“Hm?”
“You can give me the backpack now,” she said, obviously having to repeat herself.
Without saying anything, I removed it from my shoulder and passed it to her.
“Thank you,” Anwen replied as she took back the object she had left discarded on the cliff a night ago.
“You are welcome,” I nodded and took a step back, eyes trying to grasp their full until she shifted to close the door. Another step and a part of me started aching, like something precious of mine was pulled away from my reach. She was still in my line of sight but the distance I created between us had already started to hurt.
What was this? Why couldn’t I let go? Why was my energy tied to hers?
Another step, and another as I forced myself to turn my back at her and put more distance between us. I heard the door pushed into its frame, leaving a screaming creak behind. Even the wood understood my pain and tried to shout for my return.
“Ansgar?” I heard my name and immediately stood back, surprised.
Anwen was still wrapped in the towel, her hair dripping on the entry porch as she stepped out of the house, walking to me. I approached her in a heartbeat, a wide smile setting itself onto my lips.
“It may sound silly but I…” the woman hesitated, stopping to think about what she wanted to say, analysing the effect her words would bring. “I don’t know much about the forest. I came here to spend time on my own, I am not a scientist.” With that she waited, her eyes scanning mine, trying to communicate the unspoken meaning of her phrase
“Would you like me to show you around?” I sprang at the opportunity.
“Yes!” she exclaimed joyously, the murmur of her heart beating a little faster.
“It would be my pleasure,” I smiled widely and she replied with a tiny giggle, her excitement evident.
“I plan to go for a walk, after my shower,” she added hesitantly, yet with boldness.
“I’ll wait until you are changed and ready to go,” I answered.
“Great, I won’t be long,” she breathed and ran back inside, door snapping shut behind her.
Within minutes, Anwen walked out the door again, this time wearing tight trousers and a longer t-shirt that caressed her curvy hips. No dagger or any other visible weapons, I noticed, just the backpack I had come to return. Her pink shoes left small marks on the fallen leaves as she hurried her steps to approach me.
“I brought some snacks in case we get hungry, and coke. I didn’t know which one you like so I brought vanilla.”
“Thank you,” I replied, pleasantly surprised by the joyful attitude and without thinking about it, extended my hand to her, waiting for her to reattach to me and unbreak the severed connection the night had framed between us.
Anwen looked at my palm and dropped her gaze all the way to my fingers, inspecting my skin and potential touch, analysing the decision she was about to make, her lips puckering with the weight of the thoughts.
“Ansgar I…” she breathed, pushing the phrase further and forcing her lips to pronounce the words she clearly did not want to say, “I made a promise. I do not intend to break it.”
I remained silent, examining her features. They had turned rough, unrelenting. She continued, “My brother died a year ago. It was sudden, unexpected.” Her throat bobbed and she fought a dry noise threatening to escape. Tears inundated her eyes. “His name was Erik.”
“I am sorry,” I spoke sincerely. “I can’t imagine the pain.” I didn’t even want to think what kind of feelings would torture me if anything happened to my brothers.
“Did you know him?” Her eyes pierced mine with determined inquisition.
“I did not,” I replied immediately, a bit surprised by the question. “How could I?”
“Because he was here, in the forest. Looking for something.” She shifted, distancing herself from my closeness, her steps cold. Anwen scanned me, my body language, trying to decipher something that was not there.
“I did not know your brother, Anwen. I am sorry he passed away, but I did not know him. I only came here a half-moon ago. For the first time,” I added, deciding there was no harm in telling her about my arrival. Since she could easily piece that together with her attack.
“He was looking for something. Something in this forest. And I’m sure you might know what I’m talking about,” she pushed, focusing on my eyes, tracing any sign of knowledge.
“How am I supposed to know what your deceased brother wanted?” I defended myself, but I had my suspicions. And if humans knew about it, we were all doomed.
“I promised him I would find it. And I will not rest until I do.” Her words protruded with force and I sensed her determination. I also knew I had to shut it down.
