Raewyn winced occasionally as she did.
Anya pressed her fingers gently against his shoulder.
Raewyn took a long sip of tea and tried not to hiss.
Anya leaned in slightly to inspect the bruising a little better.
It was coming up heavily now, a large purple bruise covering his shoulder and upper arm.
Her fingers traced down his arm, pressing lightly.
He grimaced, and took a long sip of tea again.
Anya continued to rub the poultice on his bruises, and was soon finished.
"Thanks," Raewyn said. He slowly began putting the shirt back on.
She nodded in return, sitting back a few feet from him.
He soon got it on and went back to his tea, taking long, slow sips.
Anya poured herself a cup of tea, and sipped it quietly.
Raewyn soon finished his and set his cup aside. He rubbed his shoulder gently.
"Is the poultice helping any?" Anya asked quietly as she took another sip of her tea.
"Starting to, yeah." He said.
She nodded. "That's good."
"Yeh," Raewyn said.
Anya took a long sip of tea and leaned back, becoming more relaxed.
Raewyn got up and went to his horse to get out their food.
Anya watched him, her eyes on his shoulder and arm as she sat up.
Raewyn got out some potatoes and a package of fish, and, cradling them gently in the crook of his shoulder, came back to the fireside and sat down. "Would you be able to peel the potatoes?"
She nodded. "Of course."
He handed them over to her, along with a small knife.
Anya took the potatoes in her hands, then the knife. She situated herself before starting to peel them.
Raewyn put the fish slices on rocks next to the fire.
Anya worked at a fair pace, and held out the peeled potato. "Where would you like me to set them?"
'How do you want them? Boiled, mashed, scalloped?' he asked.
She thought for a moment before answering. "Scalloped." Anya answered.
Raewyn nodded. 'Can you slice them lengthwise, then?'
"Of course." She nodded and started to slice the peeled potatoes.
Raewyn fetched a pan.
Anya continued to peel then slice the potatoes.
He put the pan down next to the fire.
"Shall I put them in the pan directly?" She asked.
'Yes please,' he said, moving it over o her.
Anya put the slices of potato in the pan as she went back to slicing up another peeled potato.
Raewyn put one of the fish filets on them.
After a few minutes, Anya had some more sliced pieces.
Raewyn helped her lay them out, and put the fish over them as well.
Soon, Anya peeled the final potato and had finished slicing it as well.
Raewyn put the pan at the edge of the fire.
Anya watched as she wiped off her hands.
'We'll leave that to grill for a bit,' he said.
"Alright." She said nodding.
Raewyn sat back and waited.
Anya leaned back once more, and looked upwards towards the trees.
After a coupe of hours, the meal was ready. Raewyn put a filet of fish and some potatoes on two plates and handed one to her. The potatoes were dripping with juices from the fish, and had picked up their flavour.
Anya took the plate, her eyes on the food.
Raewyn began eating, quite careful about cutting his fish with his injured shoulder.
Anya began to eat as well. The food was delicious, and she had a small smile on her face as she ate.
Raewyn glanced up at her and smiled to himself. 'Well, I know my cooking is a success, at any rate.'
Anya laughed slightly. "It is very good." She agreed.
'Thank you,' he said. 'Usually I'm transporting nobles who turn their noses up at my cooking.'
"Nobles aren't generally used to eating in our situation." She spoke quietly, choosing her words carefully.
He nodded. 'All too true.'
Anya nodded again, a small smile on her face.
Raewyn finished his food after a short while and laid his plate aside.
Anya finished a few minutes after him and set her plate next to her.
Raewyn stood. 'I'll get the dishes done.'
She looked up at him as he stood. "Alright." Anya said nodding.
He took their dishes and the pan, and then went to wash them in the river nearby.
Anya watched as he walked away. She pulled her knees up to her chest and looked at the fire.
It was calm in this part of the forest. Small sounds indicated where animals passed amongst the trees, and occasionally an owl hooted.
Anya kept her eyes on the fire, watching the flames crackle and sway. Her mind was elsewhere, and she was off on her own thoughts.
Raewyn came back after a short while and took a seat.
Anya was still of in her own thoughts, her face still facing the fire.
'...Penny for your thoughts?' he said after a while.
"Just thoughts of nature..." She answered quietly.
'Anything particularly insightful or witty?' he asked.
Anya shook her head. "Possibly... "
'Well, go ahead and share,' Raewyn said, with a small smile.
"More or less about the forest..." She answered.
'And?' he asked.
"Just, thinking of how it changes." She finished quietly.
He nodded. 'I've been thinking about that, too. I'll have to redraw my maps, notify major towns, do a bit more exploring...'
"Does it change often?"
He shook his head. 'Usually it's minor things, like having to detour slightly because a tree fell across the path, or a forest fire wiping out an area in extreme cases. This...this hasn't happened before.'
Anya frowned. "Is there anything that could have caused such movement?"
'All I can think of is the dryads, but I never thought they'd have that type of power,' he said.
Anya shrugged slightly, unsure of what to say.
He was silent for several moments.
Anya was silent as well, staring at the fire in front of them.
He stood up eventually. 'Well, we might as well get some sleep.'
"Alright." She agreed, standing up after him.
Raewyn led her to the tent.
Anya followed him quietly.
He went inside and too off his boots, sword and cloak for bed, then got into his bedroll.
Anya took off her cape, before removing her small side bag and her bow and quiver.
Raewyn lay in bed for a while, looking up at the roof of the tent, lost in thought.
Anya was on her side, her back to him as she curled up slightly in a ball.
Eventually, Raewyn fell asleep.
Along with her falling asleep as well.
The next morning saw Raewyn up early, pouring over his maps with a pen and inkwell and crossing out various paths in the area where the dryads had been.
Anya yawned as she sat up, her hair messed up and sticking out slightly as she stretched her arms.
He looked over at her. 'Morning.'
"'Quel amrun." She said softly, rubbing her eyes.
'If you say so,' he said, turning back to his maps.
After a few moments, Anya realized she spoke in Elfish. "Good morning..." She repeated quietly before brushing her fingers through her hair.
'Feel like breakfast?' Raewyn asked.
"Breakfast sounds good." She answered.
Raewyn nodded, collected his things, and went outside. He set about lighting a fire.
Anya pulled her hair back into a low ponytail before following him out.
