Chapter 1 part 3

“Why are you out here all alone?” asked Michael.
“I should be asking you the same question…” replied Gabriel, leaning forward, as if anxious to hear Michael’s answer.
“I…I was…oh never mind, now’s not the time…”
“Humph, well, if you want to tell me I shall wait until a more convenient time.”
“And what are you doing out here?”
“Me? I am no more than a mere wanderer nowadays.”
“Why?” asked Michael.
The moon suddenly disappeared behind a cloud again…”That…is not something I am willing to discuss with someone I have just met.”
A few minutes passed with Gabriel gazing into the sky. He looked back down and saw Michael staring at the fish sizzling over the fire. “Go ahead…” he said, and Michael hungrily grabbed one of the fish. He took a huge bite and slowly chewed it. “You haven’t eaten in a long time have you?”
“No, I haven’t had a proper meal for some time now.”
“Well, enjoy the fish. One is more than enough to satisfy me. So have what you want. Okay?”
“Yes, of course, thank you…” replied Michael reaching for a second fish. Gabriel slowly chewed his own fish and continued to stare at Michael.
The thunder rolled as Gabriel spoke, “I will be right back, I feel like a walk will do me good…”
“Okay,” Michael managed to say through a mouthful of fish.
Gabriel stood and the gray raven flew down and perched itself on his shoulder. Gabriel walked, stepping softly toward the river. He walked along the shore for a little and then found a rock and slipped off his boots and stepped into the river. He loved the running water moving around his legs. Water was so powerful, even rocks cannot withstand it. Maybe, just maybe…he thought, just maybe. He spent just a little time more and then stepped out and lay down on the shore as his legs dried. At some point in time he closed his eyes and fell asleep in nature, just as he liked.