The Untold Forest by Elisa Menz (web ebook reader txt) 📗

the healing arts. The matriarch taught her ancient medicine and the use of herbs. Friendship came naturally for the two girls because of their common interests and her knowledge of the language.

“The matriarch taught me,” she explained. She promised Maeve to help her learn the half-breed speech since Hakken didn’t think it was essential. The brute. Maeve rolled her eyes.

Mynte understood her reluctance to take off her clothes. But after a while, Maeve felt silly for being the only woman bathing while still wearing her nightgown and cap. There were strict rules about nudity in human society. This being, she should never appear nude in front of anyone, ever. Not even her husband.

Half-breed women carried themselves with so much poise; it was difficult to remember the reasons why they were being immoral. They were clean, comfortable, and respectful. Maeve realized her uneasiness came from her own oddity.

“Oh, what the hell!” She pulled the thin fabric over her head and blushed when they cheered and chuckled at her pluck. She laughed it off, nervous but proud. Next was her white cap. She untied it, releasing her hair.

Not having her hair bound was such a relief. With her head thrown back, Maeve sighed and closed her eyes, enjoying the cool water and the warm sunlight. A soft breeze made her shiver, and she realized the valley had gone quiet. Nothing could be heard but the wind and the burbling streams.

She looked around to find them staring at her in awe. “What?” She shrank a little, not knowing where she had wronged.

Mynte let out a shriek, startling her. “It’s so beautiful!” Her new friend reached for a handful of her long golden hair, googling at it like if it was made of some precious material. Maeve found herself surrounded by women who marveled at her blond locks. Half-breed only flaunt brown or black hair.

They spent the next couple of hours washing, brushing, and grooming Maeve’s hair. Elated and oblivious of the men who were wondering where the hell they all were.

Hakken

After spending the entire day with the hunting party, Hakken excused himself and left the others once they completed the job. Kniv drove him mad with all his scolding. Yes, he was still responsible for feeding the tribe. Yes, he might have a little human girl now, but he should not isolate himself again because of his additional responsibilities. Blah, blah, blah...

Leaving Maeve behind turned out to be physically painful. After only a few hours, he longed for her and had to remind himself not to throw everything away to run back to her side. He needed to know if she was safe. What if she fell and hurt her skin? What if she slipped into a deep pool and drowned? Were there any human-eating creatures close to the village?

What if the other women were mean to her? He knew Mynte had good intentions, but he wasn’t so sure about the others. The matriarch might have accepted her, but it took only one spiteful idiot to ruin everything.

If he hadn’t left the hunt early, the others would have sent him away. In his worst days, he was never as distracted and clumsy as today.

There was nothing to be done. She needed a bath, and Mynte was not the worst companion. And this free time allowed him to fetch something important for her.

Maeve had insisted on growing food since human’s diet included a great deal of fruit and vegetables, and the roots made her sick to her stomach. Hakken had bribed a young changeling to sneak some tools and seeds from a human farm near the border. He couldn’t fathom what she planned to do with them, but Maeve seemed so eager to start he had no other choice but to attend to her wishes.

The heavy bundle made him groan. He left the tools and seeds close to the entrance of the cave and stretched his back. The moon hung high in the sky when he arrived at the village, and dinner time had long passed. Mynte had promised to take excellent care of Maeve, so he trusted they had fed her.

He dragged his feet as he walked into the cave. He sniffed Maeve’s delicious scent and smiled in relief. The poor girl needed a bath. She should be comfortable now.

It was pitch black inside; the fire reduced to embers. He didn’t need the light since Maeve’s calm breathing led him to bed. The sweet child slept soundly. As soon as he slipped beside her, she snuggled next to him. Hakken smiled, remembering how against it she was at first. Impressive, what chilly temperatures and his constant nagging accomplished.

Drowsy after a long, exhausting day, her warmth and softness appeased him and lulled him into a deep slumber.

Maeve

Waking up in the cave had become quite an experience. She loved the sounds of the wild and the freshness of the morning, at least after Hakken cleaned and sunbathed the furs. Maeve stretched over the furry pelts, feeling sluggish. When she realized the spot by her side was empty, she turned to find Hakken kneeling on the ground, staring at her dumbstruck.

“Hakken, what is it?” She sat, her hair falling around her face, covering her shoulders. He gawked at the sight. Maeve—still not used to the attention her hair attracted—couldn’t help but blush.

“Oh, yes... this. Since no one is scolding me for not using that horrible cap anymore, I thought I could—”

“You...” Hakken took her face in his hands, caressing her hair with marveled reverence. “You are the most beautiful being I have ever laid eyes on.”

“We talked about this Hakken, if you are going to speak to me in your language, you must teach me first,” she protested.

But her annoyance couldn’t be held for long. Her sweet, overprotective guardian displayed a radiant smile and took her in his arms, sinking his face in her golden curls.

CHAPTER XV

THE BOY WHO HATES

Regn

“This is a dumb idea.”

What he expected to accomplish, he wasn’t sure. This early in the morning, before the sun