It was the sea that held her eyes, the moonlit waves lapping gently against the shore as the horses’ hooves whispered across the sand, the breeze slowly covering their footprints behind them. A stillness hung in the air, a hush spread across the dunes by something unseen, something unnatural, as if the world itself hung in a cocoon of serenity as they rode beneath the stars. The moon shown down from its celestial realm, its silver light bathing the sea and tinging the crests of the waves with a soft iridescent glow.

It’s so beautiful, she thought, wondering if such beauty had always been here or if it had waited all this time hidden away, waiting to blossom in all its splendor for this night, for this midnight ride with the man she loved.

Her eyes swung to him now, astride a dark roan stallion who’s unyielding spirit reflected his own. She smiled to herself, glancing down at her own white mare, so different from the Arabian black he rode by her side. So much like the two of them, she mused. Different in so many ways, their worlds so far removed, their view of things so unalike, even all those days they spent apart, knowing each other from afar. And yet . . . And yet they had still come to love each other. Life was indeed strange, unknowable at times, with twists and turns none could foresee. But wasn’t that what made life so interesting, so enchanting.

She looked to the man beside her again and found him watching her, his deep green eyes touched by the moonlight. Something rose within her, as if her spirit came alive under his gaze. But it was more than that she knew. It was the love reflected in that gaze that touched her, embraced her, made her feel alive, beautiful, made her feel like she could move mountains. A smiled touched her lips and she whispered the words she longed to say, longed to hear. “I love you . . . “

They rode on in silence as the stars shined in the vault of heaven above, the world asleep and at peace, the island deserted but for the two of them. Just then it seemed the whole world was deserted save for the two riders sliding along the shore. And how had they gotten here, she wondered. Transported to this mystical place by powers beyond themselves, for reasons unknown, their souls closing the distance so they would be together on this night.

At length they reined in their horses and Cliff slipped down, motioning her to do the same. Without a word he began removing the saddle and bridle from his mount and she did the same, not knowing why but knowing he had a reason. When they finished they swatted their mounts and sent them trotting off down the beach, the two majestic beasts free and untamed as they slipped away. Something in Lynda’s perception changed and for just a moment she thought she saw a panther and a lioness running side by side. She shook her head to clear it and broke the silence at last.

“Why did we let them go?”

A tranquil smile hung on his lips as they stared after them. “To let them enjoy the night just as we do.” He looked at her now, his smile deepening as he took her hand. “Come.”

They moved off into the trees, following a footpath that weaved its way through the shadows, the night sounds coming alive all around them. Cicadas chirped and the birds of night called out, filling the air with a music of their own, a hypnotic rhythm that at once both soothed the spirit and yet made the eyes look warily around.

Treading into the unknown, she thought as they walked. And yet Cliff walked forward unafraid, his steps sure, his mind unwavering. But that was a part of life, wasn’t it? Facing the unknown, the future ever beyond view. One could face it like a cowering child, timid and afraid, or one could face it with the intrepid spirit of a warrior, determined to overcome whatever hurdle life threw in one’s path. Either way the future would still come, either way we would be forced to face the unknown at times.

She squeezed his hand tighter. She had made him proud in the past, it was one of the highest compliments he had ever paid her. Despite his protests about being a knight who helped those in need, he did at times help those weaker than himself. But it was the strong he respected. And she was no weak woman. A vision of the waves they had ridden beside bloomed in her mind and she thought how fitting that was to her own life. Waves crashing against her relentlessly, trying to wear her down, to break her, destroy her. Bur she had endured. Through it all she had endured. A bit scarred and battered, but in the end she had risen up and pulled through.

A rushing sound touched her ears then, intruding on her thoughts, though she couldn’t quite place what it was.

“What is that?” she said, not even aware she held her voice down.

“A few moments more and you will see.”

The sound grew louder as they walked and Cliff turned off the path suddenly, pulling her off into the trees and fauna. Minutes passed as they crept through the darkness like ghosts, but finally the trees fell away, the bushes opened up before them and they emerged on a small bluff. Lynda’s breath died on her lips.

A waterfall fell before them, cascading down into a lagoon below, its waters twinkling with the stars and the touch of the moon. Lynda stepped forward, looking down on this hidden paradise and wondering at its beauty, at its sublimity. Cliff’s arms slid around her and his lips touched her neck, caressing the skin where it curved down into her shoulder. She leaned back against him, feeling his arms tighten around her, the night sounds blending with the falling water into to a mesmerizing rhythm, a magical rhythm.

“It’s so beautiful I wonder if it’s even real,” she said, feeling a tear fall down her cheek.

“What is real is only a matter of perception my dear. It is real if you believe.”

She closed her eyes, losing herself in his embrace, smiling as she sighed. Yes, this was real. They were here now, alone on this tropical island, together in each other’s arms. Nothing could be more real than this.

“I love you Lynda,” he whispered in her ear. “And know that whatever path you follow, I will be with you.”

No more words were spoken, nothing more needed to be said. The unknown awaited, patiently biding its time. But she smiled, putting her mind to rest. Yes, the unknown was out there, waiting for her. But it held no fear for her, because she knew she was no longer destined to face it alone.