“He’s out hunting with my brother. You two sure have been through a lot these past couple days.” She jumped up from the couch and nimbly bounced back to the kitchen. She resumed cutting up the vegetables on the table. “I’m making stew tonight and hoping they bring back a hearty fare.”
I carefully stood from the sofa and found I was dressed in a new set of brown trousers, a green wool sweater, and a fresh pair of socks. I looked down at my new clothes and I heard Liony giggle.
“Don’t worry, I dressed you. You were very wet and dirty when you arrived.”
I nodded and almost in a daze walked over to the table, taking a seat in one of the ragged chairs. She quickly filled a cup with water from a pitcher and handed it to me. I sipped the cold water, not realizing how thirsty I was, and ended up drinking two more cups.
“Is this your home?” I asked, after setting my empty glass on the table.
“Yes, I live here with my brother, Shar.”
“Thank you for letting me stay here.”
She shook her head, causing her choppy black hair to dance around her face.
“Oh no need to thank me. Guests are always welcome in our home.”
She was so bubbly and bright it was hard to ignore her energy. She gave me several smiles as she cooked the stew, her perkiness never wavering.
It was quiet for a moment as Liony cooked and I gazed out the window. I could see outside and all that surrounded us were trees. We looked to be in the middle of the forest. I was watching the leaves fall from the nearly barren branches and drift to the cold ground when my attention turned to two figures that emerged from a set of pines. One of the figures looked to be Mid and the other a man also dressed in a dark brown cloak. Two rabbits hung from Mid’s grasp and he was caught in deep conversation with his friend. For some reason, my breathing quickened at the sight of them.
When they came up to the front door, the two were laughing about something. Their chuckling echoed into the house as they noisily thumped inside. It took them a moment to notice my existence.
Mid finally looked up and his emerald-scarlet eyes locked with my pale blue ones—for several seconds we just stared at each other. The more seconds that passed, the more it felt like the space between us was going to light up in flames. I took in a deep breath, almost a gasp, and let it out heavily. The moment was abruptly broken, and he quickly recovered.
“You're awake.” He dropped the contents of his hunt on the table, and then came over to sit in the chair next to me. I immediately breathed in his musky pinewood scent.
“How are your injuries?” He reached out and pushed up my sleeve to examine the bruises. I tried not to blush at his attention.
“They’re doing much better. Thank you for saving me.” Remembering Mid rescuing me from the river made me realize the danger might not be completely gone. “Did you get Tassadar and his men?” I asked hesitantly.
“They won’t come anywhere near you again, let’s just say that,” he assured me.
A wave of relief washed over me at the news. It was then I noticed on his arm a blush pink cut running from his elbow down to his wrist. I reached out and gently touched the wound. “You’re hurt,” I stated, a frown forming on my lips.
“It’s just a cut. It should heal up fine on its own.” He gave me a small half-smile then turned his attention to his friend standing at the door. “Ehren, this is Shar.”
Shar didn’t even reach out to shake my hand. His fists stayed tightly at his sides, not even attempting to move.
He was a burly man with honey blond hair pulled back in a smooth ponytail at the nape of his neck. His skin was a caramel tan and his eyes a rich forest green. He looked around the same age as Mid, maybe a little older. The clothes he wore looked similar to the ones that sentries displayed and he had weapons attached to his waist. I could see a violet light coming from beneath his cloak, indicating he was also Stone-Hearted.
“Hello,” this was all he said, and then he moved over by his sister to help her with the stew. He began skinning the rabbits they’d caught. I looked at Mid, but he didn’t seem fazed by Shar’s dismissive behavior.
“I assume you’ve already met Liony,” he concluded, and I nodded.
“We've met,” Liony interjected, flashing another beaming smile. She strolled casually into the living room and began starting a fire in the hearth. She brought a big kettle over the flame and started throwing in the rabbit meat. “I bet you all are starving.”
