A Quiet Respite

The journey stretched on, each day a steady rhythm of trotting hooves and whispered conversation as they wove through ancient trees and dappled shadows. They’d traveled for days, blending seamlessly with the forest as they had often over the past five years, hiding beneath its canopy like old friends. In case someone was still looking for them, they avoided the road, but a little further followed it.

He remembered countless nights like this in the spirit world, the two moving through dense forests under darkness. Back then, they’d often relied on each other’s instincts, sharing unspoken signals—a flick of her hand, the tilt of his head—to avoid dangers that lurked in the shadows.

“Remember the time we camped by the river?” he asked, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “You insisted you heard something watching us, and we ended up in the trees for the rest of the night.”

Lyraeth smirked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Because there was something watching us. You just didn’t hear it until it almost snagged your boot.”

He chuckled softly, the sound a rare break in their usual quiet. “Fair enough. But I still say we didn’t need to climb that high.”

Her laughter was light, a sound he hadn’t realized how much he’d missed until now. It warmed the air between them, even as their shared vigilance kept them close to the edge of the road, the woods offering a natural veil.

They avoided the road entirely at first, doubling back occasionally to ensure no one was following. But as the days passed without incident, they began to skirt closer to it, traveling parallel to the well-worn path in case they needed a quick escape.

“Do you think they’re still looking for us?” Lyraeth asked after a stretch of silence, her voice low and thoughtful.

“Possibly,” Edric replied, his expression hardening. “But they won’t find us. Not out here. Not if we’re careful.”

As evening fell, Edric guided their horse toward a faint glow on the horizon—the welcoming light of an inn nestled at the edge of the woods. She felt him relax against her, his body unwinding as they neared their first real shelter in days.

“You know,” she teased, tilting her head to one side to look at him, “I was beginning to think you forgot how to take a break.”

A low chuckle rumbled from him. “Careful, or you’ll hurt my reputation.”

“Maybe,” she replied, smiling.

They entered the inn, the crackling fire casting warm, dancing shadows across the walls, and the rich scent of stew filling the air. Moving quietly, they blended with the patrons in the cozy, dim light. Edric guided them to the innkeeper with a casual nod, slipping into the guise of a weary traveler. As they settled at a small corner table, he leaned close, his voice barely above a whisper. “Feels like old times,” he said, a glint of nostalgia in his eyes.

They hadn’t been seated long when a young man appeared by the entrance. Tall and broad-shouldered redhead. His face broke into a grin upon seeing them, his gaze filled with loyalty and admiration. He strode over, grasping Edric’s arm with a firm grip. “Welcome back!”

“Aldrin,” Edric replied, his voice carrying pride and friendship. “It’s good to see you.” He turned to draw Lyraeth closer, his hand gentle at her back. “Allow me to introduce my wife.”

Aldrin’s eyes widened momentarily, then softened with deep respect. He bowed, his voice warm. “An honor, my lady. Edric has spoken much of you.” His sincerity brought a faint blush to her cheeks, and she nodded in return.

“Come,” Edric said, gesturing up the staircase. “We have much to catch up on.”

Once in the small, warm room prepared for them, Aldrin Varrow properly introduced himself as one of Edric's most loyal men. He is young but capable and was partly in charge of Bearhol, while Edric was away. Aldrin laid out fresh clothes and supplies, his efficient manner a testament to his loyalty.

When he left, Edric turned to Lyraeth, his gaze softening as it swept over her. “Are you… truly healing well?” His hand lightly grazed her arm, confirming what she’d told him a dozen times already.

“Yes,” she said, touching his hand gently. “It’s been slower without magic, but… thanks to you, I’m better every day.” Her fingers traced the faint scar on his forearm, a quiet reminder of their shared battles. “You’ve always looked out for me, haven’t you?”

His thumb brushed over her wrist as he tilted his head with a smirk. “And I expect to be repaid handsomely for my efforts.”

A playful glint shone in her eyes. “I think I can manage that,” she murmured, stepping closer to capture his lips in a lingering kiss. They melted into each other, savoring the warmth and peace that had become so rare. In his arms, the burdens of their journey faded, replaced by a feeling as steady and unbreakable as the bond between them.

A knock on the door eventually broke their embrace, and they shared a look of quiet amusement before he crossed the room, smoothing his shirt. Outside, Aldrin waited. “Dinner is ready, General.”

“Thank you, Aldrin,” Edric replied, with a glance back to her. “Wait for us downstairs; we’ll be there shortly.” As the door closed, he turned to her, extending his arm with a smile. “Shall we, my lady?”

She took his arm, and they made their way to the dining room.

The inn’s dining hall was cozy, bathed in the soft glow of candlelight and the scent of hearty stew. They joined Aldrin at a table by the hearth, where the young soldier’s admiration for Edric was evident in his gaze. Between bites of stew and sips of ale, Aldrin began recounting their past travels, his smile growing wider with each story.

“The general once threw me into a river to teach me how to swim,” Aldrin confessed, casting a sly look her way. “You keep him on his toes now, my lady. I can’t think of anyone more fit for the task.”

She laughed, feeling the warmth of camaraderie settle over them. These were Edric’s people—loyal, devoted, and bound to him by years of shared hardship and trust. But tonight, with her by his side, it felt as if she, too, belonged to something larger than herself.

Later, when they returned to their room, her limbs felt heavy from the day’s journey, and her eyes fluttered shut as soon as they lay down. Her breathing softened as she drifted into a deep sleep, but Edric remained awake for a little longer, his gaze fixed on her peaceful face. Gently, he brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead, his heart filling with quiet gratitude that she was here, safe, and beside him.

Tomorrow would bring new miles to cover, new threats lurking in the shadows. But tonight, they had found a rare and precious solace in each other’s arms. He closed his eyes, his hand resting protectively over hers, and let himself drift into a deep, untroubled sleep.

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