Shoreline

36

Before I could say anymore I whimpered in pain.  "Let me help you," she said. I reluctantly nodded. She hauled one arm around her shoulder and helped me up off the ground, her prehistoric dog supported me with its side. I bit my lips trying to keep my painful cries. "Okay," she said.  I was taken back to a hand-built cabin and gently laid down on a bed. "Let's have a look at you." She gently removed my ragged clothing, cleaned my wounds and finally wrapped them up. "I'll leave you to rest," she said. I offered her a fatigued nod and turned my head to look out of the window. 

It was warmer here, and I didn't need the thin sheet that was laid over me. A few hours later and found myself falling asleep, I tried to turn over but the pain only reminded me that I couldn't.  Before my eyes shut thudding footsteps made their way toward me, it couldn't be? It was Arthur. "Arthur!" I cried, I tried to stand but only tripped with weakness but before I could hit the floor Arthur caught me in his arms. 

"Ava, I am so relieved to see you," he held me tightly in his arms and kissed my head, "I didn't think I was going to see you again." 

"I knew I would," I smiled squeezing him back. He said nothing but continued to squeeze me tighter. "I need to breeze," I wheezed and gently pushed his arms off me slightly. 

"Oh sorry," he said, he gently picked me up and carried me back to the bed. He laid down next to me. He brushed my hair from my face and rested his eyes on my wounds. "What did he do to you?" 

"Injured me," I replied and filled him on events. "We need to get that trident and show him cruel Orm can be." 

"It won't be easy," he reminded me. 

"Never is," I replied, "but I am too weak to go anywhere at the moment." 

"Just rest. We are together again," he kissed my cheek softly. 

"How was it seeing your mother again?" I asked. 

"Strange," he said. 

"Why?" I inquired pushing him to answer my questions. 

"I haven't seen her since I was only a child, I didn't realise it was her until she spoke my name," he said as his eyes began to mist over. 

"Hey," I said resting my hand on his bearded cheek. 

"I hate you seeing me like this," he replied. 

"There's nothing wrong with it, a man who shows his emotions is only the more attractive," I reminded him.  He said nothing and rested his hand over mine. Atlanna came in to check on me.

"Can I get you two anything?" she asked. I shook my head. 

"We're okay," I replied. 

"Okay, when you feel better get Arthur to bring you downstairs we have urgent business to discuss," she reminded us. Arthurs gaze was torn away from me and landed on his mother. 

"We will," he said.