Raewyn began eating as well.
Soon, Anya had finished and she set her plate to the side.
Raewyn finished, and washed their dishes.
Anya sat by the fire, watching the area around her.
Raewyn came back after a while. 'How're you feeling?'
"Better than before." She answered.
'Good,' he said, visibly relieved. 'I guess elves heal faster than humans.'
Anya smiled sheepishly. "I suppose so." She answered.
He took a seat next to the fire. After a moment, he said, 'Did you interact with humans much?'
"Back in Moonwater?" She asked. "Not besides trading, no."
'How long ago did you leave there?' he asked.
"I left when was 19." She answered looking away.
He glanced at her. 'Did something happen?'
Anya shrugged. "I had wanted to explore."
He nodded. 'Where did you go while you travelled out of curiosity?
"Not very far. I had made it a few towns away before getting a message to go back." Anya explained
He nodded. 'I've been travelling about...' he counted silently, 'six years now. I visit my family whenever our paths cross.'
"Ah, I see." She said. "I haven't went back to Moonwater yet. I can't until I go to the Northern Kingdom. "
'We probably won't be there until after winter,' he said. 'We've lost a lot of time.'
"Well your health is important. " Anya said with a slight frown
He gave her a small grin. 'As so many people tell me.'
She smiled back softly.
'What did the letter say?' he asked.
"The letter stated that I was requested to be present for something at the Northern Kingdom."
'That's informative,' he joked.
Anya nodded and gave a slight shrug. "Yeah, I know.."
'Do you know who sent it, at least?' he said.
"All I could tell is that was someone of some sort of nobility."
'Strange,' he said.
She nodded. "I won't know until I get there..."
'Well, be careful when you get there. Given everything that's been happening lately, just watch out for yourself,' he said.
"I'll try." Anya said softly.
He gave her a small smile.
Anya smiled slightly in return.
'Anyway, we should probably get some sleep,' he said.
"Yes," she agreed.
'Can you get to the tent all right?' he asked.
"I can try." She said.
I got up slowly to walk along with her.
Anya stood up and went over to Sebastian.
Raewyn got their bedrolls down.
Anya got the tent down with slight difficulty.
Raewyn took it from her, putting down the bedrolls, and put it up himself.
Anya picked up the bedrolls when he took the tent. She came up behind him with them in her arms.
'Thanks,' he said. He unrolled them and held back the tent door for her.
Anya nodded quietly and went in.
He went in after her.
Anya pulled off her cloak and set it down next to her bedroll.
Raewyn took off his cloak and shirt and got into his bedroll.
Anya got into hers and curled up slightly.
Raewyn glanced at her to make sure she was all right.
She seemed to be fine, and her breaths were steady and even, indicating that Anya had fallen asleep.
He lay down, and fell asleep too.
The night was peaceful, and morning soon came.
Raewyn got up and went out to start the fire and breakfast.
Anya soon came out a few minutes later.
'Morning,' he said.
"Good morning." She replied.
'How'd you sleep?' he asked.
"Peacefully." Anya said, sitting next to him.
'Good. How're you feeling now?' he asked.
"A lot better, sleep is helping quite a bit." Anya answered with a smile.
He smiled back. 'Good.'
She nodded.
He handed her breakfast - simple porridge that day.
Anya took it with a small smile. "Thank you." She said softly.
He smiled back and started on his breakfast.
Anya started to eat as well.
When breakfast was done, Raewyn packed up camp and helped her get on Sebastian, and they set off.
Anya helped pack as best as she could.
The day was rather peaceful, which was a nice change of pace.
Anya was quiet during the day.
They stopped that night and Raewyn set up camp.
Anya was off by herself, checking her wound.
Raewyn very carefully did not turn around as she did.
After a few minutes, she came back to him. "It's healing rather well."
'Quicker than I expected,' he said.
Anya nodded once again. "Yeah, which is good."
He nodded as well.
"I'll go look for wood." She said after a few moments.
Raewyn went to help her.
After a short while, they had collected a decent amount of wood for the night.
Raewyn took it back and lit a fire, then began making food.
Anya followed, sitting near him and watching.
When it was done, Raewyn handed her, her plate.
Anya took it with a small smile.
He smiled back at her and began eating.
She began to eat as well.
Eventually, Raewyn asked, 'When sorts of things do elves do for a living?'
"Well..." She started. "We are hunters and gatherers. Usually we also trade what we gather or hunt for other necessities that we don't always have."
'Was that what you did?' he asked.
"I was a hunter. I went out with my father to hunt for food." She said.
'What other things could elves do?' he asked.
"Well, we are also artisans. We sell our bows as well as other crafts.."
Raewyn nodded. He opened his mouth, seemed to hesitate, then closed it again.
Anya soon went quiet.
'Would you have done something else, if you could?' Raewyn asked after a moment.
