The hills that lie friendly in the day - like the pillows of the land - are darkly ominous by night. The paths that were illuminated just hours before become lost in a blackness that even moonlight cannot help. The trees that are magnificent in sunshine tower over James as he steps across the borderline between the seen and unseen. Choosing not to go in is no choice at all, but aren't all quests like that? He steels himself to keep moving, his hair on end as if the forest was on the enemy side. The air is several degrees cooler and soon he begins to shiver. On his frequent stops, James listens for signs of life around him, but there come none. Back in his home such a silence would be tranquil, but out here it is more like the quiet of the graveyard.
There is a castle over the way, beyond the river that divides the county. Before you clear the woodland the fortress dogs will bay to announce your coming. Should you be foolish enough to travel by night they will send huntsmen to ensure your quest ends before dawn. Delay until you are blessed by the rays of the English morning and the guards will at least grant you the right to speak. After that, my traveling friend, your guess is as good as mine. We keep to ourselves in these parts and them folk over there are no our kin. These are suspicious times and you my dear are stranger than most.
"Sarah, the body will heal damage to the body. The mind will heal damage to the mind. Yet mind and body are related. The health of one promotes the health of the other, damage to one causes damage to the other. It is in your nature to self-heal, for your soul is one of love and laughter. When your body hurts, your mind will find hope; when your mind hurts, your body will bring joy in movement. The hardest times of all are when neither are possible and you must depend on others who will never give to you. It is not that they won't give to anyone, but they will leave you to die both emotionally and physically. This is what your life will be, what all your lives will be, until you bring him home safely.
Life is going to be hard for you, so very hard. The feat I set you, Sarah, your task, is akin to asking a motor to start itself. I am asking you for a miracle because it is the only way to win this war. You will have to will yourself into a positive cycle with exercise, meditation and self care after each injury. The world will tell you you are nothing only because you are so much, because they will see the love in your eyes and be afraid, suspicious. They will punish you for being so beautiful, so clever and brave. They will be without mercy. This will be true until you find him, because he will resist until he breaks. Only your love can rebuild him, make him whole again, because he is your soul-twin.
But when you win, you will win so much. You are not a beggar without a party invitation; you are an angel in chains - more powerful than you can imagine. For this isn't the dark power that always needs to feed on others, this is the power of love - infinite, eternal. That's why the world will feel stacked against you, in a way, it is. Yet all those who scorn you, who stand in your way with blades of malice or indifference, are the ones who need you to win most. Love does not stand on the mountain top to conquer, but to offer both hands to those below, to friend and foe.