Page 11 of A Winter Crush
“Of course!” Ori responded.
Wareth grimaced as he draped the coat over Sariah’s shoulders. They didn’t need Ori to get to the doctor. It would be better if Ori just left. But he couldn’t say anything. Sariah was the one injured, and he wouldn’t go against her.
* * *
The doctor examinedSariah’s wrist, prodding gently. It had turned an angry red colour and had started to swell.
“It’s sprained,” Taten said. “You should have been more careful.” She pursed her lips at Sariah, frowning in disapproval.
“I know,” Sariah said, voice small. “I just was in a hurry. It’s a busy time, with Solstice fast approaching.”
“You shouldn’t rush tasks,” Taten said, shaking her head. “Not if it risks your body.”
“Sorry, Taten.” Sariah ducked her head, looking like a chastened child.
Taten often had that impact on people. Part of it was the fact that Taten had been the doctor in the village before Wareth and Sariah were even born. She had helped deliver them and had treated every illness, bruise, and bump since.
“It’s all right, girl. You’ll know better next time. I’ll bandage it up, give you some salve for the swelling and some herbs to make a tea that will help with the pain. Then you need to rest it for a few weeks.”
“But Winter Solstice is less than three weeks away! It’s the first year we are making Solstice plates! Wareth needs me to assist!”
Taten shook her head. “You need to rest. Especially in your current condition.”
“It’ll be fine, Sariah,” Wareth said.
It would be difficult without her help. She kept the studio clean and organised, which allowed him to focus on making. He’d have to work a little longer each day. Maybe they’d have to save the Solstice plates for next year, but he’d manage.
“The important thing is you recover.” Wareth laid a hand on her shoulder and squeezed gently.
Sariah nodded, shoulders slumped.
“I could help,” Ori said.
No!
Wareth turned towards Ori, standing at the back of the room. He’d walked with them, even though Sariah hadn’t needed any assistance.
“Really, could you?” Sariah asked, perking up.
Wareth broke out into a cold sweat. He scrambled to think of something to say to make it stop.
“I’m not busy,” Ori smiled, shrugging one slender shoulder. “It’s winter. So not much foraging, fishing, or hunting to do. I could help as much as needed, whilst you recover.”
Wareth didn’t want Ori around, didn’t want his pretty eyes and distracting smile confusing him. He needed the quiet, the peace, the calm comfort of the life he had established.
“That sounds like an excellent idea,” Taten said as she pulled out several glass jars containing dried herbs and plants.
Even the doctor is against me!
He opened his mouth, trying to work out how to put a stop to all this. “I’m fine! I can do it on my own!”
Sariah waved her uninjured hand at him. “Don’t be ridiculous, Wareth! This is one of the busiest times of the year. And it’s the first time you’re making Solstice plates. That Ori is willing to help is wonderful!” She turned to Ori. “Thank you, Ori. It means a lot to me that you are willing to help.”
Wareth closed his mouth, trying to calm his pounding heart. He didn’t like this. Not one bit.
“It’s settled, then,” Sariah said. “I’ll rest my hand, and Ori will help in the studio. Perfect!”
Wareth knew when he was defeated.