Anya thought for a couple moments. "Probably not..."
'Any particular reason?' he asked.
She shook her head. "No, I like hunting. It was better than sitting at home."
Raewyn nodded. 'I can relate to that. If everything had gone the way my parents had intended, I'd be herding goats right now.'
"Oh?" She asked, looking over at him.
He abruptly realised what he said, and hesitated. 'It...' He stopped, and then tried again. 'I'm not really...'
"They aren't your real parents?" Anya finished quietly.
He looked at her almost suspiciously. 'How did you know?'
"Well, Fae first told me... Then your parents explained to me what had happened..." She said quietly.
'...I see,' he said, looking back at the fire.
Anya turned to the fire, and pulled her knees up to her chest.
'All the men in the town either herded the goats or tilled the fields,' he said, after a short while. 'I'd probably be doing either of those, if they didn't need me for rug-making.'
Anya listened quietly. "Your town made rugs?" She asked after a few moments.
He nodded. 'Famous for it. They're still very expensive in that region, seeing as there aren't any more being made.'
Anya nodded. "I remember someone coming to my village when I was little, they were selling rugs.." She said softly, her gaze still focused on the fire.
'Probably one of the merchants,' he said. 'In the old days, they sold rugs for us and gave us the money we earned from them.'
After a moment, Anya leaned back. Looking at the sky, she spoke. "I remember getting a rug, it had very delicate designs. I had seen it, and begged my mother to buy it for me. She did after I asked so many times." At the memory, a smile slipped onto her face.
He glanced at her, and smiled slightly as well, though his was tinged with sadness. 'That would've been one of ours. One of the older women would've done that one.'
She looked at him, her smile fading slightly. "I see... I'm.. really sorry that you... experienced that."
He looked back into the fire, fingering the pin on his cloak. 'I've still got this to remember them by. Dad gave it to me. His grandfather made it.'
"Family heirlooms are really appreciative." She said.
He nodded.
Anya nodded, going quietly.
Raewyn finished his meal and put his plate to one side.
Anya had already finished and was back to starting at the sky.
Raewyn collected the dishes to wash them.
Anya watched him.
He came back and put them away, and got the bedrolls down from Sebastian.
Anya stood up and stretched slightly.
He went and laid them out in the tent.
Anya followed him into the tent. She was quiet.
He took off his cloak and put it down.
Anya took off her cloak and set it by her bedroll.
Anya cleared her throat. "Hey Raewyn..." She said.
'Hm?' He turned to look at her.
As he turned, Anya reached out and gave him a hug.
He paused, surprised, then slowly hugged her back, gently so as not to hurt her.
Anya kept her arms wrapped around him. After a few moments, she pulled away to look at him.
He looked down at her, and gave her a small smile.
She gave a small smile in return.
Slowly, he let go of her, then got in his bedroll.
Anya got into hers as well.
'Good night,' he said.
"Good night.." She said.
After a moment, he said, 'And...Thanks.'
Anya couldn't help but smile. "Don't worry about it.." She said quietly.
He smiled a little to himself. Eventually, he fell asleep.
Anya soon was asleep as well.
The next morning came by rather quickly.
Raewyn was up and making breakfast, feeling better after last night.
Anya came out of the tent, pulling her hair into a ponytail as she came out.
'Morning,' he said.
"Morning." She said with a slight smile.
'Sleep well?' he said.
"Yes, and you?" Anya answered coming to sit down next to him.
'Yeah,' he said.
She gave him another small smile.
He handed her breakfast.
Anya took it quietly. "Thank you." She said softly.
'You're welcome,' he said.
Anya gave another small smile and began to eat.
Raewyn began eating his as well.
She was quiet as she ate.
So was he.
The silence was comfortable.
Raewyn finished eating and waited for her to finish.
Anya quickly finished after him.
Raewyn washed the dishes, then sat back at the fire.
Anya had pulled her hair over into a ponytail as she stared into the fire.
He gazed into it in silence.
She remained quiet, and side-glanced at him.
He glanced back, and smiled.
Anya gave a small smile in return.
'Want some tea?' he said.
"Ah, yes please." She answered.
He put some water on to boil and put tea leaves in two cups. He got out honey, and when the water boiled, poured it into the cups and handed her one. He took some honey in his.
Anya waited and then took some honey in hers as well. She blew on the tea before taking a small sip.
Raewyn took a large sip of his and coughed. 'I regret that.'
Anya giggled, taking another small sip of her tea before clearing her throat. "So, Raewyn... What does a ranger do?"
'A few different jobs,' Raewyn said. 'Maintain the forest, patrol it, escort people around to safety.'
"That sounds interesting." She said with a nod.
He nodded. 'It's tough work,' he said. 'I get a small salary from the crown that I supplement by guiding people back and forth.'
Anya listened quietly. "I see." She said.
He smiled. 'I got the highest marks on navigation.'
