Aelin and Rowan fought their way through the twisted trees, avoiding the gnarled branches that reached out to ensnare them, like crooked hands. The woods were silent. The layer of quiet lay like a heavy blanket over the woods. If they could even be called that. Weren't woods supposed to be lush and green, with leaves carpeting the floor, and a canopy overhead? Aelin supposed that there actually was an overhanging of branches that might keep rain off if it rained. But this place was not going to ever be classified as a 'wood' in Aelin's mind. She wished she were back home, dining with her court, or hunting in oakwald. Not here. Not making her way to a 'meeting point', as the Gods had called it. The Gods. Back again, to wreak more havoc on her life, not even a century after they had left it. Apparently, her trick of tearing open their world wasn't even going to kill them.
At least she had her old levels of power back. Though if she was honest, the burden was already beginning to take its toll. She felt tired, like she hadn't slept in weeks. Her limbs were heavy, yet that roiling mass inside her bones would not let her sleep or rest. She had to keep moving.
A flash of light through the trees, and Aelin grabbed Rowan's arm. He was immediately there, flanking her, his eyes locking with hers. What? Aelin read the message in his eyes, the worry and weariness underlying it.
Up ahead, a clearing? Rowan nodded, considering the idea, then,
I'll go check it out. Stay here. Aelin shook her head violently, they had to stay together. She would not take the risk of him being snatched away from her in a world that wasn't even her own.
Relenting, Rowan nodded his agreement. They would both go.