Emma had never realized the forest territories and wooded packlands were almost a separate universe of their own until she stood in front of one. The weather was quite pleasant with a soft wind drifting through the tall trees like a quiet breath from the Moon Goddess.
Oliver lowered the hiking backpack from his shoulders. He brought out two new boots and handed one to her. Emma sat down on the ground and put the boot on. Then he pulled out a compass and began explaining how it worked.
Emma stood up after the explanation and began walking toward the rough path that would take them down the hills. She was surprised when she turned and realized Oliver was still sitting on the grass, looking at her with worry clearly written across his face. He crooked his fingers and she walked back toward him.
"Sit," he said.
"I'm sitting."
Emma sat down without understanding why his face looked so tense.
"I want honesty from you. Were you forced by someone last night?" he asked.