"Well, that is good." She said with a grin.
He chuckled. 'It wasn't hard. Every Ridah kid has to know how to get around, and my maps were more complete than theirs in any case.'
"Ah, I understand." She said.
He leaned back and sipped his tea.
Anya took a few more sips of hers.
He finished his tea and put his cup down.
After a short while, she set hers down too, and looked up at the sky.
'Do elves have their own constellations?' Raewyn asked.
"Not really." She said. "The stars just fascinate me."
Raewyn nodded. 'Us, too. We've got a lot of plays and poems explaining about the stars.'
"Really?" She asked, looking over at him .
He nodded again.
'Dad told me a lot of them.'
Anya nodded quietly, before turning her gaze back up to the stars.
Raewyn moved over slightly to get closer to the fire.
Anya didn't notice this, her attention was on the sky above them.
Raewyn didn't notice he was closer to her.
Anya shifted, leaning back and putting her hand down next to his, barely brushing her fingertips against his hand.
Raewyn noticed, but didn't mind. Instead, he moved his fingers over to rest next to hers.
Anya noticed and her face tinted pink as she moved her hand closer still.
Slowly, he slipped his hand over hers.
Anya blushed again, and looked down at their hands before looking at him and then away shyly.
He glanced over at her and smiled slightly.
Anya had a small smile on her face as she looked at the fire.
As the time went on, the fire slowly dwindled.
Anya stared at the embers, quiet once more.
Eventually, it was late, and they were both getting tired.
Anya yawned, and looked at him. "Would it be better to sleep under the sky tonight?" She asked quietly.
'Yeah,' he said after a moment. 'We want to enjoy the nice weather while we can.'
"Alright." She said with a tired voice. "I'll go get the bedrolls." Anya said standing up.
Raewyn went to help her.
Anya went over to Sebastian, watching her step as she walked, and went to grab the bedrolls.
Raewyn got a bit more wood to add to the fire to keep it burning overnight.
Anya came back with their bedrolls and handed one to Raewyn.
He put the logs on the fire, then took it and rolled it out. He thanked her as he did.
Anya nodded her head and rolled hers out.
He got into his.
Anya did as well, curling up slightly. Her back was to him.
He lay down facing her and closed his eyes.
Soon, Anya fell asleep.
Raewyn fell asleep, too.
Throughout the night, Anya turned and faced him, scooting closer in her bedroll.
Raewyn's arm was out of his bedroll, lying between them.
Anya moved slightly, her arm moving out of her bedroll and laying next to his.
Raewyn moved in his sleep and his hand rested against hers.
Anya moved her hand against his, intertwining their fingers.
Raewyn smiled slightly in his sleep.
Her face was tinted pink as she slept.
Eventually, morning came.
Anya's hand was still in his when she woke.
Raewyn was still asleep.
Anya sat up, and looked down at their hands. Her face went red and she silently debated on whether to wake him.
Raewyn slept peacefully on.
Anya looked over at him, her face still red as she watched him sleep for a few moments.
He slept on.
Anya managed to get out of her bedroll, and leaned over him. She pulled her hair to one side, trying to keep it out of his face. She looked down at him, slowly leaning down.
Raewyn shifted in his sleep slightly.
She paused, her eyes widening for a moment before she continued to lean down. After a moment, she kissed him shyly.
At that, Raewyn stirred; he was waking up.
Anya gasped softly, and quickly pulled away, her hand pulling from his.
Raewyn woke up slowly and looked up at her. 'Oh, morning.'
"G-Good morning..." She said looking away, her face still tinted pink.
'Something wrong?' he said, looking slightly puzzled.
"Ah! Nothing's wrong." Anya said quickly.
'Huh,' he said. 'All right. Want breakfast?'
"Sure." She said with a small smile.
He smiled back, then got up and stoked the fire.
Anya gave a small smile and watched him.
Raewyn began making breakfast.
Anya was quiet as she watched.
He handed her, her plate.
Anya took it with a shy smile.
He smiled back and began eating.
Anya began to eat as well, staying rather quiet.
'So, how'd you sleep?'
"Rather well. And you?" She responded after a moment.
'Good,' he said. He decided not to mention the dream he'd thought he'd had just before waking up, where she'd kissed him.
Anya was quiet after that, keeping her gaze away from him.
Soon, Breakfast was over, and Raewyn looked over at her. 'How's your wound going?'
"I haven't checked it yet..." She said softly.
'We should do that before we go,' he said.
"Ah... Alright." Anya said with a nod.
Suddenly, he realised he was still looking at her and turned around.
Anya blushed and looked away as well.
Raewyn looked fixedly at the plants on the opposite side of their clearing.
Anya was quiet as she set down her plate.
Anya stood up slowly. "I'll go check my bandages then.." She said softly.
'All right,' Raewyn said.
Anya nodded and walked away to go check them privately.
