Bound At Heart

Order

Ilyana sat by the creek, near the treeline, facing the bridge that would welcome one to the village. Snow glazed the valley, for the trees were either draped in frost or rotten in ebony. The land, however, was very much alive, for the creek still sung even though it was half frozen.

Ilyana wore a wool overcoat whose colors were that of a pale, stone blue. With a cotton exterior, it held a loose back corset and buttoned down the center until her hips. The coat's sleeves elegantly embroidered with two layers and had a large, trumpet opening which gave the coat some grace. A thick, protective hood draped on Ilyana's head, that's easily detachable yet, to her, it provided another layer of security. As she lay against the snow, she figured meditating – though she would rarely do it – would help her relax and calm her senses. She knew she had to brace herself for the next two days. Time grew short and a plan was in motion.

She, Jean, Elmora, and Ronan agreed to all travel to the kingdom and warn the king about the imminent attack that lays on their eastern borders. Ilyana wrote a letter that previous evening informing Prince Aomaris and Eldrin about their arrival, one that Elmora agreed to send and receive a letter in return. Aomaris wrote in agreement with Ilyana's plan and he would give her until the sun touched the peak of the mountains. It wasn't a lot of time, for Ilyana figured that was in the afternoon.

It wasn't until she heard a few giggles and unanimous laughter amongst a couple that disturbed Ilyana of her thoughts and caused her to open her eyes in a squinting manner. She leaned against her elbows, looking across the river to see Elmora and Jean, happily conversing and occasionally rubbing their cheeks against one another. Jean teased her with a lick on her nose, causing Elmora to burst out laughing. Ilyana smirked and sighed. She was content – proud, in fact, that Elmora found love. She did notice this connection for the past four months now, for Elmora always made it obvious but Ilyana always chose to not speak of it and instead watch her sister go off and happily enjoy the courting. She knew she would have to mention it eventually because there isn't a lot of time left before everyone's mind weren't focusing on more important tasks.

A snowflake fell on her cheek, making her wince as she forced her eyes open. Snow was falling. It was time.

She sighed as her puff of breath disappeared into the air. She lifted herself off from the ground and picked up the last few weapons she left beside her. She equipped her bow strap that already came with her quiver and attached her bow to it. Holding her skirts, she kept a lookout for Ronan, who was doing a last-minute perimeter check before they departed.

"Ilyana!" Elmora called to her, making Ilyana turn halfway to see Elmora and Jean glide towards her, passing over the river.

"You two seemed to have had a lovely time together," Ilyana said with a knowing smirk. Elmora sighed with a smile.

"I think it was high time we should've told you that I've been courting Elmora," Jean bowed his head in embarrassment. "My apologies for not telling you sooner, for you are the eldest sister here."

"You have my blessing, Jean. I'm sure our mother and father would've approved after they've met you, but I'm afraid that'll have to wait."

"Afraid so... Still, it's good to know that we have your blessing. Are you ready?"

Ilyana took a deep breath and nodded, exhaling through her lips. She turned to observe the skies. A snowflake fell cold on her cheek and she wiped it off, making it seem as if she was wiping off a tear. To her, it came to be a very odd omen that she didn't know how to interpret it.

A shadow startles her thoughts as she spotted Ronan descending to meet with them. His landing was softer than usual, which was quite fitting, for his paws practically were welcomed by the snow and encased them due to his weight. Ilyana waved at him with a smile.