5. Mia
CHAPTER 5
MIA
" W hat did you say before. You were in a temple?" Thokk, the big green orc's deep voice rumbles with interest. "You're sure?"
"Well, I mean, technically I was kind of unconscious when I first got there," I admit, twisting one of my bangles. "But unless ancient stone buildings with weird wall painting are super common around here..."
"They're not," Koda cuts in. His massive form towers over me as he frowns thoughtfully. "And you say it's on the sacred grounds?"
"If by 'sacred grounds' you mean where I was playing with the baby bigfoots - I mean ‘younglings,’ then yes!"
I note with satisfaction another little amused smile playing on Koda’s lip. He might act all tough, but I kinda think he likes me.
And it probably doesn’t hurt that I am picking up on the proper Bigfoot lingo.
"We should investigate immediately," the orc – a friggin’ orc! - Thokk says, but Koda shakes his head.
Olivia has already pulled out a little notebook and is making notes.
"It's on sasquatch lands. Sacred sasquatch lands at that. If word got out that we were letting outsiders traipse around up there..." He runs a hand through his fur. "I don’t need any more headaches.”
Why is he looking right at me as he says that?
“I'll take her myself. Quietly." He gets up, gesturing for me to follow him out the door. “Now look, we do this my way. No wandering off, no-"
"Yes, yes, Chief Grumpy-fur. No whirling, no walking backwards. I'll be on my best behavior!" I'm already halfway to the door ahead of him. "Coming?"
"Wait," he growls, catching up in two massive strides. I can’t help but be distracted by the way his plush fur moves with every flex of his powerful body. Not that I'm noticing his fur really. Or his muscles. Much.
It is rather... lush. Or plush.
Whatever.
I wonder if he’d let me pet him.
Mia... no.
Bad Mia.
What the heck has gotten into me...
We wind our way through Fablewood's streets, passing shops that line both sides. There's Murks Magical Menagerie...
“Cool...” I actually say it out loud. Because, well, it is cool.
Then no sooner than I registered the shop, my eyes are drawn to what appears to be the town square, where a massive statue stands. "Is that... holy smokes! A woman with an orc? A human woman? What the-" But before I can get a better look, something flutters past my face.
"Oh my god, is that a fairy?" I gasp, pointing at a tiny winged creature darting between flower boxes. "And those are actual pixies? There's a difference?"
"Focus," Koda rumbles, gently but firmly steering me back on course. "The temple, that’s where we’re going."
"Right, right. Sorry! It's just... I mean this is a lot to process... even for me!" I spin in a slow circle, taking in the magical wonderland around me. "Everything is so incredible! Like that shop - are those actual magic wands in the window? And that sign - is it actually floating?"
A group of small furry creatures - more sasquatch children - peek out from behind a market stall, giggling.
“Hey it’s my buddies!” I wave enthusiastically, but Koda immediately steps between us.
"No distractions," he says firmly. "Sacred grounds, remember?"
"You're no fun," I pout, but only a little really. How can I be grumpy when there's literal magic around every corner?
“No not that way Mia, back here...” Oops! It seems I have gone down the wrong street ahead of him. I turn to head back toward him but a guttural voice stops me in my tracks.
"Oy, look at what we ‘ave her’” The slurred words carry across the road I have strayed onto. Two massive orcs seem to have me in their sights, their expressions dark. And these don’t look like the friendly kind like Thokk. Not at all. "Looky, looky. A little lost human...”, says the shorter, stockier one. ‘Shorter’ meaning only about seven and a half feet tall.
“One of them dirty little humans alright...” The taller one sounds just as nasty, though his voice is a little higher and more nasal.
“I think it’s a new one! Two was bad enough, but now three?"
The pair have gone from leaning against the wall to now heading right toward me. And I don’t like the look in their eyes one bit.
"Seems they're multiplying," the taller one sneers. "Like vermin."
“What we have is an infestation...” ‘Shortie’ drawls.
I turn to head back to the main road.
“Koda...” I manage to stammer.
Where is he?
But I needn’t have worried. He is already in motion, moving so fast in fact that I barely register it, positioning himself between me and the orcs. The playful energy from moments ago has vanished, as his massive form seems to grow even larger, radiating a dangerous intensity that makes my breath catch. Whatever ‘big teddy bear’ vibes I was getting a few moments ago are gone too, replaced by something fierce and wild... and deadly, judging by the fear I see in the orc’s eyes.
The two orcs freeze in their advance. But they don’t retreat.
"Grunk. Borgin." Koda’s voice is low, carrying a warning that sends shivers down my spine. "This doesn't concern you."
"And why not? Says ‘tall guy.’
