Ian wrapped an arm around her and suddenly had his hand over her mouth. Before Tahra could even struggle, Ian was holding a hot knife to her wound. Tahra screamed but it was muffled by Ian’s hand. The next thing Tahra heard was a guttural growl. Kolgrin, her childhood friend, had found her and clearly thought that Ian was an enemy, harming her.
Tahra scrambled to her feet holding her hands up in front of her, placing herself squarely between Kolgrin and Ian. “Lare-! So na- a nur!”
Tahra slowly approached Kolgrin, running her fingers through his fur, whispering soothing words to him as she kept herself between him and Ian. She inclined her head to the fire, inviting the wolf to wait for her there. Logan would be pleased to see Kol, the two had played rougher than Tahra had ever played with the wolf – she had preferred to snuggle with Kol with the occasional wrestling match.
Tahra turned back to Ian. “That was Kolgrin, he was my friend when I was younger, my father gave him to me like he was a common dog. Once my father realized his usefulness he was sent to the Army, it’s been some time since I’ve seen him.”
Tahra held her hand against her wound, relieved that it was no longer bleeding. “Thank you, Ian. For the wound…and for earlier. I never did thank you for trying to rescue me. I believe I promised you a kiss.”
Tahra walked up to Ian and placed her hand gently on his face before pressing her lips to his, lingering for just a moment before pulling away, heading back to the fire to sit with Kolgrin and to keep an eye on things, she could see better than most at night thanks to her elven blood. She wouldn’t sleep tonight anyway. She couldn’t close her eyes without seeing the sword burst through her mother.