Escorted Abbey by Mikel, the journey back to the Abbey passed enjoyably. Exchanging stories about the City Guards and the Abbey conversation flowed naturally between them despite no longer seeing one another often.
However, once reaching the square, both were greeted by a frantic Sister Agnes. Out of breath she skidded to a halt in front of them. "Mia," She huffed "is she with you?"
Mikel glanced apprehensively at Aribelle first before responding "No, it's just us." Noticing her apprehension at this panicked reception Mikel began to anticipate the increasing likelihood of hid friend taking rash action. Moving closer to her he continued their conversation.
"You're certain she isn't in the Abbey?" he inquired, ignoring her.
Finally beginning to catch her breath Agnes answered "Yes, no one has seen her all morning." Attempting to fly from his side. Mikel swiftly grabbed Aribelle by the arm causing her to stumble back towards him.
He knew she did not like him using his strength in this way. When they were kids, she would even kick him in the shin or punch his gut whenever he picked a fight with her. Mikel thought that she must have considered this upon receiving a fierce glare from Aribelle but ignored her. "Sister, please continue to search in the Abbey and wait there in case she returns." He commanded. "I'll double back to see if she might have gone into town."
Sister Agnes nodded affirmatively. After she had left Mikel sighed, before fixing his gaze firmly into a still noticeably annoyed Aribelle, in truth, he didn't want for her to go anywhere else. However, he was well aware that she would be incapable of not becoming involved. "Check the forest." Mikel said measuredly. She started to pull away, once his grip loosened, but he prolonged it just a little longer. "Only the immediate area. Meet back here by three." He said before releasing her arm completely. Replying with an irked "Fine." She did not look back at him prior running in the direction of the forest at the back of the Abbey.
Mind spinning exclusively with a myriad of the worst-case scenarios. Aribelle scraped past trees and thorns that torn at the hem of her dress. Calling out for a response among the quiet wood, her quivering voice only seemed to be swallowed into its depths.
Distracted, Aribelle sprung over a fallen tree. Failing to clear it, she tumbled to the ground. Falling amongst the twigs and leaves she laid there panting for moment. She considered how experiencing a second life should have made her wiser and less prone to wild fits of recklessness. However, this world was new and her emotions just as strong as those she had experienced before. Her life may be fleeting as a commoner in the novel of 'Forbidden Heart', but she sure as hell wasn't going to let that make her a silent by passer in her own sorted tale.
Hauling herself to her feet, Aribelle noticed that the tree was not alone in its premature felling. Something very large had passed through leaving a trail of damaged flora in its wake.
"Shit." She whispered, beginning to follow its track. Feeling an uneasiness at the pit of her stomach she pleaded inwardly Please Mia, don't be at the end of this! Discerning the creature to be of considerable size, she treaded lightly so as not to alert it needlessly of her approach.
If Mia had indeed walked the same path through the wreckage, Aribelle could not even fathom what course of action she could possibly take to rescue her from whatever monster awaited her. Resolve would do her little good in front of a griffon or wyvern. It couldn't stop her from trying though.
The evidence eventually ending in front of a cave. Aribelle stood peering into its large mouth. Dark and cavernous as an abyss she seemed insignificant before it. Hearing a young shriek from within. This apprehension fled momentarily, causing her to rush forth into its depths.