bree land

He awoke with a jerk.

The news still shook him. The sorrow still hugged him. The pain was still real. It had been a while, yet he still felt the loss as if it yesterday.

Eira placed her third finished shepherd's pie on the counter. She pulled her oven mit off, reaching up and wiping her forehead. Cooking during the blazing heat of summer was certainly not a good idea. Yet, she had pushed through and made three delicious meals for the workers of Millshaw. Not only had she made three shepherd's pies for everyone, but she also baked her blueberry muffins, which were starting to gain infamy for their deliciousness.

She saw fields of tall, golden wheat. The sun beat down, too much. It grew larger, angrier, and a roaring fire engulfed the feilds in a flash.

She saw white flowers, stained in blood. Puddles of water turned a burning orange, and flames overtook the flowers.

She saw herself, looking up, as legions of fishing hooks flew for her, tips glistening. Then, flames overtook again.

Relief flooded Eira as Nimraph charged in. She stepped back, chosing to be defense while Nimraph attacked. She shouted, "Get lost! My husband won't show the same mercy I have!" 

One of the men hestated, taking a step back. The other let out a battle cry and charged Nimraph. Eira backed into the wagon, aware of Dammon crying. Meanwhile, the second robber had turned and fled.

Eira rode in the wagon, holding a sleeping Briar as Dammon tried to doodle despite the bumpy path. Eira was half asleep herself, looking out into the dead wilds. The grasses were brown, the river was almost dried up. Sadness flooded her chest as she blinked slowly. The group approached the bridge. Nimraph frowned looking around at the landscape. He emitted a soft sigh, "I do think we made the right choice..."

"It's so sad..." Eira frowned, "I know we made the right choice, but I'm scared for everyone we're leaving behind."

It had been just once she had left.

Just once she left the safety of her hideaway.

She had a guard with her, she stayed off road, she wore camouflaging attire. She should have been safe.

But no.

There she stood, facing the man she had run away from, hidden from, for so long...

How long had she wandered?

The fog never ceased, and the night was never ending. Carefully placing her walking stick before of her every step, she meandered the endless, rolling hills and barrow mounds. Only the occasional stone peer broke the scenery of fog, grass, and rolling mounds. She was hastily losing track of the time as she walked on and on.