Chapter 191: Then there were four
The small band of elves and Evanna escaped the forest before sunup; she did not recognise the area but assumed they were going in the correct direction. Before the last of the trees fell away to open fields, Arawn ordered Cedric and Anwel to return along with the other elves in their company. Her guards earned their return, and Evanna was happy to see them return to the palace, especially for Cedric, the soon-to-be father. Garrett was the only one to remain by their side and surprisingly continued to carry Ronan on his back.
Once sunlight scattered across the earth, the small party of four began to search for the better ground to rest at. Evanna stared across a vast ocean of green and yellow fields. Upon these open fields, strong winds roared at them, sending shivers down Evanna’s neck, but they found a spot behind a hill, among grass as tall as trees. The shelter did nothing more than hide them from any potential threats; otherwise, the wind still chilled them to the bone.
The night had been tiring for all, but they would only rest for an hour before leaving again. Garrett plopped Ronan down, not so gently and smirked when he gasped and jumped up, his legs wobbling and collapsed to the ground. Evanna let her body fall back onto the earth and looked at her friend, whose eyes darted around like a startled animal.
"Are we.." Ronan began, then wiped his hand over his face, rubbing at his eyes before blinking at the vibrant colours of the grass around them. "Are we in the forgotten plains?"
Arawn sighed and gracefully planted himself beside Evanna, closing his eyes with a slight twitch in his brow as though Ronan’s voice irritated him. "There is nothing forgotten about these plains; it is only humans who are quick to forget," Arawn replied tiredly like speaking was too much effort to waste on such a simple subject.
"A simple yes would do.." Ronan replied, then jumped up again in shock. "Raven! What the.. Are we.. Are we prisoners to the Flori now? What is the meaning-"
"He yaps a lot," Garrett commented in Ronan’s native tongue, so he understood his mocking, then glared in his direction, quietening her friend, who stepped back warily. "Be quiet. Unlike you, we have not rested all night."
Ronan looked from Garrett to Arawn and, lastly, to Evanna, who struggled to keep her lids from closing. "Roach.." She whispered, reaching her hand out towards him at the incline position her body was at from the hill. He was kneeling before her in seconds, his hands wrapped around her slender one. "We are safe."
"If you are so worried for your princess, I suggest standing watch. If you know of these plains, then you know what dangers could lurk nearby." Arawn flicked his wrist, dismissing Ronan before turning on his side, and staring directly at Evanna.
She wanted to comment on how he spoke to her friend, but her fatigue would not allow it, and she was also reminded of her Prince’s well-known frosty personality. Arawn may show affection towards her, but he is not so kind to everyone else.
Ronan searched Evanna’s face worriedly, then sighed before marching towards Garrett, who somehow sat elegantly on a small rock. He tapped the elf on the shoulder, telling him to sleep, but Garrett stared at him in response before returning to scan their surroundings, remaining on guard. Ronan threw his hands up but did not complain as he glanced at Evanna, scowled at Arawn, and then stepped away from Garrett, watching him cautiously and remaining on guard with him.