8. Chapter 8

8

Chapter 8

I lex couldn't open their eyes. The bright scent of fruit and flora filled the emptiness behind their eyelids, and they felt themself taking deep breaths as they drifted in and out of sleep.

During one such episode of near consciousness, Ilex heard the most lovely voice. It was light and fluttered from pitch to pitch, the sound of it complementing the chorus of birds that serenaded the forest. They couldn't make out the words, but they felt contentment deep in their soul, just letting the voice settle over them.

Then—they realized with great pleasure—that the voice was saying their name.

"Ilex? Ilex, your fever seems to have broken. Can you hear me? Do you think you could try to drink some water?"

They focused all of their attention then on opening their eyes, only to find the most beautiful human face just inches from theirs. Dahlia. Suddenly, the memory of her, of what happened, came rushing back, and they became aware of the way their entire body ached .

"Ilex! Oh, you're awake! Ilex, I'm so glad you've opened your eyes; I was so worried," Dahlia breathed.

"It seems you've kept me alive, little bird," Ilex said, their voice like gravel from disuse.

Dahlia let out a relieved laugh at that. "I certainly did my best. I had no idea what type of poison those awful men used, so I had to guess at what herbs would help. I probably didn't get it totally right, but hey, you're talking to me right now, so I will take that as a win, I suppose," she said.

"Here, you need to drink some water, and I made some broth too. I hope you don't mind, I raided your garden a bit. Oh, and poor Misty thinks she can eat still, so she's torn up the plants outside quite a bit—I'm so sorry about that," Dahlia said as she offered Ilex a cup of water.

They drank and savored the feeling of the cool water running down their throat before they spoke again. Dahlia had hurried off to fill a bowl of broth and was now sitting before them again, offering it to them.

Ilex had never been…cared for. Even as a young Dryad, their family had not coddled them, and they had moved away the moment they were old enough to fend for themself.

But this bright little necromancer had stayed with them, was caring for them. For reasons Ilex could not understand.

"Could you try to eat just a few bites at least?" Dahlia asked, holding the small bowl out to them.

Ilex nodded, taking it into their own hands. Dahlia smiled at that and remained seated at the edge of their nest.

"I've also, eh, made myself at home. You were asleep for several days. I hope you don't mind too terribly, but I made myself a spot on what I think is your couch?" Dahlia gestured to one of the mossy lumps Ilex had fashioned into the floor of the cottage when they'd made it. They couldn't hold back a hoarse chuckle.

"It is where I sit when I'm not sleeping, yes. You would call this a couch?"

"Yes, or a sofa, I suppose," Dahlia smiled back at them. "It's very soft."

Ilex nodded and studied Dahlia's face openly as she studied theirs. After a long moment, Dahlia seemed to realize that they were both just staring at each other, and shifted her gaze, rising from where she had been sitting. Ilex wasn't sure why she seemed uncomfortable.

"I'll, uh… I'll go check on Misty and make sure she hasn't gotten into your garden again."

Ilex hoped she wouldn't be gone for long.