He waited for her.
After a moment, she called out. "Uh, Raewyn."
'Yeah?' he said.
"Can... Can you come help me?"
'Uh, what with?' he asked.
"My... Bandages." She called out shyly.
He got up and went over to her, feeling a little uncomfortable.
Anya was looking at the ground, her face red.
'So, uh...' He glanced down at her, then quickly averted his gaze. 'You just need help getting them back on?
"I... I can't get them off to check..." She said shyly.
He crouched behind her and began undoing the bandages.
Anya was quiet as she stood still.
He eventually finished, and the bandages began slumping off of her.
Anya blushed again as she pulled them away from her.
He turned around again right away.
Anya quickly checked her wound quickly before covering herself.
'Um, need any more help?' he asked.
"A.. A little.." She said shyly.
He turned back; luckily he was still behind her.
Anya was still looking at the ground, her face red still.
He got it done up and went back to the fire, not looking at her.
Anya came back and sat down, looking at the ground.
'...So, how is it?' he asked.
"It's better. Almost healed in a week or less." She answered.
'Good,' he said.
Anya nodded and looked away once more.
Time passed, and they soon arrived in town.
Anya huffed and pulled down her hood. "It's been a while since we made it to a town." She said.
'Sorry,' Raewyn said. 'We've had to renegotiate our route a few times.'
"It's understandable." Anya responded.
'Anyway, how do you feel about staying at the inn?' Raewyn said.
"That's fine. I can help pay for the night." She offered to him.
'No, it's fine. That sort of thing should be my responsibility,' Raewyn said.
Anya nodded slowly. "If you are sure."
He smiled at her.
Anya gave a small smile in return.
He went to the inn. Only one room was available, though it did have two beds.
Anya didn't mind this, and she gave a small smile to Raewyn. "Let me treat you to some Elfish wine at least." She said to him quietly.
'I don't think I've ever tried any,' he said.
"Then it'll be my treat." Anya said with a smile
He smiled back. 'All right then.'
Anya turned and talked to the innkeeper in a small voice.
The innkeeper nodded and went to the back.
Anya went back Raewyn and sat down across from him.
The serving girl brought out plates of food for them.
Anya nodded her thanks to her silently.
Raewyn thanked her and began eating.
She began to eat as well.
A few moments later, the innkeeper came and gave them a bottle of elfish wine and two glasses.
Anya smiled at the innkeeper and nodded. "Thank you. " She said.
'Welcome, ma'am,' he said, and went back behind the counter.
Anya opened the bottle. "It has been a while since I've had Elfish wine." She spoke.
'I look forward to trying it,' Raewyn said.
She gave a small smile and poured him a glass.
I lifted it and took a small sip. 'Hmm. Very nice.'
She nodded and poured herself a glass. Taking a sip, she sighed in relief. "This is good."
Raewyn had another sip. 'I should remember to have this more often.'
Anya gave a small smile, and took another sip.
He sipped his wine as he ate.
Anya continued to eat, sipping her wine every few bites. Soon she had finished eating.
Raewyn finished as well, and sat back with his wine.
Anya sipped her wine quietly.
Raewyn soon got to the end of his glass.
"Want another?" She asked softly, looking up at him.
'Yes please,' he said.
Anya nodded and set her glass down, then picked up the bottle and poured them both a second glass.
He thanked her and sipped his second glass.
She nodded and picked up her glass once more.
'We should probably finish this is our room,' Raewyn said. 'They're going to be expecting more people soon.'
"Alright then." Anya said with a slight nod.
Raewyn picked up his glass and the bottle.
Anya picked up her glass and slowly stood up.
He went up to their room.
Anya followed close behind him.
They got up to their room. Raewyn sat on his bed and put the bottle on the bedside table between the two beds.
Anya sat on her bed and looked at him quietly.
He held up the glass to clink glasses.
Anya held up hers as well. She had a small smile on her face as she did so.
They clinked glasses, and Raewyn said, 'It'll be nice sleeping in a bed again.'
"It will." She agreed taking a sip of her wine.
Raewyn sipped his as well.
She sipped her in silence, occasionally resting her gaze on Raewyn.
He smiled at her occasionally.
She gave a small smile and soon her glass was empty.
His was empty as well. 'Want more?'
"Ah, yes please." Anya answered with a nod as she held out her glass towards him.
He poured them both another.
Anya smiled at him. "Thank you."
He smiled back. 'You're welcome.'
Anya nodded to him and took another sip.
He sipped his as well.
Anya was about halfway through her glass when she giggled softly.
Raewyn was quite a way through his, and grinned at her. 'What is it?'
"Nothing~" She said with a smile.
'Are you sure? You were laughing,' he said.
She nodded, a small blush on her face.
Raewyn chuckled and took another long sip of wine.
Anya smiled at him and set her glass down. "I'm going to go change for bed. " She said as she stood up.
