Golden light slipped through the waterfall, touching Dydra's serene face. Her lashes flattered open, the sunlight dancing on her blue eyes, giving them an unusual, glass-like gleam.
A soft yawn slipped from her lips, but it was cut short by the sharp sting on her cheek. Her frown deepened as her fingers grazed her cheek, recalling the place Jerry had hit.
"Ow," she whined, attempting to get up, but a weight on her lap pulled her down. Only then did she notice the mare's head had laid across them through the night.
A sweet smile dawned on her lips, her fingers reached out fiddling Speed's crest. Nudging it's head off her thigh. She made to get up, but her legs buckled, forcing her to slump back on the rock.
"Ouch," a moan escaped her lips. Speed lifted herself, titling her head toward Dydra. With the help of the horse, she was able to stand on her two feet. Dydra debated on going out, but then her stomach gnawed from hunger. Still, she contemplated. Could the masked guy still be searching for her?
Taking a deep breath, she and Speed walked out. The rays of sunshine shown on her face, causing a frown . She lifted her hand, using her palm as a shield. Slowly, her eyes adjusted to the forest's scenery. With Speed close, she searched in high alert for anything safe to eat. After a healthy amount of searching, she stumbled upon a berry brush. Her eyes sparkled and she hastily snatched up as many as he could, stuffing them into her mouth while offering some to her steed.
After devouring a healthy amount, she hopped on Speed, riding in the opposite direction of the way to the road. She couldn't risk going back and she couldn't stay in the cave either. Her clothing wasn't one that could keep her from the cold and mosquitos when night falls again. Though having food and water close by, she couldn't stay.
The sun had climbed to it's summit. Speed carried her at a slow, dragging pace, her posture bent forward, the hours forgotten under the punishing warmth of the sun. Her throat was dry from thirst, her stomach ached from hunger.
"I should have taken more berries," she breathed softly. A while later, her ears picked up the flow of water and she instantly drew herself upright, scanning the surroundings in search of the source.
Her eyes spotted a stream trickling down ahead. She jumped off the horse, running toward it. She crouched beside the stream, scooping water into her cupped hands and lifting it to her mouth. Once her thirst was quenched, she brought the water to her face rinsing off dirt.
Out of nowhere she caught sight of drifting smoke. She rose at once, darting for her steed, but in her haste she slipped and fell. She got to her feet without a flinch, vaulted into the saddle, and guided her mount toward the drifting plume. Her pulse raced with anticipation. Could it be a cottage? She thought to herself as she closed in. The little hope in her heart leapt, as the view of a low, timber-framed cottage with a moss-cloaked thatched roof crouched at the edge of the woods, it's small lattice windows glinting faintly in the dim light.
"Hyah!" She pressed the horse to greater speed. A calming smile curved her lips like cool rain easing the heat of a parched day. She reached the cottage, getting down from her horse, she dusted off her dress, re-aligned the fabric, wiped away a blemish and finished by arranging her hair neatly. She wore a polite smile, going up to the door, knocking softly. Her ears drew keen, hoping to pick up sounds from the inside. On receiving none, she knocked again, this time a little louder.
"Hello? Anyone home?" She added, her heart racing. What if someone wasn't staying there? Would she continue her journey? It's getting dark soon she can't sleep in the forest all alone.
From behind the cottage stepped an elderly yet striking woman with skin as white as snow, sea-blue eyes and raven hair. A flash of wonder passed her eyes, going as soon as it came when she spotted Dydra, who was busy peeking through her window. She wasn't startled by the dress Dydra wore, but her features. There was a knowing in the woman's eyes that came off pleasant, yet dark.
"Hello, may I help you?" Her voice startled Dydra. Following the sound of the voice, Dydra was caught off guard by the beauty of the aged woman. Her eyes was filled with admiration, her mouth opened to speak, but no words came out. The woman's dark hair made her skin and eyes stand out captivating Dydra's heart.
How could a person be this breathtaking? She thought inwardly.
The aged woman seemed farmilar with the expression Dydra held, and she asked again.
"Hello, may I help you?" Even after this, Dydra didn't snap. "Y-y-you...wow." she managed to say. Her mind was clouded with the beauty of the elderly woman.
"You're extraordinarily breathtaking," she blurted out, earning a soft laugh from the woman.
"Thank you, Ms. Stranger." Only at that moment did Dydra's thoughts came together and she introduced.
"I'm Dydra, Madam," a faint warmth rose under her deep complexion, not so much visible as sensed in the way her lips pressed and her eyes darting away from the woman's gaze.
"I'm Oryen ," a smile tugged at the old lady's lips.
A frown formed on Dydra's face. "O-oryen," she struggled. "What an odd name," she breathed softly, but loud enough for Oryen ears to pick it up. Dydra's eyes widened in anxiety when she realized this. Blabbing nonestop to fix it.
"Not odd in a bad way. But, 'oh, what an odd name,' in a good way. I-i do not mean you're odd, I just—"
"It's okay, dear." Oryen assured with a tender smile. A self-conscious look crept over Dydra's face. Her features tightened in awkwardness, a faint crease forming between her brows.
Dydra, what's the matter with you? Why would you utter such nonesense? She cringed inside.
"Come in, dear." Oryen opened the door to the cottage, inviting her in. Dydra quickly settled into a calm and thankful demeanor, walking in. The moment her foot crossed the threshold, a sudden force from within shoved her backward, jolting her. Her brows drew together in a sharp frown. "Strange," she uttered. Attempting to go in, this time, entering successfully. She pushed the thought aside, claiming she just imagined it, but the look in Oryen eyes says otherwise.
A light gasp escaped Dydra's lips immediately her eyes settled in Oryen's home. It's was almost similar to her grandmother's hut. Inside Oryen's abode sits a humble but tidy hearth room, scented with dried herbs.
"Take off your boots," Oryen instructed, and Dydra immediately obeyed, with a nervous smile. She took her boots off and her feet sinked into the smooth and soft rug.