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She would dearly have loved to just take off into the forest, for the longer she stayed away from Alesbridge, the more she feared for her father's safety. Besides, these clothes are sticky and cold. Already, she was starting to shiver. The worst thing that could happen was that either of them fall ill, and their return to the city delayed.
Altair's words, however, rang in her ears. He, who understood her most, would know how badly she wanted to be home. He had said his piece, only because he was truly worried for their survival. Gratefully, she smiled at him. It was so nice to be cared for.
Yet even as they lingered there, she could sense that something odd was happening in the forest. The sagging branches, the sickly shades of the undergrowth all pointed at a subdued energy level, which contrasted starkly with the raw danger she had felt when she first entered it.
Quickly, she lowered her ears to the ground and listened intently. "There's a horde of beasts in that direction." She spoke softly, pointing ahead. "But from the sound of their footsteps, they seem to be moving lethargically... as if the will to live has been drawn from them."
Getting up, she turned to Altair. "If we move quietly enough, they may just let us by... they don't seem very active and bloodthirsty today." But when her eyes focused on his face, she faltered. I'm being too selfish. Besides, if anything happened to herself, who else would take care of Papa?
"Let's take the longer route, Altair." She grabbed his wrist and began to tow him away. Don't loiter, or your conviction will waver.
[ 08-03-2006, 09:31 AM: Message edited by: mistral4543 ]
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