The Last Dryad

|05| Once A Dran...

Silla

Silla's eyes fluttered. Her mind felt like mush. She couldn't move anything.

Cool cloths were suddenly laid over her scorched face, and she felt herself relax the teeniest bit. The world couldn't be too horrible if relief had come from her misery. She heard voices talking in the back of the room as more cloths were laid over her arms.

"How is she?" Laurelin asked someone. Silla sighed softly, grateful. Laurelin was safe.

"Somewhat better," a male voice replied, "she's cooling down. I've seen others come back from worse."

Laurelin let out a breath that she had evidently been holding.

"The men who came to find you here, they said something about a Lilliate dryad." His voice was inquisitive, but kind. It was nothing at all like the accusatory tone Silla had thought a bandit would have. "You told us that you were a Meliae."

"I am a Meliae dryad," Laurelin affirmed. "Silla is Lilliate."

"A Meliae dryad who's friends with a Lilliate? Your story continues to get more interesting. I thought they were bitter enemies."

Another cool cloth was laid on her forehead.

The man's voice sounded reserved when he spoke next. "It might not mean anything to you, but I want you to know that I'm sorry you are being chased." His tone was careful. "You're safe here with us for now, Laurelin, as long as Talb can control the men. You have time to grieve if you need to. I heard you tell Talb your family was killed. Please don't feel ashamed of emotion."

Silla could practically feel a weight lifted from the room. Laurelin probably smiled, although Silla couldn't see it.

"Thank you," Laurelin said. "You are very kind. The kindest bandit I've ever known."

"Have you known many?" he asked, seeming amused.

"Well, no, not really," Laurelin mumbled. "But certainly one of the better ones from the stories I've heard."

"I'm glad you think so," he said, definitely amused now. "Just don't say so to the others. Kindness isn't exactly a valuable virtue here."

"It's a valuable virtue anywhere." Laurelin told him firmly. Good old Laurelin. Silla would have smiled but her face hurt too much.

"Did you see that?" Laurelin asked, excited. "Silla just moved! She's going to be ok." Laurelin put a hand to Silla's face. "She's really going to be ok."

There was silence in the wagon for a while, and then the man went to go get more chilled water for the cloths.

Silla felt some strength return to her body, and she managed to crack one of her eyes open. Laurelin's face hovered close by.

"Silla?" Laurelin asked. "Are you awake?"

Silla was able to move her head the tiniest bit, and she hoped it would be enough to signal yes. Laurelin opened Silla's mouth and poured some water into it.

"Is that better? Can you speak now?"

"Thank you," Silla told her hoarsely, squeezing her friend's hand. "I'm so sorry. I thought that I could hang on, but I couldn't." She was ashamed. "Laurelin how can you forgive me? I left you all alone."

"Stop that, you couldn't help it. You weren't built for that kind of heat."

Silla grabbed Laurelin's hand and squeezed tight. "You're amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better friend."

"I am pretty great," Laurelin grinned and Silla cracked a small smile.

The man came back into the cart, but Silla couldn't lift her head to see him.