Ephemeral Days
The sun shown down in blinding rays, reflecting upon the hot sand and creating a bright glare almost as far as the eye could see. The sole sanctuary in the seemingly endless desert was the large oasis the group had found. The sand in the beach area beside the water wasn't nearly as scorching as the ground in the rest of the desert. Even if the respite was brief, it was still welcomed from the long day of travel.
It wasn't the most pleasant visit to the beach she had experienced, since even though the oasis was quite vast, it wasn't nearly as refreshing as a beach at an ocean or lake. She had been escorted to a few by servants, even in her years before being exiled. She shook her head slightly to dismiss the bittersweet memories, determined to keep her eyes set on only their goal.
Even if the situation was a tense one, and their predicament only getting more complicated, they still had a long road ahead of them. Furthermore, it was a vital one that could not be escaped or dismissed. The heat of summer in the dessert wouldn't be enough to deter her. After all, she had a duty to her group, her einherjar, and, of course…
Him.
Her expression must have betrayed her distant thoughts, since she jumped slightly when she felt a familiar hand upon her shoulder. She glanced up to see the familiar face of Rufus, who wore a reassuring smile. She returned his gaze evenly and couldn't help but smile slightly. Even in a wordless exchange, she instantly felt reassured by having him at her side.
Yes…together, we can endure anything this fate has in store for us…
Author's Note: It's short...it's crappy...and it was for a contest. D: Sorry.