Page 86 of Whispers of the Elderoak

“There’s already food being prepared. I’ll bring it to your room when it’s ready.”

Kai turned to Cirilla. “Can you help her bathe while I set upmy workstation? We also need tea with honey, cinder bark and mountain flower.”

Cirilla nodded as Kai turned to his apothecary box and opened it.

“Come,” she instructed as she disappeared into the bathroom and began to fill the tub.

She limped after her attendant and slowly undressed. Cirilla walked over to help her, and Ava paused.

“Nudity isn’t taboo here, girl. I don’t even notice bodies; I just do my job.”

“Okay…” answered Ava, reluctantly. It had been easier in the dark forest with Quinn. But for some reason her insecurities were now making themselves known as she prepared to undress in front of yet another stranger.

She helped Ava pull the tunic and pants off, careful as the material brushed her leg. She then turned toward the tub and poured some oil into the water. She pointed to the collection of bottles along the tub’s edge and explained their uses. “Hair. Body. I’ll return with your tea soon.”

“Thank you,” she replied.

Cirilla left the room and Ava made her way to the sunken tub. She walked down the couple of steps and sighed at the instant relief as the hot water caressed her skin. The smell of oranges and rosemary hit her nostrils and she inhaled deeply as she settled into the water, humming to herself.

She scrubbed her scalp, enjoying the feel of the shampoo as her muddy hair turned from stained brown back to its light strawberry blonde. After washing her body, she climbed out of the tub, dried off, and wrapped the robe around her. A comb had been left on the counter near the sink and she thoroughly brushed through all the tangles, her scalp sore after minutes of pulling.

Ava padded back to the bedroom. Kai had pulled over the small desk to sit next to the bed, creating a makeshift table tohost his tools as he worked. The apothecary box atop it was wide open, revealing a set of drawers and shelves stuffed with balms, tinctures and herbs. The bed had been lowered and Kai was leaning over and adjusting the back, allowing Ava to sit up.

“So, how does healing work here?” Ava asked, breaking the silence. “Do you use magic or medicines like those?”

“Both. Not many earth fae can use healing magic on others. Those who can, are trained to utilize both. The combination of magic and natural herbs is a powerful one. Especially here in this kingdom where we rely on plants so heavily.”

“Is it different in other kingdoms?” she asked.

“A little. Some kingdoms trade with us for healing balms and other supplies. Others have their own magic or abilities. The fae of Caelestia have powerful healing magic and do not use other methods,” he explained. “Do you think you can manage getting up onto this bed with your leg?”

“Yes,” she replied.

“I’m so sorry, but you’ll need to disrobe. There are blankets here you can use to cover yourself. I will only uncover the part of your body I am working on, is that okay?”

“Yes.”

Kai headed to the door to the living room. “I’ll wait out here for a little bit. Take your time.”

Alone in the room, she limped over to the bed and removed her robe, tossing it onto the chair, and lifted the blankets before sitting down.

The bed was comfortable, with a soft cushioned mattress that smelled like chamomile and cradled her aching muscles. She slowly swung her legs up and covered herself, awaiting Kai’s return.

Casimir walked the halls,heading back to his suite after the long meal with his friends. Jorrar walked beside him, visibly eager to see his husband. Both men remained quiet, pondering over the plan that had been finalized regarding their venture to the Whispering Bog.

Kai was seated on one of the couches when they entered the suite, quietly watching the fire. The moment he noticed Jorrar, his eyes lit up and he leapt to embrace his husband, tears in both of their eyes.

Jorrar leaned back and wiped away Kai’s tears before kissing him deeply, pulling him close as Kai’s arms wrapped around his neck, deepening the kiss further.

Jorrar ended the kiss, looking at his husband with adoration as he brushed a stray curl from Kai’s face. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” Kai smiled, meeting his stare.

Casimir shifted on his feet, question on his lips but reluctant to interrupt his friends’ reunion. He’d always admired the gentle way Jorrar and Kai were, how they loved and honored one another and always took care of each other. He had to admit, he was a tad jealous. Though he often denied it, deep down he wanted what they had. A love so deep and passionate that nothing could topple it. They would go to the ends of the earth for each other, and Casimir longed for that.

Kai let go of Jorrar and held his hand instead, turning toward Casimir. “Hey, Cas.”

Casimir smiled. “Nice to see you, Kai.”

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