Page 60 of The Orc's Sweetheart
Tilly
Iblink at the spot Arran disappeared from. He seemed nice, if not odd, covered in a thick layer of sunscreen. I’m not sure if I’d be able to recognize him if I were to see his normal face.
Bodin takes my hand and we continue heading west, his quiet presence is the unwavering support I so desperately need, even if I’m not able to verbalize it. That’s one of the qualities I love about Bodin, his dependable strength, not just for me, but for his entire community.
So far, he’s kept himself from asking me any of the questions dancing in his eyes, and I appreciatethat tremendously because I can see all of them when he looks at me with that compassionate gaze.
But now is not the time. After Annamae is found, I can tell him about the incident at the hospital and how it shaped my future, and my reactions today.
Around us, the island is alive with activity, the search continuing in the sky, on the ground, and even out in the ocean. The fact that all of Starry Hill dropped what they were busy with to help one creature, makes the heavy weight sitting on my shoulders so much more manageable.
As we round the bend and the woodland comes into view, a flash of white speeds toward us and Bodin goes to step in front of me again, just as Arran stops a yard away.
Breathing hard, Arran pants, “I found her. She’s safe.”
A giant mountain of weight falls off my shoulders and my knees buckle with relief. Bodin is there to catch me, wrapping his arms around me before I fall to the ground.
“I’ve got you,” he whispers against my ear, helping me stay upright and keeping me tucked against him.
I take a deep breath and shove all my emotions as far down as I can. I’ll deal with them later. “She’s okay? Injured?”
Arran tilts his head from side to side in a noncommittal way. “I only talked to her briefly, from a distance. Her arm is pinned by a tree branch. But she’s in good spirits.”
I’m already stepping forward as I say, “Take me to her, please.”
I run, ignoring the screaming tendons in my ankle as I push myself. Concern radiates from Bodin as he follows behind us, but I don’t acknowledge it. I can’t, not yet.
Other creatures notice the three of us running and a few join us as we follow Arran’s reduced speed. Soon, a small group of us has formed as we’re led single file through the woodland toward the thickest part in the center.
The trees are dense here, their growth fresh, speaking of a lot of love recently received from a dryad.
Annamae must’ve poured herself into this place, which might now even be called a forest with its thick foliage, the sun dappling lazily through the leafy canopy above.
When we reach the densest part of the forest, the creatures behind us stop, choosing to remain there for any news but not wanting to overcrowd the forest nor Annamae.
My Bodin, though, plows ahead of me, holding back branches and helping me across fallen logs.
“How did you find her here?” My question comes in a huff, my breath short as I duck and climb my way through the forest.
Arran explains, “I scented her first, then ran closer until we were in shouting distance before confirming her well-being and going to collect you.”
“Oh.” I try not to let the stress overwhelm me that he hasn’t actually seen her and therefore doesn’t know what state she is in.
Not too long after, the forest opens up into a natural circle, and Annamae’s voice rings out brightly from the opposite side, “How lovely to see your friendly faces.”
I almost break into a run at the sight of her on her knees, arms wrapped around a tree, but Bodin’s steady hand guides me safely over the last few obstacles until I’m crouching in front of the beautiful dryad.
“Can you tell me everywhere you’re hurt?”
“My body is a little tired from being in the same position, but only my arm feels funny. I got a bit carried away with a tree-hugging ceremony—held on to this big boy a tad too long. Next thing I know, he grows a branch right down here, trying to hug me back, but also pinning me to him. Silly little thing,” she explains, making light of the situation despite the fatigue evident in her voice.
I reach a hand forward, pausing before I make contact. “Is it okay if I touch you?”
“Of course, Tilly,” Annamae answers sweetly, then continues as I prod at her stuck arm, “I know it must be difficult for you to see me like this, but I want to tell you that I’m fine. I got lost in all my happy feelings and the tree grew too fast.”
A sad smile pulls at my lips at her thoughtfulness. “I think Richard might have it worse than me,” I try to joke.
She waves me off. “He’ll be okay. Believe it or not, this is not the first time I’ve gone missing, nor the worst situation I’ve gotten myself into. Did you hear about the tangerine grove I once grew when Richard and I were feeling a bit adventurous on an anniversary? Roots make for good bindings, let me tell you.”