Shar went to help his sister at the fireplace and Mid’s voice lowered as he looked at me intently. “I’m sorry, I know you want to get home. I just didn’t know what else to do.”
“Mid, you saved my life. There's no need to be sorry.”
“I just needed to make sure you were okay, and this seemed the only place I could go.” I stopped his rambling by laying my hand atop his knee.
“I understand Mid. A little delay isn't going to hurt.”
He nodded, looking relieved that I wasn’t upset, and then relaxed back into his chair.
“I’m glad you are safe.”
My heart beat quickened in my chest at his words.
“Me too.”
“Those men were intent on capturing you. I’m surprised they came back a second time.”
“They must’ve been seeking revenge after you stole me right from underneath their noses,” I tried to reason.
He nodded, but he had a questioning look in his eyes. I knew it was a stretch to believe such a simple, ordinary village girl could attract so much attention. I just hoped he didn’t consider it too deeply. I didn’t want him to find out who I was, especially when I was so close to getting home.
The stew was done a couple of hours later and soon I had a full belly, my hunger happily sated. I fell back onto the couch, content.
“So tell us more about yourself, Ehren.” Liony took a seat on the floor next to the couch while Shar remained at the kitchen table, watching us with bored eyes.
I began conjuring the contents of my lie. Reaching for a memorable city name I’d once heard before.
“I’m from Aveladon, a little village called Yemly.”
Her gray eyes widened with interest. “I see, and we heard you were captured.”
“Yes, I was captured and taken to an Obscurum camp.”
Liony reached out and patted my shoulder. “That must have been awful. I'm so sorry.”
It was hard to push out the images of Obsidian and his dark black eyes.
“It's okay. Mid rescued me and saved my life again when they came after us while we crossed through the Hollow.”
I heard a grunt come from Shar at the kitchen table, but he was looking out the window, paying what seemed little to no attention to us. I guessed I imagined it.
“Well, we are glad you are safe,” Liony said.
“How do you three know each other?”
“Shar has worked with my family for some time now. We’ve all been friends since before my Granting,” Mid explained easily. “I was lucky they were home when I brought you here. Liony knew exactly what to do.”
There was silence for a moment and everyone seemed to be thinking. The crackling of the fire was comforting, and I liked the way the orange flames flickered and waved hypnotically. The movement was making me sleepy and it didn’t help that the sun had gone down and my sore body was eager to rest. It was my yawn that cued the close of our brief conversation.
“I think it's time you get to bed.” Mid stood and reached out a hand to me. Gently he lifted me from the cushions, and I rubbed my eyes. Despite having already slept so much, I was suddenly exhausted again.
“I made up a fresh bed down the hall. I hope the room is to your liking,” Liony said. I quickly brushed off her unnecessary concern.
“I’m sure it’s perfect. Thank you.”
Liony’s beaming smile returned, just as vivacious as the others. “See you in the morning then.” Liony was the only one to say goodnight. Shar stayed quiet, gazing intently into
the fire.
Mid led me down the hallway, one hand at the small of my back, guiding me softly as I hobbled toward the room. My leg was sore and despite wanting to be strong, I couldn’t help but limp a little.
The room was cozy and small like the rest of the house. The bed was pressed snug against the wall and draped with a checkered quilt.
There was a set of drawers below the window with a washing basin and some freshly folded towels. A candle was already lit beside the bed, lighting the little room with an orange glow.
Mid helped me climb into the little bed and no words were said as I settled. A cloud of awkwardness filled the room, the only sound the rustling of the blankets as I became situated. After I was comfortable, he seemed to realize that he was no longer needed and walked over to the door. His eyes flitted to my face then down at the floor again. It was unusual to see him so unsettled. I was so used to seeing his confident, self-assuredness. I don’t know what happened when I fell into the river, but it was as if the energy between us had changed.
It was the slightest of differences, but the emotional distance originally predicted had somehow diminished. The moment Mid had saved me from the river and pulled me into his arms, ignited a sort of gravitation. I could feel it pulling at me now as I looked at him in the doorway—it was foreign, yet also thrilling.
