6. Unveiling

There's a long pause before the Knight seems to regain his composure and quickly pulls away from you. Wincing, you slowly lower your arms from the tree and hesitantly turn around. Edric's green eyes are wide and slightly frantic as he obverses your disheveled appearance. "Oh, God, I'm sorry." His voice is shaky and sounds truly distressed as he runs a hand through his sweaty curls. "I had another blackout..." You frown slightly as he trails off but keep your distance while you pull what remains of your clothing over your chest. Edric takes notice and quickly turns around to give you privacy. After a moment, you give up and rip some of the fabric off to use as a bandage for your arm. Walking over to your anxious horse, you take a moment to calm it down before removing your cloak from its back. Quickly throwing it on, you're just about to mount your ride when you hear Edric's voice. "Wait, please, just for a moment." Pausing, you exhale deeply before slowly turning around. His expression is cloudy and he keeps his gaze down as he walks towards you. Stopping a couple of feet in front of you, he cautiously looks up into your eyes. You're slightly annoyed with yourself when you feel a twinge of pity at his remorseful expression.

"I know you have no reason to trust me... especially now." He begins somewhat trepidatiously before hesitating. Crossing your arms you chew on the inside of your lips as you wait for him to continue. Finally, he inhales deeply before going on to say, "But, I've been having these dreams about you ever since we first met." Raising an eyebrow you stare back at the Knight rather doubtfully. He flinches slightly and runs his hand through his hair again before continuing, "Believe me, I know it sounds all rather convenient and far fetched. Just, please, hear me out." Frowning again, you tighten your arms around your chest before asking him to proceed. You listen warily as he goes on to describe some of his recent dreams. To your surprise, he begins describing King Rurik's keep perfectly, along with you in a dress you remember wearing there. Still, this isn't enough to convince you and tell him so. Nodding, he recants another dream in which you are running through a dark forest from some unseen foe. You're not happy to be reminded of that night but still dismiss it as coincidence. Edric pauses for a moment before somewhat hesitantly recalling his most recent dream. Your heart quickly sinks when he perfectly details your vision at the crossroads. "You made a deal with a pagan god." He says slowly after he finishes retelling the event. His voice is calm but his face looks as if he's holding back some emotions.

"And what of it?" You retort somewhat defensively and take a step back. Edric starts to be speak but quickly stops and sighs in frustration. After a moment he steps forward and quietly demands,"Do you have any idea what you're messing with?" You're slightly taken aback by his question but quickly reply, "Oh, but you do?" Edric's brow furrows slightly and his expression grows somewhat dark. He studies you intensely for a moment before finally saying, "There are always repercussions when dealing with the unknown." His tone is somewhat bitter when he reveals that his blackouts are due to his own dealing with a foreign deity. "I strayed from the path and am paying the price for my sins. But maybe, I can save you..." Your immediate inclination is to balk at his offer as you're quite tired of being 'saved'. However, it simply can't be coincidence that he had a dream about your strange vision. It's at least enough for you to question him further before making decision. "What do you mean by 'save' me?" Edric looks slightly hopeful at your question and cautiously explains that leaving this land would be the first step. Your heart beat quickens at his suggestion as the thought of ever leaving this place had been given up long ago. Still, you're unsure if you completely trust this strange Knight and inhale shakily as you carefully weigh your options.