A horse-drawn carriage ascends a hill, the rhythmic clopping of hooves a steady counterpoint to the wind whistling through a slightly ajar window. Dust motes dance in the sunbeams slanting through the opening.
A gust of wind catches the heavy velvet curtain beside a sleeping girl. It billows, revealing her: hair spills across a worn velvet cushion. Her lashes were long and more noticeable as her bangs fall due to the carriage movements. The curtain settles, then another stronger gust whips it back, revealing more of her before falling again.
The next gust is stronger still. The curtain billows dramatically, revealing her entirely before settling, this time showcasing him: a man with sharp cheekbones and eyes that seem to absorb the light. His hands are large, his fingers long and slender, his arms crossed high on his chest in an unusual, almost avian posture. The elbows jut out prominently, a stark contrast to the relaxed slump of his shoulders.
The carriage continues its climb. The wind, now less forceful, plays gently with the curtain, offering fleeting glimpses. The girl shifts, a lock of hair falling across her cheek. He watches her, his gaze steady but not intrusive, his unusual arm position remaining almost static. A faint smile plays at the corner of his mouth.
The carriage sways. A sunbeam catches a silver locket nestled in the girl's open collar. It reflects light, briefly illuminating her face. He subtly adjusts the angle of his head, his gaze following the movement of the light. The dust motes continue their dance, a silent ballet in the carriage's interior.
The carriage reaches the crest of the hill. The wind dies down, leaving only the sound of the horses' breathing and the gentle creak of the carriage. The curtain hangs still, the scene frozen in a moment of quiet observation.
The carriage stop after a while, his hand pushes the door to open before stepping out, without saying any words before gesturing her to the knights, to carry her.
Does Alistair loves Reillana or not?
The question rings in my mind like a desirable thought..