Sensing the awkwardness, I laid down on my back and stared up at the sky. When he joined me, our shoulders brushed
against each other. I began to feel the bouncing of butterflies at the pit of my stomach.
For years now, we've been creating this friendship. Both growing up to become young adults, and with Norok’s birthday
right around the corner, it only meant my sixteenth would soon arrive. I wouldn’t be a child anymore and perhaps I could
finally do the things I wanted to do.
“That one looks like a bird.”
I pointed at the clouds. I spotted one that seemed to be in the shape of a bird, almost as clear as a painting.
“I shall make it a raven. They are such misunderstood creatures, but incredibly smart and loyal to their folk.”
Nicholas stayed silent next to me and as I turned my head to look at him, he was staring at me.
“Everything alright?” I asked, nervously.
He looked away quickly. Something was on his mind, and I wondered when he was going to tell me. It was rare of him to
not speak his truth or tell me what was going on.
“I have to go away for a while in a week’s time. My mother…eh…she’s not well and I should be at her side,” he
confessed and a sense of dread ran through my body. He was leaving me.
“How…how long would you be away for?”
“I am unsure. Hopefully not too long as I know”—he turned back to face me—“I know I’m needed here.”
He was needed. Not just as a stableboy, but by me. I needed him as he kept the shadows away.
Opening the palm of his hand, he held up a beautiful lilac bundle as he always did when we were readying ourselves to
say goodbye. But this time, I didn’t know for how long or if I’d ever see him again. My heart broke at the thought of not
seeing him every day.
“Please send your mother my warmest wishes to get well. Before you leave, come find me as I’d like to make sure you
are equipped for your journey.”
He’d always told me he lived close to the valley borders. It would take him at least a week’s journey on foot. I’d have
liked to pay a man to take him home. I possibly would if he allowed me to, but at least I could supply him with enough food
and water for his trip.
“Of course, I will find you before I set off.”
Taking my hand as we laid next to each other, he placed the lilac in my palm. As he closed my fingers around it and
placed a gentle kiss on the top of my hand, my heart sang.
Chapter 54
NICHOLAS