Once the fire was lit, Raewyn went back to the maps to give the fire time to get hot enough to cook.
Anya looked around before stretching once more.
After a short while, Raewyn rolled up the map and stopper his inkbottle. 'So, how did you sleep?'
"Quite well, and yourself?" She answered, turning to look at him over her shoulder.
'Well enough, when I remembered not to sleep on my left side,' Raewyn said, with a slight smile.
"That's good." She agreed, nodding and coming to sit next to him.
"Would you like me to look at it?" Anya asked quietly.
'If you don't mind,' Raewyn said.
Anya nodded, and gave him a small smile. "I'll take a look now."
Raewyn lifted his shirt slowly. His shoulder was heavily bruised and slightly swollen.
Anya lightly touched his shoulder, poking slightly in certain spots. "We need to put more poultice on it..." She said quietly.
Raewyn, who was wincing, nodded. 'Yeah, probably.'
"Apologies." She said, pulling her hands back. "I didn't mean to make it hurt more."
'That's fine,' he said.
Anya looked away. "I'll go collect some more herbs."
The fire was now hot enough, and he began making eggs and tea as he waited.
Ten minutes later, Anya returned with quite a few different herbs in her arms.
Raewyn looked up with her, transferring he omelettes to plates. 'Welcome back did any trees move while you were gone?'
She shook her head. "Not that caught my attention."
'Good to know,' he said.
Anya nodded again, before sitting next to him once more and setting the herbs down in front of her.
'Want to eat first?' Raewyn said.
She nodded slowly. "If you don't mind."
He nodded and handed her one of the plates.
Anya took the plate and nodded thanks to him.
He nodded in return and began eating.
Anya started to eat as well.
Soon, Raewyn was finished.
She was finished a few moments later.
He put the plates to one side.
Anya picked up the herbs once more, looking at each one thoroughly.
Raewyn looked over them, and helped her pick some out.
Anya set the ones he had picked out to the side, closer to Raewyn as she set the others further from him.
They soon got through all of them, and Raewyn began preparing water to make the poultice with.
Anya went and put what they didn't need her bag as she waited for him.
Raewyn began shredding the herbs into the water.
She watched him quietly.
'Can you mash these into a poultice, please?' Raewyn asked.
"Of course." She said nodding.
He handed the pestle to her.
Anya began to mash the herbs like he had asked her to.
He waited.
Soon, she was finished.
Raewyn waited for her to apply it.
After a moment, Anya began to apply it gently on his shoulder.
He sat still, wincing occasionally.
Her face was close to his shoulder, inspecting the bruises as she continued to rub the poultice on
There were faint markings on it like long, twig-like fingers where the dryad had grabbed him.
Anya frowned as she ran a finger down the faint markings.
Raewyn winced, and let out a faint hiss.
Anya pulled her hand away instantly, her eyes locking onto his. "S-Sorry..." She said quietly.
'No, don't be,' he said. 'Almost done?'
"Almost." She said softly, going back to putting the poultice on. A moment later, she was done. "There."
'Thanks,' Raewyn aid. He rolled his shoulder experimentally, and then pulled his shirt on.
Anya turned away from him, a slight frown on her face. "Were the markings there last night?" She asked.
'I think so, faintly,' Raewyn said.
"I didn't notice them then." Anya said softly.
'Maybe they only came up this morning. The bruising expanded a little, I think,' he said.
"It did, down your arm." She agreed.
'Maybe that's just it, then,' Raewyn said.
"Maybe." She said quietly, her back still to him.
After a few moments, Raewyn stood. 'Well, we might as well pack up.'
"Of course." She said, standing as well.
Raewyn began taking down the tent. 'Can you clear up the dishes and the fire?'
"Yes." Anya nodded, turning to the first to start putting it out and collecting their plates.
Soon, Raewyn had packed away the tent, and looked at his map again.
Anya had put out the fire, and had packed up the dishes, and was pulling her cloak back onto her shoulders.
Raewyn tucked the map into his belt and put his cloak and sword on, then got his horse and began leading them off.
Anya followed swiftly after him.
Raewyn led her through the forest, looking at the map occasionally.
She was quiet as she followed, looking around at the trees for anything suspicious.
The forest was as usual, with nothing to hint at strange goings-on.
Her face turned into a slight frown, but she remained quiet as she kept an eye.
Raewyn rubbed his shoulder occasionally as they went.
She remained quiet, not overly sure what to say.
'So,' Raewyn asked after a short while, 'how good are you at defending yourself?'
"I am well skilled with my bow." She answered, looking at him.
'If you set up a target, do you think you could show me?' he asked.
"I can."
Her answered was short, yet polite.
Raewyn gestured for her to go ahead.
Anya was quiet as she veered off to the side of the path, searching for a few moments before coming back with a few red berries in her hand. Going towards a large tree trunk, she kneeled in front of it, smearing the berries in a small spot in the centre of the trunk. She walked back towards the path, taking a stance a little ways away. She looked over her shoulder at Raewyn, before pulling off her bow and pulling a bow out of the quiver. She knocked the arrow before pulling it back as she readied her shot.
Raewyn watched.
Anya was still for a moment as she took aim at the trunk. She inhaled deeply and held it for a second before exhaling and letting go of her arrow as she did so.
He continued watching.
She released the arrow, watching as it flew to the tree trunk, hitting the centre of the makeshift target she had made.
'Nicely done,' Raewyn said, clearly impressed. 'Now pretend you only had a few seconds to aim and shoot.'
Anya pulled another arrow out of her quiver and knocked it quickly, aiming and shooting again, the arrow landing a few centimetres from the first.
'Very good,' he said. 'I might need your help for the next little while, at least until my shoulder heals.'
Anya walked up to the target, and pulled out her arrows, nodding to him. "Of course."
'Thanks,' Raewyn said.
She bowed her head slightly to him in silence.
'Hopefully we won't get attacked again,' he said, with a small smile.
"Hopefully." She said, a small smile on her face as she turned back to the horse to pet him.
The horse snorted contentedly.
She continued to pat his head, a smile on her face.
Raewyn smiled a bit. 'Well, we should probably go.'
Anya nodded. "Yes, let's go."
Raewyn took the horse's reins and led the way down the trail.
Anya stayed next to Sebastian as they walked.
Raewyn walked in silence.
Anya was quiet as well.
