Alice awoke to the warmth of a crackling bonfire, its flickering light casting dancing shadows on the walls of the cave. The realization that it was just a dream, brought a sense of relief to Alice since her nightmare had truly begun when she left the dungeon.
The enticing aroma of cooking food filled the air, stirring her from a deep, pain-filled slumber. She blinked groggily, her eyes adjusting to the dim, fire-lit surroundings.
As she became more aware, Alice hesitated, bracing herself for the familiar agony of her broken ribs. But as she shifted slightly, she realized with a start that the pain was gone. Carefully, she touched her side, expecting to feel the jagged edges of broken bones, but instead, her fingers met smooth, unblemished skin.
Disbelief washed over her as she sat up, her movements fluid and free from pain. The gnawing ache that had been her constant companion was nowhere to be found. It was as if she had never been injured at all.
'Did Rowen healed me?'
Her gaze traveled around the cave, finally settling on a figure tending to a pot hanging over the fire.
"It's about time you woke up."
"How long did I sleep?"
Alice asked wearily as she got up. She found herself cocooned in the warmth of a blanket which seemingly belonged to Rowen, considering that she had no items with her.
"Not that long. Roughly two hours or so."
"I'm sorry. I hope that I didn't trouble you in any way."
"Nah, you're already bothering me since we first met. What's a few hiccups along the way going to do? Come here and grab something to eat."
Alice neatly folded the blanket and came over to the bonfire that lightened up the cave.
As she sat cross-legged on the cave floor, Rowen handed her a bowl of warm, delicious soup in her hands. The savoury aroma filled her nose, making her stomach growl in anticipation. She glanced at Rowen, who sat silently by the fire, tending to it with a practiced indifference.
Despite the comforting food, a sense of awkwardness settled over her. The silence between them was thick, almost palpable, and she felt an urge to break it but didn't know how.
Rowen's face remained stoic, his eyes focused on the dancing flames. He seemed perfectly content in the silence, his movements calm and methodical as he added a log to the fire. The crackle of the wood was the only sound besides her hesitant slurps of soup.
As Alice sat by the fire, the warmth of the soup spreading through her, she took the opportunity to study Rowen's face for the first time. His brown hair fell in casual waves, framing a face that was both ordinary and intriguing. His eyes, a deep brown, held a calm intensity that seemed to hint at a depth of experience and wisdom.
At first glance, Rowen appeared unremarkable, blending into the rugged surroundings of the cave. But as she observed him more closely, she realized there was something undeniably unique about him. His demeanor exuded a quiet confidence, a steadiness that spoke of inner strength and resilience. The way he moved, with deliberate and controlled grace, suggested a mastery over his own body and the world around him.
Rowen's magic had already amazed her, healing her broken ribs with an ease that seemed almost casual. Yet it was more than his abilities that set him apart. There was a subtle aura of mystery about him, a sense that he had seen and experienced things far beyond the ordinary.
And then there was his cooking. The soup he had made was not just nourishing; it was delicious, a blend of flavours that brought comfort and warmth. It was clear that he had a talent for it, one that seemed incongruous with his stoic exterior and indifferent demeanor.
Alice found herself captivated by the paradox that was Rowen. He was a man of contrasts, at once ordinary and extraordinary, reserved yet deeply skilled. As she continued to watch him tend the fire with practiced ease, she felt a growing sense of curiosity and admiration. There was so much more to him than met the eye, and she couldn't help but wonder about the stories and experiences that had shaped the man before her.
As Alice sat by the fire, savouring the warmth and the lingering taste of the delicious soup, she couldn't shake the growing sense of familiarity she felt toward Rowen. Despite his ordinary appearance and the stern, indifferent way he treated her, something about him reminded her of her older brother.
Her brother had always been a steady presence in her life, a source of quiet strength and unwavering support. Rowen's calm demeanor and the way he handled himself with such controlled precision brought back memories of those comforting days. They looked nothing alike—her brother had been fair-haired and blue-eyed, always quick with a smile—but there was an unspoken resemblance in their attitudes.
Rowen's actions, though devoid of overt affection, carried an underlying care that Alice recognized. Her brother had been the same, often expressing his love through deeds rather than words. The way Rowen had healed her wounds, provided her with food, and ensured her safety without expecting anything in return echoed the silent guardianship her brother had once offered.
