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A knock sounded from Ava’s bedroom door, startling her out of her doze on the chair.

“Come in,” she said, voice scratchy as she rubbed her eyes.

The door opened and a striking older fae man with light brown skin and curly chocolate brown hair entered, carrying a wooden apothecary box with a handle on top.

He wore cream-colored robes, a brown fabric sash around his waist, and his yellow eyes twinkled as he smiled at her.

Small horns peered out from his mop of curls as he leaned over to set down the box near her bed.

“Hello, Ava. My name is Kai,” he said, voice warm and melodic. Gesturing behind him, he added, “and this is Ivy.”

An angelic doe with a cinnamon coat and white spots, looked at her with bright green eyes as it emerged from behind Kai.

“Hello,” she answered, looking back at Kai. “It’s nice to meet you… and Ivy.”

The deer trotted over to Ava and placed her head in her lap, immediately at ease. Smiling, Ava stroked her soft fur as she looked back up at Kai. “She’s lovely. ”

“Yes, she is. She comes everywhere with me and relishes her job as she provides comfort for my patients. I’m the head healer here in Mosshaven. I heard you injured your leg. May I look?”

Ava nodded and Kai sat on the ottoman of her chair and gingerly picked up her leg, placing it in his lap. He pulled back the shredded fabric of her pants and felt around the punctures, assessing their depth and severity.

She winced as he worked, attempting to distract herself by petting Ivy who was still nestled in her lap. “So, the head healer?” she asked. “You didn’t have to come all the way to see me. You could have sent someone else. I’m sure you have more important patients.”

“Nonsense,” he replied. “This is important. Besides, Jorrar sent me a note about you, and I must admit, I was a little curious to attend to a human,” he added with a sheepish smile.

Ava looked at him. “You know Jorrar?”

Kai smiled back, eyes twinkling again. “He’s my husband.”

“Oh!” she responded. “That’s lovely. I like him. He was the first one who was kind to me.”

“He’s like that,” he said, still smiling as he finished his examination. “This bite is bad. I was told he applied some ointment and was able to withdraw most of the poison, which helped, but it seems there is a little still lingering, hence the pain. It won’t heal until I can extract every drop.”

“Will it hurt?”

“Very much. I’m sorry. This is challenging because I don’t know how our magic and medicines will affect human bodies. I need to be careful what I use, and our numbing agents might be too strong for you.”

“Okay,” she replied, hands slightly shaking as she continued to pet Ivy. “I guess just get it over with.”

Kai hesitated, choosing his next words carefully. “I heard you may have other injuries as well… from The Scourge… ”

She went still, memories of her torture at Deidamia’s hands days ago still raw. “Yes.”

“May I look at those? I promise to be gentle.”

She nodded, gut twisting with apprehension as she looked toward the balcony, trying to hold back the tears. Her other injuries covered her body and though she wasn’t keen on undressing for anyone after what she had gone through, she immediately felt safe with Kai.

Kai took one of her hands in his. “Ava, I promise not to harm you. I know you must have been through a lot these past few weeks and my sole purpose here is to help you and heal you. I am always professional.”

She turned toward him as a single tear fell down her cheek, his warm hand bringing her solace. “Okay, I trust you.”

A knock at the door sounded and Kai rose.

“Just in time,” he said as he opened the door and an older fae woman walked in, followed by a couple of other staff wheeling in a portable bed.

They locked the wheels into place in the center of the room and left as Kai turned to Ava.

“This is Cirilla, your attendant. She will bring your food, help you bathe and dress and get anything else you need.”

Cirilla was shorter than most other fae. She had shoulder length golden brown hair peppered with gray, pinned back on the sides, and deep brown eyes.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Ava said.

“You as well,” Cirilla answered curtly, as if she was unsure about waiting on a human. “Is there anything I can get you right now?”

“Umm… I don’t think so,” she answered. “I am a little hungry, though.”

“There’s already food being prepared. I’ll bring it to your room when it’s ready.”

Kai turned to Cirilla. “Can you help her bathe while I set up my workstation? We also need tea with honey, cinder bark and mountain flower.”

Cirilla nodded as Kai turned to his apothecary box and opened it.

“Come,” she instructed as she disappeared into the bathroom and began to fill the tub.

She limped after her attendant and slowly undressed. Cirilla walked over to help her, and Ava paused.

“Nudity isn’t taboo here, girl. I don’t even notice bodies; I just do my job.”

