a new {world} ; a new {life} ~crystal~

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Dyami shook his head. "No need for thanks, Hannah," he said. "I feel... obligated to take care of you."

[~echo~]

She gazed at him. "How come? I mean, of course I appreciate you saving me and taking care of me and all. But why?"

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Dyami pursed his lips and trained his eyes intently ahead of them. His mare walked at a leisurely pace, the gentle sway almost lulling. He didn't answer her.

[~echo~]

Hannah frowned and shifted in the saddle. "Did you hear me?" she asked, not unkindly. "Why do you feel the need to save me?"

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Dyami still took several seconds to answer. Finally, he said, "Because Ewing is a monster and someone needs to stop him... even if it means rescuing one person at a time."

[~echo~]

Hannah noted his hesitation and then finally nodded. "Okay." She still suspected that he was hiding something.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Dyami patted the mare's neck. "I want to show you one more thing before you return to the colony. It's far, but it's worth it."

[~echo~]

Hannah nodded, giving a faint smile. "Okay. Sounds good."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

True to his words, they rode for a long time. Dyami pointed out various plants and small animals in the brush. He shared his peoples' knowledge with her, telling her which plants were edible, had medicinal values or were poisonous. He started rambling, really, clearly still on edge from their earlier conversation.

[~echo~]

Hannah absorbed the knowledge, smiling occasionally. She somehow sensed that he was still on edge, but she figured it was best not to comment on it. Plus, what he was telling her was very interesting and she was curious about what he wanted to show her.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

(Annnnd I've totally forgotten where I was going with this. So there's that)

Dyami eventually asked the mare to stop in a seemingly random spot in the forest. He slid off her back and then offered a hand to Hannah to help her down too. Not letting go of her hand, he led her through the forest, leaving his horse behind to graze.

[~echo~]

Hannah followed after him, smiling slightly. "Where are you taking me?"

(No worries xD)

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Dyami smiled, the skin crinkling around his eyes. "You'll see. I promise I'm not going to kill you, if that's what you're worried about."

[~echo~]

Hannah smiled. "I'm glad you put my worries to rest," she teased. She looked around, enjoying the nature.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Dyami chuckled lightly. A few seconds later he grabbed her arm to stop her as they stepped out of the trees to the edge of a short cliff, only about a thirty foot drop. Off to one side, a small waterfall trickled down the cliff face. A small pool formed at the base that then ran off into a gentle creek. "What do you think?" he asked.

[~echo~]

Hannah looked around in wonder as they stepped out onto the edge of the cliff. She looked back at him and smiled. "It's beautiful. Thank you for showing me this place." She bit her lip a little. "I don't know how my plan will work out. I'm not even sure if it will work. But thank you for helping me try."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Dyami watched the water run its course over the cliff. "Hannah..." he started softly. "If you change your mind, I'll be there. I'll come see you every day, and if you want out just tell me. I'll get you away from Ewing no matter what I have to do."

[~echo~]

The woman happened a glance at Dyami, blinking slowly as he spoke. "Thank you," she replied quietly. "That will help."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Dyami dipped his head to her. "It would be my pleasure." He offered her his hand again, long fingers outstretched. "Come."

[~echo~]

She gave him a half smile and took his hand, following after him.