Turning point (11)

'Now then… what goes next?' 

Etaria took a deep breath and closed her eyes, making use of the tranquil silence that came after her powerful attack. 

It was never her intention to buy herself this space and time to think things through… But now that she found herself alone and without a single sound to bother her, Etaria willingly indulged herself in the moment, taking some time to sort her thoughts out. 

'There's Madam stalling for time, Zanba knowing far more than he ever allowed me to know, their strange connection…' 

The princess squinted her golden eyes. 

'No, not their connection. Our connection to this forest,' Etaria corrected herself, slowly but surely piecing together all the scattered pieces of information she received in this impossible and incredible encounter. 

The princess closed her eyes and raised her chin, taking in a deep breath and keeping it in her lungs for a long while, before slowly, slowly breathing it out.