Setting Sail

Cierzo’s pulse quickened as Cifarelli's nips made contact with her tender flesh, his command firm and unquestionable. She followed him, her movements obedient and measured, the weight of his threat still heavy in her mind. The cold air bit at her nares, but she paid it little mind, focused solely on the task at hand. She had to.

As they walked, Cierzo's eyes scanned their surroundings, noting the burrows and caves that Cifarelli seemed to be assessing. The forest felt both vast and suffocating, each shadow a potential hiding place for danger. She could feel the tension in her muscles, the instinctual urge to flee kept in check by the ever-present knowledge of the consequences. She couldn’t.

When they reached the hollowed tree, Cierzo hesitated for a brief moment. The sharp bark that Cifarelli released echoed around them, emphasizing the silence that followed. She glanced at him, his command clear and unyielding. What would he do?

Swallowing her fear, she stepped towards the entrance of the tree, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel Cifarelli's gaze on her, a heavy leer she was still not accustomed to. She crouched slightly to enter, the interior of the tree dark and musty, the scent of decay mingling with the cold air. It was dreadful to the delicate woman, but it opened up into a wider chamber with a makeshift skylight.

Inside, she tried to steady her breathing, her eyes adjusting to the dim light filtering through a big crack in the bark. She knew she had to be strong, to show him that she could be of use. But the fear was always there, the fear he would realize just how worthless she truly was. Turning to look at Cifarelli, she waited for his next command, her body tense with anticipation. She hoped that by obeying him, she could avoid his wrath.

””