93 Freedom

~ HARTH ~

Pieces of her twisted as they fled. Parts of her heart that remembered running from danger too often. Parts that had been thrown into hunts in which she was the prey.

Though Tarkyn held her hand and they only walked briskly, rather than running, she couldn't escape the creeping dread, the tingling sense of horror that at any moment they might be ambushed, or an enemy might break through the trees behind and launch towards them.

They were forced to walk silently for almost an hour, Tarkyn warning her that there were patrols and stations throughout this area of the forest, still close to the Tree City.

They spoke infrequently through the bond, but most of Tarkyn's focus went on their surroundings and their passage. He applauded her more than once for keeping herself so quiet, and commented that she could teach some of the Anima a thing or two. But he obviously felt her fear, because his forehead was creased, and he never let go of her hand.