“I’ll see you in the morning then,” he finally said.
I nodded. “Goodnight, Mid.”
He looked up as I said his name, and it was the briefest of pauses before he replied. “Goodnight Ehren.”
ELEVEN
Just get to the next tree. A couple more steps. It was the mantra I had been repeating for the last hour. Stubborn over the condition of my weak arm and leg, I became determined to get back on my feet. The cool air burned my cheeks and lungs, but it felt good having been cooped up inside the cottage for a couple days now. I was almost walking without a limp, the pain but a quiet throbbing. Huffing and puffing I pushed forward, eyeing a big pine ahead of me. I was focused intently on its thick trunk. I decided I would touch it, even if just with my fingertips.
I didn’t consider the condition of the ground, so focused on the target ahead and was quickly impeded by a large root, snuggled beneath the brassy dirt. I hit the ground with a thunk, my body heavily slamming into the rocks and soil. I groaned aloud, more upset at my lack of grace than the ache that spread throughout my body.
“I leave for one hour and nature unfurls its assault.” His voice came from behind me, the sarcasm hitting thick against my ears. I looked up, and Mid was standing over me. His dark curls were wildly coiled around his handsome face, his emerald-scarlet eyes twinkling with amusement. He reached out to help me, but I ignored his hand, embarrassed that he was teasing me.
“I don’t need your help, thank you,” I said grumpily. I pushed myself to my feet, determined not to show that I was in pain.
“I thought I told you not to leave the house,” Mid said. His tone was similar to the one that Oli would use when I disobeyed his orders.
“I needed some fresh air,” I replied, brushing off the dust on my trousers. Mid had left earlier that morning, he hadn’t said what for, only that he would be back by noon.
“Can I help you?” His teasing tone was gone as he stretched out his hand to me for a second time. I folded my arms across my chest, determined to ignore his cordiality.
“I can do it myself.” I turned on my good heel and began my way back toward the cottage. He walked beside me, slowing his pace to match my wobbly gait.
“Are you always this defiant?” he asked, seeming sincerely curious. “Are you always this annoying?”
“Some would say yes,” he admitted playfully, and I couldn't help it: I smiled.
“I can only spend so much time in doors before I start to go crazy,”I explained, wincing slightly as my stiff body shuffled back down the forest trail. Mid noticed my discomfort, a small frown on his lips.
“You enjoy the outdoors then?” he inquired, reaching out again and taking my arm. This time he didn’t ask for permission. I reluctantly let him lead me, knowing I’d probably fall without assistance with how clumsy I seemed to be. His arm was warm where our skin touched, and I couldn't help but feel hyper aware of his presence beside me.
“The trees, the fresh air, the flowers, it’s where I can forget all other worries exist,” I said.
“I understand. I seek a familiar refuge in hunting,” he admitted, thoughtfully admiring the trees around him.
“I can’t imagine ever killing an animal,” I said, shuddering.
“I guess I’ve just grown up fishing on the boat with my father and shooting in the woods. It’s a way of life for me now.”
“Does your father still hunt with you?”
“When he has the time, yes, but he is quite busy lately. And my mother doesn’t like us gone for weeks at a time, but that is where the real fun is.” I could see the delight in his expression as he alluded to the fond tradition.
“What about you? Does your family ever worry about you running around outside in the woods? I can imagine you causing all sorts of trouble for your mother,” he joked as we turned around a bend of poison berry bushes, the cottage coming into sight.
“Well, it's just my sister and father. You see, my mother died when I was young,” I explained somberly. “But yes, I do worry them, probably more than necessary.” The thought of my family sent a pang of sadness through my heart. I missed them, surprisingly more than I thought I ever would, and I ached to be home again.
Mid slowed our walking to a halt and looked over at me, his beautiful eyes suddenly sad. “I’m sorry, I had no idea.”
I shook my head and smiled softly. “It’s all right.”
