Ice Wolf

Revovery (10)

The recovery is long and slow.

But, after a little over a week, I am finally well enough to make the journey.

"Come, Ara," I call and pat my leg, signaling for Senara to come. She trots up beside me and tilts her head up, tongue draping out of the side of her mouth.

Because Gavin insisted, I place the loop of a rope about Ara's furry, white neck. I then tie the other end to Triumph's saddle horn, mounting up. I give Gavin a nod, who is sitting atop his grey stallion. We set off at a brisk trot.

Several hours into the ride, I find myself thinking about Gavin more and more. I glance to my left and just a few steps ahead of me, he is there, mounted on his horse and riding south with me.
I can't help but feel drawn to him. My heart flutters every time we're close, and every time he speaks to me. Whatever prompted this kind man to help me, I do not know. I just know that I am eternally grateful for someone like him, because otherwise, I would be alone on this journey. Well, except for Senara, of course.

I look down and beside me she trots along, content. I wish I could keep her, but she's a wolf. Wolves aren't meant to be farm animals, they're meant to roam the forests and hunt on their own. I now know that Ara is well enough to hunt by herself, so I must give her up because I know she'd be happier here.

My gaze sweeps the forest around us, and everything seems normal until Senara lets out a gruff bark. I look down at her and see that her ears are pricked forward, and the fur on her neck and back are spiking up.

Gavin pulls his horse to a stop and signals for me to do the same. I warily scan the forest around us, looking for anything unusual.

I hear a deep rumbling growl, and soon see the source. A large brown wolf, flanked by several other greys come into view. I dismount Triumph and bend down to Ara.

I remove the rope from her neck. stroking her soft head, I look into her piercing blue eyes.

"Senara, it's time for you to go, now. I'm sorry, but I can't keep you any longer. You'll be safe and happy here." I tell her even though I know she can't understand me. "Now go." I command firmly, although my insides are tearing into tiny pieces. A tear glints at the corner of my eye, but I quickly wipe it away.

She turns and cautiously walks up to the wolves. They sniff each other for a minute before trotting back into the darkness of the forest, never to be seen again. Senara stops and looks back at me once more before following her new pack. I close my eyes and memorize the moment, her turning back and looking at me, and her glowing ocean eyes.

I hear triumph snort his impatience and stand, remounting. I simply nod to Gavin and we set off towards home.

Home.

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As we ride towards my steading, My thoughts drift once again to Gavin. "What will you do now?" I ask Gavin, scared to find out, but curious all the same.

"Honestly, I hadn't thought about it much. I suppose I'll just head back to my father's steading..." He glances my way, as if waiting for me to say... To say what?

All of the sudden, I realize that I don't want him to leave. I don't want to be away from him. Ever. "Ah, have you ever considered settling down somewhere? Buying a landkir of your own?"

"I have indeed, but I haven't found a suitable place. If I build a house, I would like to fill it with a family also."

"Have any placed a cap for you as of yet?" I ask casually, but my heart beats wildly.

"Not as of yet. I'm not seeing anyone, but I hope to soon."

"Ah," I simply reply, but my thoughts are spinning l around me like a hornets nest.

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"Apsen!" My mother gasps and stumble to the door to greet me.

She wraps her arms around me and pulls me into a tight hug. Sobs wrack her body. "I thought you to be dead, or-or worse!"

"I'm so sorry, mother! I shouldn't have ever left,"

"It's alright, darling. Just please, never frighten us like that again." She looks me in the eye and is about to pull me into another embrace when she notices Gavin standing awkwardly in the doorway.

"Mother, I would like you to meet Gavin. He aided me and helped me return safely home." I nod to Gavin. "Gavin, this is my mother."

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lady," Gavin bows slightly.

"Aye, a pleasure indeed." She replies with a smile.

Just then I notice my father step in from his room. Wordlessly, I run to him and he wraps me into his warm fatherly embrace. Tears once again Spring forth into my eyes.

The recovery and healing of hearts has only just begun.