They got to a point in the trail where the path narrowed and banks rose up on either side. Raewyn slowed down warily.
Anya slowed her pace as well, looking around them.
'...Get out your bow, just in case,' he said. 'I don't like the look of that path very well.'
She nodded, staying silent as she pulled out her bow.
Raewyn kept his hand on his sword and moved through the area slowly, scanning the trees and bushes to either side.
Anya looked upwards at the trees, staying silent as she fell behind the horse.
Sure enough, midway across the clearing the brush on either side of the trail exploded and twelve bandits jumped down at them. On the narrow trail, fighting was difficult and the advantage was with the bandits, who rushed straight at the pair.
Anya gasped slightly as she reached back for an arrow, pulling it out quickly and trying to knock it.
A bandit noticed, but so did Raewyn; he slashed at the bandit, drawing his attention away and opening up a line of fire for Anya.
Anya pulled back her bow, aimed and shot at a bandit, aiming for his chest.
The arrow buried itself deep and the bandit pitched forward. Raewyn used the opportunity to stab someone who had been behind the first bandit before spinning around to face the attackers in front of him.
Anya turned on her heel, turning as she pulled out another arrow. She pulled it back and aimed for another bandit.
Raewyn slashed at a bandit near him, but stumbled slightly as he did.
Anya shot the second bandit and pulled out a third arrow. Knocking it, she turned again towards the front. "Raewyn, be careful!" She said aiming once again.
Raewyn grunted in reply, pulling his sword up in a two-handed arc to block an overhead attack from a bandit. He ducked, sending the bandit stumbling, and slashed him across his middle.
Anya aimed for the bandit that was trying to sneak up after the one Raewyn was fighting. She released the arrow, a frown now on her face.
The bandit fell, knocking over another, who Raewyn stabbed. By now the remaining bandits spread out, wary. 'We just want your money,' one of them said. 'We'll leave you be.'
'Well, sorry, but I'm not planning on handing any over,' Raewyn said.
Anya glared at the bandits, and slowly reached up to pull out another arrow from her quiver.
The bandits fell back towards the foliage; clearly deciding that they were too tough a target. Raewyn watched them sharply.
Anya glared at them, watching silently.
'Come on,' Raewyn said, after a few moments. He took Sebastian's reins again and started off.
Anya let go of the arrow that was in her hand, and pulled her bow over her shoulder as she followed silently.
Raewyn kept a tight hold on his sword until they were well away from the bandits, at which point he sheathed it and slowed. He put his hand to his injured shoulder gingerly.
Anya came up behind him and gently placed her hand on his arm. "Is your shoulder okay?" She asked.
'No. It feels weak,' he admitted.
"We should probably look at it again." She said with a small frown.
Raewyn nodded. 'We'll find a good place to stop.'
"Alright." Anya agreed, taking her hand off of his arm and falling back next to Sebastian once again.
Raewyn walked on until the forest widened out beside a pond; a large stone rested on the bank, and Raewyn made his way over to it, sitting down and massaging his shoulder gently.
Anya followed him, remaining quiet as she sat next to him. After a moment, she spoke. "Here, let me look."
He took his cape and shirt off, grunting occasionally with pain. The bruise had spread down the front and back of his shoulder now, the fingers of the dryad more pronounced.
Anya's frown deepened as she gently placed her fingers along the bruising. "It's spreading. Quite badly from the looks of it. The marks weren't as pronounced as this morning as well."
Raewyn drew his fingers away from her touch. 'It feels a bit worse, too,' he admitted.
Anya pulled her hands from his arm and shoulder and reached down to her medicine pouch. "I have enough herbs to make a little more poultice. But we need to get to a town here soon. You need a doctor." Her words were quiet, but serious.
'If you get my maps, I'll look for some nearby,' he said.
"Alright." She said, standing and going to Sebastian. She came back a few minutes later, maps in hand.
Raewyn spread them out, holding them loosely with his right hand, and poured over them. 'Well, we're not far from Callodin. It's about a week's ride away,' he said.
"Can you manage that long?" She asked quietly, her eyes on the bruising.
Raewyn nodded. 'Should be able to. You'll have to help with some things, but it shouldn't be much of a problem.'
"That's fine with me." Anya said nodding.
Raewyn gave her a small smile. 'Well, then, let's get this poultice on and get back on the road. I don't want this week to last any longer than necessary.
Understood." She said starting to pull out herbs and checking what she would need.
Anya was finished a little while later, and was ready to apply it to his shoulder.
Raewyn braced himself, gritting his teeth.
Anya gently started to smear it on his shoulder.
Raewyn winced, and sank his teeth into his lip.
Anya frowned at his reaction, but continued to smear it down his arm.
Raewyn took deep breaths as she did, looking fixedly at the opposite side of the pond.
Soon, she had finished smearing it on his arm, and was gently smearing it on the back of his shoulder.
He turned to let her do so, though he still winced often.
When she was finished with that, she pulled away. "There." She said softly.
'Thanks,' Raewyn said. He put on his shirt and cloak gingerly.
Anya stood up, cleaning her hands and nodding. "Your welcome." She turned and walked back to Sebastian, and petted him.
Sebastian nuzzled his nose against her lightly.
"Hey boy." She said softly. "Would you like an apple?"
Sebastian snorted in response.
Anya smiled and reached for her bag. Grabbing it, she reached inside and pulled out two apples. "Here you go boy." She said, offering one to the horse.
Sebastian ate one happily, the hairs on his muzzle tickling her palm lightly. When he was done, he nosed her pockets for others.
"Ah ah ah." She said, shaking her head. "This one's for me." Anya held the apple away from him and pulled her bag back onto Sebastian's back before turning to go back to Raewyn.
Sebastian snorted after her, and began grazing on some grass.
Anya sat down next to Raewyn again and held out the apple. "Want it?"
'Yeah, thanks,' he said, taking it in his good hand and taking a bite. 'You know, Sebastian's going to expect another apple from you now. He thinks you owe him one.'
"I'll give him another one when we reach Callodin. " She said with a small smile.
'You'd better,' Raewyn said, with a slight grin. 'He's got an amazing memory for these sorts of things.'
"I promise to." Anya smiled back at him.
Raewyn nodded and went back to his apple.
Anya sat next to him in silence.
Soon Raewyn was done, and he stood up slowly. 'Well, we might as well continue on.'
