Chapter 19:
Elysia carried the dress in her arms. It was in a box, so it was extra heavy. She had dug a hole she could put it in until it was safe to get it back. She dropped it in the hole, and quickly buried it.
She returned to the campsite. Christian was there, cooking some animal he had caught. "What's supper?" she asked. "Squirrel," he answered, "It took two hours to catch him." Elysia smiled, "Then it will probably be delicious."
They had lived there almost two weeks. Christian would move them each day further into the woods, as to be farther from the soldiers. Elysia played with her squirrel meat, before chewing it. Christian smiled, "Have you ever had this before?" "Once," she answered, "But my father didn't know how to cook it."
"My father wanted to go camping, to get the experience. We ended up under a tree, trying to get out of the rain." Christian chuckled, "Sounds fun." she nodded, "It got better in the end." he smiled, continuing to eat.
The next morning, Elysia helped clear the campsite, and she packed bags while Christian grabbed a container to get water. Everything seemed fine, Elysia was putting away meat. Her ears perked up as she heard a twig on the ground break. She turned around to meet the eyes of a wolf. It was snow white, blue-eyed and wild looking.
Elysia became motionless, speechless. The wolf walked over, growling. Elysia began easing back, trying to find an escape. But unfortunately, the wolf was impatient. Elysia broke into a ruin, as the wolf chased her. She began screaming for Christian, hoping he'd hear her.
Suddenly, her foot caught on a branch. She hit the ground quickly trying to get up, but forced down by it's claws. She was sure she would die, when she heard it whimper and land behind her.
Christian, who had killed the beast, was now over her. "Elysia," he cried, "Are you ok?" Elysia, however, was now passed out, with small cuts on her face and arms, with a large cut on her shoulder. Christian hoisted her up, heading back to the campsite. He grabbed one of the sleeping bags, and several blankets, putting her on top and under blankets. He carefully built a small sleigh and placed her on it with the stuff, beginning to carry her along.
It had been almost late none before they had arrived at the campsite. Elysia had been shivering and was quickly growing pale. Christian set up camp, putting her by the fire he had built. He started cooking, and she woke up. "Christian," she rasped out, "What happened to me?" "The wolf, he luckily didn't hurt you to bad, but… you have a serious cut on your arm, and we have to stop it from infecting."
Elysia sighed, "I should have stayed back, rather than be a burden to you…" "Don't say those things," he said, "You are no burden." "But I am," she said, "I know you could survive by yourself, but you have to take care of me too. I should just go…"
Christian placed a finger to her lips. "No," he said, "No…" he dug in his pocket, finding a piece of paper. "I…I was going to sing this at our wedding, I wrote it for you. But, I think this is a fitting time." he pulled it out and began singing.
Where do I begin?
O tell the story of how great life can be
The sweet love story that is older than the sea
The simple truth about the love she brings to me
Where do I start?
With her first hello! She gave me meaning
To this empty world of mine
There'd never be another love, another time.
She came into life and made a living fine
She fills my heart
She fills my heart
She fills my life with very special things
Where angels soar, with wild imaginings
She fills my soul with so much love,
That anywhere I go, I'm never lonely
With her along, who could be lonely? I reach for her hand,
It's always there…
How long does it last? Can love be measured by
The hours in a day?
I have no answers now, but this much I can say
I know I'll need her till the stars all turn away
And she'll be there…
And she'll be there.
Elysia felt tears fall, as she reached out and touched his cheek. "I love you Christian," she said. He smiled and squeezed her hand on his face, "I love you more. Now rest, and get your strength back." Elysia smiled, falling back to sleep.