Tansy of the Wilds

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Tansy got out of bed the next morning with her chest still aching from the dinner last night. Usually she didn't let it bother her that much but there was something about having Xer'tal witness it that made her stomach churn worse and made tears prick at the back of her eyes. She cleaned her face and started making some coffee when there was a knock on the door. She walked over and opened it, smiling when she saw Archibald.

He grumbled as he looked at her. "The damned new carver is a sight pissy for my tastes. Says he doesn't need my help. Ha! Arrogant worm." Tansy smiled as she stepped back, letting the old carver in. He was family after all and she so loved spending time with him. He seemed to understand what it was like for her.

"I'm sure Tenzin will settle in alright." She moved back to the fireplace, pulling the coffee off the stove and carrying it to the table.

"You will say that until your parents try to marry you off to him." He gave a rasping laugh at that and Tansy remembered how Tenzin snapped at her to shut up and she pinched her lips together. The idea of marrying Tenzin did not settle well in her stomach.

"I do not think we would be suited." She spoke carefully and Archibald snorted as she poured him a cup of coffee.

"You and that orc are better suited than you and Tenzin." His words had her mouth twitching upwards slightly even as a warmth flows through her at the idea that her and Xer'tal were suited. She knew she had no claim to him but he was one of the most striking men she had ever seen and so strong. She knew she was growing attached but she also desired him in a way she had never desired anyone before. "Tenzin's an egotistical ass." His grumbling knocked her out of her thoughts, making her flush slightly.

"Uncle Archie, such language." She tsked teasingly and poured herself a cup of coffee as he took a drink of his own with a raspy sigh

"You always make it the best, Tansy girl." His eyes sparkled as he looked at her and she beamed at him, unable to stop the smile if she wanted to. His eyes softened. "Ah, there's my darling girl. You are a sight that makes my old heart proud." His words were soft, a balm to her aching heart.

There was another knock on the door and Tansy set the coffee pot down on the table before moving over to the door. She opened it and beamed when she saw Xer'tal on her stoop. Her heart fluttered in her chest. "Come in! Uncle Archie and I were having some coffee and I was going to fry up some eggs and bacon if you would like." She stepped back to let him in, her cheeks flushing as she looked up at him. "I'm sorry for leaving so quickly last night. I was just really tired."

"Lie." Archibald's voice was even and Tansys cheeks flushed a deeper red. "That's a lie, Tansy girl."

"Fine." She huffed slightly, trying to curb the embarrassment from showing on her cheeks as much. "Sometimes I'm a little sensitive to what my family says and I just wanted to get away." She threw a look at Archibald. "Regardless of why. It was rude of me to leave so abruptly."

"No need to apologize, lass," Xer'tal grumbled, his voice that gravel rumble and when she looked up, there was a hint of a bemused smirk gracing his handsome and rough features. "We all need breathin' space at times." She watched as he nodded at Archibald and walked inside. Tansy put the mug of coffee she poured for herself in front of him and he gave her a rumbled thanks and she started bustling around.

"It was also very rude of me to not offer you a place to stay. I hope it was alright." Tansy felt her cheeks heat up at the oversight. She had been rather rude yesterday in just taking off.

"Oh don't worry, Tansy, I put him in the bunkhouse for the night." Archibald scoffed slightly and when she glanced over her shoulder he took a sip of his coffee. "It's no cabin but it's suitable."