ELRETH
Once they'd eaten, neither of them was in a hurry to move. The flames still crackled merrily, and with the river burbling nearby, Elreth sighed with peace.
Aaryn had pulled a log they'd found over next to the fire and was sitting on it. Elreth sat on the ground, leaning against his legs.
It was a peaceful moment and one Elreth hoped they'd find ways to repeat when they were back in their normal lives, but the quietness between them made her wonder what Aaryn was thinking—which immediately turned her mind to the things they would face when they returned. His scent threaded through with rising tension, and Elreth suspected she knew why.
"Are you worried about your mom?" she asked quietly.
Aaryn's hands, that had been kneading her shoulders, hesitated. "Not exactly," he said. "I'm a little nervous that I didn't see her, but less so now that Eadhye's helping. She's been amazing. I don't think I would have gotten through the ceremony without her there to care for Mom."
