Abril and I exited the tunnel leaving our home behind us. We came up to a crossroads with two signs reading, Appleton Glades 2 days walk and Timber Valley 3 days walk.
"Which way are we going?" Abril asked.
"Timber Valley," I replied, "the is a resting place a days walk from here. So we need to keep moving."
We started walking in the direction of Timber Valley not saying a word for some time.
"Karto?"
"Yes?"
"What did you tell my Father?"
"I just told him to gather himself and do what he had always wanted to do," I shrugged.
"Thank you," she spoke softly.
I turned to find her downcast. I know that she had said things to her father that were not kind. I stopped walking turned and put a hand on Abril's shoulder, I lifted her chin with my other hand and I looked into her ocean blue eyes. Her eyes told me how uncertain she was feeling.
"It was nothing, and I honestly couldn't blame him for lashing out," I spoke gently, "He could have ended up doing that to anyone."
My words had a small effect on her. I couldn't help but wish for her smile. Which paired with the ocean blue dress with white blouse, made her look stunning.
"Oh did I forget to mention the fact that the secret space has a hot springs?..."
Abril's eyes lit up and we picked up our pace. The road soon was enveloped in trees and we came up on a thick oak tree which was half burned by a lightning strike. This served as the marker for our stop. I took Abril's hand and guided her through the thick brush until we arrived at a small clearing with a light layer of fog at the entrance of a cave.
"I haven't been here for quite some time," I said, glancing around.
"Yes, I think it's been even longer for me," Abril agreed. I nodded it really had been longer for her.
"I'll set up camp and you go ahead and hop in the springs," I spoke nodding in the cave's direction.
Abril hesitated, I motioned for her to go and she relented. I pitched our tents and gathered brush and twigs to start a fire. Before long I had a small fire going and it had be quite some time since Abril went inside the springs.
"Abril!...," I called. No response, I called out louder, "ABRIL!!"
Still no response. I walked carefully into the cave. I knew fully what could happen and what I could see. I kept my composure and I was fortunate to see that her bare back was facing me. I listened intently and heard her breathing. I cleared my throat, startling Abril who stood up and whirled around flashing me with her whole self.
I blocked my eyes and turned to the side, "Good Lord, Abril why don't you have a towel on?" I said with an embarrassed tone. I know I've seen Abril naked before but I'd rather not get excited at the moment. I held a palm on the side of my face and walked over to the towel storage space. I grabbed one and tossed it to Abril.
"You should have heard me. Give me a fair warning when your going commando."
"S-Sorry," she stammered. She was clearly embarrassed.
"You covered?"
"Yes."
I turned back to her, her face was crimson red all the way up to her ears. A combination of the hot springs and her blush made her look like a tomato. I chuckled, it was always these instances that I end up see her like this. It has happened WAY too often. I'll need to go to confession at Timber Valley Church.
I had been needing one ever since the church burned down a few weeks ago at home.
"I have a fire going so you can go prepare our dinner. I'll hop in for a quick rinse and be right out okay?" I said.
Abril nodded and walked past me she smelled of fresh bread and Lilies. Odd she never usually smells like that. I shrugged it off not thinking of its importance. I striped down and wadded into the springs and took the soap that I had made years ago and lathered my hair. I sat in the springs for a few minutes before getting out and jumping into the cold pool nearby. The cold wakes up my nerves and allows me to rinse out my hair.
I finish and take a towel and dry off. I put on my undergarment and walk out of the cave with my clothes in my arms. Abril was at the fire making a beef stew with toasted flatbread. I hung my clothes on a tree branch to air out. I pulled out my pocket knife and began to whittle at it to pass the time.
Abril broke the silence, "When you were inside I was looking around and I wanted to ask you about something."
"What's on your mind?" I asked.
"Well, do you know what that outcropping over there is?" Abril asked pointing just north of the cave entrance.
I raised an eyebrow and stood and started walking it it, "I don't know. I'll check it out."
I pushed through the overgrowth and found a old hatch mounted to the rock wall which also had a wax seal around it. I pulled it and it opened sharply striking me in the chest. I grunted front the jolt and my eyes fell on a leather wrapped book and a ink and quill.
I took out the items and walked back to the fire.
I took a seat on a log and put the ink and quill in my pack and set the book in my lap.
"What's that?" Abril asked.
"It's some kind of book."
"Who's is it then?"
"I would have to assume it's John's. For I have only seen this book once." I replied looking over the cover and I noticed an insigne that was in the shape of a howling wolf.
"Let's eat first then look at this after." I spoke placing the book on the log to my left. Abril nodded and dished out bowls with soup. Once we finished saying our meal prayer we dug into the soup.
Abril made the perfect amount of soup that there were no leftovers and we got our fill as well. Once we had finished cleaning, we stoked and fed the fire and we sat together so we could see the book's contents.
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The Incomplete Records and Details of Lycan Werewolves
Written by John T.
To: Karto, my godson and apprentice in the case you are reading this then I know that I wasn't able to get this journal to you in person. It would also mean you at the secret space. There entries that you should read. They start at page 235.