Heart Over Sword

The blizzard may have subsided, but the arduous journey seemed to drain the party more than ever before. The elements were always fighting against them. Evanna would prefer fighting a creature than this ongoing fight against never ending gusts of wind.

It was only now, as she hiked through the thick snow on the ongoing ascending hilltop, that she could appreciate the rest and little luxuries they enjoyed at the border town. Their clothing was thicker for the weather, bags heavier with food, and their bodies had recovered. The talk had reduced to only when it was necessary to do so.

Otherwise, too much energy was wasted, or their throats would feel scratchy after shouting to be heard over the wind. Still, none of them complained, and the evenings ended up being the moments Evanna loved the most.

They’d stocked up again on tents, and this time they were better equipped for such weather. Although it was nothing like Conrad’s magical tent, it still offered heating flooring. The group remained outside in a sheltered area by the coverage of pine trees, boulders or the hill’s steep ascension to sit around a campfire.

Sometimes the guys would bundle into a tent early and goof around. Evanna loved seeing Axel and Ronan cheering Ger up. It also provided Evanna some time to spend with Arawn without feeling guilty.

They were never overly affectionate in front of others, but when the others were distracted, they’d slip inside Evanna’s tent. Fiza also had a tent to herself, although once or twice Evanna had seen the night fae crawl into Garrett’s tent. Evanna watched the scene unfold before her whilst Axel and Ger switched with Garrett.

Axel strode quietly by Ger’s side, his mind racing with his heart. Fiza admonished him rather harshly after he fell asleep on his watch again. At the time, he joked, asking for some sort of potion to keep him awake. He should have known from the smirk on her features that what she gave him would also be a punishment.

He was feeling the effects slowly dissipating in his system. Still, he had not slept in three days. It couldn’t be healthy..

One thing was sure, Axel wouldn’t fall asleep on his post ever again!

Sitting close to the fire, snug and warm beside her face, Evanna watched the exchange. She overheard Axel talking to Ger. Axel wanted to keep him company whilst he was on watch.

Although she had a sneaky suspicion, it was also because Axel couldn’t sleep. He didn’t look so great. Fiza and Garrett found it all amusing, but what if they were attacked or in danger? Would Axel be able to respond correctly?

Or would he be easily injured? Evanna retrieved Axel’s potion after the first time he took it. Fiza confirmed with her that it was a little harmless fun and there were no harsh side effects after. He would return to normal after three days.