Celine walked next to Chris, with her hand in his. He was almost dragging her along, as she began to fall back from the group a little bit. It had been a long day, ever since they'd left in the morning they'd been up and down the mountain; if it wasn't a new stream or rock bridge, it was a new cave opening, or a new berry to taste. If they weren't already moving, she would've been asleep long ago.
Claude was behind them, walking slightly slower due to the fact that he was carrying Rena on his back. She silently slept with her head on his shoulder. They too had a long day, and it was compounded due to lack of sleep. Neither of them regretted the time they'd stayed awake, however. Claude looked up at her, beaming. He felt ever so connected now, more so then ever. He felt he could feel her dreams.
"Chris, how close is the camp?" Celine asked, pleadingly.
"We're almost there. Soon we'll be back at our home-away-from-castle."
Claude rolled his eyes. I think he just does that because he knows I live in Arlia, he thought to himself. No matter. I like the small city lifestyle; it's sort of growing on me. And as long as I'm with Rena, it doesn't matter where I live, just so long as when I wake up in the morning I'll see her there.
Walking up a slightly steep hill, they walked to the kitchen area and poured some tea. At that point, they began to realize that Chisato and Ashton hadn't been with them all day long.
"Where you do you suppose they could be?" Rena asked.
"No clue, dear," Celine answered. "Perhaps they went on an adventure of their own, neh?"
"I guess, but wouldn't we have seen them by now?" Chris interjected. "I mean, we must've been up and down this mountain at least five times now."
"I suppose so," Celine responded. "Maybe they just turned in early?"
Claude ran his fingers through Rena's hair. She was asleep in the chair next to him, leaning to use him as a headrest. "All I know is, I'm dead tired, and so is Rena. I think we should all turn in. Ashton and Chisato are big people, they can fend for themselves."
Celine nodded and helped Chris up off of his chair. Together they walked slowly back to their tent.
Claude sat for a second in the chair. Rena…you look so peaceful when you sleep. Do I make you happy? He kissed her on the forehead, then picked her up. To sleep, my little Rena…tomorrow is another day for us.
Rena now safe in his arms, he walked slowly back to his tent.
~