Chapter 6
Elodie
It’s only been two days, but I’m already getting cabin fever being stuck in this bed in this tent.
Kyler has helped me outside a couple of times so I could feel the sun on my face.
I’ve still spent more time inside than out, and it’s driving me bonkers.
At least I sort of remembered what I’d been doing that far away from the settlement.
I’d overheard Gary or Adam talking about this massive body of water—almost like an ocean—that’s only visible from a certain point up in the mountains.
The ocean was the only thing I missed from Earth and I’d wanted to see whatever might be its equivalent here.
Even back with the rest of the humans and with no one to really talk to besides Alice, I didn’t stay cooped up in my tent.
It was too claustrophobic. I took walks along the river, in spite of all the warnings of potential dangers.
Through the forest, although I didn’t ever make it to the Tavikhi village.
It’s not like I was actively avoiding it or anything.
It just never happened to be the route I ended up taking.
A couple years ago, I found a path at the base of the mountain and hiked it all the way to the top.
The view from up there had been the most stunning thing I’ve ever laid eyes upon.
I’ve been walking that same path at least once a week since, sometimes taking a branching path and exploring as much of the mountainside as I can.
That might explain what I was doing so far from the human settlement when Ortak and Gannen found me.
I still can’t recall what happened that led me to falling in the hole.
I can only assume I was exploring and didn’t see the damn thing since it was camouflaged so well.
That’s the explanation I’m settling on anyway.
Alice has cautioned me so many times how dangerous it could be, especially alone without any weapons.
I probably am lucky I’d never run across any wild animals other than ones who couldn’t do me any harm.
The scariest thing I ever ran across was a small herd of the alien deer that roam the planet and a much larger herd of the black, horned alien goat-like animals.
A shadow is cast in the doorway that I requested be left open to let some fresh air in until it forms into a solid being. Sage walks in, looking far too giddy.
“I have some good news,” she says. “Rojtar is done with one of your crutches and should have the other one done by the evening meal tomorrow or as late as the morning meal the following day.”
This perks me up. “Seriously? That fast?”
She nods. “Yep. He’s been working non-stop since I suggested them and he measured you. Creating objects with wood is one of his hobbies so he was happy to craft something new that he never has before. It gave him the opportunity to stretch his creative muscles. I’m paraphrasing, obviously.”
“That’s incredible. Thank you both so much.”
Sage chuckles. “You’re welcome. I know how difficult it’s been for you being cooped up in here and relying on Kyler or me to get you around.”
I groan. “God, you have no idea. I am not meant for idleness. I’ve been trying not to lose my mind doing nothing more than lying around.”
“I’m glad that makes up for the bad news I had to give you yesterday about the Bohnari not being able to send one of their ships with a healing pod right now.” She winces. “Their planet is going through a serious upheaval at the moment.”
“Eh, it’s fine. Truly. So long as I have some way of getting around, then I can deal with this thing on my leg for however long I have to wear it.” I raise the appendage in question off the table, showing off the cast that still binds it and that Sage has to keep adjusting.
“You’re a far better sport than me,” she says. “We have been lucky and only had two broken bones during my time here. Not to pour salt on the wound, but they didn’t have to deal with them like you are. The Bohnari were either already here or were able to make the trip.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d swear you were trying to rub it in.” I grin madly, because I’m only teasing her.
Sage throws up her hands in surrender. “I’m not, I promise. There are times when I speak before I think.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll choke down that nasty-ass burim root if the pain gets to be too much.”
“It really is awful isn’t it?” she laughs.
“The worst.” I shudder.
“All right, then. How about some sunshine?”
A moan rumbles up my throat. “God, yes, please.”
The sleep I’ve had over the last two days has helped.
I’m still weak, but at least now I’m able to sit myself up in the bed and swing my legs over the edge.
All the walking I’ve done has no doubt helped keep me in shape.
Sage steps close and I sling my arm over her shoulder.
Thankfully, we’re about the same height which makes this easier.
Carefully, we make our way across the length of the tent toward the open doorway.
That’s been the one challenge I’ve had, hopping over the threshold.
I nearly manage it, but, of course, my toe catches just right and I feel myself falling.
Bracing for the pain, I throw my arm out in front of me and scrunch my face.
Except instead of colliding with the hard ground, my oomph is muffled by a solid, warm body.
Strong arms wrap around me, keeping me mostly upright. I manage to lift my head and what breath I had left in my lungs escapes. Staring down at me are coal-black eyes set deep in a masculine visage that should terrify me but doesn’t.
