Truths or lies

Wren had been traveling with the group for what felt like an eternity, observing how they worked together seamlessly, taking turns leading the horses and carrying the luggage. She wondered if she would be allowed to contribute, to feel useful in some way. "Ryoko, can I help with something?" Wren asked, trying to sound confident. Ryoko looked at her with a hint of surprise, then nodded and handed her a satchel of food. "Here, Wren. You can help with rationing the food." Wren smiled, feeling a sense of purpose.

"Thank you, Ryoko." As she took the satchel, their hands touched briefly, and Wren felt a spark of electricity run through her arm. She quickly looked away, focusing on the task at hand. As they continued on their journey, Wren gazed up at the sky, noticing the grey hues of early morning creeping over the horizon. She was surprised by the beauty of the outside world, so different from the confines of the palace. The sun's gentle rays peeked through the trees, casting a warm glow over the landscape.

Wren felt a sense of wonder wash over her, and for a moment, she forgot about the uncertainty of her situation. She forgot about Gerndor's cold gaze and the mysterious mission they were on. All she saw was the beauty of the world, and the freedom that came with it. Ryoko noticed her gaze and followed it upwards. "Beautiful, isn't it?" she said softly. Wren nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I never knew the world was so... vibrant." Ryoko smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "There's much to see and experience, Wren. Maybe one day you'll see more of it." Wren's heart skipped a beat at the prospect, and she continued on, her feet carrying her forward with a newfound sense of hope.

As the day wore on, Wren struggled to keep up with the others, her feet aching with every step. Ryoko noticed her limping and fell back beside her, her eyes scanning Wren's feet. "Wren, what's wrong?" Ryoko asked, her voice firm but concerned. Wren hesitated, looking down at her feet. "I...I left my shoes back at the clearing. We were in such a rush, and I didn't want to make you mad at me." Ryoko's expression burst into a mix of surprise and frustration. "Why didn't you tell me?! We could have gotten you new shoes or—" But then she settled down, her face softening. "Sit down, Wren." Wren obeyed, sitting on a nearby log as Ryoko knelt before her. Ryoko gently lifted Wren's foot, examining the blistered and bleeding skin.

Wren winced, feeling a pang of pain and embarrassment. Ryoko's hands moved with a gentle touch, cleaning and dressing the wounds with a soft cloth and a small pouch of salve from her belt. Wren watched, her eyes welling up with gratitude. The others, meanwhile, tended to the horses, giving them water and food. They stayed in the area for a while, much to Gerndor's displeasure. He paced back and forth, his eyes fixed on Wren and Ryoko.

"We can't afford to waste time," he growled. "We need to keep moving." Ryoko ignored him, focusing on Wren's feet. "We'll move when she's ready," she said firmly. Gerndor scowled but said no more, his eyes never leaving Wren. She felt a shiver run down her spine, but Ryoko's gentle touch and care made her feel a sense of safety, if only for a moment. As they finally prepared to leave, Wren stood up, testing her weight on her newly bandaged feet. Ryoko nodded in approval. "Let's go," Gerndor said gruffly, leading the way.

As they prepared to mount their horses, Wren's anxiety grew. She had never ridden a horse before, and the thought of sitting on the back of this majestic animal made her nervous. Ryoko, noticing her concern, offered a reassuring smile. "You can ride with me, Wren." Wren nodded, her heart racing as she clumsily climbed onto the horse.

She almost slid off, but instinctively grabbed onto Ryoko, holding tight as she felt herself slipping. Ryoko tensed up, her body stiffening as Wren clung to her. The horse, sensing the sudden movement, whinnied softly, but Ryoko's firm grip on the reins kept it still. "It's okay, Wren," Ryoko said calmly. "Just hold on. We won't move until you feel safe." Wren nodded, her face buried in Ryoko's back, her arms wrapped tightly around her waist. She took a few deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart.

Ryoko waited patiently, her eyes scanning the surrounding area, her body relaxed but alert. The others watched silently, their faces expressionless, but their eyes filled with a quiet understanding. As Wren finally began to feel more secure, her grip on Ryoko loosened, and she pulled back slightly, her face flushed. Ryoko's expression softened, and she offered a gentle smile. "Ready?" she asked softly. Wren nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah...I think so." Ryoko nodded, her eyes never leaving Wren's face. "We'll take it slow. Just hold on and trust me."

As they continued on their journey, the horse's steady walk was the only sound breaking the silence. Wren refused to look Ryoko in the eye, her face still flushed from embarrassment. She couldn't help but notice how close she was to Ryoko, their bodies pressed together as they rode. Ryoko's warmth and scent enveloped her, making her heart race.

The other girl traveling with them, a petite blonde with a mischievous grin, noticed Wren's blush and whispered to Ryoko, "Your little pet might have a crush on you." She started to tease, her voice low and playful. Ryoko's expression darkened, her eyes blazing with a fury that seemed to rival a hundred suns. She glared at her friend, her jaw clenched, warning her to cease her teasing. But Wren had already heard, her ears burning with embarrassment. She couldn't help but smirk the tiniest bit, her eyes fixed on the horizon ahead. Ryoko hoped Wren hadn't noticed the exchange, but the subtle curve of her lips betrayed her. Ryoko's gaze flicked to Wren, her expression softening.

She cleared her throat, her voice gentle. "Hey, Wren? You doing okay?" Wren nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah...I'm fine." Ryoko's eyes lingered on hers, searching for any sign of discomfort. But Wren's mask of calm was firmly in place, her secrets locked away. The group continued on, the tension between them palpable. Ryoko's friend shot her a knowing look, but Ryoko's warning glare silenced her. The only sound was the steady beat of the horse's hooves, and Wren's heart, pounding in her chest.

As the hours passed, Wren's initial fear and anxiety began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of weariness. Her eyelids drooped, and she found herself leaning into Ryoko's warmth. Taking a risk, she rested her head on Ryoko's shoulder, feeling a sense of comfort she couldn't quite explain. As they rode, Wren's curiosity got the better of her.

"Ryoko?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Ryoko's gaze flicked down to hers, her eyes softening. "Hmm?" Wren's words tumbled out in a rush. "Why were we so close to the palace if we were just going to leave anyway? What's going on?" Ryoko's expression turned serious, her eyes scanning the surrounding landscape before responding. With a subtle nod, she purposefully guided her horse to fall behind the others, creating a sense of privacy.

"We were there to end the Empress's reign," Ryoko said, her voice low and measured. Wren's head jerked up, her eyes wide with a mix of emotions. She knew the Empress's cruelty all too well, having been one of her concubines. The memories of those dark days still haunted her. "I know how horrible she can be," Wren said, her voice barely above a whisper. "She's cruel and heartless. But why do you need me? What can I do to help?" Ryoko's gaze never wavered. "You, Wren, are a key piece in our plan. Your connection to the Empress makes you a valuable asset. And soon, you'll understand just how crucial your role is." Wren's mind raced, trying to process the enormity of Ryoko's words. She had never imagined she'd be part of something like this, something that could bring down the very person who had tormented her for so long.

As the truth began to sink in, Wren felt a surge of determination. She was ready to do whatever it took to help bring the Empress down and restore justice to the land.