Enaeya

18 - Newfound Camaraderie

I jolted awake, heart racing as I felt gentle fingers of someone weaving through my hair. Confused and momentarily disoriented, I turned my head to find Kian sitting there, poised on the edge of his bed, his hand retreating in surprise at my awakening. His face was expressionless, but I could see the faint hint of embarrassment dusting the tips of his cheeks.

"I'm sorry, Enaeya. I didn't mean to wake you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, his calm demeanor faltering slightly under the weight of my gaze.

"It's okay," I replied, rubbing the sleep from my eyes as my heart settled at the sight of him, and the warmth where his fingers had brushed against my hair still lingered. "You didn't do anything wrong," I sat up yawning, sitting properly on the chair just as I remembered the horrifying circumstances that had occurred earlier. I faced Kian, worry masking my expression. "How are you feeling?" My voice came out gentle, the kind of tone that had often brought a smile to Kira's face.

He seemed to contemplate my question, his gaze drifting momentarily to the window where shadows flickered. "Better," he replied, the calmness wrapping around his words like a shield. "Mister Haldir came to check on us while you were sleeping. He brought Kira and I some medicine." He glanced towards the adjacent bed where Kira lay, her small body curled beneath the blankets, the gentle rise and fall of her chest soothing amidst the previous chaos which haunted us earlier.

I leaned forward, the instinct to care urging me on. I placed the back of my hand against Kian's forehead - his skin warm to the touch. He stiffened slightly at the contact, but his face remained a stoic mask, betraying none of the turmoil that danced in my own heart. "Are you really alright?" I asked softly, noticing the pink tinge creeping across his cheeks. "You feel warm, and you look a bit flushed." I murmured, concern pooling in my chest.

Kian's lips pressed together in a thin line, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I caught the hint of a smile as he reassured me, "I'm fine, I promise." But I couldn't shake the worry. I chose not to press further, my attention shifting to where Kira lay, her curly hair fanning out like a halo around her small face. Peacefully sleeping, she was entirely oblivious to our conversation, and I couldn't help but smile at how innocent and untroubled she seemed.

"I should get you both some food," I announced, surprising myself with the enthusiasm that had crept into my tone. "You'll need your strength, especially after all that's happened to you." I said, determination coursing through me. It was the least I could do. Kian and Kira had taken care of me since I met them, and I wanted to return the favor, to show them that I cared.

Just as I stood, eager to fulfill my purpose and nourish the two that I cared for, Kian's hand shot out, wrapping around my wrist with a surprising gentleness. The touch sent an electric thrill coursing through my arm, and I looked down, momentarily stunned. His eyes searched mine, revealing a hint of uncertainty. "Is there anything you need?" I asked, hopeful my question would ease whatever burden he carried.

"Uh, wait," he said, his brow furrowing in contemplation. He opened his mouth as if to say something before shutting it again, brow knitting in thought. Finally, with the air of someone who had made a difficult decision, he said, "Can I ask for something?"

I met his gaze, intrigued by his question. "Of course. What is it that you need?"

There was a brief hesitation, and I noticed how he seemed to be weighing his words carefully. "I... I want pottage to eat," he finally said, and though a myriad of things danced on the tip of his tongue, he settled on something so simple, so essential. I could almost hear the echo of his longing for nourishment, both physical and emotional, wrapped within that one word.

A bright smile broke across my face, amused by his simplicity. "Of course, that's easy enough." I replied, the prospect of him depending on me was making my heart swell with warmth. "And I'll add some garlic bread too."