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He continued wrapping the wound, saying nothing until he had finished and had begun packing his supplies away, then spoke softly, his voice shaky and his tongue faltering. “I was thinking about a woman I know. Actually, I hardly know her at all.”

“Oh?” Her voice was light and anxious, wishing him to continue. “What is she like, this mystery woman of yours?”

Her question startled him, but he regained his composure as best he could. “She is kind and brave and trusting. And beautiful! The brightest of stars in the sky could not outshine her.” He stared fondly off into the distance before he realized that the woman he spoke of was sitting beside him.

“Does she have a name? Or will she forever be a mystery?” Ladimira scooted closer, watching him with a smile on her face. “Perhaps I know her.”

He shook his head. “I…I do not think that you do.”

Tell her!

Halan shrugged. “I pray she will not remain a mystery.”

“Perhaps you should just tell her. I am quite certain that she feels the same about you as you feel for her.” She rested an elbow on her knee and her chin in her hand.

“You are?” He looked over at her, one corner of his mouth turning upwards in an uncertain smile.

“Absolutely.” Ladimira smiled. “After all of the men her father has likely introduced her to, a pleasant man like you would most certainly catch her eye.”

“Old, fat, conceited, miserable men?”

She laughed. “All of them.” Ladimira grinned as he reached for her hand nervously and raised it to his lips. “Absolutely.”

The skies opened above suddenly, and the rain fell upon them.

Ladimira cursed. Why does it have to rain? Of all of the perfect moments to be ruined… “We should get going,” she said quickly, standing up and offering him a hand. “The water will soak the ground, and the horses will not be able to travel far.”

            He noticed Naiosa tilting her head towards the sky as she pulled the hood of her cloak closer around her face, masking the white tips of her hair. Halan took her hand and rose to his feet with a nod, reaching into the bag at his side for a cloak of his own. “The closer we can get to town, the better.”