"Yes, let's go then." She agreed, standing after him.
Raewyn took Sebastian's reins and started walking.
Anya followed behind the horse.
Raewyn referred to the map regularly as they walked.
Anya was quiet as she watched around them.
Raewyn sighed about an hour into their journey. 'It might take a bit longer than a week to get there.'
"Because of the changing forest?" She asked.
He nodded. 'Those dryads changed so much around that I can't trust the map right now. I'll have to plan an alternate route.'
"I see. " Anya said looking down.
'It might take a while to get there as we figure out a new route,' he said, with a sigh. 'Might be easier just to go somewhere else.'
"What others towns are nearby then?" She asked, looking up at him once more.
'Not many, unfortunately,' he said. 'Unless we go the other way.'
"I see." Anya said with a frown.
'It'll still take about a month on foot, though,' he said. 'We're in a sparsely populated area here. We can try to move faster, though.'
"Alright." She spoke softly, looking around at the forest surrounding them once again.
Raewyn rolled up the map and continued on. He turned off the main trail to travel west after walking for a short time.
Anya followed behind the horse quietly, still looking around them as they went.
They eventually stopped that night. 'If I gather firewood, could you light the fire?' Raewyn asked her.
"Sure." She said nodding.
'Thanks,' Raewyn said, giving her a small smile. He handed the horse's reins to her and went to gather firewood, tucking it under his good arm and taking it back and forth in small batches.
Anya watched for a few minutes before going to tie Sebastian up and starting on the fire.
Raewyn drew more logs over so that he wouldn't have to get more, and then got some food out for them.
By then, Anya had the fire started, and was poking at it to keep it going.
'Hmm. How does fish soup sound tonight?' he asked.
"That's fine with me. Do you need help cooking?" She asked in return.
Raewyn gave her another small smile. 'If you don't mind.'
Anya smiled back at him Raewyn. "Not at all."
'Can you help me cut everything?' he asked.
"Of course." She nodded.
'Thanks,' he said, handing her fish and vegetables for her to cut them into.
Anya took them, and began to cut the fish first.
Raewyn got some water for the pot.
Soon, Anya was finished cutting the fish and she started to cut the vegetables
Raewyn poured water in the pot slowly.
After a few minutes, Anya was also finished with the vegetables. "Here" She said softly.
'Thanks,' he said. He put a tripod over the fire awkwardly and hung the pot from it to boil.
Anya watched quietly, making sure it wouldn't spill.
Raewyn watched the pot as well.
She kept quiet for a while, unsure of what to say.
Raewyn, too, was silent.
She watched the fire as it crackled.
The soup boiled, and gave off a fragrant aroma.
Anya looked over at Raewyn.
'Nearly ready,' he said.
"It smells really good." She commented.
Raewyn smiled a little. 'One of my favourites. Mum made it as a special treat sometimes.'
"Ah, I see." She said smiling slightly.
Soon, it was ready. Raewyn got out bowls and spoons, and ladled it out.
Anya thanked him when she received a bowl.
'Welcome,' he said, and began eating his.
Anya began to eat hers as well.
Raewyn ate slowly, savouring it.
Anya was quiet as she ate.
Eventually, Raewyn finished.
Not too long after, Anya was finished as well.
'So how was it?' Raewyn asked.
"Delicious." She said with a small smile.
He smiled. "Thanks. It took me a long time to get the recipe right.
"Did it now?" She mused.
'I think so,' he said.
Anya leaned back once more and looked up at the sky.
Raewyn took the dishes to wash them.
Anya looked over at him for a moment before looking back up at the sky.
Raewyn came back after a while.
Anya was watching the sky. "Do you think it'll rain?" She asked quietly.
He glanced up at the sky. 'Yeah, I think so.'
"I see. Rain will be refreshing." She said.
He nodded. 'This area needs it.'
"It does." After that she was quiet.
He was quiet as well, watching the fire.
Anya stayed silent, listening to the fire as she continued to watch the sky.
In the distance, thunder rumbled. Raewyn stood up. 'We should put out the fire.'
Anya sat up. "Alright." She said after a moment.
Raewyn poured water over it
Anya stood up and stretched slightly.
'Can you help me get the tent set up?' he asked.
"Yes." Anya responded nodding.
'Thanks,' Raewyn said. He got the tent off of Sebastian slowly.
Anya went over to help him.
Raewyn set it up, with her help.
Soon, they had the tent up.
Raewyn looked up at the sky. 'We should get in. It'll probably rain-' at that moment, the skies opened up, and they were drenched in seconds.
Anya coughed slightly. "Yeah. In a few minutes." She said, finishing his sentence with a small smile.
Raewyn smiled back, and opened the tent door for her.
Anya went in, shivering slightly.
Raewyn followed her and closed the tent firmly behind him.
Anya continued to shiver.
Raewyn took off the outer layers of clothing, and put a blanket around his shoulders.
Anya pulled off her cape, and shivered again. She looked at him silently, as if waiting for something.
He handed her another blanket. 'I suggest you take off your outer layers, though. They'll just keep you cold.'
"Please turn around then." She said quietly, looking away as she took the blanket.
He turned away promptly.
Once he had, Anya took off her outer layers of clothing and quickly wrapped the blanket around herself.
'Is it safe?' Raewyn asked after a few moments.
"Yes." She responded.
He turned back around.
Anya had the blanket completely wrapped around herself, and wasn't shivering anymore.
'Feeling better?' he said.
"Y-Yes." She said softly.
'That's good,' he said.
"Let's get the bedrolls rolled out then." She said awkwardly.
He nodded and stood up, holding the towel on with one hand and rolling out one for her, then one for himself.
Anya nodded thanks to him and sat down on the bedroll.
Raewyn sat on his as thunder rolled overhead.
Anya winced slightly and curled up into a ball, making sure the blanket stayed wrapped around her.
Raewyn lay down on his bedroll, putting his blanket over himself.
Soon, she lay down as well.
Half an hour passed, and the rain fell at a hard, steady pace.
Anya was asleep and content.
Water seeped in the edges of the tent.
Anya frowned as she felt the water on her side, and scooted over towards Raewyn.
Raewyn had to move in as well, until the two of them met in the middle.
Anya blushed slightly, being somewhat awake when they bumped into each other, but paid no mind to it and curled back up into a slight ball.
Raewyn glanced back at her, but didn't say anything.
