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[Valentein]

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Valentein lay sprawled on the ground, candle by his bedroll casting a pale light over the pages of his book. He was alone in the darkened camp. Beyond the confines of the small shelter, it was raining. The cold, clammy air chilled his skin, but he barely noticed as his eyes scanned the pages. Without warning, his stomach emitted a loud growl. He'd had yet to eat dinner, and only then was reality brought to his attention, a distressing fact shoving aside all thoughts of reading. He shoved a long blade of grass between the pages and tossed his book aside, crawling to his feet. "Come on, Jess. Where are you?" The quiet question drifting through the shadows.

Jessie had left the previous night. Valen didn't know where she had gone. She had been distracted, earlier that day. She hadn't said where she was going, or indeed, let him know she was going at all. She left unceremoniously after dinner, when Valen had taken an early nap. Selfish feelings of hurt and abandonment were now pushed aside, genuine concern filling his heart. Distraught, he crawled up the ladder to the upper level, leaning on the ledge and staring out into the woods. Regrets filled his head, ways he could have prevented this situation from happening. If only we had those binding bracelets. As soon as she gets back, we'll get some.

The thought had never ocurred to him to go to Britain and get a hot meal and read by the fireside, rather than starving and freezing himself waiting for her. If he had up and left, wouldn't she be the one waiting for him? A pang of guilt struck him. If I up and left.. again. Casting her aside to follow some damned witch. He sighed deeply, and pulled a heavy fur cloak around him. As soon as she gets back, I'll tell her how sorry I am.

As he stood there, alone in the darkness, deep fears clawed at the back of his mind. What was she doing, who was she with? Part of the reason he'd left for the witch in the first place had been the secrets she'd kept from him. Work she was doing, people she knew. Maybe she's off with that mad cultist, bathing in the blood of innocents while they prepare a ritual to end the world, consummating their triumph by offering herself to- What? Valen abruptly shook his head and scowled, dispersing the unconscious, misguided jealousy that had gathered 'round his heart. That's foolish. She's probably just out hunting, and doesn't need me scaring the hinds away. When the rain started, she took shelter in the woods. She'll be back tomorrow. A soft smile edged on his face. I'll get some herbs for her, restock her basket. She'd like that. He sighed, his gaze drifting downward, lost in thought.

As soon as she gets back.