In Need of a Comfort Healer
Bria woke slowly and smiled before she even opened her eyes. Kaelan’s arm remained wrapped securely around her waist, his warmth surrounding her as completely as the cloak covering them.
Though the situation itself was dire, she was happy, happier than she had ever been. She finally experienced for herself what it meant to fall in love, and it was grand.
She smiled and breathed deeply, his scent a mixture of things, fresh cut pine, rich dark earth, and some she still could not place but continued to favor.
The cave was quiet except for Kaelan’s light breathing. She glanced around beyond the entrance and saw that the sky had begun to lighten.
Sunrise was not far off, and it had been a while since she had watched one.
Careful not to wake him, she eased herself free, got to her feet, and slipped outside, raking her fingers through her rumpled hair until it fell smoothly.
The air carried the cool crispness that arrived just before dawn. The eastern horizon glowed faintly with streaks of pale gold and soft pink.
For several moments she simply stood there enjoying the peace.
Then she spotted Henry.
The troll sat atop a nearby boulder, his enormous frame silhouetted against the growing light. He appeared lost in thought.
Bria approached slowly. “Good morning, Henry.”
The troll nearly toppled off the rock. “You know name?”
Bria smiled. “Aye, I do.”
A grin spread slowly across his broad face. No one had ever looked so pleased simply to hear their own name. And he seemed not to care how she knew it.
“Good sleep?” he asked.
Bria settled herself on a nearby stone. “I did and you?”
He nodded. “Slept good.”
For a time, they watched the sunrise together, the silence feeling comfortable.
She finally spoke, wanting to learn more about the troll. “Do you have family, Henry?”
Henry’s smile disappeared.
The change was immediate.
“Grammy.”
Bria waited and when he remained silent, she said, “So, you only have your grammy?”
Sadness filled his large eyes as he nodded.
“You miss her?”
“Much,” Henry said, “but Ogga says Henry no go home.”
Bria’s heart ached for him. “Why?”
Henry picked at a loose thread on his sleeve, saying nothing.
Just when she thought he would say no more, he spoke.
