Before long,
we reached the outskirts of the town, hurrying into the wooded shelter of the
animals and birds could be heard as our loud pounding feet struck the ground, running full force now into the deepest portions of the forest, disturbing their slumber. Suddenly a tree as tall as the stars in the sky loomed above us. It’s branches were spread out in a gigantic canopy over a small flourishing glade where a small creek ran and the grass was as green as emeralds. The moonlight shone through the gaps in the
branches, illuminating the area and causing the water of the creek to
sparkle in the night. “Jolena.”, my mother panted as she scrambled over the creek with my hand tight in her own. “Sit down here under this tree. Rest for a moment and close your eyes. We will be safe here I think and we can continue on in a few hours.” Glancing around the area apprehensively I nodded and slowly lowered my body to the grass, drawing my knees up against my chest and leaning against the massive trunk of the tree. As I lay my head on my mother’s trembling shoulder a deep sigh escaped my lips for I knew that there was more to my father’s passing then she had disclosed to me before we left our home.
“Mama?”, my tremulous voice shocked my own ears as I spoke to her quietly. “Mama, what happened to daddy? Please tell me?” Shivering as the night air caressed her soaked skin, she turned her head away from me and closed her eyes for a moment. The storm had passed as we had journied deeper into the forest, but the wind was still blowing rather intensely and had grown chilly. Tugging on her damp cloak I asked yet again “Mama? Mama, please. Please tell me. What happened to him? And why do you seem so fearful? You seem as if we are running from something. As if you fear for our safety.” A soft sigh echoed into the night as my mother leaned against the trunk of the tree beside me, her head shaking slowly as she murmured “Nae worry your head little one, I will explain all to you at a more appropriate time. Right now, we must rest and reserve our strength. Ye should sleep while we can, we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.” Frowning, I sighed and nodded my head, understanding that she would not give me the answers I seek tonight. Closing my eyes I snuggled into her body for warmth and wrapped my arms around her waist, resting my head on her bosom as sleep overtook my mind. This was the last memory I was to have with my mother, although I didn’t realize it at that time, for during the night while I was cuddled in her embrace, she joined my father on the other side of the Ebon’s Gate.