Roald remembers these paths clearly, despite the fact that it has been years since he's last ridden them. He halts his horse, taking in the scene before him.
Last time, he recalls, Lianne had been riding with him as his newly wed bride. They both had been young, carefree, and in love. Roald can still remember wanting to ride slowly and enjoy the peaceful quiet of the afternoon. Lianne had ridden by his side, talking softly with him for some time before glancing playfully at him from beneath lowered lashes and taking off at a slow gallop without warning. He had watched with surprise as his lively young wife had slowed to a stop and turned to look coyly back at him, daring him to pursue her. Quick as a wink, she had set off again at a canter, a breeze carrying her gentle laughter back to Roald as he urged his own horse into pursuit.
A faint breeze ruffles the leaves, teasing Roald with a sense of fresh air. He breathes deeply and can almost swear that he hears Lianne's laugh floating across the ravine, as it did over twenty years ago. Roald kicks his horse into a gallop and rides to Lianne for the last time.