The branches whipped past Ashara and Eolande, scratching them. Neither of them stopped until their limbs ached and their ears rang. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so free. The sun shone through the trees, scattering it’s light through the leaves and in between the trunks. We’re really doing it! “I can’t believe we’re going to rescue George! Ashara’s face was flushed silver, her breath coming out in hot pants.

“You’ve always been enamored of humans. It does not seem so out of place that you would wish to save someone who has brought you such happiness.” Eolande looked exuberant; Her eyes were sparkling. Ashara grinned. This must be exciting for her as well… I suppose we could both do with an adventure before we have to settle into our lives. Ashara’s happiness dulled for a moment, her legs slowing.

She shook it off, deciding that they could enjoy this small moment of freedom before their duty called them home.

As Eolande and Ashara walked, leaves and twigs crunching under their feet, they were silent. Ashara pondered her dream; It had been vivid, she could still feel the bark of the tree scratching against her hands. I don’t remember ever traveling to such a place. It seemed to be a temple. Perhaps after I’ve returned, I’ll be able to ask queen Tatiana.

Ashara looked at Eolande. She was flushed, her cheeks red, and yet she had not complained once. Though they had stopped running, they were quickly becoming tired. Mayhap we should rest for a while…  Ashara stopped walking, looking behind her. She strained her ears and heard nothing.

“Eolande,” She called ahead. Her handmaid was a few feet ahead, her legs a bit shaky. Eolande turned around.

“Yes, my lady?” Her voice was tired. She blinked slowly.

“Shall we stop and rest for a while?” Ashara’s voice was gentle. She knew that it wasn’t a wise decision to stop for too long, but had they not traveled a fair distance. Eolande’s eyes widened.

“No, my lady! We should continue until night breaks and rest then. It’s important that we put as much distance between us and the summer court as possible!” Her voice raised as she spoke, panic seeping into her words. Ashara smiled, walking forward to put her hand on her friends shoulder.

“I understand the need to keep moving, but we, you at least, are tired. I will consent to keep moving until night, provided we break for the midday meal after a few hours.” Eolande nodded, though her smile did not reach her drooping eyes, she grabbed Ashara’s hand and the continued walking.

True to their agreement, Ashara and Eolande stopped a few hours later, having picked small berries to eat as they walked. The stream gurgled as they ate. Eolande and Ashara’s feet were bathed in the cool water rushing past.

“Eolande,” Ashara began. The elf hummed, popping a tart berry in her mouth. “ Do you think the queen of the winter court will return George to me?” Ashara looked down, rolling a red raspberry between her thumb and forefinger. When she looked back up, she found her handmaid staring at her.

“No, I don’t think she will. In fact I think we’re going to get ourselves killed if we manage to make it there at all!” Ashara gasped.

“How can you say that? The Unseelie court is our only lead. I know George might not even be there-” Eolande glared at her, mouth twisting in a frown.

“That is exactly my point! We don’t know where he is, or even if he’s alive!”

“Then why are you here? Why are you helping me? Did you betray me?” Eolande looked hurt. “No,” she said, shaking her head vehemently. “I came with you to make sure you wouldn’t get hurt! I understand how you feel about…” Ashara’s brows furrowed.

“About what?” She put a hand on Eolande’s. The elf’s mouth opened and closed, as if she didn’t know what to say, or how to begin.

“I understand how you feel about your duties… I think it’s alright for you to be a bit selfish, but you’re chasing someone who might not even be alive.” Eolande’s voice went soft. She turned her head to the side, refusing to look at Ashara.

“Eolande? Is this about the boy your parents want you to marry after my handfasting ceremony?” She’s been mostly silent about her letters from home, or maybe I just haven’t been paying attention. I can scarcely use the last week as an excuse for being inattentive to her feelings.

Eolande’s shoulders shook. Ashara had no words to comfort her friend. They would have come out as empty if she had. Ashara slipped her arms around her friend, holding her and letting her cry.

After the berries were gone, and their stained hands and mouths washed, they continued walking, the silence more pronounced that before. The sun was high in the sky, beating down on them through the trees, which were becoming more spread out the farther they traveled.

“Where would you wager we are?” Ashara asked. Eolande shrugged, unable to give an answer.

“Mayhap we are close to a village?” Eolande said, raising her brows in question. Uneasiness sank in Ashara’s chest. If she squented, she could just see the outline of buildings on the horizon.

“Maybe we should keep moving… Something doesn’t feel right. If we want to return to the summer court sooner rather than later, we’ll need to stay away from any villages. They’ll only slow us down and we have no money.” We don’t need to draw more attention.

Eolande seemed to think this over before nodding.

“Should we keep walking?” Ashara shivered, rubbing her arms under the soft cloak, clicking her teeth.

“Yes… I don’t like this feeling.” What is this feeling? I’ve never felt this way before… The back of Ashara’s neck prickled. She shook her head, grabbing Eolande’s hand and began walking around the village.

The farther she walked, the more the tingling faded. Ashara was grateful for it, looking behind her all the while. I’ll get answers when I return to the summer court. Everything else can wait until I have my pet back.