Page 87 of Whispers of the Elderoak

“I assume you both want to know how Ava is faring?”

Casimir nodded.

“Not much to tell yet,” said Kai. “Her leg is bad, but I can heal it. I haven’t had the chance to assess her other injuries. I’m about to do that now.”

Jorrar looked disappointed and turned to Kai. “I guess that means you won’t be home any time soon.”

“I’m sorry, dear. I’ll return home as soon as I’m finished. It may be a few hours.”

“It’s alright. A healer’s work is never done. I need to bathe anyway.” Kissing Kai on the forehead, he added, “I’ll see you at home later.” Then walked out the door as he waved a quick farewell to Casimir.

Casimir turned to Kai. “I need to clean up as well. I’ll leave you to your work.”

“Are you ready?”Kai asked through the door as he cracked it wider.

“Yes.”

Opening the door fully, he walked back into the room and closed it softly behind him, then headed to the desk full of supplies.

Back turned, he said, “I’d like to work on your leg first, then we can assess the other injuries. Does that sound good?”

“Fine,” Ava replied. Barely able to get words out, she quivered slightly, losing grip on her ability to tamp down the trauma.

Having someone inspect her body, truly assess her injuries, was more difficult than she thought it would be. The healers at camp had been quick and most of the time she had been unconscious. But for Kai to spend what she expected to be a significant amount of time treating her wounds had her shaking involuntarily. The last time people touched her, it wasn’t out of kindness.

Kai turned around, noticing her trembling and leaned down to gently grab her hand. “You’re okay, Ava. You are safe here. No one will hurt you.”

She gave him a wan smile.

Kai let go of her hand and reached under the table to crankit back to the working height, then released a contraption to elevate her leg.

A light knock sounded, and Ava looked up, facing the door. Kai cracked the door open, assuring Ava’s privacy. She heard Cirilla’s voice and then Kai carried a tray of hot tea into her bedroom, setting it on the desk next to his supplies.

Handing her a teacup, he said, “Drink this. It has a light sedative effect and will help you relax. It won’t do a lot for the pain, but it will keep you warm and less anxious.”

“Thank you,” she replied as she grasped the white porcelain in her still shaky hands.

The tea smelled amazing. It had a floral scent reminiscent of roses and jasmine, with a touch of honey. It tasted even better and Ava sighed as it warmed her body immediately, muscles relaxing and her stomach calming down.

“Ava, I’m about to begin. I will walk you through each step along the way. First, I’m going to clean your wounds to prevent infection,” he said, reaching for a bottle with a blue liquid and a large cotton ball.

Deciding to distract herself with conversation, she asked, “Do you have any tips for winning the group over?”

Kai poured the liquid onto the cotton ball and dabbed each puncture, vigorously cleaning them out and causing Ava to wince.

“Getting them to like you?”

“Yeah.” She flinched again, gritting her teeth. “I want them to like me.”

As the words left her lips, she realized she truly did. She wanted them to like her. And not just because she was lonely and lost, but because she liked them. For some strange reason, she felt comfortable around the group, as if her soul was awakening upon arrival to Mosshaven. Was her heritage recognizing its homeland and its people?

“Sorry, that was a deep one,” he said before continuing. “Jorrar and Raine are easy. They both like you already, I’m sure. Though maybe don’t stab anyone again.”

She grimaced. “I didn’t know who they were. I was scared.”

“I know. We heal quickly so Raine was fine. Just don’t expect him to forget it. It will be added to his repertoire of things to tease you about.”

“Great.”

---