My gaze travels over Ortak’s face, taking in the barely visible nostrils as well as the vertical mouth slit bracketed on either side by two vicious-looking upward-curving tusks. Everything about him should freak me out, but his features are arresting.
Someone clears their throat and I blink away the distraction.
Ortak also appears to awaken from whatever held him in its grasp, because he quickly rights me.
I’ve barely steadied myself, but he jerks away and puts at least two feet distance between us.
Sage is there to ground me. I send her a grateful smile before turning back to Ortak.
Beside him is Gannen, whose gaze bounces back and forth between me and his father before finally settling on me.
“I am so glad to see you,” he says. “You are lucky Gogo was here to catch you or you would have fallen flat on your face.”
I laugh. “I guess that’s twice now that your gogo has saved me, then.”
Gannen perks up. “You are right. That has to mean something, do you not think so?”
“I think it means I’ve developed a bad habit of being clumsy.” Which is a first for me.
The young Krijese hums. “I do not think that is it.”
“Why don’t we let Elodie take a seat so she can rest for a bit?” Sage suggests.
“Yes, please.” I send her another grateful glance and she helps lower me to the narrow bench right outside the door.
With zero hesitation, Gannen slides in next to me and our thighs touch. He’s so small there’s plenty of room for both of us. I am a little surprised to discover that top of his head just reaches my shoulder. I’m curious to know how old he is. My gut says he’s not as young as he looks.
“Gogo said we could come back to check on you since we left without saying goodbye. I was not happy about that,” he announces without shame or fear of consequences.
My cheeks heat. “I was a little disappointed as well.”
Gannen jerks his head toward his father. He doesn’t say anything, but it’s clear he’s making some kind of point.
“Well, I’m glad you’re here now.” God, this is awkward.
That’s all it takes, because the young boy switches his attention back to me. “Me too. I have wanted to make sure you were well.”
I try to ignore the fact that Ortak has yet to say a single word. He’s just hovering nearby like some kind of lurker. I gesture vaguely down my body. “I’m doing as well as I can be with a broken leg. I should have a set of crutches by tomorrow which will help me get around.”
Gannen cocks his head. “What are crutches?”
“Well, they’re like two walking sticks, I suppose. One goes under each of my arms and I’m able to use them for balance and support so I can hop on my good leg and move around.”
“How are you getting these walking sticks?” he asks.
“Rojtar is making them for me.”
“But he is mated.”
“Gannen,” Ortak says sharply, finally breaking his silence.
His son glances over at him. “A mated male should not be making something that important for a female who is not his.”
Sage either chokes or laughs, I can’t tell which, but I shoot her a glare before I lightly nudge Gannen. “Rojtar is the only one skilled enough to make them from my understanding. Would you rather I be stuck in bed all the time with no way of getting around by myself?”
“Gogo is skilled in crafting with wood. Far more than Rojtar is, I am certain. You should have had him make these crutches for you,” he says pointedly.
I press my lips together and try not to laugh at how indignant Gannen is. “Well, the next time I break my leg, I will know that your father is also capable.”
“He has many other skills as well.”
My cheeks grow warmer at the images that suddenly assail me. I shove them away just as fast and clear my throat. “Yes, I’m sure he does.”
“On that note, I’m going to leave the three of you, since it’s clear Elodie is being looked after and doesn’t need me,” Sage announces like the traitor she is. She waggles her fingers at me as she walks slowly backward. “Enjoy your visit.”
Of course, I can’t call after her and risk making things extremely uncomfortable.
Or at least more uncomfortable than they already are.
Given the way Ortak’s mouth slit pulses like he’s scrambling to say something, but doesn’t know what, he’s clearly ill at ease.
Not sure if it’s me specifically or something else that has him so discombobulated.
I fidget in my seat, unsure what I should say. Gannen doesn’t have that problem because he starts rattling off whatever’s in his head again.
“We came with Kala, who brought Iris, Sorin, and Jiasha with him. Iris is a human like you. She became Sorin’s momo first and then she birthed Jiasha.
Did you know Iris is missing a hand? She is still able to throw a war axe better than I can, but Gogo has promised to teach me so I am able to go with him on his hunts. Do you know how to throw an axe?”
My brain races to catch up on everything he said.
I’ll have to dissect some of it later. I at least know how to answer one question.
“I have no idea how to throw an axe.” He opens his mouth, but I stop whatever he plans on saying next.
“I also have no interest in learning if that’s what you were going to suggest. Although I appreciate you thinking of me. ”
Gannen shrugs. “That is okay. It is not for everyone. What skills do you have?”
If that isn’t a depressing question, I don’t know what is. “I don’t really think I have any.”
“Truly?”
“Truly.”
“We will have to find you something then.”