The road had become quieter as the day slowly surrendered to evening.
The warm glow of the setting sun stretched across the endless fields on either side of the dirt road, painting everything in soft shades of orange and gold. Tall grass danced gently beneath the evening breeze while the distant forest ahead looked almost black against the fading horizon. Their horses had settled into an easy rhythm after traveling together for most of the day, their steady hooves producing a comforting sound that blended naturally with the rustling leaves and chirping insects beginning to replace the birds.
For hours, Tatiana had ridden near the front beside Irina.
