She didn’t know what time it was when she opened her eyes, the sun filtering down through the ochre and ruby leaves and stinging her sore eyes. For a moment, she had to work to remember where they were, before it all came back to her in a rush of visions and emotions that she was anything but equipped to deal with.<br/><br/>Another moment later, she realized she wasn’t alone on the forest floor. Arms were wrapped around her, arms she knew far more well than she had really ever known. Auguste, sleeping softly, his warm breath soft against the skin of her neck. Something about the sensation stirred all too familiar feelings deep in her stomach, making her breathing hitch. How many times in the last three years had they made love? It seemed a tragedy that she couldn’t remember. Pressing her lips together, she turned her head and kissed his cheek softly, not wanting to wake him.<br/><br/>Eventually, when she thought she had enough strength, she untangled herself from his arms and stood on shaking legs. For a moment, her head swam and she thought that she might topple over. Drawing in a long, slow breath, she forced herself to steady. This was not a time to lose her grip, she needed to regain her strength, and she needed to form a plan. Stepping up to the long stream, she dipped her hands into the cool water and raised some up to her face, scrubbing her skin pink.<br/><br/>It felt wonderful, and she had the sudden desire to submerge herself in it. Standing, she unlaced the bodice of her dress and let the thick wool fall away. As soon as it was gone, she felt unencumbered, lighter. Her chemise and underpinnings followed until she stood on the riverbank naked, bathed in the afternoon light. Carefully, she dipped her toe into the river, shuddering from the cold. Inhaling deeply, she closed her eyes and plunged herself into the cleansing water.