She fell asleep once again.
Raewyn eventually fell asleep as well.
After a while, Anya had turned over, and was now facing him.
Raewyn, who was sleeping on his back to avoid hurting his shoulder, rolled on his side as well; they were now facing each other.
Anya snuggled closer to him for warmth.
Raewyn adjusted his arm so his shoulder was comfortable; as a result, it rested against her hip.
Anya scooted closer slightly and sighed in her sleep.
Raewyn smiled slightly in his.
Morning came, and they were still sleeping like this.
Anya was the first to stir. She moved slightly before opening her eyes. "E-Eh?!"
Raewyn awoke slowly. 'Huh...?'
Anya looked at him, her face tinted pink.
'Ah...' Raewyn moved back so there was some space between them. 'Sorry.'
Anya's blush darkened as she pulled back as well. "Uh. No it's fine." She looked away quickly.
'Uh...I'll just let you get dressed,' he said, sitting up and turning away.
Anya said up and grabbed her now mostly dry clothes and she quickly got dressed.
Raewyn stayed where he was, not looking around.
Uh. I'm. dr-dressed." She said quietly.
'All right.' He turned around again.
Anya was looking away, her face still slightly pink.
'Uh...do you mind if you get the fire going this morning?' he said, not meeting her eyes
"Uh sure. I'll go do that right now." She agreed, nodding and heading out of the tent
Raewyn dressed quickly and joined her after a few moments.
Anya was trying to get the fire started.
Raewyn got out porridge and a kettle for their breakfast.
Anya managed to start the fire and was poking at it.
Raewyn put the kettle next to the fire, then got out bowls for them and measured out porridge.
Anya was quiet as she watched.
The kettle soon boiled, and Raewyn poured them into two bowls.
Anya mumbled a quiet thank you as she took it.
Raewyn stirred his with his good arm. 'We've got some dried berries or honey to put in it, if you like.'
"Uh, dried berries please." She answered.
Raewyn nodded. He put his bowl down, and then fetched two jars; one had honey, the other berries. He served himself some of each, and then handed the berry jar to her.
She took it gently and added some berries to hers before closing it and handing it back to him.
He put it next to him and began eating his porridge.
Anya began to eat as well.
Raewyn didn't look at her throughout the meal; he still felt awkward.
She felt awkward as well. She purposely kept her face to the ground as she ate.
Raewyn finished his bowl and put it to one side. He looked deliberately at the fire.
When she was finished, Anya kept her gaze to the ground in silence.
'I'll...go wash these,' Raewyn said, picking up the dishes and going.
"Okay..." She said quietly.
He came back after a while and put the dishes away. 'We should probably head out right away,' he said. 'We've still got a long way to go.'
"Alright then." She said standing. "I'll put the fire out."
'Thanks,' Raewyn said. He got the tent unpacked slowly, and bundled it away on the horse.
Anya poured water over the fire, then stood and went over to the horse.
Raewyn took out his maps to check the day's route.
Anya stood next to him awkwardly.
Raewyn took Sebastian's reins and started out.
She followed behind the horse once more.
They went on their way. The trail was still slick with mud from the rain, and at one point near midday Raewyn slipped. He kept his footing, but had to grab quickly at Sebastian's neck to steady himself with his weak arm, and gasped, putting his good hand to his shoulder.
Anya made a slight gasp and had reached out to try and help him by instinct. "Raewyn how is your shoulder?"
'Sore...but I think it's fine,' he said.
"Are you sure?" She asked, frowning.
He nodded. There were creases around his eyes as his brow knotted with pain. 'I'm fine.'
Her frown deepened. "You don't look fine.."
'It just hurts, that's all. I wrenched it when I caught myself,' he sad.
Anya raised an eyebrow at him.
He caught her glance and said, 'we can't really do much more than we already have out here. We might as well keep going to town.'
"Alright. Fine." She said, finally giving in.
Raewyn went back on his way, but he held his arm a lot more gingerly this time; he only lightly held Sebastian's reins. Luckily the horse was well trained and kept next to him.
Anya followed behind him, a frown still on her face as she followed.
Raewyn stopped them slightly earlier that night, having found a sheltered glade that had remained mostly dry even with the rain from the night before. 'Mind getting the fire started?' he asked Anya.
"I'll go gather some dry wood." She said with a nod.
'Thanks,' he said, with a small, grateful smile.
Anya nodded once again before heading off to find dry wood.
Raewyn went through their food and waited for her.
She came back with wood and sat down to make the fire.
Raewyn stayed where he was.
Her back was to him, and she was working to keep the fire going.
He looked through the food they had to decide on what to make that night.
Anya was quiet as she continued to poke at the fire.
Eventually, he decided on food and went over to her. 'Simple salad tonight, if you don't mind,' he said.
"That is fine with me." She agreed.
Raewyn agreed, and began chopping vegetables and lettuce lightly into a bowl. He was very careful with his shoulder
Anya kept poking at the fire, keeping her back to him.
He handed her her bowl eventually.
She took it with a small smile, and said her thanks.
He gave her a small smile back and began eating. He held his bowl gingerly with his injured arm.
Anya began to eat her salad.
Raewyn ate his slowly. When he was done, he put the bowl down with his non-injured arm.
Anya had set her bowl next to her and went back to watching the fire.
Raewyn took them and went to wash them.
Anya poked at the fire to keep it going.
Raewyn came back; it had taken him slightly longer to do the dishes this time. He rubbed his shoulder absently.
"Should I at least look at your shoulder?" She asked after a while.
'Well...' He hesitated, and then relented. 'Maybe.'
She stood up at his answer, and walked over to him. "Let me see it."
He took off his cloak gingerly and set that down, then carefully began removing his shirt. It was clearly painful, and he was gasping by the end of it. The bruise now went over most of his shoulder and down his arm, and the skin felt tender and hot to the touch.
Anya's eyes widened at the sight. "We really need to get to a town. This is getting even worse." The worry was clear in her words.
Raewyn nodded. 'We could move faster if we both rode Sebastian.'
"If it will get you help."
He nodded. 'Anyway, let's get inside. We're going to have to start leaving earlier to get to town on time.'
"Alright. " She said, a slight frown still on her face.
Raewyn went to get the tent from Sebastian, and took it down, holding it as much with his good arm as possible. 'Uh...sorry, to ask, but...
