Blackfoot Forest Step by Step

Though mountains held dangers by day and by night, Sebastian was right. The climb would be riskier once the sun set to drape the land in darkness, and they would need to decide soon whether they would attempt the crags today or leave the trek for the morning. But evening was a while off, and Andalusia was glad he didn't argue with her idea to rest. She was thankful still for how quickly they found a stream in the thick of the woods. While he eased himself to wash, the Ostrega approached to drink and let the crisp water quench her dry throat. Amazing what a drink could do - Andalusia swiped her tongue across her lips, already feeling the energy surge in her warm muscles as the water settled in her body. Andalusia stretched each leg before lowering herself to the ground and lay her side against the cool dirt.

She eyed Sebastian for a moment, clearly enjoying the water over his wounds, before she turned her eyes to search the mountains again. There had to be an easy way across - there always was, if only they could find it before nightfall. She opened her mouth to ask for Sebastian's opinion, but the boy's voice cut through her thoughts and she paused before dropping her pensive gaze to him again.

Andalusia didn't know what to think of staying at the Caldera, not after seeing how viciously their Northern neighbours took to the mere scent of them. And while the idea of being with others made her want to take his offer without a second thought, caution stopped her short. But where there was caution, there was curiosity, and after a moment of silence she asked, "Would you join the Caldera, if you were in my position?" She didn't know how she would take his answer, but the question made for conversation, at least, and she was curious to see what Sebastian thought. He seemed a capable young man, but they'd been quiet for much of the trip - his focus had been on walking, after all, and hers on keeping them alive. They'd barely said words beyond a few off-hand phrases here and there, and now seemed a promising time to change that.