The moon dangled in the night sky as Rowena and Cersie, accompanied the rescued lord and his wife as they fled deeper into the embrace of the dark woods. The rhythmic thud of horses' hooves echoed through the dense foliage as they reached the concealed spot where their faithful steeds awaited.
With gentle care, Rowena and Cersie assisted the lord and his wife onto the horses, their wearied forms finding solace in the sturdy saddles. The journey continued, as Cersie and Rowena led the horses in the dappled moonlight that filtered through the branches overhead.
After a while, the collective decision was made to halt their progress for the night. The lord and his wife, fatigued from the tumultuous events, needed to rest. A makeshift camp was built by Cersie and Rowena in a secluded clearing, the shadows of the forest trees providing a veil of concealment.
Cersie volunteered for the first watch. Rowena, ever watchful of the safety of those in her charge, took the opportunity to catch up on much-needed rest so she would be able to take the second watch.
As the fire crackled, casting a warm glow against the night, the lord curious, turned his gaze toward Cersie. "Who are you, my friend? I am in your debt. Your bravery and your selflessness in helping us is very much appreciated however I know little of your story."
Cersie, leaning against a gnarled tree trunk, offered a faint smile. "My name is Cersie. Rowena asked for my help in saving the town and since then we have become quite close."
The Lord, though slightly apprehensive, listened intently as Cersie unfolded the events that had led them to this moment. The admission of her newly found magic
"So you wield magic, Cersie." he mused, his gaze contemplative. "A force beyond my understanding... Are you a witch?" He asked with slight hesitation. Cersie laughed. "No. I am not. When Rowena called for me, I was set free from my curse and I appeared before her and somehow used magic to save the town. I never had any sort of magic before I was curse..." The lord nodded, "I understand, even if you were a witch, I would still be grateful towards you. There is a sincerity and kindness in your eyes and actions that I find reassuring in my heart. I trust Rowena, and in trusting her, I trust you, I just hope that you continue to watch over my precious daughter."
"Of course, my Lord. Rowena means so much to me also... I've never had a frien- someone like her... I want to do all that I can to keep her happy!" The Lord smiled, "Please call me Xavier and I'm glad that Rowena has someone like you in her life. After all I am only getting older from here..."
As Xavier, the worn out Lord, settled back into a makeshift bedroll, lulled by the sounds of the forest night, Rowena, roused from her brief reprieve, approached Cersie. "I'll take over the watch. You've earned some rest." She offered, her eyes reflecting gratitude for the unspoken understanding.
Cersie nodded appreciatively, surrendering the watch to her companion. As Rowena assumed her post beneath the star-studded canvas of the night, Cersie sought the solace of sleep in a bedroll that covered her in a protective embrace.