10. Cagan

10

CAGAN

T he next day, I set out on a hunting expedition, my mind buzzing with ideas. I've seen the woman eating the snake meat I left for her, but I know she can't survive on that alone. She needs variety, nutrients, the kind of food that will keep her strong and healthy.

After a successful hunt, I make my way back to the clan, ready to trade my catch for some of our local produce. I'm in luck - the fields are bursting with ripe vegetables, and the air is perfumed with the sweet scent of sun-warmed strawberries.

I fill a large sack with the best of the bunch, carefully selecting an assortment of colorful veggies and plump, juicy berries. On a whim, I also stop by the clan's kitchen, where our renowned chef is hard at work preparing the day's meals.

"Hey, Grum!" I call out, grinning as the portly orc looks up from his bubbling pots. "Any chance I could snag some of those famous meat pies of yours? I've got a friend who could use a taste of your culinary magic."

Grum chuckles, his eyes twinkling with good humor. "A friend, eh? Must be someone special, for you to go begging for my pies." He winks, already reaching for a stack of waxed paper to wrap up a generous portion. "Here, take these. And don't forget the berry tarts, too - they're the perfect way to win a lady's heart."

I splutter, feeling my face flush with heat. "It's not like that," I protest, but Grum just laughs, shooing me away with a knowing look.

Shaking my head, I tuck the food into my sack and set off, my heart light and my step eager. I can't wait to see her reaction, to watch her eyes widen with surprise and delight at the bounty I've brought.

But when I reach our usual meeting spot, she's nowhere to be found. I frown, a flicker of worry sparking in my gut. Has something happened? Is she okay?

I cast about, searching for any sign of her, until finally I catch a glimpse of movement further downstream. Relief floods through me as I recognize her slender form, but it's quickly tempered by a pang of uncertainty. Why is she avoiding our spot? Does she not want to see me?

Steeling myself, I approach cautiously, my sack of goodies held out like a peace offering. She notices me, her body going stiff and tense, and for a moment I'm afraid she'll bolt like she usually does.

But I force a smile, determined to put her at ease. "Hey there," I call out softly, setting the sack down on a nearby rock. "I brought you some things. Thought you might like a little variety in your diet."

She eyes me warily, her gaze flicking between my face and the bulging sack. "What is it?" she asks, her voice tight with suspicion.

I crouch down, starting to unpack the contents. "Some vegetables from our fields," I explain, laying out a vibrant array of tomatoes, cucumbers, and leafy greens. "Strawberries, too - they're so sweet, they'll make your tongue tingle."

I can see her interest piquing despite herself, her nostrils flaring as she catches the enticing scent of ripe fruit. Emboldened, I reach for Grum's wrapped parcels.

"And here, this too," I announce, my grin widening. "Meat pies and berry tarts, made by the finest chef in all the clans. Trust me, you're going to love them."

But to my dismay, her expression shutters, a frown twisting her delicate features. She shakes her head vehemently, backing away a step. "No," she says, her voice brook-no-argument firm. "I don't want it."

My heart sinks, confusion and a hint of anger emerging within my chest. "But why?" I ask. "I just want to help, to make sure you're eating well."

She stares at me for a long moment, her eyes searching mine. I hold my breath, silently willing her to see the sincerity in my gaze, the pure intentions behind my offerings.

"I don't need your help," she says at last, her words measured and careful. "I can take care of myself. I always have."

I nod slowly, but my eyes narrow at her hesitance. "I know you can," I murmur, my voice soft with understanding. "But everyone needs a little support sometimes. Even the strongest among us." I take a step back, giving her space. "I'll leave the food here," I say, gesturing to the sack. "Take it or don't, it's up to you. But know that it comes with no strings attached. No expectations or obligations."

I meet her gaze squarely, letting her see the truth of my words.

"I'm not trying to cage you or control you. I just want to be your friend, if you'll let me."

For a moment, I think I see a flicker of longing in her eyes, a crack in the walls she's built around herself. But then it's gone, her expression smoothing into one of polite distance.

"Thank you for the offer," she says formally, her tone cordial but cool. "But I think it's best if we keep our distance. I'm not looking for friends, or anything else."

The words sting, but I force myself to nod, to respect her wishes even as my heart aches with disappointment. "I understand," I say, taking another step back. "But if you ever change your mind, if you ever need anything at all… I'll be here. Waiting."

I give her one last smile, pouring all my warmth and care into the gesture. Then, with a final nod, I turn and walk away, leaving her to her solitude and her secrets.

But even as the distance grows between us, I can't shake the feeling that this isn't the end.

Her refusal stings, but I force myself to keep smiling, to maintain the easy, non-threatening air I've been cultivating. "It's a token of friendship," I explain, gesturing to the sack of food at my feet. "I thought maybe we could get to know each other a bit. Become friends, even."

Her eyes narrow, her posture stiffening with suspicion. "Again, no," she says flatly, her voice carrying clearly despite the considerable distance between us. "I don't trust you. I don't want your friendship."

I trail off, realizing how foolish I must sound. She’s still staring at me, her expression unreadable, and for a moment I'm sure she's going to turn and flee without another word.

But then, to my shock, she speaks. "Hayden," she says, her voice so soft I have to strain to catch it. "My name is Hayden."

My heart leaps, a grin splitting my face before I can stop it. It's not much, just a name, but it feels like a victory all the same. A tiny chink in her armor, a fragile thread of connection spun between us.

But before I can say anything else, Hayden is retreating, her lithe form melting back into the shadows of the forest. I take a half-step forward, instinctively wanting to follow, but I make myself stop. I can't push her, can't risk shattering this delicate truce we've forged.

"Nice meeting you, Hayden!" I shout after her, pouring all my enthusiasm and warmth into the words. "See you next time!"

She doesn't respond, but I swear I see her pause for just a moment, her head tilting slightly as if to catch my voice. Then she's gone, swallowed up by the dense foliage, and I'm alone once more.

But I'm grinning like a fool, my heart singing with elation. Hayden. Her name is Hayden, and she spoke to me. Willingly, if not exactly warmly.

It's a start, a foundation to build upon. And as I gather up my pack and start the long trek back to my clan, I'm already planning my next move. What can I bring her next time? How can I put her at ease, convince her that my intentions are pure?

It won't be easy, I know. Hayden is skittish and suspicious, with walls a mile high and twice as thick. But I'm nothing if not persistent, and I know in my bones that this is worth fighting for.

Because there's something special about Hayden, something that calls to me on a level I can't quite define. A kindred spirit, perhaps, or a missing piece I didn't even know I was searching for.

All I know is that I want to know her, to unravel the mysteries that shroud her and bask in the light of her rare, fleeting smiles. I want to be her friend, her confidant, her partner in all things.

I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen. To prove to Hayden that she can trust me, that I'm not like the others who have hurt her or let her down.

It may take time, and a hell of a lot of patience, and more than a little luck. But I'm in this for the long haul, and I know in my heart that someday, Hayden will see me for who I truly am.

A friend. An ally. And maybe, just maybe, something more.