The clouds covered the sun as Ingrid and Christine made their way up the hill. The hot weather from earlier in the day had sucked the moisture from the ground, making the climb easier now in the late afternoon. Their footsteps stirred up gentle clouds of dust as they ascended.
Ingrid's breath came in ragged gasps as they reached the summit, her chest heaving as she leaned her hand against the sturdy trunk of the willow tree. Christine, too, took deep breaths, wiping sweat from her brow as she surveyed their surroundings.
"Goodness. Now I know why not many people come here," Christine remarked, her voice low with exertion. She turned to Ingrid, concern evident in her eyes. "Are you okay, Your Highness?"
Ingrid chuckled between breaths, her laughter mingling with the sound of the rustling leaves above. "Oh, heavens. That scared me," she admitted, her voice tinged with amusement despite her fatigue.
