Thread: Life's Journey (The_Gladiator & darkangel76)

The sound of the water was oddly comforting in the inky black, though Rhonwhyn still had no idea where they were or where they were going other than somewhere 'safe'. Her hand gripped the cloak that had been placed about her slender shoulders, the weight of it warm and its scent a mix of cedar and pineno doubt the smells of the forest. Just what sort of man roamed the wilds and could see in the dark, she wondered? Truly he must be one with the forest and its creatures... a true wandering soul. As they neared the water, its rippling sounds becoming louder as they approached, Rhonwhyn could suddenly hear her savior manipulating and working on what she was sure was a boat of some sort. Had he stashed it away or was it luck that they'd come across the thing? She had to admit that given the way the night was unfolding and the way things had suddenly turned since her 'rescue', that she couldn't help but believe in the former. Silly or not, fanciful or realistic... she couldn't help herself and had no choice but to believe. Again, she looked to the clouded skies, her pale eyes pleading to see the stars. But it was no use. They were nowhere in sight and once more she found herself silently praying to Lunaria Before long, Rhonwhyn found herself nestled and settled between two strong thighs, each one bracing her and holding her in place as she sat down. As two arms reached about her, their warmth more than noticed by her, she watched them grab for the paddles and begin the laborious work of getting them away from the shore. She was unsure of how long it had taken to get them moving, but that hardly mattered. What did was that distance was put between them and their pursuers... whoever they were. Rhonwhyn felt a chilling heat run along her spine, a rush of adrenaline coursing throughout her body the further they got, her body nestling closer to the man who told her to call him 'Brandon'. She said the name over and over in her head... a peculiar name for someone who understood the wilds and was able to slink around at night. But, if that was what he was to be called... so be it. Brandon it was. Thank you, Brandon, Rhonwhyn whispered softly, her voice almost lost as she spoke. Slowly, she tried to twist her head, trying to get a glimpse of the face of the man who'd saved her. But a breeze blew over the water causing her platinum curls to sweep into her eyes. Immediately, she turned to look forward, her head jerking slightly to try and remove the hair from her eyes. Licking her lips, Rhonwhyn then slowly raised a hand and pushed at her long hair, moving it so it no longer impeded her vision. Once out of the way, she turned her head again, trying to look at her savior's face all while giving him a smile. She could still feel his warmth as well as the tension of his muscles as he paddled them further and further from the shoreline. Somewhere 'safe'. Rhonwhyn wondered, exactly, where such a place as that truly was. After everything that had happened and if the rumors she'd heard about Torth were true, she didn't know if she could truly believe anywhere or anything was 'safe' any longer. Could she even trust this man who was helping her? She didn't know, but it was definitely the best option laid before her... she had to hope that somehow Brigantia would see her through. It was all she had and could hold onto. Without realizing it, Rhonwhyn leaned against Brandon slightlyan instinctive action she couldn't help if she tried. His warmth providing comfort and the touch making her feel safer than the empty air swirling about them both. As she tried to calm down, let herself slowly relax, she suddenly recalled the sound he'd made as they'd gotten into the boat. It had been subtle, but it hadn't gone unnoticed. Biting down on her lip, she twisted around slightly and looked at him, her face one of slight worry. Are you all right? Rhonwhyn asked Brandon, her brow arching slightly as her pale eyes tried their best to find his in the darkness. She knew he was in some kind of pain. The question was... in how much pain was he and... what exactly had caused it. She hoped he'd tell her, especially after everything that they'd been together so far.