Gannen’s shoulders drop. “I did not think of that. I do not wish for you to get hurt.”
I push a strand of his rope hair back off his forehead. “I’ll gladly sit at the top of the hill and watch you from up there. I’ll still have a great view from up above. And when I’m finally able to walk on both feet again without my crutches, I promise I’ll come down and get a front row seat to whatever you want to show me. How’s that?”
The sweet boy perks up. “Let us shake hands. That is what you do when you come to an agreement about something, yes?”
I laugh and stick out my hand. “Yes, that’s what you do.”
Gannen places his palm in mine and moves them both up and down. The human mannerisms he’s picked up are so funny. I guess it’s bound to happen considering the amount of time he and Sorin have probably spent here over the last few years.
“You will not forget our agreement when the time comes, will you?” he asks.
“I promise I won’t forget.”
Gannen seems satisfied with my answer. I glance at Ortak. He usually has to remind his son to breathe and take a break from controlling the conversation and not letting others speak. “You’ve been awfully quiet today. Is everything okay?”
“Aye. I merely have many things I am thinking about.”
I lean over and place my hand on Ortak’s thigh. He jerks under my touch, and I yank my hand back with an awkward cough. “Sorry. Um, well, if you ever need someone to listen, I’m available.”
“You have my thanks.”
An uncomfortable silence falls. I can’t say I’m a fan. Has there ever been a weird lull in conversation between us before this? If there has, I can’t recall it. For some reason, though, this one is extremely uncomfortable. It’s not like Ortak and I haven’t touched before. It’s all been friendly and innocent. This time, it’s as if I burned him.
I look everywhere but at Ortak. Even Gannen stops talking and stares. For god’s sake, this is dumb. I fumble for something to say.
“I’ve decided I’m staying in the Tavikhi village even after my leg’s healed. I’m not going back to the settlement.”
“Truly?” Gannen asks.
“Truly. I don’t have any reason not to. I’ve made friends here. Plus, I’ll be closer to your village than I would be if I went back there. Since we’re friends, too, I figure why not move a little closer. Then, neither of us will have too far to travel to see the other. Maybe once I’m all healed, you and I can do some hiking around the mountains. You can teach me all these tracking skills you’ve been learning.”
Gannen nods maniacally. “Yes, I would love to do these things with you.”
“Great. It’ll give me something to look forward to.” I nudge him gently with my shoulder and avoid looking over at Ortak.“It would appear they have started serving the meal.” Ortak stands. “I will get our food for us.”
“Wait, I’ll come.” I move to rise.
“No, sit.”
Slowly, I lower myself back down. “Are you sure? You don’t have to go by yourself. It’s a lot for one person to carry back.”
“You should continue resting your legs. I will return soon.”
“Alright then, thank you.” I don’t look away as Ortak walks to get into the line that’s formed.
“Elodie?”
I tear my gaze from the elder Krijese and onto his son. “Yes, hon?”
“Do you ever wish for a mate?”
Oh, hell. How am I supposed to answer that? I clear my throat to give me an extra couple seconds. “I think if I found a person and we fell in love with each other, then I would like to become their mate.”
Gannen nods slowly like I’ve said what he expected me to. “That is what Gogo said as well. He wishes for a female to care for and show affection to who will do the same in return.”
“Thatishow it usually works between two people. They meet, fall in love, and become mates.” I mean, that’s the simplified version of it, I suppose. “Of course, people can fall in love and not necessarily become mates. It doesn’t mean they love each other any less. Being mated to another person can often be complicated.”
Gannen cants his head. “I do not know if I understand. What is complicated about it?”
