Chapter II, Reading 2

Leudh followed Flindra’s tracks into the forest.  He was a skilled hunter so it was easy for him to see where she’d traveled.  Her path rambled about aimlessly.  He knew in his heart that she was troubled and wasn’t paying much attention to where she was going.  After several miles of meandering, her tracks finally led him to a quiet grove of aspen.

The aspen leaves had long since turned gold and were falling to the ground to form a soft carpet.  The afternoon sun filtered through the branches, giving the forest floor a patchwork appearance.  It was a charming scene and he knew his sister would enjoy it.  It came as no surprise to him when he caught of glimpse of her sitting on a fallen log.

Flindra smiled when she heard him and rose to greet him.  "Looking for me, Leudh," she called before he came into view.

He chuckled in a pleased manner.  "How did you know it was me?"

"I know you and know your step," she explained with a small smile.  "You’re my brother."  She looked at him and tears welled up in her eyes.  She quickly turned away to hide her feelings.

Leudh closed the distance to her and touched her gently on the shoulder.  "I’ll always be your brother.  No one can take that away from us."  His tone was gentle and sympathetic.  He pulled her into an embrace.  "Your fate and your duty may separate us but we’re family."

She sobbed in answer but could say nothing more for several minutes.  Tears ran down her cheeks as she pressed her face against his chest.

"Momma asked me to find you," he continued in a low voice.  "She's worried about you, little sister.  You've been in the forest most of the day.  Please, don't turn away from us.  We’re here to help and listen.  Will you share your feelings with me?  I think you'll find it'll help just by sharing your pain with a sympathetic ear."

Flindra gave a small snort of impatience.  "At this point, I don't even know what to think!"

"Well, why don’t you just start by emptying your heart.  I can listen for as long as it takes and talking might help you focus your thoughts."

"All right," she agreed hesitantly.