'All right,' Raewyn said. He sipped at the last of his wine.
Anya left to the bathroom. A while had passed, and she had yet to come back out.
He got up to go check on her.
Anya was struggling to unwrap her bandages. Her coordination was off due to the wine, so she was having troubles.
'Want help?' Raewyn asked.
"Yes please..." She answered softly, her face going pink.
He came up behind her and fumbled with it.
Anya blushed and looked down at the floor.
He eventually finished it and the bandages fell off her.
Anya's hands quickly came up to hide her chest, bumping into his slightly. "Th-Thank you."
'You're welcome.' After a moment, he said, 'How's it healing?'
"It's just scarring over." She said quietly.
'That's good,' he said.
She nodded. Anya suddenly realized how close they were standing next to each other.
Raewyn also noticed, but didn't move away.
Nor did Anya. She kept her gaze fixated on the floor.
He leaned forward to look at her face.
Anya looked back at him, her face tinted pink.
He gave her a soft smile.
Anya smiled shyly. Then her face went pink as she realized that he was able to see down her chest and she covered herself even more.
Raewyn suddenly realised, too, and kept his gaze fixed on her face.
Her face darkened as she kept her gaze locked with his.
Without thinking, he leaned in and kissed her softly.
Anya's eyes widened slightly, but then started to close as she kissed him back.
One of his hands rested on her shoulder; the other snaked around to rest on her side.
She leaned back against him slightly.
He turned her around to face him.
Anya blushed, looking at him.
He kissed her again.
She kissed him back gently.
He drew her slowly back into the main room.
Anya followed without much hesitation.
He sat them down on one of the beds and kissed her again.
Anya kissed him back, leaning towards him.
He leaned into her a little as well. Her chest brushed his through his shirt.
Anya's face darkened in a blush as she reached a hand up, caressing his face gently.
He brushed her breast with his thumb.
She shivered slightly at his touch, pulling from the kiss slightly.
He kissed her again, a bit softer this time
She kissed back gently.
After a moment, he cupped her breast in his hand.
She shivered slightly at his touch, but didn't move away.
He drew away to remove his own shirt, then drew her close and kissed her again.
Anya kissed back, slowly reaching up and placing her hand on his chest.
Morning came. Raewyn drifted slowly into wakefulness; he didn't notice he was still intertwined with Anya.
Anya was still asleep next to him, content on her face.
Raewyn's head was pounding from the wine, and he still felt tired. He kept his eyes closed, wanting nothing more than to drift back to sleep.
Anya shifted slightly next to him, pulling on his arm gently as she did.
Without thinking, he reacted by pulling her a little closer.
Anya snuggled closer to him, sighing in her sleep.
This jolted him more into wakefulness, which set his head pounding again. He groaned a little.
Anya stirred, reaching a hand up to her head, and rubbing her eyes. "N-Nnngh..?" She mumbled out.
Raewyn finally summoned up the courage to open an eye, and he found himself looking at Anya. Memories of the night before flooded back, and he began to sit up quickly before a wave of nausea overtook him and he was forced to lie down again quickly.
Anya groaned out softly and shifted again. Slowly, she opened her eyes. Her gaze wandered over and landed on Raewyn. Eyes widening, she started to say something but stopped before she could.
Raewyn glanced at her. The blanket wasn't covering either of them very adequately, and his gaze travelled down quite a bit before he jerked it back up to her face.
Anya's face flushed as she noticed this and she quickly went to cover her chest with one arm.
With one arm, Raewyn yanked the blanket up to cover them, and moved a little away from her so they were no longer touching.
Anya hid her chest under the blanket and looked away, avoiding eye contact.
'Uh, s-sorry,' he said after a moment.
Anya bit her lip, trying to come up with a response. After a few moments, she answered. "D-Don't worry about it..."
After anther moment, Raewyn reached off the edge of the bed, grabbed his clothes, and went to the bathroom to dress.
Anya remained on the bed, and curled up in a ball, resting her head on her knees.
After a few moments, Raewyn came out. '...I'll order breakfast,' he said, and left to go downstairs.
She nodded and stood up to go get dressed.
Once downstairs, Raewyn ordered two breakfasts and strong coffee, and took a seat while he waited for her.
Anya came down after a few minutes, pulling her hair into a low ponytail as she sat down across from him.
'...Morning,' Raewyn said, in a weak attempt to pretend the morning was normal.
"...Good morning..." She answered quietly, still feeling awkward.
Unable to think of anything else to say, he lapsed into silence.
Anya kept her gaze on her lap, saying nothing.
The serving girl put down their plates in front of them, and Raewyn gladly began eating as an excuse to not have to come up with anything else to say.
Anya nodded thanks to her and began to eat as well.
Raewyn passed the meal in silence.
Anya had yet to say another word, until she cleared her throat and spoke quietly. "Where do we go from this town?"
