Orelie

*10*

*10*

"There you go, Kyrene," I gritted my teeth as I held onto the back of the couch. "You're doing very well. Just try and keep your legs straight and take deep, even breaths. You're doing very well."

"It hurts," I gasped out as my legs shook uncontrollably. "Crae, it hurts so bad. I don't think I can stay up much longer." Strong arms snaked around me, lifting me off the floor, and I winced as pain shot through my legs. I took even breaths to calm myself.

"That's enough for today." He laid me down on the couch and took his seat in the chair. "You did very well, though. You stood up all on your own and you stood for at least three minutes."

"Better than yesterday," I shook my head. The second I had stood myself up, I crumbled to the ground in pain.

"You've made very good progress within the last four days, though." He commented. "The land is doing wonders for you. I think we'll call it for the day and try again tomorrow when you're ready." I nodded and tried to keep my mind off my legs. They were sore, but doing better now that I was off them.

"I need to take a trip up to the market later today," Crae suddenly said, breaking the silence. "I need to get information from the towns folk about what they've observed with the Demon and pick up some provisions for dinner tonight. Will you be alright alone?"

I nodded. "I'll be fine."

"Good." He stood from his chair and left the room. I sat myself up a bit and rubbed my legs. It helped the pain go down, but I knew it was going to be there a while.

Gentle hands moved mine aside. "Allow me," I looked up to see Crae kneeling down beside me. He focused on my legs as he began to massage them. I watched him closely, not understanding why he's doing this for me.

As we sat in silence, his hands worked up and down my legs, never going any farther than my knees. Still, I never took my eyes off his face. He's very relaxed and calm. I was surprised by his actions. I'd never had this done for me, and it felt wonderful.

Our gazes locked for a second and I gasped. Even though it only lasted a few seconds, it felt like eternity as I was suddenly sucked into a vision. I watched myself wander in a dark area, not knowing where I was. I knew I was looking for someone, but who?

When I turned, I gasped and clutched at my head.

Something shook my shoulders. "Kyrene! Snap out of it! You're alright! You're okay!"

"M-monster!" I cried out as I shook and fought to get away.

"Kyrene, please!" A strained voice called my name. "Kyrene! You're safe! Nothing can get you here! Please stop screaming!"

I swallowed, just now realizing my throat was sore and dry. "Crae?" I slowly opened my eyes, finding myself in a familiar setting. I was back in the cottage. The vision had ended.

Crae watched me carefully, his face concerned and covered with worry. "Kyrene, it's alright. Whatever you saw, it can't hurt you. It was just a vision. It can't hurt you."

I suddenly found myself latching on to him in a tight embrace. "I was so scared..."

He hesitantly held me back. "What did you see?"

"I-" I shook my head, but found my voice to speak. "I was walking in a dark place. It was too dark to see anything. I knew I was looking for someone. When I turned around..." I choked on my words as the image of what I saw filled my memories again.

"Take your time." Crae carefully traced his hand over my back in a comforting gesture.

When I could speak, I spoke in barely a whisper. "It was... a creature, roughly seven feet tall. It was covered in blood and its gaping maw was open and it looked like it wanted to... to eat me..."