She tossed and turned before coming fully awake. Unbeknown to her, it had been days that she slept.. her dreams filled with terrors of the deep.
Shhh... its alright. You are safe here. A woman's voice broke through the fog of her sleep.
Wha?? she attempted.
Shh, don't speak for now. You've had a time. Better to rest and gain your strength.
She was so tired and felt sticky.. as if she had been sweating. Her hair, she realized was plastered to her face and neck.
Where am I? Wyllow asked.
You are in Adneline. It is a good thing that my husband happened upon you! We dont see many wash ashore here. We are a quiet people. It was then that she felt the cool cloth upon her head.
There, there.... Glad your fever finally broke. Ive never felt someone so hot before, I feared you were buring to death.
The woman kept the cool cloth on her forehead, then moved it to her temples and back.
These waters here are full of them Xanthereels.. so you had to have gotten bit. When I removed your shoes you gave a sound of pain, and sure enough, there it was. We put a salve on it to draw out the poison. You must have tangled with a nasty one. The woman dipped the cloth then applied it to her forehead once more.
You still feel a tad warm, but much improved in the last few days.
Wyllows eyes flew open.
Days? How.. how long have I been here? She asked. Her thoughts going to Tuv. and how horrible this all must be for him.
Im not sure when you washed ashore dear, but you have been here in this bed for.. the woman counted back on her fingers...
Four.. no, Five days. She went back to cooling Wyllows brow.
My name is Lilly, and my husband is Dale.. He is out at the moment, probably stacking wood or some other chore. Oh! And this came from the Temple for you yesterday. The woman reached over on the night stand and picked up a letter.
I haven't opened it, and I am assuming you are Wyllow? She nodded.
Yes, that is my name. How did a letter find me here? She was very confused. Her head was still foggy, but had she thought about it for a few moments, she knew her husband was well connected with the temples and Churches in Secfenia.
Would you mind reading it to me? She asked Lilly.
The woman replied by opening the letter and reading out loud.
| | |
| Wyl my love. We are so sorry you got separated from the Aerandir. Weather and catching the wrong current has kept us off track as we have been searching for you. Word has reached us you are in Adeline. We are setting sail as fast as we can to return to Adeline and reunite with you. Please stay there and rest my dear. Love Tuv | |
| | |
A smile broke out upon her face. She felt like she could actually relax, however certain needs would see her sit up. She was also able to test the weight upon her foot. It hurt, but was manageable. For the rest of the day, Wyllow did indeed rest up.
-----
As the morning sun poured into the small room she was in, Wyllow found all her clothes folded and clean near the bed. A bath had been drawn and left for her.
As she slid into the slightly warm water, she made quick work of scrubbing her body clean. Her hair she also scrubbed and rinsed. As she dressed, she was amazed at how much better she felt. She tested her weight on her foot and it wasn't as tender as it had been the day before. Pulling on her socks she then pulled her boots on. For the most part, she was ready to go.
Exiting the small bedroom, she found both her rescuer and her nurse sitting at a little table in the kitchen. She smiled at them both.
Thank you so much for tending to me so diligently. I might have died had you not saved me. She said this looking directly at Dale.
Oh, please have a seat. Ive made breakfast for you too. Lilly smiled at her, pulling out a chair.
Oh... she said as she looked at the chair at the table.
I.. I have nothing to pay you back with.. right now, that is. But I will make sure you are fully compensated for helping me. Wyllow stated, almost stiffly.
We didnt help you for money. The woman smiled.
We helped you because you needed it.
Sit sit.. the woman waved her hand and turned to dish up food for Wyllow.
After a hearty breakfast and washing up, Wyllow decided it was time for her to take her leave.
Im pretty sure where my husband is.. so I am going to travel to the next port town to get a little closer and hope that we are able to connect there. I hate to ask, but do you have a piece of parchment? I would love to send a letter back to him so that he knows what I am doing. If I can send the letter by pigeon to reach him. Lilly nodded and produced what she needed.
| | |
| My Dearest,
I am well. I will be traveling to Safine and will await word from you there.
All my Love
Wyl
| |
| | |
She folded and rolled the letter small, before handing it to Dale to send off for her. She then hugged and thanked them once more before setting off down the road. It was roughly a couple hours into the trip that a snow storm forced her off the road to build a make shift shelter and camp for the night. On the morning she would reach her destination if all went well. Her ankle was glad for the rest.