(This is a shorter chapter then the other two. I am hoping to get some good feedback on it though. So please, take the few seconds to vote and another moment to leave me a comment! thank you)
*
Sinafay looked around nervously, and led her farther into the trees. He had no idea where they were, but he didn't want to take any chances on Akoral finding them again. He knew that she had probably crawled home with her tail between her legs to gather reinforcements, but he wanted to make sure Lina was safe for now. "We should find somewhere to hide out for a bit. I don't think she will follow us, but just to be sure for now," he said, holding tightly to her tiny hand.
Lina pondered his words for a moment, keeping an eye on their surroundings. They were getting awfully close to Karlin. But she wasn't ready to go home. Not with her new lover in such danger. She grinned as they passed a familiar tree, the twisted shape looking much like a centaur. "Come, I know a place we can rest safely for the night," she said, spreading her wings and springing into the air. She started to head off, and then looked back as he called her name. The look on his face, one of disappointment and surprise made her stop. Laughing hard, she slowly descended, wrapping her wings around her again as her feet touched the forest floor. "I'm sorry love. I am not used to traveling with a land bound creature. Forgive me?"
Sinafay nodded, chuckling with her as he joined her farther up on the path. "It's alright little Lina. But tell me, can this place be reached on foot?" he asked. At her nod, he sighed with relief and followed her swishing backside eagerly. She had managed to rescue her clothes before they left and now ducked off the path to slip them on. He followed her example, donning his breaches and loose shirt. He settled his cloak around her bare shoulders, guarding her from the twilight chill. She smiled gratefully up at him, causing his heart to beat a little faster as she clutched at the edges of the cloak. "It's not much farther I hope?" he asked, concerned for her.
"No, in fact, we will be there in just moments," she answered, starting down the path again. He followed her, nervously concealing their path. While he was not the best at that, every little bit helped. Soon enough, she turned off the deer path and hiked up a steep incline. He followed, turning to look behind them, almost missing the place she ducked into. At her soft chuckle, he looked down and saw her holding some thick bushes aside, her head and shoulders sticking out of the tiny cave entrance. "In here lover," she said, beckoning him in. As he ducked down to follow her, she edged back into the cave.
The tiny entrance hid a large cave set into the hill, the walls and ceiling widening until even Sinafay could stand comfortable. A small stream of clear, clean water ran through the back of the cave, giving them fresh water to drink. He stood, amazed at the beauty of the walls, glittering with veins of precious metals and rare rocks.
Lina curled up on the small bed she had made years ago. When she had found this place when she had been a child, it had seemed so magical and untouched. And through the years, nothing seemed to have change. Animals never seemed to bother the cave, or her things, allowing her to store some food there safely for the days and nights she wanted to stay here and away from the constricting court. In fact, with the supplies she had brought here over the years, they could stay in the cave for weeks before having to leave for more provisions.