With a resentful expression, Eleanor pushed forward with all the determination she had left. There was no time to waste, no time to recuperate. If she didn't reach the town before darkness veiled the land, all would be lost. And hopefully, the town would have a temple to shelter her… as any common settlement in Vanaheim should.
At some point she broke into a jog to cover the distance faster. She stumbled more than once, nearly hitting the ground, but forced herself onward. Fallen leaves and dust scattered beneath her feet as she somehow managed to keep herself upright. Gritting her teeth, she ran like a madwoman.
A sudden, distant noise made her freeze. She lifted her gaze. High above, a lone bird cut across the sky, flying straight towards her. It approached from the direction of the setting sun, rendered pitch-black by the dying light. There was no way to tell what it was.
Perhaps it had spotted her movement and been drawn to it. She was utterly exposed here.
