Tansy of the Wilds

Chapter Thirteen

They traversed the winding labyrinth of the mountain caves, their footsteps echoing in the cavernous silence alongside the kobolds. The path had grown treacherous at moments, loose stones on steep paths, but Xer'tal's strength and agility, honed by years of battle, proved to be an asset as he kept hold of Tansy through the rougher parts. The unforgiving terrain was clearly a test to her limits, but he helped her through it, guiding her around large stones and through tight passages that had his shoulders scraping stone and made him feel like he was nearly suffocating.

Hours stretched into what felt like an eternity, but eventually, a dim light beckoned from the end of the tunnel. A tiny glimpse of freedom beyond the confining stone that felt like it was smothering them. Xer'tal grunted, his guttural voice reverberating against the stifling walls of the dark tunnel. "I can see the bloody light" His voice was gruff but his relief was evident despite the gruffness of his tone.

He moved forward, keeping Tansy close as he moved with quicker steps, his anticipation wedged between exhaustion and sheer will pushing them both toward the glowing exit. The elation of finally achieving their goal sent adrenaline rushing back into his veins, his spirits lifted in spite of the long, grueling trek they had just taken. But as they approached the exit, Xer'tal slowed down, his protective instincts flaring back to life at Tansy tucked right close to his side.

With one hand tightly wrapped around his trusty axe, he assessed their surroundings with squinted eyes, vigilant against any lurking danger in the shadows as they approached the tunnel opening.

"Just a little further, Tansy." He spoke, a note of concern coating his gruff voice. His whole body was alert, every sinew stretched taut in readiness for an attack as they got closer and closer to the exit. He wouldn't give any predators or dangers the satisfaction of getting them right at the finish line. Not when he could finally see the light that signified their massive underground journey coming to an end.

He guided Tansy safely out of the cave, keeping her close. He glanced over as he squinted at the almost brutal brightness of the sun. However he couldn't help but note how the sunlight seemed to bathe Tansy in a softer glow, her figure shrouded in a halo of warmth, a golden glow that matched her soft smile of relief as she closed her eyes and tilted her face up towards the sun as if basking. She wore the sunlight well, he had to admit it. It was a sight Xer'tal couldn't help but gaze upon with a satisfaction he found strangely comforting and all together alluring

"Ya did well, Tansy. Wasn't easy, but we made it through those blasted mountains." His voice was a low rumble as he reached up and gave her hand a gentle squeeze, pressing it tighter to his arm. It was a soft gesture, something he surprised himself with as he did it but once he had done it, he didn't regret it.

He watched as Tansy nodded and then gave him that soft smile, the one that was feeding that spot of warmth in his chest. "Thank you, Xer'tal. We made it safely and that's what matters." Just from the look of her, he could tell she was exhausted but as he looked at the giant mountain looming, he knew they couldn't stop now. Kelpfar was right there.

"Just a little longer, lass, then we can rest." It was better for them to continue, to push through. He knew the pace they set out with was a harsh one and it was clear Tansy wasn't used to it but they were so close to the destination.

So he kept her close, letting her lean on him and her hand hold his arm tightly. It was to help her, he told himself, it had nothing to do with the fact that he relished in the fact the soft and sweet female needed him. Absolutely not. He could tell she was tired, exhausted really, her feet were dragging, her small weight was leaning against him more and more. He tried very hard to ignore how it made him feel to have her seek that comfort in him.