The walk to the caves was only about two miles, and though the trail wasn't easily marked, Duncan knew the way.
Only a few of his pack members go here anymore. He doubted that even some of the younger generation knew about them.
They walked along as Duncan told her some of his pack's history; she reached out and grabbed his hand. He didn't make a big deal about it; he held onto her hand a little tighter. This made his wolf dance in circles, "Apollo, stop that you're going to make us both dizzy."
"Duncan, you know what this means; it means they like us and are starting to trust us."
Duncan didn't bother to answer Captain Obvious. He looked down at her; she seemed relaxed and happy as the sun showed through the trees all around her. When they were almost there, he brought out a blindfold.
She looked at him in skepticism; for an instant, there was fear in her eyes.
Duncan stopped her from going into a panic, "Adira, it is a surprise, that is why I have the blindfold, don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you. If you prefer, we can leave the blindfold out of it and walk in backward."
Adira started laughing, turning around so he could put on the blindfold. He took her hands and gently guided her through the last part of the trail.
When they were at their destination, he took off the blindfold; as she opened her eyes, he could tell that she loved what she was seeing.
Adira was gobsmacked. She couldn't believe that something this beautiful existed; it wasn't a cave but rather a stone formation around a waterfall and what looked like a natural garden.
When they walked inside, she noticed an open tent. There was a giant picnic basket sitting on a very fancy rug; on the carpet next to the basket was a massive chest.
The tent looked like something out of a romance novel. It was all white, There were curtains tied back, and they were white. Though it was early fall and the leaves were changing inside the enclosure, there was a slight breeze, and the air was warm.
"I know you're wondering why it is so much warmer in here than outside.
There are a few thermal pockets still active. Also, there is the legend of a witch that once lived here as well."
They went into the tent to see what was left for them. Inside the chest were blankets, pillows, towels, swimming suits, and a change of clothes for each of them. The picnic basket was loaded with all kinds of things, sandwiches, snacks, fruit, brownies, fried chicken, and salad with dressing.
"Well, would you like to try out the water? it's warm." He reached down into the chest, pulling out their swimsuits and towels from the trunk.
Adira was excited. She always wanted to go swimming though she didn't know how.
"You will have to teach me to swim; I have never been in the water before."
They walked down to the pool formed by the waterfall, taking her hand. The water felt fantastic, and it was pure.
There wasn't any muck or cloudiness to it. She felt the warmth of Duncan's hand, and that gave her confidence to go deeper into the pool.
Before she even realized it, she was up to her chest in the water, and it surrounded her. She felt refreshed as Duncan pulled her closer to him.
His warmth was terrific next to the cool of the water. She relaxed and gave her trust to him. At that moment, she knew that his arms would always be there for her.