Chapter 5: Odorata

                                    

                                          
It had been days since Lantana had run away. It was not fine. Despite her best efforts, she was underprepared and supplies dwindled. She couldn't stop in a village because being recognized would lead to a nice callback to the castle. 
For the past few hours, she had been scavenging wild edibles to prepare for a near future where her food supplies diminished. Thankfully, she had learned about edible and toxic greens previously, but there wasn't enough food to support her. Few berries or plants were enough to sustain her and were quite jarring from the rich meals she had in the castle. She knew the Royal Guard was searching for her, so finding shelter soon was essential. 
It didn't help her mood that the sky was darkening as huge, gray clouds heavy with rain gathered overhead. All storm clouds were controlled by Rhytdros, and she didn't want to be in the vicinity of them. Deep into the woods, she was hoping to find a cave, but she would use any form of shelter. The sky began darkening, and Lantana knew she couldn't continue trying to outrun the storm. When the first raindrops fell, it seemed that her panic increased with the horses. Her steed moved even faster and Lantana. In one moment, trees and the sky blended in hues of green and gray. The next, she felt the horse slow for it had found shelter.
Before them stood a hut. It was peculiar as it seemed quite crude and made of several natural elements. Sticks and branches were twisted in leafy vines. Moss and leaves coated the outside of the hut as if it were living. Lantana knew many couldn't afford their own homes and built their own in the woods. She had never seen one of these homes, but she imagined they could look like the building before her. 
Even though it was a gamble entering a stranger's home, she doubted anyone living in the woods was armed or would have the courage to fight. She would have an advantage, and her horse would know when to flee if given the command. Lantana focused on the fact that the hut looked sturdy and would protect her from the storm. Dismounting, she approached the door–composed of bark, and swiftly knocked. A middle-aged woman answered Lantana after a moment.
The woman had long, brown hair which was braided with grasses and flowers. She wore a simple dress and it looked like it was made of leaves. It was a peculiar outfit, but Lantana knew better than to question.
"Sweetheart, what are you doing out here?" the woman questioned. The woman didn't seem to recognize Lantana which helped slightly calm her nerves. 
"I was going for a ride with my steed, Violet," Lantana lied, "but I wandered too far off the path and before I knew it, I was deep in an unknown wilderness. If you wouldn't mind, I need shelter from the storm."
"Oh, that's horrible. Of course, you can stay here for as long as you please and I'll help you find your way when the storm passes. I have a stable of sorts in the woods behind my home, would you like me to escort your horse?"
With Lantana's nod of approval, the woman went out to Gabriel's horse. Lantana watched her softly stroke the horse's mane for a moment before taking it by the reins and leading it behind the hut. 
Entering the hut, Lantana saw it had one room. The floor was composed of a similar material as the walls, but it was polished so when Lantana took off her shoes, it didn't prod her feet. 
A bed was pushed into a corner with a table and chest near it. An oven was in the other corner and a crude table and chairs were beside it. Shelving units, small benches, and bookshelves took up the remaining space in the cabin. A fireplace was across from her, warm flames eating away at the wooden logs, the relaxing sound of popping wood, and the smell of woodsmoke in the air.
Lantana heard the woman enter the hut again, "I was about to make my supper. Would you like a bowl of soup, dear?" 
Immediately, Lantana's stomach grumbled, the temptation of food making her realize how little she had eaten these past few days. Softly laughing, "Yes, please. That would be wonderful."