Mid was about to say something else when the cottage door sprung open, startling the both of us.
“There you two are!” Liony bounced down the steps toward us, bundled in a brown cloak and a red knit hat. “I’ve just set out lunch by the hot spring. Care to join?” she asked, already skipping down another trail.
“Hot spring?” I whispered questioningly to Mid.
“In this part of the woods there is a natural hot spring. It's quite the scenery, and lucky for us it’s not far from the cottage.”
Sure enough, after a short walk from the cottage, a small round pool of water came into view. The spring rested in a hidden alcove of pine trees and was surrounded by thick gray rocks. Billowing mist immediately penetrated the dry, coarse air and replaced it with a thick humid steam.
Shar was already there, resting beside Ghost who was napping on a flat slab of rock where a blanket had been arranged with bowls and plates of delicious smelling food. Liony nimbly climbed the rocky slope and took a seat beside her brother.
Mid helped me up the rocky terrain and settle in on the picnic blanket beside the others. I looked down into the spring, admiring the crystal clear water. I could see the mossy green pebbles settled at the bottom, tiny fish wandering in and out of the bubbling currents.
“Everyone, eat up. It’s roasted Venison and you’ll want it while it's hot.” Liony settled a plate and silverware in front of me, already stacked high with food. It looked to be roasted red meat with sandy colored potatoes and fresh roots on the side. Suddenly starving, I quickly shoveled in my first bite.
We all ate quietly beside one another, eating our meal in comfortable silence.
“The Ethydon festival is tomorrow. Are you both coming?”
It was so abrupt I almost jumped at the sound of Liony’s excited voice. I had gotten lost in thought, munching on beetroot while staring at a hummingbird poking its delicate beak into a set of flush flowers somehow still surviving the bitter chill.
The puzzlement on my face must have been obvious because Liony immediately began to explain her animated question. “Ethydon has a winter festival every year. It's a tradition for the villagers. You should come. I’ve heard it's going to be wonderful.”
Mid put a hand to his forehead, sighed,
and then dropped it slowly and gave Liony a rather frustrated expression. “Liony, I am taking Ehren home tomorrow.”
“You can take her home after the festival, Mid. Come on, it’ll be fun,” Liony pleaded, and another discontented look crossed Mid’s features.
“I don't know, Liony.” Mid continued to hesitate, obviously torn.
“The festival starts at sunset and we can all journey together.” Liony’s joyful exuberance made it inaccessible to shut her down. Mid looked warily over at me, and I gave him an indifferent shoulder shrug. I wouldn't mind going to the festival. From Liony’s words it sounded sort of fun.
“We can go, but we can’t stay for too long,” Mid finally complied and Liony clapped her hands happily.
“Oh thank you, thank you!” Liony stood up and grabbed Shar’s hand. “Come on, Shar, let’s jump in. The water is calling my name.”
Shar groaned but let Liony lift him from the rocks. “All right, all right. Stop pulling on me. I’m coming.” Shar glared over at Mid, who chuckled at his friends as they made their way to the hazy water’s edge.
“Sorry about her. Obviously, she’s very subtle.” Mid gave me an apologetic expression, but I just shook my head.
“Don’t worry, I like Liony. Her euphoria makes all of this a little bit easier to bear.”
Mid elbowed my side playfully.
“Are you saying it was unbearable with just me around?”
I smirked and nudged him back. “Well, you did kidnap me, and forced me to ride your polar bear,” I said teasingly. “But, let's not forget the part where I’ve been attacked by enemies on multiple occasions.”
“So it's not just me then?” he asked.
I shook my head smiling. “No, it's not just you.”
We laughed together and lighthearted amusement passed between us. It was carefree and felt wonderful to truly let myself laugh. But the moment was short-lived as a shower of warm water droplets sprinkled over us. I squealed and looked down to see Shar and Liony in the water below, the culprits of the sudden spray. Mid chuckled at the sight of my now damp hair.
Granted (Granted Series Book 1) Page 8
