Through out the night it had become increasingly warmer and Cara was certain the earth beneath her had rumbled and shaken. If ever there was an opportunity for fear to steal her heart away it was now but in fears stead a soothing calm embraced her and she relaxed under the stars. Memories of Terac flooded her waking dreams and as tears flowed they washed down her face reddening her eyes. She mourned. She had for so many years, dreamed of being his wife and bearing his children, but it is as it is, such dreams are too dangerous to keep in sight, so as the sky was beginning to brighten and the ground shook once again, she kissed him goodbye.

The day was breaking and the camp began to stir. What would this day bring? Still the calm rested upon her as a cloak draped across her shoulders; Cara was grateful for this none too small a mercy. The earth quaked yet again and all eyes were directed toward the cave’s gaping mouth. For the first time fear broke through the barrier of peace, electricity shot thorough her body and she took in a sharp breathe. It was then she brought back to life memories of Terac and imagined being held safe and warm in his arms.

Cara opened her eyes and her vision instantly filled with Adoria approaching, moving with such grace, even now dressed in simple pants and shirt, an air of ‘regal’ followed where ever she went and as she passed by, every person paid their respect as did Cara; a clumsy but genuine attempt. Adoria smiled and with her hands invited Cara to walk with her. As they walked silently together through the camp it occurred to Cara that Adoria had not spoken directly to her, she had spoken to everyone else but not to her. Casually letting her gaze fall on the beautiful woman Cara wondered if she was being paranoid; defiantly possible. Unthinking, Cara reached out and grasped Adoria’s arm when the next tremor took her by surprise and Adoria stopped walking, reached out and there they held each other until the earth ceased it’s quaking. Fear reached much higher levels within her mind now; Cara was frightened.

They reached a makeshift dining area; a huge area in the centre of which there was a table covered with food, and throughout the early morning the entire camp ate, and as they ate they openly talked and laughed. The sun was warm, the fare delicious and the company soothing and inside Cara a willing trust began to germinate confidence and yet still there nagged a sense that these people and surroundings were not strange but very familiar. The young girls were great company and the 6 of them giggled and chatted constantly, talking about all the things young girls/women talk about when there’s no need to think about what’s being said. Their conversation seemed filled with nothing of importance yet everything that matters. Each chattering at the same time while knowing and hearing what the other is saying and exactly what she means.

The ground shook, and silence covered the camp. In the silence people began to gather up the meal as Cara and her new friends were lead away to prepare them selves…