The lady’s quiet sigh of affirmation brushed against his heart like eyelashes against his cheek. Anthony felt the words deep where it counted, but they were so abstract, so unfairly won, that he couldn’t do much to hold onto the sensation long. Head pounding, he decided it was for the best as he tried to steel his determination. With tremendous effort, he gave her a small nod and turned to continue walking along the way he’d intended.

It was a short trek, as promised, and before long, the little hunting cabin came into sight. Anthony stumbled only once on his way up the shallower slope, luckily nothing too terrible, and marched his way right up to the door. It was unlocked, thankfully, and with one firm kick swung open. Anthony let out a soft sigh of relief. “Here we are,” he said gently. Then, moving across the threshold, he made to deposit Ms. Torie on the nearest furnishing available: a large crate in the corner. “It’s not used by the family,” He said sheepishly by way of explanation, or maybe excuse. He hated depositing her anywhere so inelegant, but they didn’t seem to have much of a choice. No, this little cabin was used primarily by the guides and servants to store supplies and occasionally stay out in the evenings if a hunting party went late. There was, at least, a fireplace in the corner which Anthony was sure he could light once he had a wand.

Running a hand tiredly across his face, the brunette sighed. Yes, the wand. He had to go back out there to fetch it. 

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