Chapter 1: The Path Laid Twice by Mark M

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That hurt sunshine", laughed Morise. "But I suppose it's well deserved. I never should have taken cared of that Corinian cactus".
"You know you actually have to work hard at killing a cactus, snickered Soliel. "Still, I really couldn't blame you after knowing you all these years. That being said let me freshen up and then we'll leave. It's only early afternoon and if we hurry we'll get to the halfway inn by sundown. Fetch your things and we'll meet back here in an hour".





***
After a well-deserved bath in the hot springs, Soleil dried herself off in front of a giant oval obsidian mirror. Her image reflected a striking young woman with vibrant violet eyes and a supple, smooth body. She put on her favorite auburn tunic, olive green parka and deep chocolate moccasins. She tied her long, flowing strawberry blonde hair in a simple bun and covered her face in goose fat in order to protect herself from the harsh winds and frostbite. Through the window in the oak door at the front of her chateau, Soleil peeked through and saw Morise prepping the carriage and the horses. Excellent, Soleil laughed to herself, the bum is worth more than he looks.
With that she left a twenty-page itinerary (both front and back sides) for Professor Semlar, explaining the regular routine for each and every living thing, animal or plant, in her garden. She took her velvet-covered luggage and birch basket of steaming hot food and goodies as well as her precious aquamarine leer, which had doubled as a bow, and her leather quiver filled with porcelain arrows. After she locked the front door, she placed the items onto the carriage, beside Morise's elegant silk covered luggage and his floating crystal orb. The orb was used as a magical tool as well as a deadly weapon.
She helped Morise place the reigns upon Cela and Elsney, Morise's two blanche horses. Cela held an angelic figure, with crystal jade eyes and a soft and caring presence. Elsney, on the other hand, held a tough, enchanting demeanor, stunning black eyes and a carefree smirk on her face. They were as different as night and day. Once the leather harnesses were in place, Morise and Soliel placed themselves inside the carriage and set towards the capital, leaving a weaving trail of hoof prints and wheel tracks behind.

Cheese-potato pie containers and brown oily paper that held remnants of fried mushrooms littered the carriage floor. Lunch had been long past, and Morise and Soliel were close to the midway inn, a hostel that was two thirds in between Ausbury and the capital. The inn signified by loud music and dancing silhouettes, could be heard and seen from well within the Yethian forest where Morise and Soliel had passed. Daylight turned into dusk and the moon outside came in clear view. The glittering stars were sprinkled across the night sky, begging for attention. Once they had reached the inn, Morise led Cela and Selney to the warm stable while Soliel went to check in.
A chubby, balding man dressed in shaggy ginger material sat at the messy counter and greeted Soliel with a repulsive grin.
"How are we today m'lady?" asked the counter attendant as he licked his lips.
"Ugh", Soliel said with disgust.