Encounter
The next morning Will awoke before Evanlyn. Rising out of bed quietly, he went to the kitchen and prepared breakfast from their meager provisions. "Morning." Evanlyn said quietly, coming up behind Will. "Breakfast is nearly ready." was all he said in reply, filling two plates with food. As they ate it was silent, each alone with their thoughts and worry of the coming thaw. Once both plates were empty Evanlyn did the dishes as Will cleaned up the cabin.
"Will," Evanlyn said, grabbing her sling and a supply of pebbles along with the game bag, "I'm going hunting. I'll be back soon. I also need to check the snares." Will raised a hand in acknowledgement as he stared into the flames in the fireplace.
Outside, Evanlyn estimated she had a half an hours walk ahead of her. They had moved the snares out a little more each day so their chances of catching anything were better. As she neared the trap line Evanlyn heard voices nearby. "Somebody's been here for a while. These snares have obviously been moved before." said one, obviously an older man, judging by the voice. Evanlyn quickly hid behind a tree, trying to keep quiet.
"What does that mean Halt?" asked a younger man, possibly a boy. Halt? My father's top adviser? Evanlyn thought. What is he doing here? How is he here? "I don't know Horace, but I think we should follow the tracks and see where they take us." Horace is here as well? Maybe we have a chance after all. For the first time in months there was a spark of hope in her heart, where before there had only been despair. Knowing now that there was no threat, Evanlyn stepped out from behind the tree.
"Halt! Horace!" she cried, running towards them. The two aforementioned people looked up at the sound of her voice. Horace recognized her instantly. "Evanlyn! You're alright." Once she was in arms reach, Evanlyn fell in to Horace's open arms. She mumbled incoherently, something along the lines of oh my god, I'm so relieved and thank god you're here. Finally, after a few minutes Evanlyn calmed down. Through this, Horace gently stroked her hair and rested his chin atop her head. "Evanlyn," Halt spoke up, "where's Will?" Evanlyn instantly sobered at the words.
"Follow me." she said and lead the way she'd come from. As they walked, Evanlyn said, "Just so you're aware, Will has only just overcome an addiction to a substance called Warmweed. It's a drug the slave overseers in the yard give the slaves to keep them going." She paused then continued, "Point is, Will is easily startled and since the thaw isn't far off we need to think of moving on. We don't have a lot in the way of provisions-" "We have plenty. You can have some of our supplies." Halt interjected. Evanlyn nodded her thanks.
Soon the cabin came in to view. Evanlyn opened the door and strode in, Halt and Horace following. "Will," she said softly, putting a hand on his shoulder, "look who's here." Will raised an eyebrow at her, confused by her hope filled tone. Turning around, he caught sight of the two that Evanlyn spoke of.
"Halt?"
a/n cliffhanger! Sorry I had to