The stream took me further down the river and to a part where the riverside was steep and high. Trees and bushes grew on the edge, and several massive roots stretched out and down towards the wild water. I saw them clearly, focused, and did my best to grab them. But it was so much more complicated than it looked; the water lifted me up and down, and at the same time, I had to fight to keep my head over the water. Fight, kick, and work the water to keep my position while the river desperately and furiously tried to drag me towards the middle and under. The few branches or roots I managed to get a hold of slipped right out of my hands. Wet, almost slimy, and with the strong stream, everything just fell right out of my grip. Over and over again.
My body felt weighed down, every movement a struggle. My muscles throbbed with exhaustion, and still, despite my desperate struggle, my lungs burned and craved more oxygen. I started to swallow mouthful after mouthful of water. Up and down, I began to follow the steam, and I don't even know if or when I started fighting the water. It just happened, and everything around me felt and looked like a hazed dream. I smiled as the dream turned into a nightmare.
Cold water threw me around, threw itself against me from all angles, and a creeping sensation of numbness came over my skin. Bright light and sunrays flashing through clear blue water animated into claws through murky waters. The roots along the edges stretched towards me, grew with their shadows, and reached to merge with mine. It felt comfortable, and I felt comfortable. Like the water lulled me into a safe sleep. I didn't feel the cold, I didn't feel fear, and I didn't feel the aching need to fill my lungs.
From the depths of the abyss, a face emerged. It was unfamiliar, yet its presence brought a sense of solace, like a long-lost friend. The smile was reassuring, a beacon of reassurance in the darkness. I knew I was in good hands, so I surrendered to the darkness. The soft, comforting clouds caught me, lifting me back to the surface. Here, in this unknown realm, I was safe. Here, I would always be secure. Here, I knew I belonged. I felt like a Disney princess, lifted by the mighty dark and handsome prince out of the deadly water and to safety. Floating, I still felt the harsh grip on my arms as it grabbed me as he held me. Resting my cheek against his cold and cottonlike chest, I closed my eyes with a relaxed smile of contentment.
Confused, I blinked towards the bright light. I jerked up, and even more confused, I looked around. My eyes slowly adjusted to the sunlight that burned in my eyes, and my head crawled out of a foggy state, out of that dream-like state. I still remember that calm, safe feeling, the soft darkness that caressed me. Now, I felt alone. I felt cold and disappointed. My clothes were soaking wet, my hair stuck to my face, and I realized my body shook uncontrollably. My muscles were shaking as the cold had sunken its frosty canines deep into my bones; here I sat in the shadow. I was hidden from the sun´s warm and comforting light.
With chattering teeth, stiff limbs, and robotic movements, I crawled out of the bushes and into the sun. It took all my energy. My entire body was so heavy and incredibly unwilling that I collapsed. With a last surge of strength, I rolled around and let the sun lick my face. My head ached, my muscles contracted, and all I wanted to do was fall back into the safety of the darkness. But instead, I lay here, with my hands flat out to the side and soaked in all the warmth the sun could offer me.
I must have dozed off anyway because a loud snap jerked me up and out of the comfortable rest on the dirt-covered ground. My heart pounded, and I almost laughed when I spotted the little dear jumping off into the woods- most likely even more scared than I had just been! Then I remembered where I was and why. The warming sun rays had done the trick! I felt better and rested, but I was still a little stiff and sore. My palms ached when I pushed myself to my feet, and so did my knees. Small cuts and scrapes filled my palms, and I'm sure my feet look the same. They would heal in no time, and they are minor wounds, after all.
However, I took the time to rinse them off in the cold water before returning to the jungle. With my back turned to the dancing, wild river, I quickly looked up the river, and a wave of relief washed over me. There was nobody there; Orm had not found me yet. Not that I figured out what he wanted anyway. I ran straight into the wild overgrowth ahead. I'm not entirely sure where to go, but I kept my eyes on the massive snow-covered mountain on the horizon. Eventually, I will. Reach the end of this dense, moist, and unfriendly place. I've wasted way too much time here already!
The shadow face, stuck with me, imprinted on my mind as my light jog slowly turned to a full sprint. I began to feel. Rushed, like time was running out. Out of nowhere, I threw myself down on the ground. My heart hammered, and the dry dirt flew like a little storm in front of me as I tried to control my breathing. I knew it had no effect, but still, I held my breath like that would make my hearing better. It didn't. But as my heart rate slowed down, and my pulse pumped usually through my body, all the sounds around me amplified. It felt like my ears stretched up to catch the sound I was waiting for. It could be the sound of breaking twigs, the thud of steps, mumbling; I had no idea, but something. Anything.
Ants crawled over my hands, and when a spider tickled my chin, I already felt pretty stupid on the ground. Dirty, paranoid, and covered with insects. This is getting out of hand. I hate to admit it, but I might have to change how I travel. Not that I am ever going to admit that in the same sentence as Orm´s name! But I have been reckless. Running without a thought for whoever could be nearby, I just wanted to get to the border as fast as possible. But as I near the cold mountain, I would reach fay territory.
"No. Stay!"
The deep whisper in my mind didn't scare me this time, and I laid back down, pressing my cheek and palms against the ground. Again, the world around me fell back into its usual pace and sounds. But I had full confidence in the shadow whispers, and I had been right to do so.