“Okay…” answered Ava, reluctantly. It had been easier in the dark forest with Quinn. But for some reason her insecurities were now making themselves known as she prepared to undress in front of yet another stranger.

She helped Ava pull the tunic and pants off, careful as the material brushed her leg. She then turned toward the tub and poured some oil into the water. She pointed to the collection of bottles along the tub’s edge and explained their uses. “Hair. Body. I’ll return with your tea soon.”

“Thank you,” she replied.

Cirilla left the room and Ava made her way to the sunken tub. She walked down the couple of steps and sighed at the instant relief as the hot water caressed her skin. The smell of oranges and rosemary hit her nostrils and she inhaled deeply as she settled into the water, humming to herself.

She scrubbed her scalp, enjoying the feel of the shampoo as her muddy hair turned from stained brown back to its light strawberry blonde.

After washing her body, she climbed out of the tub, dried off, and wrapped the robe around her.

A comb had been left on the counter near the sink and she thoroughly brushed through all the tangles, her scalp sore after minutes of pulling.

Ava padded back to the bedroom. Kai had pulled over the small desk to sit next to the bed, creating a makeshift table to host his tools as he worked.

The apothecary box atop it was wide open, revealing a set of drawers and shelves stuffed with balms, tinctures and herbs.

The bed had been lowered and Kai was leaning over and adjusting the back, allowing Ava to sit up.

“So, how does healing work here?” Ava asked, breaking the silence. “Do you use magic or medicines like those?”

“Both. Not many earth fae can use healing magic on others. Those who can, are trained to utilize both. The combination of magic and natural herbs is a powerful one. Especially here in this kingdom where we rely on plants so heavily.”

“Is it different in other kingdoms?” she asked.

“A little. Some kingdoms trade with us for healing balms and other supplies. Others have their own magic or abilities. The fae of Caelestia have powerful healing magic and do not use other methods,” he explained. “Do you think you can manage getting up onto this bed with your leg?”

“Yes,” she replied.

“I’m so sorry, but you’ll need to disrobe. There are blankets here you can use to cover yourself. I will only uncover the part of your body I am working on, is that okay?”

“Yes.”

Kai headed to the door to the living room. “I’ll wait out here for a little bit. Take your time.”

Alone in the room, she limped over to the bed and removed her robe, tossing it onto the chair, and lifted the blankets before sitting down.

The bed was comfortable, with a soft cushioned mattress that smelled like chamomile and cradled her aching muscles. She slowly swung her legs up and covered herself, awaiting Kai’s return.

Casimir walked the halls, heading back to his suite after the long meal with his friends. Jorrar walked beside him, visibly eager to see his husband. Both men remained quiet, pondering over the plan that had been finalized regarding their venture to the Whispering Bog.

Kai was seated on one of the couches when they entered the suite, quietly watching the fire. The moment he noticed Jorrar, his eyes lit up and he leapt to embrace his husband, tears in both of their eyes.

Jorrar leaned back and wiped away Kai’s tears before kissing him deeply, pulling him close as Kai’s arms wrapped around his neck, deepening the kiss further.

Jorrar ended the kiss, looking at his husband with adoration as he brushed a stray curl from Kai’s face. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” Kai smiled, meeting his stare.

Casimir shifted on his feet, question on his lips but reluctant to interrupt his friends’ reunion.

He’d always admired the gentle way Jorrar and Kai were, how they loved and honored one another and always took care of each other.

He had to admit, he was a tad jealous. Though he often denied it, deep down he wanted what they had.

A love so deep and passionate that nothing could topple it.

They would go to the ends of the earth for each other, and Casimir longed for that.

Kai let go of Jorrar and held his hand instead, turning toward Casimir. “Hey, Cas.”

Casimir smiled. “Nice to see you, Kai.”

“I assume you both want to know how Ava is faring?”

Casimir nodded.

“Not much to tell yet,” said Kai. “Her leg is bad, but I can heal it. I haven’t had the chance to assess her other injuries. I’m about to do that now.”

Jorrar looked disappointed and turned to Kai. “I guess that means you won’t be home any time soon. ”

“I’m sorry, dear. I’ll return home as soon as I’m finished. It may be a few hours.”

“It’s alright. A healer’s work is never done. I need to bathe anyway.” Kissing Kai on the forehead, he added, “I’ll see you at home later.” Then walked out the door as he waved a quick farewell to Casimir.