aroma of sap and pitch covered the trees - the life blood of the forest. A wave of peace washed over her as she embraced the comfort of this moment.

The tranquil glade smelled of home and briefly she felt entirely content. Her eyes closed gently as she imagined her room from what seemed so long ago.
The sunlight was glowing through the shutters and radiated on her face in trailing beams.
Despite her bedroom's simple decor and furnishings she found great consolation in this sanctuary of solitude.
It was all too easy to stay here – to disappear into her daydreams.

Laevon was calling to her, “Wake up, you sleepy head! A good ranger never wastes daylight!”
His laughter resounded through the close walls. If she did not join him she knew he would be at her bedside tickling her playfully.
Even though they were no longer children he still had a fun, teasing nature. She rarely got to see it anymore as difficult as their lives had become recently.

Laeleth longed for this comfort again; a soft, warm bed. Her lips parted in a brief smile as she enjoyed this moment of repose.
But as with all her peaceful moments it could never last.

Demetrius' death was a significant blow. He had been Laevon's best friend and truest companion. And now that she had run from her brother Laeleth could not begin to imagine what her twin was suffering. He was alone, abandoned, forsaken – perhaps even in danger.
This disturbed her greatly and she opened her eyes.
She knew things could never be quite so carefree or simple again. All those memories were now only dreams.

The breeze rustled in the grass and Laeleth turned her head towards the direction it came from. She could see Gabriel approaching; the fine metal plating glinted on his leather boots.
She leaned up on her arms and smiled serenely at him.

He stood before her and smiled wanly in return. He was puzzled as to how she could still appear so calm and yet so beautiful, even amidst all of her suffering.
Her mahogany tresses fell in tangled waves about her graceful complexion. Her azure eyes were a brighter blue than the loveliest shade of the sky.
Even though she had already endured more than she should there was still a hopeful and innocent look about her countenance.
His own eyes softened the longer he gazed upon her. The normal fiery hue of his vivid irises resembled warm, muted amber.

Laeleth longed to know what it was he was feeling and thinking, but she was content for now to remain here quietly in his calming presence. Their gentle moments of reprieve were always so few and fleeting.

It was with regret that he finally broke the spell of this enchantment. Gabriel knelt down and continued to look upon her intently.
He spoke solemnly, “If we have managed to elude him all this time Zobek surely knows where we are now.” He seemed grave and troubled by this admission.
“His powers and knowledge extend beyond my own abilities as I have mentioned before. Through his dark arts he is able to trace my presence when I use any of my own power."
He looked at the ground as though he regretted his choice. Bringing them here could lead Zobek straight to their location.
Gabriel could feel that it would not be long before another confrontation might take place.

Laeleth watched him closely and could feel the same anxious fear creeping into her thoughts. Her mind was beginning to darken like the coming of an inescapable night.
"If that is so," Laeleth spoke softly, "than what shall we do? Are we to keep running? Is there nothing we can do to stop him?"