'If we travel west for about a day, we can start heading north to Derrin,' Raewyn said, latching with relief onto the chance to talk business. 'From there it should be a relatively direct route.'
"I see." She said with a nod.
He nodded. 'It should be another four months until we're there.'
"Understood.." Anya said softly as she looked at him for a moment, before looking away quickly.
He looked at her, and seemed about to say something, but decided against it at the last minute.
She kept her gaze fixated on the floor.
After a moment, he said, 'We should probably get our things.'
Anya nodded in silent agreement.
He got up and began going back to the room.
Anya stood as well, and moved to follow him.
Back up in the room, Raewyn began gathering their things.
Anya grabbed her bag, and pulled it over her shoulder as she also tied her quiver.
Raewyn put on his cloak and sword, and grabbed his pack.
Anya pulled her cloak on and tied it around her neck.
Raewyn went down to the stables to get Sebastian.
Anya went downstairs and waited outside the inn. She was fiddling with the hem of her cloak as she waited for him.
He came out after paying for their room and began packing their bags on Sebastian.
Anya was silent, watching him.
When he was done, Raewyn led Sebastian out. 'We have to restock some supplies before we go,' he said.
"Alright." She answered with a nod.
Raewyn went to the market and bought some food for them.
Anya stayed with Sebastian, feeding him one of her apples as she petted the horse.
He nuzzled her side and snorted.
Anya smiled at him. "Raewyn'll get mad if I give you too many apples."
He snorted again, but didn't try to eat any more apples.
Anya continued to pet him, a gentle smile on her face.
Raewyn came back and loaded their purchases on Sebastian.
Anya pulled back from the horse to give him room to do so.
'Well, we should probably go,' he said.
She nodded. "Let's go."
Raewyn lead the way out of town.
She followed quietly, unsure of how to break the awkward silence.
Raewyn didn't know either, and as a result stayed silent.
Her gaze wandered from his back, to their surroundings.
It was a nice road through pleasant countryside.
Anya's eyes scanned the scenery as they walked. Soon, her gaze turned back to Raewyn for a few moments.
Raewyn, who had been glancing at her every so often himself, glanced at her while she was still looking at him.
Her eyes locked with his and widened. Anya's face went pink as she looked away quickly.
Raewyn looked ahead quickly as well, and took a deep breath.
She bit her lip as she remained quiet, back to looking at the countryside around them.
'So, uh, we'll be walking through a lot of countryside,' Raewyn said.
"That should make it easier to spot anyone trying to sneak up on us." She said quietly.
He nodded.
Anya went quiet once again, unsure of what to add to the conversation.
Raewyn glanced at her every so often.
Anya would look at him every once in a while, and then away towards the scenery.
After a long time of walking through country, they got to the edge of the forest as evening fell.
Anya looked up at the sky. "Would you like to set up camp at the edge of the forest?'
'Sure,' Raewyn said. He stopped next to a tree and tied Sebastian.
Anya went off to look for firewood."
Raewyn took down some food to make for dinner. His hand nudged the wine bottle, and he glanced at it, hesitating, wondering if they should risk having more.
Anya came back after a while, wood in her arms.
He looked up at her. 'Welcome back,' he said.
Anya gave a small smile as she set the wood down.
He started the fire.
Anya sat down by it, staring into the flames.
When it got hot enough, Raewyn began making dinner.
Anya watched him quietly.
HE served it out.
Anya took it with a small smile as she began to eat.
He began eating too.
Anya was silent as they ate.
After dinner, Raewyn brought out fresh fruit he'd bought in town for dessert.
Anya gave him as she set her plate down.
He smiled a little and sat down to eat his.
Anya ate hers quietly, looking at him every once in a while.
He looked either at her or around the camp, wondering how to break the silence.
Anya looked down at the ground.
'...Sorry about last night,' he said.
Anya looked at him with a red face. "I-It's okay..."
He opened his mouth to speak more, then went back to his food.
Anya did the same, now suddenly shy again.
He soon finished his wine.
Anya finished after a short while, and pulled her knees up to her chest once again, staring into the fire.
Raewyn looked into the fire, too. Eventually he went to set up the tent just for something to do.
Anya stayed in her spot, keeping her gaze on the fire.
The tent was soon set up, and Raewyn took his seat again.
Anya scooted closer to him quietly.
He glanced at her, but said nothing; worried he'd say the wrong thing.
Soon, she leaned over and laid her head on his shoulder.
He was a little surprised, but smiled slightly, and after a moment put his arm around her.
Anya scooted closer to get a little more comfortable and continued to stare at the fire.
He stayed silent still, but this silence was slightly more comfortable.
Anya started to doze off quietly in his arms.
Raewyn stayed still so as to let her sleep.
Her eyes fluttered closed as she fell asleep.
Raewyn stayed where he was a while longer.