“Yeah, why not?” Echoes shorty. “What was it? Last week that humans were forbidden in Fablewood!”
“And two weeks before that... before that business in Monstertown, they would have been killed on the spot!”
”We would’ve gotten rewards for doing it too!”
“And you say it doesn’t concern us?”
“She’s lucky you-“
Koda cuts him off with a growl that literally vibrates through my chest. "Choose your next words very carefully."
Something in his tone makes both orcs step back, though they continue muttering about "human pollution" and "soft-hearted fools." I press close against Koda's side, equal parts thrilled and terrified by this display of raw power. This isn't the slightly exasperated sasquatch from earlier - this is a warrior, a protector, and... oh boy, is it doing things to me.
"Come," he says softly, one hand finding the small of my back as he guides me back to the main road away from the orcs. His touch is gentle and attentive, a stark contrast to the barely contained violence of moments ago. My heart is racing, and not entirely from fear.
As we continue up the path, I notice his fur is still bristling. "So... I'm guessing those guys aren't part of the welcome wagon?"
“There’s a lot you don’t know about Fablewood.”
“Is that a joke? I literally know nothing about it...”
He just grunts, but his hand stays protectively at my back as we finally break off the proper cobbled roads – which is just fine with me.
More than fine.
After a short walk along a dirt path we head into the wilds. I assume he is leading me back to the general area where we first met.
Initially the going is slow, until Koda puts us on what looks like a game trail. Now all we have to navigate is the occasional branch extending across the path. Finally, it’s not just branches and I start to see the telltale vines and arcing branches of the briar patch again.
“This is where I found you,” he states matter of factly, as he steps to my side.
Right, I guess it’s up to me to locate the “temple” again.
"Yes, so if I remember right, it should be just off this way,” I say, holding my sundress tightly against my legs and picking my way carefully through the underbrush. After my earlier briar incident, I'm being extra cautious. Well, cautious for me. "Though everything looks different from this angle."
Koda follows close behind, his massive presence both reassuring and distracting. Vaguely I am aware of how I keep finding excuses to bump into him, even if ever so slightly. Every time his fur brushes against my bare skin, that electric feeling zips through me again. I am not sure how many zips and zings I can take.
Maybe I could give him just a little pet... just on the arm. Or maybe his back... That would be okay, right? Or backside...
Focus, Mia. Temple. Sacred ground. Important mission.
"There!" I point to what looks like just another overgrown mound at the forest's edge. "See?"
"I see briars," Koda says dryly. "Lots of briars."
"No, under them! Look..." I walk forward and crouch down, pushing aside some vines as I trace the edge of a weathered stone archway.
His eyes widen slightly. "How did we never..." He trails off, studying the worn but still solid masonry. "This has been here all along?"
"I know, right? Hidden in plain sight!" I can't help bouncing a little with excitement. "Kinda like your town!”
“Generally, we stay off these sacred grounds.” With that he moves forward himself and starts clearing a path through the thorny growth with his massive bare hands. The display of rugged power makes my mouth go dry. Within minutes, he's practically opened up the full doorway and we are able to enter with ease.
"Show off," I mutter, but I'm smiling.
"Stay close," he rumbles as we duck inside. The interior is cool and musty, leaves crackling under our feet. Thin beams of light filter through gaps in the ceiling, catching dust motes in their glow. "The structure could be unstable..."
He stops short as I dart toward a vine-covered window-hole thing. "Help me clear this?" Together, we pull away the overgrowth, letting even more sunlight flood into the space. The paintings I remembered from last night emerge from the shadows, their colors now strikingly vivid.
"Oh. My. God." My voice echoes off the stone walls. "Listen to that!" The echo temporarily distracts me from the frescos – or whatever they are. I sing a note, pure and clear, and the temple seems to sing it back, the sound bouncing between the walls to almost create a weird harmony.
When I turn back to Koda, he has the strangest look on his face. He seems to be looking at me differently, and it makes my heart skip. But why?
“Your voice. That was... impressive.” I wait for him to say more, but that’s it, as far as words at least.
Still her heart swells. He likes my voice. Or at least the few notes I sang. A moment later and his piercing blue eyes lock onto mine with an intensity that makes my knees weak. For a moment, we just stare at each other, the temple's acoustics making even our breathing sound musical.
"These markings," Koda says, turning his attention abruptly away as he runs his fingers along the wall.
Is he going to ignore that whatever it was that just passed between us?
"I bet they're connected to the discoveries your friends have been making. I wonder if this has something to do with the secret society they keep talking about."
"Secret society?" I bounce on my toes with excitement. "No way! Could this place get any cooler? Like, a magical monster mason lodge? With secret handshakes and everything?"
