Daniel


The fire crackled in the old wooden stove; warmth radiating from its belly. David cozied himself on the straw bed; leaning against the wooden wall. Regina sat down the opposite end; her legs crossed and a fur cover pulled over her legs. A wistful smile grazed David's lips. "Now Daniel."

Regina leant forward, blinking twice.

David inhaled deeply taking in the scent of burning wood and pine. His eyes closed briefly before reopening. "Daniel Colter right? His family were the renowned horse keepers. We grew up together, as all farm kids do. Got muddy and caused lots of mischief ," his head rolled back as he chuckled, before his gaze re-found Regina's. "That seems like a life time ago." David stretched his legs out. "He was skilled with horses, not just riding. He could calm even the most spooked of horses."

A small smile graced Regina's lips, "that sounds like my Daniel."

David scratched his head. "Around 16 he was sent off to work for some nobles," he paused. "I guess that was you? I didn't see him much after that!" His arms crossed his chest and eyes lowered. "Except occasionally at the markets." His eyes suddenly brightened as he leant forward. "Wait!"

"What is it?" Regina's brows furrowed as she shuffled.

"You're her! The woman he was going to marry! He told me."

"He did?"

He relaxed back into the wall, "At the markets. I think it was the last time I saw him. I told him he was dreaming to marry a noble." His eyes fell to the bed. His voice cracking as a hard lump formed in his throat, "I'm sorry Regina…"

Her head lowered, he could see the quiver of her lip and the glisten of her eyes.

Instinctively, David reached for her hand, his larger hand blanketing hers. This time she didn't flinch at his contact. He squeezed. "I shouldn't have brought it up."

Regina sniffed, using the back of her free hand she wiped the tears that had formed away. "No. Thank you!" She said as she swallowed, "it's nice to hear about Daniel from someone else. That he was seen as the kind person I knew him as".

David's gaze turned away, his chest tightened as his heart sank for Regina. After a brief pause, he returned his focus towards her. Their eyes locking as a small quirk appeared onto his lips, "he was a good egg".

Regina shook her head as she huffed out a chuckle. "It's getting late."

"We should get some shut eye."

A small grin graced her lips. "Just because we are braiding each others hair, doesn't mean you get to finish my sentences." Her chin raised as her eyes twinkled.

"Hmmm. No promises". David positioned himself onto the bed, his arms resting on his hands folded behind his head, and his legs out stretched but sitting on top of one another.

Regina laid beside him, she had the pillow down the foot of the bed. Turned to her side she faced the wall. She pulled the covers up and over herself.

Within minutes the only sounds that could be heard were the subtle rise and fall of breathing, the scurrying of wild critters and the whistle of the wind blowing past the cabin.