Page 24 of A Winter Awakening
“I’ve started reading about that! I’ve got a journal from one of the original settlers. Although, they’ve only just set out,” Gael said. “Are there lots of Solstice traditions?”
“There are,” Orteo said. “But I don’t know a lot of them. But there are gifts. There are Solstice festivities. I’ve never been to them. And they decorate. The store has been decorated in evergreen branches, pine cones, and ribbon.” Orteo placed a hand on Gael’s knee. “We could decorate in here if you like?”
“Really? That could be fun,” Gael said.
Using his crutch, Gael could walk short distances. He’d already seen some improvements with his ankle. The swelling had started to go down. Still, he didn’t put any weight on it.
He could probably walk around on his own outside the cabin with his crutch, but he never did. He always waited for Orteo. What if he fell? What if he injured his ankle further? No, better to wait until Orteo was with him in case he needed help.
They set out from the cabin. Orteo placed a hand on his lower back as they walked as if to support him. Gael enjoyed the casual touches. They’d increased in the past few days. And every time Orteo touched him, he felt a thrill of excitement run up his spine.
He couldn’t believe what close friends they’d become in such a short time.
They walked slowly through the snow, which crunched beneath his crutch and boot. Snow drifted down as they made their way to the outskirts of the forest.
“How about you sit here whilst I collect some greenery?” Orteo gestured to a stump.
Gael sat. He rested the crutch beside him. Orteo gave him a smile and set off.
Orteo moved between the trees. He carried a small saw, which he used to cut branches off. Gael could watch the oread all day. He moved so gracefully and assuredly. He fitted perfectly with the white and greys of the winter forest. Orteo practically camouflaged with it.
After several minutes, with his arms full of branches, Orteo returned to Gael. “Ready to head back?”
Gael nodded and stood, leaning on the crutch.
“You didn’t get too cold sitting out here, did you?” Orteo asked.
“No,” Gael said as they walked.
With Orteo carrying the branches, he couldn’t touch Gael’s back. Gael missed the contact.
They spent the afternoon decorating the cabin. Gael did as much as he could with his injured ankle. They placed branches around the windows and walls, and on tables, ledges, and shelves. Then they ate dinner in their festively decorated cabin by the glow of the fire.
“I’ll get some ribbon from the store later. And maybe I’ll collect some pine cones,” Orteo said as he packed up their meal.
Gael placed his Solstice gift from Orteo on the side table and prepared for bed. Orteo pulled back the blankets and then helped Gael lie down, ensuring his ankle didn’t bump into anything.
Gael had never admired anyone like Orteo. He wished he could be more like him, so calm, gentle, and caring. And so composed and together. Unlike Gael, who ruined everything he touched.
And the oread was so stunning. He gazed at the oread’s striking face and his lovely hair.
I wonder if it is as soft and silky as it looks.
“Did you hear what I said?” Orteo asked.
Gael laughed. “No. Sorry. I got distracted.”
“Distracted?” Orteo’s brow rose. “By what?”
Gael laughed again. He ducked his head. “Your hair.”
Orteo paused. Then smiled. “What about my hair?”
“I wondered if it feels like it looks.”
Orteo sat on the side of the mattress, which dipped beneath his weight. “How does it look?”
Gael’s heart thudded in his chest. He didn’t know why he felt so nervous. Orteo was a friend. He never judged or laughed at Gael and his silly thoughts. “Soft and silky.”
