Thread: Life's Journey (The_Gladiator & darkangel76)

The night was still so very dark and the air so very cold as it rushed over Rhonwhyn's dampened skin. The water was frigid as it soaked her to the bone, splashing about as both she and Brandon were tossed within the confines of their boat as something seemed to grab at them. She could feel the sting of wounds that had formed on her ankle, but she didn't have time to think on those. There were more pressing matters at hand and that was somehow surviving this terrible night gone wrong. To think it had started with betrayal? Oh what a cruel, cruel place the world was outside the comfort of the temple's walls. It was now that Rhonwhyn desperately wished she could return to Gomgoroth and leave all of Belbarren behind her. But then... what of the fate of Brandon? He was doing her a kindness, trying to help and assist. No, she couldn't leave him now. Not after he'd gone so far out of his way for her. She'd forever be in his debt for it wasn't many that would place another before themselves without knowing the person or the situation upon which they were embarking. Yet, this man... It was truly humbling. Rhonwhyn continued to reach for Brandon as her pale eyes watched in vain as he moved to her aid. She could only make out shadow and silhouette, but her ears heard enough above the roaring sounds of the water as they continued to rush along the river. There was a loud crack, followed by a thud and splash. Quickly, she turned her head only to see a large massive shadow floating behind her in the rough waters, her mouth suddenly going dry as her mind reeled with what it might have been that had been grabbing at her. Just then, Brandon pulled her safely back into the boat so that she was closer to him once more and no longer hanging over the edge. She pushed at her platinum waves that had plastered themselves to her face due to being wet and frantically scanned the boat as fear continued to course through her body. Her eyes caught sight of something strange on board their tiny 'vessel'. It was undoubtedly an arm or something very much resembling one. She had no doubt. Trembling both with fear and from the cold, she pushed at the arm and rolled it over the side of the boat until it splashed into the water. Rhonwhyn let out a tiny whimper, her body shaking as tears began to prick at her cool, blue eyes. The terror running through her was so real and strong. This truly was no dream and it wasn't going to end. She could only hope that safety and sanctuary could soon be found. Glancing down, she could feel her ankle throbbing a bit from where she'd been grabbed and her body... so cold. But she'd never complain. It wasn't her way. Suddenly, the current felt as though it were gaining both in strength and speed. Rhonwhyn shifted slightly where she sat, moving to be a bit closer to Brandon, seeking his warmth. Without realizing it, one of her hands moved to rest on his thigh, gently gripping it as the sounds in the distance grew louder. Her ears tried their best to hone in on what it was she was hearing as the boat bumped along, striking against rocks and bouncing along the crests of waves. When realization dawned, she felt a knot form in the pit of her stomach, her grip tightening even more. Are we... Rhonwhyn began when she turned slightly to face Brandon, her teeth chattering ever so slightly as she spoke. Are we going to survive this night? Her eyes pleaded with him to be truthful. I know what I hear up ahead. The sounds of what was most definitely a waterfall just beginning to come into hearing range in the distance.