Chapter 6

Carefully treading through the snow, Stahl tried to keep his footsteps from crunching audibly against the frozen powder. Breathing out, he watched as his breath turned to smoke in the winter air. Surveying the picturesque forest, he looked for any signs of an animal that was braving the weather to venture outside.

A small hunting party had been dispatched to add to the camp's stock of food, and seeing how much he ate, Stahl had volunteered to be part of it. The hunt also gave him an excuse to test out his bowmanship. Virion's advice on his technique had helped, and Stahl was eager to see how much he'd improved.

Opting out of wearing his usual armor, Stahl wore clothes more suitable for sneaking through the woods. Knee high boots and light pants, coupled with a forest green tunic. To help blend in with the scenery, and to keep himself warm, a pale cloak was draped around his shoulders. He impatiently flicked the cloak aside as he drew an arrow from quiver slung across his back.

Drawing the bowstring, Stahl knocked an arrow, ready to let it fly at the first thing he saw. A slight movement caught his attention and as a twig cracked, he quickly spun around and found the point of his arrow aimed at Cherche's face.

Gasping, he lowered the weapon and burst out an apology. "Oh gods, Cherche forgive me. I didn't mean to, I could have skewered you. Oh gods."

Laughing, Cherche offered Stahl an easy smile. "I think I should be apologizing. Sneaking up on a hunter like I did. But it's lucky that Minerva wasn't around. She would have been upset."

Chuckling nervously, Stahl internally thanked whatever deity had averted that crisis, and tucked the arrow back into the pouch. "But what brings you over? I thought the group split up to cover more ground."

"Sir Frederick managed to catch a bear, though he didn't seem too pleased about it. But he thinks that kill should be enough to stay the camp." Tilting her head towards the general direction of camp, she offered her hand to him. "Time to head back."

Nodding, he took her gloved hand in his and began the trek back. They admired the scenery in silence, the only sound marking their journey the beating wings of birds who took flight was the pair passed beneath the trees.

Walking by a frozen bank, snow drifts piled by the shores, Stahl noted that they were still a ways from the camp. Apparently he'd traveled a bit farther into the woods than he'd imagined. Mulling over his own thoughts, he didn't hear the initial crack. It was only when on foot broke the surface of the ice did Stahl realize he was falling into the icy river. Letting go of Cherche's hand, he did his best to shove her away from the patch of ice. But no sooner had his chest gone level with the water did he find that Cherche had grabbed onto his arms and was struggling to drag him to the surface. The slick ice was doing nothing to help her, and with every step she scrambled backwards, she lost twice as much ground.

"Let me go!" He was terrified of getting sucked into the churning water, but didn't want the same fate for Cherche. "Please, get out of here!"

Gritting her teeth, Cherche ignored his pleas. "I'm not leaving you!" She desperately looked behind her, searching for a solution. As risky as it was, she pulled out a small silver axe and lodged it into the ice, a solid thud resounding on impact. Praying that it would hold, she lay down on the ice, and used her free arm to slowly tug Stahl out of the water.

Their progress was slow and difficult, and after what seemed like hours, Stahl managed to haul himself onto solid ground.

Gasping from the cold and shock, he threw off his sopping cloak, half thanking Cherche for saving him and doing his best not to yell at her for risking her life for him. She wiped the freezing water from his face, constantly telling him it was fine, they were fine.

She covered him in her own cloak, brushing off his protests and doing her best to keep him warm. She was saved from the worry of figuring out how to get them both back to camp when Frederick galloped into view, his steed managing to navigate the snow with little problem.

"I heard calls for help, are you unharmed?" But glancing at Stahl, he answered his own question. Getting off his horse, he tossed Stahl on the saddle, much to the other's embarrassment.

"I'm fine, I can get on a horse myself." Stahl grasped the reins with his trembling hands, fighting off the shivers coursing through his body and doing his best to glare at his superior.

Rolling her eyes, Cherche took the reins from him. "We're okay. Thank you for showing up Sir Frederick. And if you don't mind, I can lead us back to camp."

Nodding, Frederick wished them a safe trip back, adding that he would meet them back at base once he gathered the rest of the hunting party. Offering Cherche his cloak, he set off.

Alone again, Cherche tugged at the reins, setting a steady pace. They made quick progress, and soon they were back at camp. Calling for a medic, Cherche dropped Stahl off at the nearest medical tent, gently removing his wet clothes and helping him dry off. The medic present confirmed that with rest and warmth Stahl would be fine.

After wrapping him in blankets, Cherche promised to return with hot food. Stahl made a muffled reply, which Cherche assumed was a yes.

Minutes later she returned, and softly called out. "Stahl? Are you still awake?" She was greeted with silence. A glance at his face showed that he was not, and setting the food aside, Cherche stood by his resting form, gently brushing aside a stray lock of his hair. Smiling, she pressed her lips against his temple.

AN: Looking back, chapter 3, 4 and 5 were all 597 words long. Weird. Anyways, thank you for reading and feel free to request a pair or scenario!

xXEndlessSkyXx: I think the pacing feel apart towards the end, but I hope it's alright. Stahl's one of my favorites too, and I'm glad you've liked the chapters so far!

Guest: It was fun writing it! ^^ If you have any other interactions shoot me a message!