Jacqueline wrapped her arms around one of his and let him lead her out of Thordin\u2019s sickroom, down the hall tunnel and finally out into the afternoon sunshine. She took a few slow, deep breaths before she glanced at him and smiled.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeems like we\u2019ve got a few hours before dinner,\u201d she said softly, her arms tightening slightly. Phelan laughed quietly and nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeems like we might,\u201d he agreed. \u201cDo you want to take a little walk? Out to the bridge, maybe?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d she said. \u201cNeed to clear your head?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA little,\u201d he admitted. \u201cCan you blame me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNever.\u201d Jacqueline pecked him on the cheek. \u201cLet me get my jacket.\u201d<\/p>\n
Phelan nodded and stood in the slowly melting snow, staring up at the sun that grew brighter and warmer each day, as if it were trying to fight off the post-apocalyptic winter\u2019s grip with the power of its light alone.<\/p>\n
Sif and Jac are right. I should talk to Marin. It\u2019s like she\u2019s going to bite my head off.<\/em><\/p>\n Well, she might, but we\u2019ll both get over it.<\/em> He closed his eyes, letting the chill breeze wash over him as the sunshine warmed his face. Spring was coming at last.<\/p>\n And a good thing it is, too. Growing season\u2019s going to be short enough as it is, I\u2019m afraid, and we\u2019ll need every second we can get to grow enough food for another winter\u2014especially if more people find their way here.<\/em><\/p>\n The addition of the Wild Hunt had strained their supplies slightly, but their guests had worked hard to make up for the resources they\u2019d used, and the extra hands at building, patrols, and scouting weren\u2019t unwelcome at all.<\/p>\n \u201cReady?\u201d<\/p>\n Jacqueline\u2019s voice shook him from his reverie and he smiled at her, fingers sliding into hers and squeezing. \u201cAbsolutely. Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Jacqueline wrapped her arms around one of his and let him lead her out of Thordin\u2019s sickroom, down the hall tunnel and finally out into the afternoon sunshine. She took a few slow, deep breaths before she glanced at him … Continue reading