For Santana Only

Chapter 3

The sun shined down on your face with its brightness blinding you through your closed lids. Rushing water flowed near you and the cool winds swept against your skin. You turned over to feel the ground beneath you and it was soft grass. You opened your eyes to see a familiar stream that you fished for your village. Next to you a woven basket rocked and bounced. You looked inside to see dozens of caught fresh fish. In that moment you were sure your red haired friend did this for you. A sense of gratitude swelled your heart since you never had help with hunting or fishing. There were times when you were put to the test and did all the hunting for your village on your own. Thanking your friend for his good deed required you to go back to the ominous cave you found. I'll go later. I need to feed my people. You carried your fresh catch of the day and headed off into the wilderness. 

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Santana rested his head back in the bath quietly listening to his companions talking amongst themselves. It was the usual conversation about the stone masks, their travels and their next move to seek out the red stone. When the conversation landed on your name his ears perked up. Esidisi chuckled as he spoke about you in a snide manner. "She's brave for coming here. I'm a little surprised Lord Kars didn't partake."

Kars spoke up while washing his long luscious hair, "Trivial humans don't interest me in any way. I could've swiftly ended her life and had her for lunch." 

Wamuu chimed in as he scrubbed his back, "I saw her. She's a hunter. I recognize her clothing and style of hair. Her people do not live far from here."

Santana sank lower in the bath with a tight feeling pulling in his chest. The way they spoke about you made that feeling pull tighter. He finished his bath no longer interested in listening. His companions looked up as he stood up to dry himself off. 

"Have we offended you?" Esidisi eyed Santana. "You are dismissed."

Before Santana took his leave Esidisi spoke up again, "One more thing. Don't go near humans, she's not to be seen or heard." 

Santana stormed off in the nude to his living quarters. He didn't mind obeying his masters wishes although it seemed Wamuu received the better treatment in terms of mutual respect. Santana sighed as he wrapped himself in a fresh clean loincloth. The image of your flushed face came to mind and he cracked a small grin. He hated to disobey his masters even if it meant seeing you once again. One time seemed just enough to reconnect with you. He had a better idea in mind. 

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The people in your village greeted you with hugs and cheers as you walked through with the basket of fish filled to the brim. The elders started a fire right away to prepare to eat as you showed them the basket of fish. The children squeezed your legs. You still had that sharp pain that persisted from the snake bite but it didn't matter you were happy to see them. 

As the night came you retreated to your small hut. There your mother waited for you and greeted you with a hug. She kissed your forehead. "You've done many great things. I'm proud of you. I also wanted to give you this. Before you came home the sun was setting and a strong man waited outside to give you these." 

Your mother handed you a bouquet of Aztec marigolds. Their bright yellow hue made your eyes go wide. You knew who exactly gifted you this beautiful bouquet. Your stomach seemed to flutter like butterflies.

"Y/N, is he the one?" she asked then gave you a sly smile while playfully nudging you. 

"The one? Mama, I'm not ready for that yet." You said with a flushed red face. 

"He sure was handsome and strong. It's a shame you say that. It would be nice if you settled down and have him take care of you, instead of you taking care of us here all the time." She said with a relaxed expression. 

"I don't know. Only if you knew what I saw." You accidentally professed. 

Your mother waived you off and laughed, "You can't fool me. You are as red as an apple. My daughter needs a beautiful strong man like that. If I were younger my goodness I can't tell you where to begin with a man like that. 

"Stop, I get it." You said feeling embarrassed. Marriage never crossed your mind since it wasn't on the list of things you needed. You always put your people first, and hated to see them starve. You were always the one to make them happy but the thought of marriage would hinder the safety and happiness of others. You sighed just thinking about it. You kissed your mother goodnight and retreated to your small section of your hut. The candles in your room were about to burn out. You watched the flames dance on the adobe walls. Your lids were becoming heavy and you let out a wide loud yawn. 

Marriage? Me? I don't know. With that last thought in your head you fell fast asleep.