Page 28 of Grounded By Love
Rolling over she went to sleep huddled in his arms with both of them chest to chest.
A small blush crept up her face, in the morning, as the memories of the night before came back to her. She felt foolish getting so upset about a silly nightmare, even if it had been on the terrifying side. She was an adult, not a child.
Claira loved being held within his strong arms, which caused another blush for a whole new reason. There was just something about him that was intoxicating to her. Maybe it was because he was something new, and hopefully someone who she could depend upon. Kaeldar had shown her the compassionate side of a strong warrior.
As she got up from the covers, she brushed down her clothing. Then ran her hands through her long straw colored hair. She knew it must look like a mess by now, so she tried to do her best to straighten out all the knots.
She was keen on taking a bath, but at the moment she was out of luck for finding a tub. She would have to settle for the cold river water, if she wanted to clean up.
Leaving the tent Claira found Kaeldar ready to get back on the move. He was tending to the horses, but when he heard her step out he looked up and cast her a dazzling smile. He had to have a trail of rock giant women falling head over heels for him.
Claira felt her heart putter, at that thought. How would she compare to rock giant women? If they looked anything like Kaeldar, she’d have no chance.
“How are you feeling this morning?”
Smiling back at him she replied, “I am doing fine thank you.” She raised a hand to brush a piece of hair back behind one of her ears, and his eyes followed the movement.
Clearing his throat slightly, he focused back on her face. “Will you be able to travel without any pain?”
She felt a little embarrassed he was making such a fuss about her. Her feet weren’t a big deal, but he obviously thought she might be in a fragile state after last night. He needed to realize she was stronger than she appeared.
“Of course.” Needing to explain Claira clarified last night to him. “Thank you for your support last night, but I promise you, I’m fine and need nothing.” She waved her hand in the air. “It was just a dream, a scary one, but still just a dream.”
He eyed her, and she got the feeling he didn’t believe her, but then nodded accepting her explanation.
She stepped up to the horses, as Kaeldar got the tent packed up, and tied it to the back of her horse.
“Would you like help mounting the horse?”
“Which horse will you use?” Claira asked, now that they had two horses because of Robert’s death.
“I will take, which ever one you don’t choose.”
She chewed on her lip for a little bit, before speaking. “I would like to ride my own horse, if that’s fine.” She would feel a bit weird riding Robert’s horse.
Kaeldar gave a shrug. Of course, he wouldn’t care which horse he rode. Robert’s death was probably just one of many, someone he’d already forgotten about.
Maybe that was why he couldn’t regret Robert’s death. If Kaeldar mourned everyone he killed, he wouldn’t have time to keep himself alive. It did give her some insight into his character. He had to be practical, since he was a warrior. He either made a flash decision or threaten his own life.
Kaeldar wrapped his hands around Claira's waist and swung her up onto the saddle. Quickly, Kaeldar mounted up on the other horse and led the way.
They traveled for a few hours, until Claira broke the never-ending silence. “I've been wondering why you came back to save me.”
Kaeldar rode in front of her, but when she spoke he slowed his horse, to ride next to hers.
“You saved my life, a rock giant warrior, unknown to you.” He took a moment. “As I was leaving on your horse, I thought about what the villagers might do to you. I found it bothered me that you saved my life, and I had done nothing to repay you.”
“Still. I wouldn’t have expected you to risk your life.”
“I circled back and found you being tied to a post. At that moment, I knew I would have to save you… if I wanted to live with myself. To think your people would burn you.”
She knew no one would ever believe a rock giant could be so honorable to return a favor, but here she was. She was the proof. It seemed humans had misjudged these rock giants, or at least one of them. But if one of them could be this honorable, then surely there could be more among his people. Not every human was virtuous, but not every human was cruel.
“Truly though, thank you.” She said yet again. “I wouldn’t have enjoyed being burned alive.” A shiver ran through her spine, at the very thought.
Seeming a little bothered by her appreciation, he shrugged. She almost missed the wince he gave right after, but her healer’s eye caught it.
“Is the wound giving you any problems? Last time I looked at it I thought it might be well on its way to healing. Is it causing you discomfort right now?”
