The first light of the growing sun watched Cersie and Rowena's journey. Mounted on their horses, the duo navigated the rolling hills and open fields that stretched beyond what was home. The crisp morning air carried with it a sense of adventure, and as the horses trotted in tandem, Cersie couldn't help but feel a surge of exhilaration.
Rowena, riding alongside her, couldn't contain her excitement. "Cersie, have you ever raced horses before?"
Cersie, a gleam of curiosity in her eyes, shook her head. "Hm... I have but I wouldn't say I have a lot recently besides with helping the escape of your father. "
A mischievous smile played on Rowena's lips. "How about a little race then? Just for fun."
Cersie, drawn into the playful challenge, grinned. "You're on!"
With a shared glance, the two women spurred their horses into a gentle gallop. The wind rushed past them, and the rhythmic drumming of hooves echoed through the open expanse. Laughter bubbled up from within as they raced side by side, the thrill of competition blending seamlessly with the beauty of the landscape unfolding around them. Cersies red hair whoosed behind her as she rode ahead before being swiftly over taken by braids of black hair that whipped about in the passing wind.
As the impromptu race reached its conclusion, the horses slowed to a canter, then a walk. Rowena, breathless and exhilarated with red staining her pale face, turned to Cersie. "That was amazing! You're a natural rider and your almost as good as me." She winked as she trotted ahead with a laugh.
Cersie, a rosy tint on her cheeks, chuckled and followed next to her. "Likewise. That was more fun than I expected."
The duo continued their journey, the spirited race fostering a nice respite that helped eased the nervousness that grew with every passing mile. Soon, the sun began its ascent, casting a warm glow over the terrain.
Later in the day, with the sun dipping below the horizon, Cersie and Rowena decided to set up camp. The horses, having carried them with unwavering loyalty, were tended to with care, and a modest fire crackled to life. As they sat by the fire, sharing a simple meal of dried fruits and bread with the strawberry jam the baker had given them, Rowena couldn't help but tease Cersie about their morning race. "I'll admit, I didn't expect you to be such a fierce competitor. You've got a knack for riding."
Cersie, a playful glint in her eyes, retorted, "Well, you're not so bad yourself. Maybe we should make it a regular happenstance on our journey."
Rowena chuckled. "Like a tradition, huh? I like the sound of that."
As night fell, the campfire cast dancing shadows on their faces. Rowena, ever enamored with the stars, suggested a brief reprieve from their journey. "Let's take a moment to stargaze. It's a clear night, and the constellations are breathtaking."
Cersie, intrigued, joined Rowena as they lay on their backs, their gazes fixed on the celestial expanse above. Rowena began to point out familiar constellations, sharing the stories behind each one.
"That cluster there is Kasseandra, the witch of darkness..." Rowena explained, her finger tracing the celestial outline that looked like a butterfly. "It tells the story of when she unleashed her dark magic and destroyed a whole kingdom... No one knows what happened or why but she detroyed the kingdom and herself so she must have been really angry!" Rowena huffed a laugh.
Cersie, captivated by the stories woven into the stars, listened intently. However, a flicker of recognition crossed her features as she heard the name. "The stars have changed," she mused, her voice carrying a hint of melancholy.
Rowena, sensing a deeper undercurrent, turned to her. "Changed? What do you mean?"
Cersie, dismissing the notion with a shake of her head, replied, "It's nothing. Just my imagination, perhaps."
Rowena, respecting Cersie's unspoken desire for privacy, allowed the topic to fade into the night. The fire dwindled, and exhaustion settled in as they prepared for sleep.
Sharing the bedroll, their bodies close yet separated by an unspoken boundary, Cersie and Rowena grappled with the intimacy of their shared space. The rustling leaves and distant night sounds provided a symphony, but the lingering tension made sleep elusive. As Cersie and Rowena laid there, a finger or a foot would accidently brush against one or the other as they moved. They would both blush and apologise before flipping over onto their side facing away from each other.
In the quiet darkness, Rowen turned her head to look at Cersie and broke the silence. "Cersie, are you sure everything is okay?"
Cersie, meeting Rowena's concerned gaze, offered a small smile. "It's just the journey ahead, Rowena. We'll find our way." They turned away from each other again and slowly fell asleep..