Heathen

|10|

Elodie

     Barre has an enormous bag hanging over his shoulder. The thing looks heavy, but he carries it like it weighs absolutely nothing. I'm not surprised, but I'm confused. He's packed tons of stuff, and he looks like he means business.

      It freaks me out, especially since we can't communicate. I wish I could ask him what he's doing, where we're going, why he's taking me away and into the wilderness.

     We're in the middle of the woods, traveling far from his little cabin. It makes me nervous to be honest, but I trust Barre more than anyone. I'm just scared Locanas is gonna jump out from behind a tree and grab me.

      Salsh nudges my hand, and I lift my arm to pat his head. He purrs happily and I finally feel relaxed enough to smile.

     Being out in the woods again is rough. I stick close to Barre's back, letting him lead me through the thick foliage and trees, but struggling to keep up with him with my ankle and general slowness. He occasionally slows down to let me catch up with him, smiling kindly like he understands.

     Since the last time I was in the woods I was running for my life I didn't have time to look around and appreciate the beauty of these alien woods. I glance all around, craning my neck and listening to each new sound that echoes off of the trees.

      I imagine all the mysterious animals they have here, and the plants too. I've always loved flowers. I've yet to see any here, yet.

      The forest feels alive under my feet, I half expect the ground to rise and fall with breath. The dirt and trees are still damp, even as the rain has finally stopped. There has to be flowers.

      My shoes, sleek green flats from the palace, are caked in mud, and definitely not suited for this type of terrain. I wonder if I can get some better ones while
I'm out here. I wonder where Barre gets all of his things.

      I find myself wondering a lot of things that I wish could be cleared up. Unfortunately, neither of us can speak to one another. Huge bummer.

      I want to know why we're out here exploring the landscape of Rytaria. I think it would make me more useful to know the purpose. I put my head down from the tree tops to watch Barre's large stride in front of me. He's always looking back to check on me. He's got that big old bow slung on his back, his bag on his shoulder. His big legs look muscular under his pants. He has no problem trudging along. He doesn't seem to get tired.

      Maybe this is a hunting trip. I have the feeling that's what he was doing when he stumbled upon me. I feel bad for disrupting his plans. It makes me think I'm somewhat of a burden to him. That's the last thing I want to be. The first thing is his mate.

      I've never met someone so tender, so sweet.

      It's such a contrast to Locanas.

       I suddenly wonder if anyone notices I'm gone. Obviously Soleil will, but the palace has loads of females, none of which have the red hair curse. They probably won't think twice that I'm missing.

       And maybe that's a good thing. I can stay out here with Barre. I'll become his mate. If he wants me. He's sort of sending mixed signals. He's sweet, too sweet. Maybe it's because I'm female and he feels some sort of responsibility to take care of me. I wish it was because he felt something more for me, and not just my gender.

     I don't exactly blame him. His kind is obsessed with anything that has boobs. I haven't been able to communicate with any of the Rytarian, beast like men, but I've heard enough from Soleil.

      Is that why Barre is so tender with me? Why he's so protective and gentle? Does he feel drawn to the role of my defender simply because I'm a rare piece of meat?

      Everything in me screams no, that can't be, I already feel like I know the guy. It's worth considering though.

      My legs ache, my ankle giving me trouble. We've been taking the journey slow, a fact I attribute to the nurturing side of Barre. I can tell he's mindful of my human-ness. It doesn't take rocket science to determine that he's likely much stronger than me. And yet, he slows his pace to make sure I'm comfortable. It's very kind.

      I stop, leaning against a tree as my twisted ankle twinges. I try to catch my breath, looking ahead to Barre, who has already stopped. Slash runs back to me, sniffing at my face. I smile softly, pushing away my fear of the woods for a moment.

     "Can we stop?" I wonder aloud, knowing full well that he doesn't understand me in the slightest. The language barrier doesn't seem to stop me from talking Barre's ear off anyway.

      Instead of answering me, the giant stalks towards me quickly, towering over me like the trees surrounding us.

     "I just need a little time to rest, then I'll be good as ne.." I cut off mid sentence when he bends at the waist to pick me up by my hips.

     I have a flashback, the combination of the forest and the movement has me wailing. Clutching at his shoulders, I try to pry myself away from him, tears springing to my eyes. It's too much, too similar to that day that Locanas grabbed me, slung me over his shoulder, and dropped me to the ground. I'm transported back to that day, all the pain and fear he caused me in that moment.

     Before I can scream, I'm back on the ground. Barre's panicked, mismatched eyes are staring down at me as he grabs my face, frantically wiping away my tears. I hate the confusion in his expression. He's beyond worried.

     I sniffle, feeling pathetic. Why did that stupid Rytarian have to damage me so much? Poor Barre, he doesn't deserve this. He's not Locanas. He's nothing like Locanas.

     "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." I beg, throwing myself around him. I burrow my face in his chest, and cry softly, wishing this could all be over.

     He stands there for a few moments, complaining still as stone. Slowly, his arms come down to wrap around me. I swear I've never felt so safe in my whole life.

Double update, read on!