Beneath the Armor: An Elven Desire

Chapter 21

As they made their way closer to camp, Fay suddenly stopped, her eyes lighting up. “Is that a water hole?” she asked, excitement bubbling in her voice. She dropped the buck and carefully made her way toward it, Drake a few steps behind.

Peering through the foliage, he saw a decent-sized water hole nestled between the trees, a small stream cascading down a rocky face into the clear water below. It was beautiful, the moonlight glinting off the surface and creating a serene atmosphere.

“We can wash here!” Fay squeaked happily, turning to Drake with a beaming smile. He couldn’t help but grin at her enthusiasm; it was infectious.

“Let’s get this buck back to camp, then you can wash while the others prepare a meal,” he suggested, determined to make the most of their find. They quickly pulled the buck back, Fay struggling with the weight of the dead creature while Drake seemed to handle it effortlessly.

Upon their return, Fay couldn’t contain her excitement as the other hunting soldiers noticed their catch. They had managed to snag a couple of small birds and a rabbit, but while they jested among themselves and Drake, their expressions turned sour when they glanced in Fay’s direction. She chose to ignore them, too elated by the prospect of washing off the grime of the last couple days.

Drake ordered the men to stay at camp and help set up for dinner, explaining that the buck would need preparation. He grabbed a large blanket while Fay quickly picked out some fresh clothes. She didn’t think to question Drake’s presence as they made their way back to the water hole, the anticipation of a soothing wash overriding her thoughts.

Once they reached the water’s edge, Fay suddenly flushed, a wave of self-consciousness washing over her. “Um, Drake. What... um...” she stammered, realizing she might be undressing in front of him.

“I won’t look, Fay,” he assured her teasingly, but her heart skipped a beat at the dark glint in his eyes. “The blanket is for you to dry off before you get dressed. I’ll sit just over there, out of sight.” With that, he wandered a few paces away, granting her the privacy she needed.

Fay hesitated for a moment, but the cool, inviting water beckoned her. She quickly undressed and glided into the water, a gasp escaping her lips as she felt the refreshing embrace of the liquid. It was pure bliss, the coolness washing over her, rejuvenating her tired body. She scrubbed at her arms, watching the dirt and grime swirl away into the depths, each stroke making her feel lighter.

She kept glancing in Drake’s direction, ensuring he wasn’t peeking. “Drake?” she called quietly, her curiosity getting the better of her.

“Yeah?” came his quick response.

Fay smiled at how readily he answered. “What is the kingdom like? I know that’s where you grew up. Are your parents still there?” She felt a familiar warmth in her chest, eager to learn more about him after their enjoyable day hunting together.

Drake took a moment to think, his voice thoughtful as he began to share. “The kingdom is always busy, full of life. My parents are blacksmiths, still currently working the forge with extra help. Growing up I spent a lot of time in the forge, learning the trade. Being an only child, I had a lot of responsibility placed on me taking over from my parents. But that night Wyatt and I saved Riland we began training as guards, which kept me busy, but I loved it.” He paused, a hint of nostalgia in his tone. “I learned discipline and strength, but I also grew to appreciate the artistry in crafting weapons. It’s a balancing act, really.”

Fay listened intently, her heart warming at the glimpse he offered into his life. She savored the intimacy of their conversation, contemplating whether she would return later to enjoy the water for longer.