Inheritance

Part 2. Chapter 60: Untamed

Kori rode on the back of his horse with her cheek pressed against his back.

I must have fallen asleep... She thought to herself.

She was startled from being so high off the ground. She yelped and wrapped her arms closely about Laurence.

She meekly asked, "Where are you t-taking me?"

"To a nearby stream. I'm out of water, and you seem thirsty." Laurence replied. "Do you have somewhere to go after this? I'll be more than happy to take you."

Kori looked away. She managed to bite back her tears as crying in front of a stranger didn't seem appropriate. "I have nowhere to be..."

"You don't wish me to take you back to your village?" Laurence asked.

"No. I was banished." Kori replied transparently.

There was silence but for the trotting of Laurence's horse. He eventually answered, "Well, you don't need to tell me what happened. Would you like a recommendation on where to go next?"

Kori found herself smiling, despite the fact that she was a little afraid of the man. They had only met earlier that morning, after all, and he was much bigger than her. Kori whispered shyly, "I'd like a recommendation..."

"Well," Laurence began. "The elven lands of Alanheim are the prettiest places on Yharos. Unfortunately, you're not allowed in there unless you're an elf or you have permission from the queen. The dwarven lands have their own charm to them, but they're a somewhat crude and shameless people, despite their kindness. Ah, I know the perfect place for you! The weather is always cool, the people are kind, and you'll already have a friend to show you where everything is!"

Kori was in disbelief. She said sarcastically, "Oh? What is this paradise you speak of? Furthermore, who is this friend you speak of?"

"Why, Maribel and myself is what I speak of! I promise I'll look after you once we arrive!" Laurence exclaimed.

Kori found her eyes glistening with tears at his compassion. "You're a friend...?"

"Of course I am! I know we just met, but I can tell that you're the type of friend I want to have!" Laurence replied. "You wear your heart on your sleeve, and you seem loyal and honest!"

Kori blushed, lowering her eyes. "Why are you being so kind to me?"

"You act as if the simple act of giving a thirsty woman water and offering her friendship is a gift from Renthas himself! It's the good and right thing to do, that's all."

Kori whispered, "I've... I've never experienced such kindness before. Waifs are a very... Restrained people. Very judgmental, too."

"I see." Laurence didn't press her for any further information.

He rode east until he came upon a stream with running water. Laurence helped her down from the horse, and then she wasted no time. She cupped water in her hands and gulped it down.

Laurence smiled while he filled up his flask. "I'm glad I found you. I think it would have been a tragedy if Yharos lost someone like you."

Kori rolled her eyes. "You don't need to flatter me."

"I'm not flattering you; I'm merely telling the truth." Laurence gazed at her intensely as she cupped more water in her hands and used it to smooth her fiery red hair back.

She glanced his way and was taken aback by the look he was giving her. Her gaze immediately darted back to the stream.

"Just why have you come all the way from Maribel to Trella, Laurence?" Kori asked.

"My sister... She likes the flowers that grow here. She isn't feeling well, so I thought I would pick her some." Laurence responded.

"You came all this way for your sister?" Kori dared to look his way again.

"I did." He sounded content.

She couldn't help but notice how well-muscled he was. She also couldn't help but find his height attractive. He'd make a good blanket. Waifs don't have muscles like those.

But it wasn't those surface things that made her immediately attracted to him. It was the fact that he had ridden for days just to get his sick sister her favorite flower.

__

Kori opened her eyes. She murmured, "Laurence."

The sun cast angelic, golden light upon her for a moment, but it faded to the unhappy, leaden sky that had shadowed her for days now. And it was not the handsome, manly Laurence she was gazing up at; instead, it was the feminine Francis.

The elf helped her sit up. "Not Laurence. I'm afraid it's only me, little waif."

Her skin still burned from the fireball she had launched. She groaned; every inch of her was sore, and she was dying of thirst.

She came to her senses and lurched forward. "Where are Terrance and Hew?"

A loud, hissing voice interjected. "We are deciding what to do with you."

Kori looked to her left.

She was hoping the dragon had only been a dream, but it was not. The creature was real. The dragon was as big as her quarters at Castle Maribel were. It had twisted horns, sharp fangs, and a thin snout. Terrance, Hew, and the remaining elf-humans and Maribel soldiers were frozen in place.

Plumes of fire bloomed at the corner of the dragon's mouth. "I would like to eat you, but Casimir has other plans, I think."

There was a fairy standing next to the dragon with his arms looped rigidly around its neck and his cheek pressed firmly into its collar bone.

Casimir pressed his cheek deeper into the dragon's neck. "They may have what I seek."