"I'll help." She said, finishing his sentence as she went over to him and took the tent from his arm.
'Thanks,' he said. He wasn't meeting her eyes.
She raised an eyebrow before going to go set up the tent.
He helped her as much as he could.
Soon, the tent was set up and she shooed him to go inside.
He went in obediently, and began rolling out a bedroll with his good arm. He didn't bother putting his shirt back on; rather, he brought that and his cloak inside and put them down next to his roll.
Anya had taken her cloak off and was holding it underneath her arm as she went in after. She set it down on her side of the tent and pulled her hair into a low ponytail after rolling out her bedroll.
Raewyn lay down on his bed and pulled his blanket over him.
Anya watched him for a couple moments before lying down and pulling her blanket over herself and curling up in a ball.
Eventually, Raewyn fell into a troubled sleep.
Anya fell asleep after a while.
Morning came. Raewyn sat up and let out an involuntary cry as he moved his shoulder.
Anya stirred and sat up. "Raewyn?" She asked.
'Yeah - it's nothing, I'm fine,' he said, breathing heavily and rubbing his shoulder.
She frowned and got up and went over to him. "Let me look. It's obviously bad if you're crying out."
'I don't think it looks any worse than yesterday,' he said, looking at it. 'I guess I just wasn't prepared for it.'
"Still. It seems to getting really bad. We need to get you to a town doctor."
'We're not going to do that by sitting here looking at it,' he said, more harshly than he intended. After a moment, he said, 'Sorry.'
Anya had pulled away from him at his words. She turned away, grabbing her cloak. "You're right. Let's get ready to go then."
Raewyn dressed carefully, this time taking care not to make a sound. He came out a moment later and began to collapse the tent.
Anya was standing near Sebastian, offering the horse an apple as she one herself.
Raewyn packed the tent roughly one-handed and brought it over to pack it on Sebastian.
Anya helped him silently.
When that was done, Raewyn mounted Sebastian swiftly, grimacing. He then reached down to help her up.
Anya took his hand and mounted the horse.
Raewyn mounted Sebastian, and then reached down with his good arm to help her up behind him.
Anya grabbed his arm and got on behind him. She wrapped her arms around his waist lightly, but remained silent.
Raewyn set off at a light canter. He would alternate between cantering for two hours, then walking for one; Sebastian would conserve energy this way and they would travel more ground overall.
Anya was quiet as they travelled, not sure what to say, or if she should even say anything at all.
Raewyn was silent, too. At the end of the day, when he found a nice place to stop, he pulled up Sebastian. 'You should probably get down first,' he said.
"Alright." She said quietly letting go of him and dismounting the horse. She stepped away to give him room to get off as well.
Raewyn got off. He rubbed his shoulder; the ride had been jarring it.
Anya frowned at the sight, but still decided to say nothing about it. Her feelings were still somewhat hurt from before.
Raewyn glanced at her, and must have noticed. 'Sorry. Again. I wasn't really thinking.'
"It's fine. I know it must be bothersome to have myself constantly asking and worrying." Her voice was quiet, sounding a little distant as she spoke.
Raewyn shook his head. 'No, it wasn't you. Just this damn shoulder. It's starting to get to me.'
"The sooner we get to a town the better." She said. "I'll look for wood to start a fire."
'Thanks,' he said.
She nodded, and turned to go look for firewood.
Raewyn sat down with a sigh, and rubbed his shoulder.
Anya came back after a while, a large amount of wood in her arms.
Raewyn gave her a small smile. 'Thanks.'
Anya set the wood down with a small huff. "No. Problem." She said. Stretching, she added. "I'll start on the fire."
'Thanks. What do you want for dinner tonight?' he asked.
"Well, I don't have any preferences." She answered honestly, giving a slight shrug.
'Pick something. I owe it to you,' he said.
Anya raised an eyebrow but nodded and thought for a moment. "How about some stew? I'm quite fond of yours."
Raewyn nodded. 'All right.'
She gave a small smile before going back to the fire.
Raewyn began cutting food for the stew slowly.
Anya poked at the fire, trying to keep it going.
Raewyn hung the stew pot over the fire.
Anya looked at him in silence.
Raewyn glanced at her every so often.
Whenever he did, she would look away, not wanting to meet his eyes.
He gazed at the fire the rest of the time.
After a few minutes, the stew was ready.
He portioned it out and gave her her bowl.
She thanked him as she took her bowl from him.
'You're welcome,' he said, and began eating.
Anya ate quietly, still not overly sure what to say.
Raewyn ate in silence.
Soon, she was finished. Setting her bowl aside, she smiled at him. "It's still rather good." It was a small compliment, and she quickly turned away after speaking.
'Thanks,' he said.
She nodded in a silent reply.
Raewyn went to wash the dishes.
Anya watched him go, before turning back to the fire.
He came back after a while.
Anya had pulled her knees up, resting her chin on her knees as she stared into the fire.
Raewyn sat near her.
She didn't seem to notice this.
He stayed silent, looking at the fire.
She was quiet as well.
Raewyn looked at the fire still.
She was silent for a while, before suddenly leaning over and resting her head on his shoulder.
He looked over at her, surprised.
Her eyes were closed, and she had a somewhat peaceful expression on her face. Anya had fallen asleep.
He smiled a little, and looked back at the fire, not wanting to disturb her.
She slept contently, still slightly curled up in a ball.
After a while, beginning to feel tired, Raewyn lay down, drawing her down slowly, and covered them with his cloak.
Anya snuggled closer to him for warmth.
Eventually, he fell asleep, feeling contented.
The night went by quietly.
Raewyn awoke the next morning, the sun shining on their faces.
Anya was still asleep next to him, snuggled close.
Raewyn stayed where he was for now. It was comfortable like this.
After a while, she began to stir.
He glanced at her. 'Morning.'
"Good morning." She said after a moment. Turning to look at him, a faint blush tinted her cheeks. "Sorry for falling asleep so suddenly..." She murmured quietly.
'That's fine,' he said, with a slight smile. 'How'd you sleep?'
"Rather well." Anya answered.
'That's good. Me too,' Raewyn said.
She nodded. "Let's get a small breakfast in and get back on the road?"
Raewyn nodded, and sat up slowly.
She sat up as well, and ran her fingers through her hair before pulling it into a low ponytail.
Raewyn stoked up the fire, which had turned into embers overnight.
