Chapter 208: The Clearing

ELRETH

It was a very slow start to the day, but once they were up and fed, she persuaded Aaryn to go for a walk. He'd been eyeing the swimming hole and she knew where that would lead. But the day was just cool enough that she wanted to get warmed up first. Then swim… and do whatever else came to mind.

"Are you blushing?" Aaryn asked, strolling along next to her as they cut between the trees. 

Elreth shrugged. "No, it's just cold in the shade, that's all," she lied.

He looked at her sideways, like he knew she was lying, but he was smiling so she decided it didn't matter.