— I was hit by a car on Veteran’s Day. I don’t consider that an excuse for not writing, especially after I made up my mind to write a book. Yeah, I really have no excuse.

So, let’s try to limp along, shall we?

——————–

Gabs wiped her eyes from the grimy sweat.
She wasn’t sure what to have expected from the lord and lady’s long-awaited meeting.
If this was a story that her grandmother told, the lord should have knelt to one knee. The Lady should have burst into tears. Or, perhaps, they would have passionately embarrassed, kissing deeply in the dark forest. For effect, a ray of the sun should have illuminated them as well.

But, no.
Rather, they nodded to each other before slowly making their way back to camp. It was as if they were just two strangers walking side by side.

It was as if the lady’s concern for her husband was of no consequence. The fear and uncertainty Saddy must have felt didn’t matter. The danger, loneliness, and loss that must have haunted been Aldren’s bedside companion for at least two long weeks were brushed aside.

The love that they should feel for each other… MUST… Gabs’ mind inserted. The love they MUST feel for each other should have spilled through as, being together, should have caused all of that to vanish just as much as the night shadows had started to grow.

Anger bubbled and her mind flashed.
This was not how it should be. The lord and lady were not meant to be. The love was just not there. It wasn’t in their actions. It was absent in their gazes. The lord meant nothing to the lady – to Saddy. She was probably bored and took the missing Aldren to be an excuse for a camping trip.

But she, Gabs, would show Aldren love. She would show him support and provide the comfort that he desired and so desperately needed. She could convince him through her actions and love that he shouldn’t risk himself on the trail to save others when there was plenty in his own home village that needed his help.

Saddy could find happiness with another, she reasoned. If not, she had shown to be effective enough to survive in the wilderness alone. Surely, she would be perfectly well in the forest. No. Saddy would be relieved without people and without comfort.

It would be in the best interest of everyone.

Gabs started forward to declare her truth to the couple but saw Aldren had started to limp slightly. This caused him to lean on Saddy a bit more and she tightened her grip. Their heads were close and breathe mingled.

No. Now wasn’t the right time but when they returned to the castle would be.

She would follow them at a distance, just as she had followed Saddy.
Once they were at the castle and Aldren rested, she would make her declaration to them both. Gabs knew them both to be intelligent people and would surely understand her position once she explained herself.

Of course, they would.