Page 5 of Grounded By Love
Claira jerked awake in her chair. Shaking her head and rubbing her eyes, she looked around. She must’ve dozed off during the night.
It’d been two days, since she’d rescued the rock giant, and she was impressed with his recovery, though she kept him well sedated.
Claira rose and went to check on her patient. His breathing was normal, but he was still running quite the fever. The freezing rain may have taken him too far out of her healing reach. He was doing better, but in his condition, that didn’t mean much.
Before getting ready for the day, Claira wiped down the rock giant's body with a cool cloth. Then got him some warm broth to drink. She was determined to keep him hydrated with fluids, while she was gone for the day. The village would need another checkup from her.
She was in the middle of packing her supplies for a visit to the village, when a knock sounded at her door. Her heart skipped a beat, but she told herself to calm down. She had no idea who was at the door and for what reason. They probably just needed her healing and nothing more.
Yet, she still rushed over to the rock giant and tucked the blanket up and around his shoulders only leaving his head exposed.
Straightening her dress, she put on a straight face and yanked open the door.
“Claira.” Robert said, as he smiled down at her.
“Robert… what brings you to my cottage?” Claira asked wishing it hadn't been him.
He’d been interested in her for years, but she didn't feel the same way about him. He wasn't the man for her, and she wasn't about to pretend like he was. There was no need for him to waste his time pursuing her.
He put on his most dazzling smile. “I came to check on you. After the recent battle so close to your home, I was concerned about you being here alone.”
Claira was touched by his thoughtfulness. Even if he wasn't the man for her, he was still a kind soul. He was the only one out of all the villagers that enjoyed her company. She just wished he could settle for friendship.
“Thank you, but as you see Robert, I am fine.” She smiled kindly, but hoped he would just leave. She had no idea if she could trust him with her rock giant secret.
“I was hoping to come in and sit with you, perhaps to discuss your hand in marriage.”
With a sigh, Claira held up her hand to stop him. “We’ve already discussed it, Robert. You know my feelings towards you are those of a sister.”
“Of course.” He inclined his head, and then looked back up at her, but she was able to see the truth in his eyes. Robert was unable to give up on her. She could tell he would always be a thorn in her side, pestering her about marriage. How many times did he want to be told no?
“May I come in to join you for tea?” Robert asked, stepping closer to her and the doorway.
Claira shook her head. “You may talk with me, as I harvest vegetables in my garden.”
Robert inclined his head, as he moved out of her way.
Carefully, she closed the door to her cottage. She would do her best in removing Robert’s presence from her land.
An hour later, Robert left, and Claira heaved a sigh, as she walked back into her cottage. She leaned back against the closed door and slipped down to the ground.
Somehow she’d managed to get Robert out of her hair, though she was unsure how. She just worried how many close calls she might have.
Kaeldar glanced around and froze. His head was groggy, and his vision was slightly blurred, but he saw he was in a cottage of some sort. It wasn’t large enough to be the home of a rock giant, and he dwarfed the bed with his huge physique. He had to be in a human’s cottage.
Confusion rolled through him. If he was in a human’s cottage, then why wasn’t he dead?
As he came to, Kaeldar realized he was stark naked. Panic soared through him, and he reached for one of his swords or daggers.
His weapons were missing as well. A movement from the corner of his eye caught his attention. He watched, as the door to the cottage opened. His body tensed, as he waited to see who would come through.
A woman walked in, a basket on her arm full of what looked like vegetables. As she neared the fireplace, his eyes were drawn to his swords and daggers, which glinted in the firelight. They were so close, yet so far away in his condition.
He wanted to see what she would do next. He wanted to stay awake, but the darkness called him back, and his eyes closed shut.
The rock giant’s progress impressed her. He was healing well, and the fever had disappeared completely. Hopefully, it would stay gone. As he improved, she lessened his dose of the tea. There was no need for her to worry about him hurting himself further. His wound was closing up nicely.
Smiling, she opened the windows and door, to let in some fresh air. Then she left to tend to her vegetable garden. It was about time for him to get some fresh air. It might even help speed up his recovery.
