Basim traveled for several hours by horse to find a secluded fishing spot. The journey took the better part of two days and it brought him through the beautiful hills of the eastern Angel Woods. Spruce and pine slowly gave way to oak and cypress during the descent from the hills to the large and flat expanses of the Tohrnstain River.
Along for the ride was a very special friend, Ausdew. They dismounted, taking in all the warmth and spectacular views.
“Basim, I need to go for a dip.” Ausdew said in a playful voice. “It’s hot.”
She jogged toward the river’s edge, pulled off her shirt and smiled at him.
“I’m coming, baby. Just let me tie the horse.” While he spoke she took off her riding pants and dove into the calm, cool water. The splash of her naked body violently broke the tranquility of the river.
“How’s the water, Aussy?” He asked as soon as she resurfaced.
“Wow, it feels great. Hurry in!”
He ripped off his shirt and plopped down to pull off his boots. He threw them over his head wildly, then jumped up and tore off his pants. He quickly dove in and swam after her. She screamed and laughed, trying to get away.
He caught up to her and whirled her around to face him. She had the most beautiful green eyes and he stared into them, deeply. She giggled and put her arms on his shoulders. Her dark hair was long and the ends of each strand floated atop the water like exotic kelp. Her breasts moved gracefully with the gently swaying current as he kissed her.
The cool water calmed them. She had a breathtaking smile that made his heart race. His muscular arms wrapped around her, pulling her close as he began to explore and massage her body. She was beginning to freckle on her small, slender nose and on her shoulders. Any longer in the sun and she was sure to burn. They enjoyed the water a few more minutes and then rested under a large oak tree for a nap.
“Honey,” Basim whispered as Ausdew rubbed her eyes in confusion. “I‘m gonna see if the fish are biting. Wanna come?”
“Start without me, babe. I didn‘t get much sleep last night.” She quickly shut her eyes again and returned to her dream.
Basim got up and grabbed his fishing pole, still watching her as she slept. He stood over her, admiring her nude form as she rolled onto her stomach to expose her wonderfully pale backside.
The fish were biting and Basim caught a dozen or so. The spot they had chosen was relatively shallow and almost a half mile wide. It was one of many breeding areas that dotted the five thousand mile length of the river. Basim was waiting patiently for another fish to bite when Ausdew awoke. She came up behind him and tenderly kissed his neck.
“Hey, look at all those!” She hugged him and he felt her cool breasts press against his back. He turned and they kissed slow and softly. He sat her on his lap and they embraced. The moment seemed so perfect. It was shattered by a cool breeze that whipped around them.
“What‘s going on?” She yelled as a thick fog quickly blew in and engulfed everything.
“I don‘t know, Aussy.” Basim was rushing to dress and shivering from the bitterly cold gusts of wind.
A downpour soon started and they were very confused. Basim struggled to pack up the horse. The temperature dropped almost thirty degrees within minutes and they were now wet and freezing. Basim saw a rock formation where several huge boulders blocked the horizontal rain. They reached shelter and both fell from the horse with exhaustion.
His numb fingers struggled with the flint and steel. Basim brought along dried moss as a starter and Ausdew gathered up small sticks and twigs that remained dry behind the shelter of the giant rocks. Despite his shivering he steadied his hands and got a small fire going. He then joined her under a giant elk skin blanket. Ausdew began to sob as they huddled together to stay warm.
Basim cleaned and cooked several fish and dried their gear by the fire. They ate uneasily as night fell. The supernatural weather scared him and he hoped it would end soon. They both were exhausted and eventually fell asleep.
In the morning, sunshine dominated the sky and they were relieved.
“Good morning, love.” Ausdew said as she put her arms around him. He was lying next to her and gave her a gentle kiss.
“That was not a natural storm.” Basim looked at her seriously while she avoided his glance and kissed his chest. “Look at me.” he said as he put his hand under her chin, raising her gaze to his. “I have a bad feeling. I think we should head home and tell my uncle what happened.” She agreed and they began the journey back to Dinoor.
The road they traveled gave them a spectacular view of the forest floor from over three thousand feet. They saw a huge patch of fog that continued to grow, changing shape and direction as it slowly moved toward the city of Feruce. It seemed to swallow trees and hills as it crept outward, expanding in all directions. They scanned the landscape and eventually looked toward Dinoor.
“No!” She yelled as she got off the horse and stood watching.
A giant fire raged where Dinoor once stood. Basim dismounted and put his arms around her in consolation.
“Why?” She mumbled as she began crying uncontrollably. She turned and hugged him.
“Don‘t worry, I’m gonna take care of us.” He kissed her lips that were salty and wet with tears. Basim gently stroked her forehead.
“I‘m scared.” She sniffled and then wiped her nose with a rag.
“Others must have survived.” Basim said, as if trying to convince himself.