"We haven’t gotten that far. It’s just been speculation." But I am pretty sure I just got another semi-smile out of him. "It’s all connected to Zoe’s Aunt... the one in the..." He trails off, suddenly very interested in a particular carving.
"Her aunt? What?" But as I peer around his massive arm, I quickly forget what he said. "Oh my! Is that what I think it is?" The painted figures are getting more than just friendly. “Gosh, what did they—" Flustered, I turn away a little too quickly, and trip over a loose stone. But just as quickly he catches me effortlessly, pulling me against his chest as he secures me.
Oh hello.
"Careful," he rumbles, but doesn't let go immediately. That electric feeling crackles between us again, making my heart race.
This is getting out of hand.
Again, images flash of all sorts of things we could be doing with our hands... and I can feel my danger zone heating up just at the thought.
Mia, stop.
"Um... thanks, I guess I need to watch my step," I manage, trying my best to block out or at least ignore how right it feels to be like this, in his arms. "Luckily it seems you have a knack for saving me.”
The moment passes and he releases me quickly, clearing his throat.
"We should head back," he says abruptly. "We need to tell the others what we’ve found."
Why is he bent over and sort of walking funny?
Oh my.
For a moment I am sure I notice quite a swelling in his nether fur. But then he quickly retreats into the shadows with some excuse about checking the rest of the interior.
Despite the heated – or maybe they are just awkward moments, the walk back is surprisingly comfortable, filled with my chatter and his occasional grunts of acknowledgment. At least I am comfortable. I think he is too... but admittedly, his grunts and nods are hard to gauge.
As we near town, I spot a small sasquatch standing nervously by the path, scuffing one oversized foot against the ground. He looks to be bit older than my playmates from earlier, probably nine or ten, though I am not sure I am a good judge of sasquatch age.
"Whisper?" Koda's voice holds a note of surprise. "I thought you'd left for Monstertown already."
“Wait, what?” This is a bit of a curveball... "Is he your...?"
"My son," Koda confirms, and for some reason the revelation makes my heart do a little flip. No doubt there is something about the way he says it, so full of quiet pride despite his obvious concern. Or maybe I am just a sucker for that caring single daddy energy.
But he is single, right?
Everything about his vibe sure says single...
He better be single...
The youngling just stares at the ground harder, clearly uncomfortable with the attention. I recognize that look - it's the same one I used to get when my mom would try to force me to "just be more outgoing, honey!"
"Hey there," I say softly, crouching down to his level. "I'm Mia. I like your fur - it looks like maple leaves in October."
Koda seems to shuffle himself a little uncomfortably. ”Mia, he needs to be ready when Murk comes to take him to-“
Murk? That sure doesn’t sound like a girlfriend name...
“Wait... like from the shop? The Magical menagerie?”
“The one and only... now Whisper-“
Another vote for single! I feel an unexpected feeling of elation.
“He looks pretty ready to me? You’re ready, aren’t you?”
This elicits a tiny nod. I see Koda about to open his mouth, but I give him a little look that speaks volumes. Rather than pepper the kid with annoying questions I reach out and gather up a few stones.
“Hey check this out,” I start arranging the rocks in a pattern on the ground. "These remind me of those trail markers the first sasquatch explorers probably used," I say to no one in particular, making up the story as I go. "Back when they were mapping out these mountains..."
I hear Koda take in a breath again... but before he can speak, Whisper edges closer, watching intently. I pretend not to notice as he kneels down beside me. When he tentatively adds his own stone to the pattern, I smile. "Perfect - that's exactly where the secret cave entrance would have been!"
A tiny smile breaks across his face, and I hear Koda's intake of breath again. But this time it’s in surprise.
"I have to go. But maybe could you tell me more about the explorers?" Whisper murmurs quietly, then adds shyly, "When I get back?"
"Absolutely," I grin. "I'll even teach you the special royal sasquatch version."
“Cool. Hey...”
“My name Is Mia,” I extend my hand.
“Nice to meet you. Do you play Cubicles and Chihuahuas?”
“Cubicles and what...”
“Okay. Hey look, here comes Murk now... late as usual...”
As Whisper finally heads off to meet his escort, it seems obvious now. I can’t be sure but I don’t think there is a mom in the picture. I don’t know what it is about the kid, but I just want to give him a hug.
Something about the slump in his little shoulders...
No. Not going there. This is not about you and your experiences Mia.
I push that sensitive thought out of my head as quickly as it had appeared.
And then I catch Koda watching me with an expression I can't quite read. And it’s just the final confirmation I need, cause he’s definitely not scowling. Yeah, I’m willing to bet all my bangles he is single.
God, that electric zing again...