How could she?

     Lan-Oea lay motionless among the fallen rocks with the forceful nor’easter swirling about her.  It seemed this would be the last of her as she labored with each beat of her heart to draw a breath.  The earth trembled as she continued to struggle.  The trees danced along with the whistling clouds streaming by.  The sun would soon be seen, yet she did not move.
     The rocks surrounded Lan-Oea and would shortly consume her, as Traveler and Dweller ascended along the trek.  Nags glanced upward as Yeinar approached him.  Bags joined them, “I found a small hut along the river to lodge for a bit.”
     As they arrived to rest for the day, they opened the door to find Traveler and Dweller placing food on the table.  Gruashe stopped, “What are you doing here?  Is Mal-Nai alright?  Shouldn’t you be with her?”
     “She, Nom-Mee, and Wee-One are safely in the cottage.  Lan-Oea has been continuing on the journey alone.  We needed to find you so you could aid us in the search for her,” said Traveler.
     “What do you think we have been doing all of this time,” questioned Yeinar.  “First, she left us then she was taken!  How will your plan differ from the one we have tried?”
     “I have searched throughout the land and have not been able to find her,” Bags replied.
Nags shouted, “Hey, where is Terba?”
     “Now, we have to search for her as well,” Gruashe was concerned about the provider of his meals.
     Terba set out in the moonlight.  She soared among the skylights keeping a steady eye in hopes of being reunited with her precious one.  “I must locate and secure her safety before he realizes I have disappeared.”  She continued to look into the night as she stared the room appeared and the figure loomed over.
     Rock Monster charged, “You WILL watch over her and report to me all that you know.  I can make your life miserable.”
     “I cannot betray her father.  I made a promise,” Terba pleaded.
     “When was the last time you saw your mate?”
     “Wait! You cannot hurt him.”
     “So, we have an agreement, whispered Rock Monster.
     Terba nodded in agreement . . .