Anya stretched really fast before getting up and going to Sebastian. She started to pet the horse gently.
Sebastian snorted and nosed her pockets.
"I don't have treats, we ran out of apples. Sorry boy." She said softly to him as she continued to pet him.
Sebastian nickered and bent his head to crop the grass.
Anya watched for a moment before heading back to Raewyn.
Raewyn was making porridge again.
Anya sat next to him and offered to help however she could.
'If you can get the honey and berries out, that would be great,' Raewyn said.
"Of course." She said nodding and going to get said items.
Raewyn poured boiling water into the bowls.
Anya came back with the honey and berry jars in her hands. "Here." She said with a small smile.
'Thanks,' he said, with a small smile. He handed her, her bowl.
Anya smiled in return and took her bowl. She added some berries to hers before handing him the jars.
Raewyn put some berries and honey in his, then ate it.
Anya began to eat hers as well.
Soon, Raewyn finished, and put his bowl down.
Anya had finished before him, and was looking up at the sky.
Raewyn went to wash the dishes. 'Mind if you start taking down the tent?'
"Sure." She said and stood up, then headed over to the tent.
'Thanks,' Raewyn said, and began washing.
She took the tent down within a few minutes.
Raewyn came back and put the dishes away. 'If you pack that up, I'll put the fire out.'
"Alright." She said nodding.
Raewyn poured water over the fire.
Anya packed the tent and went to take it over to Sebastian.
Raewyn went over to hold Sebastian's head to keep him steady.
Anya got it onto Sebastian's back and thanked him.
Raewyn mounted Sebastian, and then helped her up.
Anya got on after him and wrapped her arms around his waist.
Raewyn set off again.
Anya kept her hold of him, occasionally resting her head on his back.
Around midday, bandits appeared on the road around them, causing Sebastian to rear with fright.
Anya gasped, her hold on Raewyn slipping slightly.
The bandits pointed swords at them. 'Let the girl down. She's comin' wiv us,' the lead bandit said.
Anya gave them a glare. "I do believe it is my decision on where I go, not yours." She said back.
'You're comin' wiv us if you want to live, girlie,' he said.
Anya's glare intensified as she looked around at the bandits, counting silently.
There were seven of them in total. Raewyn's hand was gripping his sword's handle, and he was glaring at them.
Anya stayed silent as her hand slowly inched up towards her bow.
Raewyn got down from Sebastian so that he wouldn't disturb her. Two bandits rushed at him immediately, and he raised his sword to fend them off.
Anya's hand quickly pulled her bow off of her shoulder and also an arrow. She knocked it quickly and aimed for the nearest bandit rushing at him.
The bandit never noticed her. He swung in a downward arc at Raewyn, who lifted his sword in a two-handed grip, but when the bandit's sword came down on it his injured shoulder buckled, and he stumbled back.
Anya released the arrow and instantly knocked another one. She aimed at the second bandit and let it go as well.
The second one dropped. Raewyn went to another, but was having trouble lifting his sword properly, and was struggling with the fight.
Anya knocked a third arrow, and aimed for another bandit.
The bandit Raewyn was currently fighting knocked his sword out of his hand, opening a gash on his forearm at the same time. Raewyn yelled in pain, then ducked to dodge a swipe from the bandit and retrieve his sword.
Anya's eyes widened as she quickly went to aim for the bandit Raewyn was facing.
The bandit went down from his arrow. The two remaining bandits ran.
Anya quickly got off of Sebastian and ran to Raewyn.
He was leaning against a tree, his sword still on the ground. The gash was on his uninjured arm; he was gripping it as firmly and yet as gingerly as he could.
Anya quickly tore a strip from her cloak and urged him to move his hand so she could tie the strip around his arm.
He moved it carefully, wincing as he moved his shoulder.
Anya quickly moved to tie the strip on his arm, trying to stop the bleeding as fast as she could.
'...We'll have to go somewhere else. At this point, I won't be able to defend us if we try to go to town,' Raewyn said.
"Are you sure? Is there even a town as close? Your body can't handle too many more injuries." Her voice carried concern, as shown on her face.
'Can you get my map, please?' he said.
"Of course." She said going back to Sebastian and quickly retrieving the map.
Raewyn looked at it, then nodded as if confirming something. 'My family should be near here. We could be there tomorrow, if we rode through the night.'
"Can you handle it?" She asked once more.
'I have to. We don't have much choice,' he said.
Anya nodded at his statement. "Let's get you over to Sebastian.
Raewyn nodded. He went over to Sebastian and hauled himself up, gritting his teeth against the pain in both his arms.
"Do you want me to lead him?" She asked, looking up at him. "I can ride in front of you instead."
'Might be best,' Raewyn said. He moved himself back in the saddle to make room for her.
Anya got up in front of him, taking the reins. "Tell me where we need to go then."
Raewyn handed her the map and traced along a trail. 'Just turn west as soon as possible and then follow it along.
Anya studied the map for a few moments before nodding. "Understood."
He wrapped his arms around her and leaned against her back.
Anya set off, guiding Sebastian down the path at a canter.
Raewyn gripped the saddle with one hand and her with the other to stay upright.
Anya bit her lip slightly and as soon as they could, she turned west.
Night began to fall. Sebastian slowed, but didn't stop.
Anya slowed him to a walk for a little while.
Raewyn was leaning more against her at this point.
"How far west?" She asked after a while.
'Few more hours...' he said. 'It'll be morning when we get there.'
"Alright... " She said and hit the reins to bring Sebastian back to a canter once more.
Raewyn held on to her again, though his grip seemed weaker.
Anya kept going, occasionally reaching one hand to hold onto his arms that were around her.
Morning began to creep on them, slowly lighting up the forest around them.
By now, Anya was holding onto his arms once again and had slowed Sebastian to a walk once more.
After another half hour, they came to a large clearing. Brightly painted caravans stood in a half circle on the opposite end; the people who owned them were sitting around a large fire, sharing out food and coffee. They looked up when they arrived, and smiled when they recognised Raewyn. Their smiles turned to looks of concern as they saw him listing in the saddle, and several of the adults got up to hurry over; at the lead was an older man, his hair drawn back in a ponytail, and a woman of similar age.
