Fern's legs grew weak as she sprinted alongside Merras, the seething minotaur in close pursuit. They weaved in and out of the thick maze of towering trees and overgrown brush, leaping over roots jutting from the moss covered soil beneath them. The forest seemed to attempt mutiny, once their friend, yet now threatening to hand them over to their enemy.

Merras caught his foot on a rock and tripped headfirst into the dirt below. In the moment it took Fern to notice, she had already passed several feet by. She skidded to a halt and stumbled her way back to Merras who was already pushing himself to his knees.

Eyes wide, he reached one arm out to Fern.

"Take my hand!"

"This is not the time, Merras!"

"I'm not asking you to marry me!"

Ferm looked down to see his other hand clutching a large stone protruding from the ground, a warm light glowing through his fingers.

The minotaur crashed into sight and Fern fell to her knees beside Merras, grasping his hand. Together they chanted the ancient words they had been taught since before they could speak. The light emanating from the rock grew stronger and encased their bodies until they could keep their eyes open no longer.

Within a moment, the light faded, along with the sounds of the forest.

When they opened their eyes, the forest had been replaced by grey rock leading to a giant, ragged cave entrance. All that could be seen deep inside were stairs droppping off into a cold darkness. Though ominous at first glance, it was a familiar sight to the two of them. Fern broke into a huge smile.

Merras collapsed onto the rock beneath, exhausted. Fern sat down beside him, pushing her long hair from her face. All was silent for a few peaceful moments.

"Would you have said yes?" Merras' voice boke the silence with a timid question.

Fern's cheeks, though flushed from all the running, managed to turn just a shade darker at the thought. She took a deep breath.

"Ask me again when we're under the willow next." Her eyes locked into Merras' for just a moment before she pushed herself to her feet.

Her hand outstretched to Merras, she gave him a shy smile. "You'll get your answer then."