My footsteps felt heavier each step I took as we both trudged along the worn-out path of the forest trail, but I endured for the her sake. I glanced back making sure Aurora was still behind me. I didn't want to lose her again, ever since she was taken by Cora's undead men I didn't want her out if my sight. I think she noticed that I had been doing this for the past hour because this time when I looked back to check, she gave me a whimsical smile that made me blush. I turned my head away fast wanting to avoid awkward eye contact, but she caught me. I saw her blue eyes stare into mine for the split seconds before my head whipped around. I glued my head ahead of us, not wanting to make it even more awkward. I heard her giggle a bit and I couldn't help but glance my eyes toward her. I saw her smiling as her head wandered all around looking at all the sites of the dense forest. I secretly smiled to myself as I watched her enjoy the adventure.
It was getting dark, but thankfully It took only a few hours to get to the mountain pass. A Witch told the both of us that if we traveled through the Mountain pass we could find an ancient potion that had been long forgotten somewhere in the mountain's caves. The only way to find this potion to restore Phillip was by the Wraith's talisman. The witch enchanted it so it could lead us to the exact location.
I still couldn't figure out how to use it, but she told us when the time was right it would lead us to the potion. After finally coming to a stop in the mountain pass, I decided we should camp before going any further into the mountain. Aurora had been helpful the last few days helping set the tents, as well as helping me get firewood and just keeping company.
I had started a small fire going as Aurora found some berries and assorted mushrooms to cook for our dinner tonight. I had put a solid flat rock on top of the flames so we could cook anything we scavenged for. I was staring into the flames of orange and red until Aurora spoke out, "Mulan...?" I looked up immediately thinking she was hurt or was bothered by something. But when I looked I saw her perfectly fine and no sign of distress. "Yes, Princess?" I saw Aurora furrow her brows a bit and her lips tightening as I spoke out 'Princess'. "You don't need to call me that. We're friends now." Aurora smiled giving me a genuine look of companionship. I gave back the smile with equal companionship showing her my thanks, toward the Friendship neither of us asked for, or even thought of.
We sat in silence for a bit as I cooked the mushrooms and leftover rabbit meat, I had in my pouch, until Aurora began to talk again, but more anxious her voice rising a bit. "Do you think we will find him...? Phillip...?" I looked up toward the timid girl and saw her hands fumbling with the hem of her own dress as her eyes searched mine in worry. I'm not even sure myself... I gulped down the anxiousness and guilt before speaking, in a very confident tone, "We will find your Prince. He will be restored and you will finally be able to be reunited with your True Love." I talked with all the confidence in the world, but deep down I felt the pressing feelings of worry, anxiety, and also depression. I didn't want to feel it, but something deep down inside me was beginning to come out and I was terrified of what it was. I only half knew.