Would You Rather?

30 years ago.

Maria and Abram walked side by side through the sparse woods, their steps quiet on the soft forest floor. The pale light of the sun streamed through the gaps in the trees, making the path look like an ethereal painting.

The branches of the trees danced gently in the breeze, sending the light and shadows painting the flow moving in a beautiful pattern. 

The trees were spaced far apart, giving the illusion of openness, unlike the thoughts Maria often found swirling around in Abram's head.

They'd taken to these walks over the past few weeks. Whenever their fathers were inside the settlement and locked in negotiations, Maria would fly over on her wyvern to the tree where Abram would be sitting.

She knew he could've just decided not to come but she knew he'd been waiting for her. He just wouldn't admit it to anyone.