Anya continued to sleep soundly.
Later on, when it got late, Raewyn lifted her carefully and carried her into the tent.
Anya curled up against him.
He put her down on her bedroll.
Anya curled up in a ball.
He went to put out the fire, then came in and got into his bedroll.
Anya shivered slightly and turned in her sleep to face him.
He looked over at her, wondering what it was.
After this, she had calmed down, not shivering or making any other sort of movements.
He fell asleep himself.
The night was peaceful, if not a bit chilly.
Morning soon came.
Anya had scooted over slightly in her sleep towards him.
Raewyn was still dozing, though he was half asleep.
Anya groaned softly, slowly sitting up as she reached up to rub her eyes.
He woke up fully and looked up at her. 'Morning.'
"Good morning.." She said softly, looking over a him.
'Did you sleep well?' he asked.
"Yes, and you?" Her voice was quiet, still slightly tired sounding.
'Good, too,' he said.
She nodded, and smiled softly.
He smiled a little, then got up. 'Want some breakfast?' he asked.
Anya nodded. "Breakfast sounds good." She said, getting up as well.
He nodded, and went out to stoke up the fire.
Anya stretched before coming out of the tent.
He began making breakfast and took out their maps.
Anya came out and stretched her arms.
Raewyn was plotting their route. He looked up at her as she came out, then back at the map.
Anya pulled her hair back into a low ponytail and sat next to him.
Raewyn slowly traced their new route with a pencil.
Anya watched quietly.
'Okay,' Raewyn said. 'We'll be there in about three more months, at this point.'
"Alright." Anya said with a nod.
Raewyn rolled up the map, and served out the now-ready breakfast.
Anya took hers with a small smile and a soft thank you.
He smiled a bit back and started on his breakfast.
Anya ate in silence, her gaze going from the fire to him every once in a while.
Raewyn focussed mostly on eating; he was still feelign slightly awkward.
Soon, Anya had finished her food and she stood up to go back to the tent.
Raewyn glanced at her, but said nothing.
Anya disappeared into the tent and came back a few minutes later, fixing her cloak as she sat back down.
Raewyn was scattering the fire.
Anya pulled out her ponytail and shook her hair out slightly. "Was there a spring along the route you drew out?" She asked as she did so.
He nodded. 'We'll get to one in about a week or so, I think. After that, most of our travel is going to take us along it.'
Anya sighed in relief. "Fresh water sounds nice." She said with a small smile.
He smiled a little. 'Yeah, it does.'
She gave him a small smile before turning to go grab her bag. "We should probably set off soon then, right?'
'Yeah, ready to go?' he asked.
She pulled her bag over her shoulder, adjusting it slightly with a nod. "Yes."
Raewyn got his things, then took Sebastian and went on down the trail.
Anya followed behind them quietly, looking around at the surroundings.
They were now travelling through a nice forest.
Anya kept an eye out as they walked, enjoying the scenery but also trying to keep her guard up.
Luckily this was a serene part of the forest, and nothing seemed to be happening here.
Anya let out a soft sigh as she continued to follow Raewyn, remaining quiet otherwise.
After a week of walking, they arrived at the edge of the stream, broad and slow moving.
Anya walked up to the edge, and kneeled down, dipping her hand in the water for a short moment.
'How is it?' Raewyn asked, as he unpacked Sebastian.
"Nice and cool." She answered, drying her hand and standing back up.
'Good,' Raewyn said.
Anya nodded and went to collect some firewood for the night.
Raewyn set up camp.
Anya came back after a while, enough wood for the night in her arms. Setting it down, she stretched. "Raewyn..." She started. "I am going to take a bath. There is a hidden area over that way away, and it's rather private."
'All right,' Raewyn said. He didn't quite look at her, still feeling a bit awkward about their night together.
Anya turned on her heel and walked off down a small side path that led to the hidden area.
Raewyn lit the fire as he waited.
Anya stopped at the edge of the water and took off her cloak, setting it on a branch as she stripped the rest of her clothes and slowly got in. She shivered as she did so, but finally made it in completely. Anya sunk down until her chin hit the water and she sighed in content.
Raewyn set the fire to a low burn
Anya dunked under the water, pulling her hair back into a ponytail as she broke the surface again.
Raewyn waited for her to be done.
Anya leaned against the bank and looked up at the sky, becoming lost in thought.
After a while, Raewyn decided to look for her, just in case anything had happened. He got up and went along the trail towards her, being careful to not be seen or heard just in case.
By then, Anya had sat back up, and was running her hands through her hair, only waist deep in the water, exposing her entire back, as she pulled it over one shoulder as she braided it loosely. She was still deep in thought as she did this, not overly attentive to her surroundings.
Raewyn was about to come upon her at any moment.
At the last moment, Anya had turned to face the bank as she finished braiding her hair.
