author's note: Sorry for the very short chapter, the next one will be longer :)
"I didn't know you could do that." was the first thing he said, and I laughed/coughed as I ducked my head as I came to stand next to him by the tree.
"Well, I hardly knew I could myself." I said, my voice sounding strange even to my ears.
"What do you mean?" he asked and I shrugged, quick to change the conversation.
"Nevermind. Did you figure out where to sleep?"
"I did. "
"Oh, good."
An awkward silence reigned, and for some reason it was difficult all of a sudden to speak. Asterix kicked at a stray pebble on the ground and looked like his usual broody self again. I felt embarrassed about the dance, like I had shared something far too private. I tucked some dark hair behind my ear nervously, sighing.
"Well, good night." I said, and walked away.
What I didn't see was Asterix removing his helmet and bending down to the grass at his feet, where he used it to carefully scoop up the pale blue flower that had fallen from my hair.
The next morning, I did not wake at dawn because of reflexes – but because of the throbbing pain in my leg. I drew the blanket over my head and cursed whatever deity could be held responsible for my ails. I only had myself to blame of course – especially after the dance last night.
I had been far too reckless as of late.
I realized that in order to heal I had no other option. I would have to ride the horse today if I wanted to keep going on our journey.
It was not that I didn't know how – far from it, but I could only blame bad memories for so long before it became ridiculous. With a deep sigh, I made my way to the stables after a quick breakfast.
"So, are you two coming or what?"
Asterix and Obelix both looked up from where they had been sitting on the grass by the edge of the village. I had mounted the horse, not needing a saddle. I had a slack grip on its long mane, needing nothing else to keep me balanced and steady. Obelix scratched his head, looking confused.
"This is new – I thought you said the horse wasn't yours to keep." he said and I scoffed, and the horse mimicked me by snorting and flicking his tail in annoyance.
"It isn't – but needs must, and my leg needs rest. You think you can keep up?" I asked as I began walking the horse out of the village. Asterix walked alongside me, having no business to look so smug, a mischievous glint in his eyes. There was something admirable about that – his refusal to ever be intimidated by me. Annoying, but admirable.
"Don't worry about that. What I'm more concerned about is the fact that you still haven't named him." he said and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Oh shut up."
Obelix walked a few paces behind us, hands clasped behind his back as he followed – a confused and bewildered expression still on his face that had nothing to do with the horse.