3Morgan Caelyn watched in awe as beaded water drops slipped past the dense forest canopy. Lanthrop was the last place for rain to fall, for the think forest made it impossible for water to get into. The various trees and plants got their water from places within the forest were natural springs held water above the ground. Some of the plants drew moisture from the river air, but most of them drank straight from the forest floor.
Placing one hand on the glass door, she had second thoughts about going outside. Her little brother, Yvan, was out there practicing his sword skills, waiting for his friend to come over. Yes, her little brother's friend was a little older than she was but that didn't matter to him at all. They enjoyed each other's company and that was all that mattered. Morgan was just glad she didn't have to spend the day with Yvan's friend for he was irritating.
She ignored her mind and went outdoors anyway. Letting her eyes adjust to the light, Morgan blinked the sky blue beauties a couple of times, then flipped her black hair behind her shoulder. Yvan noticed her appearance and waved excitedly.
"Morgan! Come watch!" he urged. Shrugging, she came over to her brother. She noticed that the tree in front of him was pretty cut up, probably from his sword. "I can save people, like Caleb!" He raised the heavy weapon and thrust it into the tree trunk the promptly took it out and hit the other side. Then as if to signal a defeat, he raised the metal sword as high as he possibly could and stuck it right in the middle of the tree. Smiling, Morgan put her hands on her hips and let out a small chuckle.
"Good. Is Caleb going to take you out hunting to practice your skills today then? It's perfect training weather." With all her heart, she hoped that Caleb could take him out. Yvan's friend was here every single day and could pose as part of their family. He was over here enough.
"No, he said that he couldn't but if you wanted to come along that he would." Yvan settled the sword onto the ground and gave his big sister a pleading look.
"Sorry, but I think that I will just stick to hunting by myself. Maybe one day I can take you along with me, but no Caleb."
"Oh, well I am going to ask grandfather if he'll take me!" the little boy dragged his sword around the house, then started running on the dirt path to the small cobble stone city near by where their grandfather worked as a blacksmith. Giggling with delight, Morgan drifted off into the house. Her parents were out at work in the city so she had the cabin to herself. I might as well get some sewing done, Morgan told herself as she picked up a cloth and a needle. Weaving the silver needle in and out of the thread made her mind relax and eventually her whole body relaxed. She lost all track of time when there was a clamorous knock on the door. Rising to her feet, Morgan went to go open it. Leaning on a wooden pillar was Caleb, a smart smirk growing across his face. Sighing, the girl drummed her fingers on the door gave a sympathetic grin.
"I am sorry but Yvan left for out grandfather's shop a while ago. You are welcome to come back though." At the mention of that, she gave him a cold glare, suggesting that he not come back but it would be rude to say so.
"Who says I could go hunting with just him?" the man stated. Morgan couldn't see where this trick was going, but she knew it was something crafty and unexpected.
"What do you want?" she sighed heavily.
"Three loaves of bread and six silver coins." Answered Caleb. Morgan frowned and was in mid way of shutting the door in his face when the woodsman grabbed it and thrusted it back open.
"I was just kidding. I would like you to come with me, since Yvan isn't here and you have no one to keep you company."
"With you it's not called company, it's called forced torture." Morgan said snottily. Giving a faint laugh, Caleb tossed back his brown hair and smiled.
"Yeah, real funny. Now can you just come?" he pleaded her with his eyes. Morgan nodded acutely and slipped back inside the house. Grabbing her bow, arrows, a package of food, first aid kit, and a sparkling sliver stone, she attached everyone onto her belt and stepped back outside. She pushed past him and began trotted down the pathway, not looking back.
Eagerly he followed, not sure if this was the smartest idea now. Morgan was very stubborn and she'd let herself come on this trip freely without argument. Usually she would press him into humiliation then tag along. Maybe she was planning a trick of some sort…? Caleb shook his head; no it couldn't be it.
The hunting party of two trudged on, Morgan bursting ahead with speed, while Caleb avoided the swinging tree limbs and plants that she had held back to get through. He was being the regret this suggestion very quickly. Once they were deep within the forest, she leaned against a tree and stared up at the green canopy. A cool mist spread down over her, causing a cold sweat to break out on her face. Glancing about for her companion, she found the man oddly in front of her, taking out his sword. Just a few minutes ago, Caleb was right behind her. Now he was ready to stalk off.
"How did you…?" her voice suddenly ceased when just disturbed plants swayed a bit, then slowed to a stop. Placing her hands about her hips, Morgan rolled her eyes. "What kind of game are you playing now, woodsman?" she shouted.
"I wanted to get you before you could get me." A faint voice trailed off into the distance. Then she caught sight of his boot prints. Since it had been misting, the ground had gotten fairly wet, causing a thin layer of mud. She started running, staring down at the prints, but still aware of when a tree was in her path.
It was always tricks and competitions with Caleb, thought Morgan as she hurriedly jogged. When they were kids, it was always about whom was the best at throwing, fighting, and even down to the point of who had the best insults. He tried to trick her into things and she him. Soon they were caught up in a never-ending game that none of them seemed to win or lose.
Abruptly the prints stopped and a few leaves dropped onto her head. Gingerly looking upward, she caught a glimpse of Caleb's boot and climbed after it. Her hand gripped the slippery hide when it wedged loose from the branch. Loosing her grip on the tree and the boot she presumed was Caleb; she came crashing down. Mud splattered as she landed, her whole side covered in the thick brown gook. Anger pumped through her blood. Gradually she raised up from the ground, wiping her face with the back of her hand. Her hand still gripped the boot and that meant he was running around with out a shoe. Eagerly to get going now, she caught sight of his brown and green shirt and dashed ahead.
Black hair whipped her face as she tripped over rocks, but she kept on going. Finally ahead Caleb went down, stumbling over a root. She leaped onto his feet, making sure he'd stay down; just long enough to give him a lecture about running away in the forest.
"What were you thinking?" she snapped, slowly getting up from the ground. "Running like that in these weather conditions…it's down right foolish! Plus you probably scared all the animals away. Her eyes burned in furry while Caleb just laughed. Rising to his feet, he simply shook his head and scraped some of the mud away.
"No worries." He brushed it off and began to check if he still had everything on his belt. Morgan seized his hand, making him look up at her.
"No, I do not want to hear a lie, Caleb Ahane."
He was about to confess when they both heard a twig snap. Instantly the two froze still, not daring to even blink. There was an odd presence in the air…a certain stale feeling. Feeling a silky material brush up against her leg, Morgan turned around to see nothing. Caleb screamed, then fell backwards hitting the ground with a meaty thump. Not sure what had just happened to the woodsman, Morgan glanced around the forest. Everything was still, but the stale air was still around them. Not wanted to find out exactly anymore, she wrapped her arms under his armpits and dragged him through the forest hurriedly. Fear passed in and out of her as she got closer and closer to the house.