Raewyn let go of Anya and half-fell into the man's open arms. The man helped him stand and moved to put Raewyn's injured arm around his shoulders, but Raewyn gasped in pain and the man stopped. Instead, he and the woman each took Raewyn's arms and helped him towards the caravans, and another woman gestured for Anya to dismount and follow.
Anya watched for a moment, slight curiosity in her eyes before she dismounted and followed quietly.
The man and woman helped Raewyn sit at a spot next to the fire, and took his cloak and shirt off. The dryad's finger-marks now stood out clearly on his shoulder, and the woman hissed. The man turned to Anya. 'Can you tell me what happened?' he said softy.
"We were attacked by dryads upon shortly after entering the forest. He was grabbed by one when trying to protect me. And then, those marks showed up a few days after. Spreading slightly throughout the days. "
'How did he get the gash on his arm?' the man asked.
"Just earlier, we were attacked by bandits. One managed to slice at his arm before I was able to shoot him." She answered with a slight frown. "Will he be alright?"
'Yes, we can take care of that,' the woman said, as an old woman went off towards one of the caravans. 'That thing on his shoulder is from dryad venom. Luckily there's not much of it.'
"I see..." Anya said quietly, looking down.
'Still, it's lucky you got here when you did. When did you come across dryads, son?' the man said to Raewyn.
'Few weeks ago...' Raewyn said.
The man clucked. 'What were you planning on doing this whole time?' he said.
'We thought we could take care of it on our own for a while,' Raewyn said. 'We were planning on going to a doctor in Brisson until I hurt my other-'
'Brisson? That would've take you another month,' the woman said.
'We didn't think it was that bad...' Raewyn said apologetically.
The man shook his head. 'Remind me to teach you a bit about dryads while you're here, Rae,' he said.
Anya stood there quietly, awkwardly shifting her weight as she watched the exchange between the two men.
The man turned to her, and extended his hand. 'I'm sorry to keep you waiting there, miss. I'm Travven Morryl, Raewyn's father.'
She blinked, staying still a moment before reaching her hand out and shaking his hand gently. "Anya Wintermist."
'Sit down and have breakfast with us. You look hungry,' he said.
"I don't want to intrude..." She said quietly, looking away once again.
'Oh, it's not intruding. You'll be here for a few weeks anyway, while Raewyn's getting better,' he said.
"Well... Alright." She said, giving in and giving him a small smile.
The man smiled kindly. 'This is my wife Mynah,' he said, gesturing to the woman who was cleaning and dressing the gash on Raewyn's arm; Mynah looked up and smiled, then went back to her work. Travven introduced the rest of the troupe in turn.
Anya gave a small smile to each one of them.
As this was happening, the old woman came back with a jar of something and a bowl with herbs. She handed the bowl to Raewyn. 'Eat those while I put this on the bruise. They'll get rid of the venom.'
Raewyn nodded and ate the herbs slowly.
Anya's gaze wondered towards Raewyn and she watched him silently. It was obvious she was starting to care for him.
Mynah glanced at her, and then smiled to herself.
The old woman began rubbing the salve from the bowl into Raewyn's shoulder. He winced and gasped, but she ignored it. 'Needs to be in there deep,' she said. 'Just eat your medicine and deal with it.'
'Yes Frae,' he said, returning to the herbs and eating them slowly.
Anya couldn't help but smile a bit before looking away once again.
The old woman, Frae, finished with the salve and bandaged his shoulder tightly, then put his arm in a sling. Meanwhile, Mynah finished bandaging his other arm, and stepped back. She smiled. 'Well, don't you look a sight.'
Raewyn made a face at her, but couldn't stop from grinning.
Anya laughed softly at her comment, though she covered her mouth to keep from being heard.
Mynah noticed and gave Anya a little wink.
Travven handed Anya a plate piled high with sausages, eggs, and toast, and handed Raewyn a similar plate, which he ate slowly and awkwardly with his un-slung arm.
Anya blushed lightly at the gesture and murmured thanks to him. She began to eat quietly.
Over breakfast, Raewyn and the troupe filled each other in on what had happened since they had last seen each other.
Anya remained quiet, choosing just to listen to the conversation.
'So, Anya,' Mynah said, when the conversation died down a bit, 'tell us a bit about yourself.'
Anya straightened up at the question. She bit her lip for a moment before responding. "I'm a elf from the town of Moonwater. We are a small village far from here. " Anya avoided their gazes at first, instead looking at the ground.
'I've never been to Moonwater,' Travven said. 'I wanted to go, in my youth.'
"You've heard of Moonwater?" She asked softly, looking up at him. "I hadn't expected people to know of my village this far from there.
'We do a lot of travelling,' Travven said, smiling. 'I was at a large town near it and overheard an elf from there talking about it. I only got to exchange a few words with him, but I wanted to visit the town to see what it was like.
"Ah, I see." Anya said, smiling in return, becoming shy once more.
'What were your travel plans for the next few weeks?' Raewyn asked.
'Flexible. We'd move on if we had to, but we can stay here until you're better,' Travven said.
'You don't have-' Raewyn began.
'Yes, we do,' Travven said. 'You've got a job to do, we won't keep you from that.'
Anya remained silent once more.
The conversation grew up again.
She remained quiet, speaking only when asked something, her gaze fixated on the ground.
Eventually, as the meal ended and most of the troupe went off to do various jobs, Raewyn, Travven and Mynah took seats. 'Have you noticed the forests changing?' Raewyn asked.
Travven nodded. 'We've had to find new ways around some areas. All I can think is dryads doing it, but I can't see why.'
Raewyn nodded, and glanced at Anya. 'Do you mind getting my maps?' he asked her.
Mynah went to their caravan to get their maps.
Anya nodded. "Of course." She said getting up and heading back to Sebastian to get their maps.
Raewyn thanked her.
She nodded and handed them over, sitting down once again.
Mynah came back at the same time, and they spread out their maps and compared them.
Anya was quiet as she watched.
They spent a long time redrawing routes, crossing out areas that had changed, and speculating on alternate places to go.
She watched with a raised eyebrow.
They were very focussed on it. It was clear they knew the forest well, as they were able to come up with several potential alternates for every route.
Anya made a silent notion of respect towards them as she continued to watch.
Eventually, they got the routes sorted out.
Anya had turned to looking at the sky for a short while.
It was a clear and warm day, and most of the troupe was rehearsing a play.
This caught her attention, and she leaned to the side to see what was going on.