Wow. Its been awhile. I've been pretty busy as of late, and suffering from extreme writers block. Another dream sequence. I scrapped the Caius chapter I had promised for now. I wrote it out, but it just gave away too many plot points. I might see if I can chop it in half, or rework it later on into the story.
The sunlight pooled onto the forest floor to form a patch work quilt as it snaked from down the trees. It was calm and quiet except for the songs from a few birds. All other wild life seemed to be hidden in the thickets on either side of the path. Coming within earshot was the sound of twigs rolling and snapping under a pair of well worn leather sandals. Along the path walked a young girl barely in her teens, her eyes cast on down on the ground in front her as she hummed a tune. Over her small frame was draped a cream colored tunic that fit her awkwardly around her newly transforming hips. The length wasn't immodest by any means, but one could observe that her long legs had grown considerably since the clothing was constructed. Her arms where pinned to her sides at her waist by her elbows as her cupped hands played with their fingers. While her face remained serene, her posture gave away her apprehension towards where she was heading. As she came closer to where the forest cleared into a wide open space she slowed down her pace and remained partially hidden by a tall tree.
In the center of the clearing underneath the muted light stood a young boy with a bow in his hands. Slung over his broad shoulders was a small quiver of arrows, he reached behind him seemingly unaware of the girl hiding behind the tree to his back. Carefully the pulled back the string while his brow furrowed as he took aim at the make shift target yards ahead of him. The girl peered from behind the tree, a few dark waves of hair falling from behind her ears. Violet eyes wide in awe of the boy before her, who's ivory skin gave the appearance of a Roman god in the stories she had been told. The sun no longer made him look the like pale and sickly child she had remembered from her youth, but more like a golden god. His shoulders had already begun to broaden, and his lean muscles could be seen flexing beneath his skin under his toga. Squinting his nearly colorlessly blue eyes he lined up his shot. Releasing the string, the arrow cut quickly through the air successfully reaching its intended target. A sly smile crossed over the young boys face as he tucked his chin towards his chest.
"Aren't you going to congratulate me on my shot?"
The almost forgotten girl peered from behind the tree, waves of mahogany fell in front of her face as she let out a gasp. Rubbing her arm in embarrassment she moved forward closing the distance between herself and the boy. Nervously she shuffled sandaled feet in front of her. Raising one hand to pull a few strands of hair away from her face, a light blush crossed over her cheeks as the boy turned to face her.
"You have been getting better at the bow Caius, I didn't want to disturb you...did I?"
"No, not at all Neve. I want to get better an become strong like the other boys."
"But why? They want to join the empire's army and become soldiers!"
Her shoulders dropped slightly as she looked to the ground trying to hide the tears that started to form in the corners of her eyes. The adults in the village had discussed how the new emperor wasn't tolerant of the druid practices in their region. Even though many of the tribes were nomadic and had helped with medical treatment in the past wars, the new emperor wanted a more unified empire. He was urging the people to convert to worshiping the Roman gods. A few of the adults felt that perhaps he might even go as far as to make examples out of those who didn't share his view. The boys eyes softened as he reached his hand out to grasp the shoulder of the girl. He had finally grown a little taller than from when they were children.
"Neve...I'm sorr--"
"Sorry? You would willingly serve under the Emperor?! He doesn't tolerate people like Grandma and I! If it weren't for mother from rescuing you from the other village...what would have happened to you? The Roman's think they know everything! I'm not a witch! I am learning important things that will help me save my people."
"All the more reason for me to continue my training. I need to be strong, I need to be able to protect you. Let them come! I will be here ready to fight them. Please understand Neve you are all I..."
The girl silenced him by hugging him tightly. Her hot tears streamed down her face as she buried it into his shoulder. Her fingers digging into his arms as if he could have disappeared into thin air. The boy wrapped his arms around his friend tightly and rocked her gently, trying to sooth her worries.
"You are all that I have. You need to stay here, stay safe. Keep Grandma safe. Please Caius, I beg you."
"I promise. I'll stay here. I'll wait for you to return. Don't cry, I'm sorry to have upset you."
The girl wriggled herself out of his hold and wiped a few stray tears from her face. She looked up at the boy before her. He no longer was the shorter sickly child hood friend she knew. He was growing taller and stronger into a man. She made her face tight as she playfully punched him square in the chest.
"Good, I don't want to regret not leaving you in the woods for the wolves."
"Haha is that so? Maybe I should leave you here with the wolves!"
With that he lunged for the girl and pulled her back to his chest. Lifting her off the ground he began to assault her with a fury of tickles. She tried swinging her legs to get out of his grasp but to no avail. The only thing she could get out at this point was a fit of laughter and screams. The boy began to laugh as well, happy to spend the last few minutes left with his friend before she was leaving to continue her learning. For when she returned she would be a powerful druid. She would know how to heal the sick, and be a great addition to the village. For now in this moment they were two friends, young enough that the complicating change of the country, or the responsibilities of their ages to come didn't matter. They just stayed in the wood playing together as their laughter filled the air.
again please review! I have somewhat lost a little motivation on this story. when I know people are actually reading it and perhaps liking it, it makes me want to write more. thank you again.
