It's been days since Katelyn and Aphmau decided we were going to Shadespire to make an alliance with Lord Merek and his sister Aphrodite. They ran a small army village made of soldiers. They're large enough that their numbers could benefit us, but mysterious enough to keep us all on edge. I've been having nightmares of dark shadow figures haunting us in the forest. I fear for our safety, especially Aphmau's. What's out there that is setting uneasiness in my gut?
"We leave at dawn. Everyone get some rest. Thank you for all your preparation today." Aphmau bid us all a goodnight and went into her home, all of us dispersing to our own.
—
Returning home, I decided I should share my concerns with Garroth. "I've been having nightmares about this trip. I'm afraid something is calling out to me, warning me not to go out there. Something or someone is hunting us Garroth and if we leave, it's going to find us." He stared at me, shocked by my sudden outburst.
"Hey, it's okay. you're just nervous after what's happened. Last time didn't go so well and you're scared for all of us. I'm sure it's just a bad feeling, nothing more than anxiety honey." He rubbed my shoulders, trying to release any tension I had built up. "Let's just get some rest and figure it all out tomorrow. We'll keep a close eye on our surroundings and take the open road there, okay?" I sighed and Garroth helped me into bed.
"I trust you."
"I'll make sure you're okay. If trouble comes, we'll handle it like we always do."
I laid down next to Garroth, his arm wrapping around me, bringing me into his chest. The warmth from his body radiated such a calming effect onto me. I melted right into his touch, falling into a state of relaxation.
—
Although the relaxing feeling I had felt, I couldn't sleep last night, so I found myself at the statue of Irene. I remember when she brought me back from the dead, that feels like just yesterday. Although she no longer guides me in life, I can feel her with me everyday. She brought me to this village and to the love of my life. She's done so much for me, and I'm still here because of her. If only I could see her one more time to thank her for everything. "Hey Anna?" I heard Aph's voice behind me. She was still in her night clothes, considering I was in mine too I couldn't judge her. "Honey, it's cold out here. Is everything alright?" She sat down next to me as we looked up at Lady Irene's image.
"I just have a gut feeling that this trip isn't going to go well. Garroth says it's just nerves after what happened with Lo." I sighed, unfolding my legs and stretching. I couldn't tell how long I'd been here, maybe an hour or so?
"I understand, nerves get the best of us all. I'm always nervous to take my guards out of the village. If you guys get hurt I feel like that's on me. But yet, we all figure out a way to get home every time." She wrapped her arm around my shoulders and brought me in for a hug. I leaned on her shoulder, and she sighed, "Don't worry about anything. I know Garroth and he won't let anything happen to any of us. You and Katelyn are my best warriors and I think we're taking Leochant. He's back in town and Garroth thought it'd be good for him to assist us."
"It's like someone is trying to warn me Aph. But you need rest for tomorrow. Let's go Lord Aphmau, we have a long journey ahead of us."
"Indeed we do Anna."
We stood up and I walked Aphmau back to her house, but when I turned around I found Garroth standing behind me in his pajama pants. The moonlight made him look gorgeous and his bed head made me smile. "Darling, you shouldn't be out here so late. We have a long journey in the morning. Come home, I'll make you warm cocoa and we can go back to bed okay?"
I took his hand and we walked through the village back to our house. The dim lighting from the moon and stars made Garroth eye's pop so bright. The vibrant blue that was held in them made my heart melt. Every time I look at him, I wonder what I did to be so worthy of his love. "I can't wait to marry you."
"What darling?" Garroth stopped and faced me.
"I wanna be your wife. I can't wait any longer." Garroth just stared at me. I was afraid I had gone too far, especially at this hour. He didn't say a word, only looked over me time and time again. "Garroth?" In one swift move, he wrapped one arm around my waist and the other to protect my head and pulled me into a loving kiss. My hands lazily wrapped around his shoulders as he held me.
"Where's the preacher in this town?" Garroth said it only above a whisper. "We can have a proper wedding later."