Gannen perks up. “You are right. That has to mean something, do you not think so?”
“I think it means I’ve developed a bad habit of being clumsy.” Which is a first for me.
The young Krijese hums. “I do not think that is it.”
“Why don’t we let Elodie take a seat so she can rest for a bit?” Sage suggests.
“Yes, please.” I send her another grateful glance and she helps lower me to the narrow bench right outside the door.
With zero hesitation, Gannen slides in next to me and our thighs touch. He’s so small there’s plenty of room for both of us. I am a little surprised to discover that top of his head just reaches my shoulder. I’m curious to know how old he is. My gut says he’s not as young as he looks.
“Gogo said we could come back to check on you since we left without saying goodbye. I was not happy about that,” he announces without shame or fear of consequences.
My cheeks heat. “I was a little disappointed as well.”
Gannen jerks his head toward his father. He doesn’t say anything, but it’s clear he’s making some kind of point.
“Well, I’m glad you’re here now.” God, this is awkward.
That’s all it takes, because the young boy switches his attention back to me. “Me too. I have wanted to make sure you were well.”
I try to ignore the fact that Ortak has yet to say a single word. He’s just hovering nearby like some kind of lurker.Igesture vaguely down my body.“I’m doing as well as I can be with a broken leg. I should have a set of crutches by tomorrow which will help me get around.”
Gannen cocks his head. “What are crutches?”
“Well, they’re like two walking sticks, I suppose. One goes under each of my arms and I’m able to use them for balance and support so I can hop on my good leg and move around.”
“How are you getting these walking sticks?” he asks.
“Rojtar is making them for me.”
“But he is mated.”
“Gannen,” Ortak says sharply, finally breaking his silence.
His son glances over at him. “A mated male should not be making something that important for a female who is not his.”
Sage either chokes or laughs, I can’t tell which, but I shoot her a glare before I lightly nudge Gannen. “Rojtar is the only one skilled enough to make them from my understanding. Would you rather I be stuck in bed all the time with no way of getting around by myself?”
“Gogo is skilled in crafting with wood. Far more than Rojtar is, I am certain. You should have had him make these crutches for you,” he says pointedly.
I press my lips together and try not to laugh at how indignant Gannen is. “Well, the next time I break my leg, I will know that your father is also capable.”
“He has many other skills as well.”
My cheeks grow warmer at the images that suddenly assail me. I shove them away just as fast and clear my throat. “Yes, I’m sure he does.”
“On that note, I’m going to leave the three of you, since it’s clear Elodie is being looked after and doesn’t need me,” Sage announces like the traitor she is.She waggles her fingers at me as she walks slowly backward. “Enjoy your visit.”
Of course, I can’t call after her and risk making things extremely uncomfortable. Or at least more uncomfortable than they already are. Given the way Ortak’s mouth slit pulses like he’s scrambling to say something, but doesn’t know what, he’s clearly ill at ease. Not sure if it’s me specifically or something else that has him so discombobulated.
I fidget in my seat, unsure what I should say. Gannen doesn’t have that problem because he starts rattling off whatever’s in his head again.
“We came with Kala, who brought Iris, Sorin, and Jiasha with him. Iris is a human like you. She became Sorin’s momo first and then she birthed Jiasha. Did you know Iris is missing a hand? She is still able to throw a war axe better than I can, but Gogo has promised to teach me so I am able to go with him on his hunts. Do you know how to throw an axe?”
My brain races to catch up on everything he said. I’ll have to dissect some of it later. I at least know how to answer one question. “I have no idea how to throw an axe.” He opens his mouth, but I stop whatever he plans on saying next. “I also have no interest in learning if that’s what you were going to suggest. Although I appreciate you thinking of me.”
Gannen shrugs. “That is okay. It is not for everyone. What skillsdoyou have?”