Alice found herself relaxing in Rowen's presence, the awkwardness beginning to dissipate. She realized that even though they were strangers, Rowen's quiet strength and capable hands reminded her of the protective love she had once known. This realization brought a bittersweet comfort, making her feel less alone in the vast, unpredictable world.
As the fire crackled and cast dancing shadows on the cave walls, Alice glanced at Rowen, a small smile playing on her lips. Though they had just met, and though their interactions were minimal and understated, she felt a growing bond, a sense of trust that came from recognizing a kindred spirit. In Rowen, she saw a reflection of the brother she had lost, and it filled her with a renewed sense of hope and determination.
Rowen continued to tend the fire, his movements calm and deliberate. The silence between them was almost comfortable now, the tension easing with each passing minute.
Then, without looking up from the fire, Rowen spoke. "So, who are you running from?"
Alice nearly choked on her soup, the question catching her completely off guard. She coughed, her eyes watering as she struggled to swallow.
"W-what?" she stammered, her voice hoarse from the sudden shock.
Rowen glanced at her, his expression unreadable but his eyes sharp with understanding. "It's obvious," he said, turning back to the flames. "The way you were hiding up in that tree, the fear in your eyes... Someone's after you."
Alice set her bowl down, her hands trembling slightly. She hadn't expected him to be so perceptive, to see through her so easily. "How did you know?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Rowen shrugged, adding another log to the fire. "I've seen it before. Plus, the way you reacted when you saw me—you were scared, not just cautious."
Alice nodded slowly, feeling a mix of relief and vulnerability. She had been running for so long, it felt strange to have someone understand her plight without her needing to explain. "You're right," she admitted, her voice soft. "I was being chased."
Rowen continued to study her with that penetrating gaze, then nodded slightly. "Who are these people chasing you?" he asked, his tone still calm.
Alice hesitated, the weight of her recent memories pressing down on her. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "It's... related to my family," she began, her voice trembling. "But I don't understand why. They appeared out of nowhere and even claimed to be my relatives to gain guardianship over me."
Rowen's expression softened, a flicker of empathy crossing his face. "Do you have any idea who they are? Or what they might be after?"
Alice shook her head, frustration and fear mingling in her eyes. "No, I don't. They just showed up one day, and everything fell apart. I barely escaped, but I don't know why I'm the target."
Rowen nodded thoughtfully, rubbing his chin. "It sounds like there's more to it than meets the eye. There could be something about your family that you don't know."
Alice looked down at her hands, feeling the weight of uncertainty.
"Maybe," she said quietly. "But even if that was the case, it's not as if I can go back to them and ask for answers." she said, her voice breaking. "They're no longer alive. There was a fire in our village... they didn't make it."
Rowen's expression grew sombre, "I'm sorry for your loss," he said quietly.
"No, it's okay. Life needs to move on, right?" Alice tried to smile as she put down her bowl of soup.
She knew she needed to be strong, both for herself and to gain Rowen's trust and help. But as the comforting warmth of the fire seeped into her bones, the memories of that fateful night refused to stay buried.
Her heart ached with a deep regret for running away that night. What if she had stayed? What if she could have helped her family escape or discovered who had set the fire and why? These thoughts haunted her, each one a dagger to her already wounded soul.
Rowen watched her from across the fire, his eyes reflecting the flickering flames. He saw the flicker of sorrow in her eyes, the way her body tensed as if trying to hold back the weight of her grief. He didn't say anything, sensing that she needed space to process her emotions.
A single tear slipped down her cheek, quickly wiped away before Rowen could notice. She took a deep breath, steeling herself against the torrent of emotions. She had to keep moving forward. There was no changing the past, only shaping the future.
"What I want right now is to stay alive and find some answers."
"Me too." Rowen quietly added as he stood up.
"What do you mean?" Alice asked, looking up at Rowen.
"Just like you, I'm on a journey to find my answers," Rowen replied, his gaze steady but reflective.
"In this cave?"
Rowen let out a dry chuckle, scratching the back of his head. "It wasn't exactly where I expected to end up, but yes, all the clues have led me here. Even I can hardly believe it. So that's why I need you to stay here. Can you do that?"
Alice nodded in agreement, but curiosity gnawed at her. What kind of answers was Rowen searching for that led him to a cave in the middle of the Dark Forest, guarded by a basilisk?