Raewyn looked out from around a tree to see if anything was wrong, and quickly drew back behind it, hoping he hadn't been seen.
Anya looked up, thinking she had heard something. Frowning slightly, she called out. "Hello? Ya naa tanya?" After a few minutes, she turned back to the bank, now keeping her guard up.
Raewyn went back to the camp quietly.
After a short while, she returned quietly, carrying her cloak.
'Welcome back,' Raewyn said, focussing on making food.
"Sorry I took a while." She said quietly as she set her cloak down and then sat a little bit from him, closer to the fire.
'That's fine,' he said. 'Uh, did anything happen?'
She shook her head. "No, everything was fine. Though I thought I heard something, it turned out to be nothing."
'That's good,' Raewyn said.
Anya gave a slight nod, drifting off into thought once again.
Dinner was soon ready, and Raewyn handed her, her plate.
Anya took her plate with a short nod. "Maybe, you could show me knife-fighting in the morning...?" She asked quietly.
'Hm?' Raewyn said. 'Sure. What makes you ask?'
Anya looked away slightly. "Well, at least in case we get attacked again.." She said quietly.
Raewyn nodded. 'Sure. It's a good idea.'
Anya looked at him and gave a small nod. "And maybe in return, I can help you with a bow..." She offered quietly.
'I'd like that,' Raewyn said, with a small smile.
She gave a small smile.
He finished his lunch and stood up. 'We'll use some sticks for practice. I had to help make props before I became a ranger, so it won't take long.'
Anya nodded. "Alright." she said with a smile.
He smiled back, and went in the forest to get some sticks. After today's accidental run-in, he felt awkward being around her again.
Anya sat at the fire, staring into it, becoming lost in thought once again.
Raewyn came back with some wood later and sat next to the fire, carving them into knives.
Anya watched with interest, leaning over slightly.
Raewyn tested the balance of them several times. By late that evening, he had two, fairly nice-looking wooden knives.
Anya sat up straight. "They look good."
'Thanks,' he said, with a smile.
She gave him a small smile.
He put them down and began making dinner.
Anya stretched and went back to watching the sky.
The stars were coming out now.
Anya had a soft smile as she continued to stare up at the sky.
Raewyn glanced between her and the sky every so often.
Anya sat forward once more, and began to pull out the braid in her hair.
'Dinner's nearly ready,' Raewyn said.
"Alright." She said softly, looking up at him and then back down to her hair.
He glanced at her.
She was sitting with both her knees pulled together one side, and had finished unbraiding her hair as she ran her hands through her hair.
He felt himself go a little red and looked into the fire again; she was pretty like that.
Anya leaned back once more, turning her gaze to the sky. But not before taking a quick glance at Raewyn.
Raewyn glanced at her again and asked, 'So, see any shapes up there?'
She was quiet, giving a shrug as an answer. "Not really, but I do enjoy watching the stars appear in the sky."
He nodded. 'Ridah navigate by stars a lot,' he said.
"Ah, do you know about stars?" She asked softly, leaning forward again to look at him.
Raewyn nodded. He looked up and pointed. 'That's the north star. It stays where it is all year, so it's a good one to navigate by.'
She nodded in agreement. "I remember a bit of what my parents taught me."
'How much did they say about it?' he asked.
"Well, I don't remember everything, but I do remember them telling me how humans and Elves have most of the same constellations. Like, Taimavar. Or, well..." She paused, trying to translate in her head. "Like Orion, the hunter, as humans refer to him." Anya finished.
Raewyn nodded. He traced the outline of Orion with his fingertip.
Anya watched him with a small smile.
Raewyn pointed out a few more constellations.
Anya nodded, and explained the ones that were also in Elvish astronomy.
Raewyn explained a few more of them.
Anya listened, nodding every once in a while.
He finished after a while.
Anya looked back up at the sky. "Interesting. Turns out we have many similarities in astronomy."
He nodded. 'Yeah.'
She gave a small smile.
He smiled back.
Anya continued to stare up at the sky.
He looked up at it as well.
Soon, her arms were getting uncomfortable, so Anya laid on her back, putting her arms behind her head.
After a moment, Raewyn lay down next to her.
She gave him a side-glance, but said nothing.
He also glanced at her, and their eyes met.
Her face went pink, but she didn't break eye contact.
He twitched a soft smile at her.
Anya smiled back shyly.
After a moment, he reached out and held her hand in his.
Her face went red again, but she didn't pull back and twined her fingers through his.
He gave her hand a slight squeeze.
Anya smiled softly once again.
He returned the smile.
Anya turned her gaze back to the sky, her face still pink.
He looked back up at the sky as well
They lay like this for a while. Soon, Anya asked. "Do you want to set up the tent, or sleep under the stars?"
'Let's stay out here,' he said. 'I'm comfortable like this.'
She nodded in agreement. "Likewise..." She said softly.
He smiled a little. 'Good.'