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As I sit on a chair in the cabin, Aiden kneels before me, carefully examining my leg. The wound on my ankle, a cruel reminder of the trap, is healing well, but the marks are still visible – a stark contrast against my skin.
"I can walk on it, really. It's much better," I insist, eager to prove my growing strength.
"Let me just apply this salve first," he says, reaching for a jar of homemade remedy.
As he gently applies the salve to the wounded area, his touch is tender. His hands, rough and calloused, are careful, skilled. It still amazes me that those hands can turn into big, clawed paws.
Aiden’s oblivious to my thoughts. He carefully changes the bandages, his focus entirely on the task at hand.
I’ve never been so taken care of in my entire life. No one has ever tended to me this way. I’ve had boyfriends, sure, but none have ever so much as held my hair when I’ve been sick, let alone this. There's a devotion in his actions, a silent promise of protection and care that warms my heart.
He finishes by nuzzling my leg in an affectionate gesture, just below my knee, before carefully pulling my pant leg back over the bandages.
Looking up at me from where he kneels, a mischievous smile tugs on his lips. "How about I show you where the Silvian's Sage is? If you're feeling up to it."
The mention of the herb brightens my mood instantly.
"Yes, I'd love that!" My voice lights with enthusiasm and I immediately stand up. “Can we go now?”
It’s not only the rare herb, the one I was originally searching for, that brightens my mood, but also the prospect of exploring the forest with him ignites a spark of excitement within me.
He laughs, a sound that echoes warmly in the cabin. "Yes, we can go now," he says with amusement in his eyes.
We get ready, and by the time Aiden is prepared, I'm already at the door, nearly bouncing on the balls of my feet, barely containing my excitement. There's only a twinge in my leg– a good sign – and it does little to dampen my spirits. The prospect of adventure, of being with Aiden in the heart of the forest, fills me with an anticipation that's as vibrant as the world outside our door.
We step out of the cabin into the lush embrace of the forest. The world outside is made of bright greens and earthy browns, a natural masterpiece that never fails to take my breath away. The air is crisp and invigorating, filled with the scent of pine and damp earth, a fragrance that speaks of life and growth.
As we walk, the forest comes alive around us. Birds chirp melodiously from the treetops, their songs intertwining with the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. In the distance, the soft babble of a nearby stream adds to the chorus.
Aiden, ever the knowledgeable guide, walks beside me, his steps confident and sure on the forest path. Every few steps, he pauses to point out a plant or a shrub, sharing his vast knowledge of their properties and uses.
"This is foxglove," he says, indicating a cluster of tall, bell-shaped flowers. "Beautiful, but poisonous."
I listen, fascinated, as he describes each plant with a mix of respect and admiration. It's a side of him I find endlessly intriguing – the way he can read the forest like a book, understanding its secrets and rhythms.
And there are things I recognize too. As we continue our walk, I spot something familiar among the greenery.
"Look, Aiden, it’s a patch of wild chamomile!" I say, recognizing the dainty, daisy-like flowers. I stop to collect some, placing them into my pouch, saying, "It's perfect for making tea.”
The path winds through the woods, taking us deeper into its heart. Every step reveals new wonders – a patch of wild berries here, a hidden fern grove there. The forest feels alive, a living entity that welcomes us into its fold.
Halfway to our destination, however, a sharp pain shoots through my leg, a stark reminder of my not-yet-fully-healed wound.
I wince, attempting to mask the discomfort, but Aiden notices immediately.
“Bunny,” he says.
I worry what he’ll say next: words like ‘let’s go back’ or something more chiding. "I’m fine. Really."
I try to keep walking, doing my best to mask any sign of a limp or wince. We only make it a few steps further before Aiden stops.
"Here, let me help," he says, crouching down in front of me. "Hop on."
His offer takes me by surprise, and I can't help but laugh.
"I haven't had a piggyback ride since I was a kid," I say, amused at the thought.
With a playful grin, he replies, "Well, it's about time for another one, isn’t it? I promise I'm quite good at this."
