"Well, you were right about that. I do think differently of you," she said.
Cael's heart stopped, and his stomach dropped. Had his worst fears come true?
"I understand more than most how much grief can change us. Your mother's death made you long for your time as a child. I can understand the desire for a carefree life with no responsibility. I struggled with grief and depression until I got some help. That type of deep pain can make us into people we don't want to be. But we both fought against it in our own ways. Now we're both here, still fighting against the pain. But we're doing it together."
The light of forgiveness filled him, and he smiled at her in wonder. "Thank you, Midori. Thank you for believing in me."
Midori leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his middle. Cael basked in the warmth of her body against his and pulled her even closer with two of his arms. Nothing felt as good as her body pressed against his. He wanted to tell her that, too. He wanted to confess he'd fallen in love with her and wanted to build a future with her. He opened his mouth to utter the words but noticed her eyes were already closed as she rested against him.
It had been a long day and an even longer night. They needed all the rest they could get. Once they arrived at the village, they'd have to figure out a plan for rescuing the tribe's women before the women were taken away or sold.
Morning had passed into late afternoon by the time the tribe awoke and began preparing for the trek to the jungle's outskirts. Cael looked down at Midori's sleeping form curled against him and brushed a strand of raven hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear. She was so beautiful, so brave. He wanted nothing more than to keep her safe.
Cael sighed, pushing those thoughts from his mind. Right now, all that mattered was the long trek ahead of them to the city. Cael stood and stretched his sore muscles. Sleeping on the hard ground hadn't done him any favors, but he knew it was onlythe start of the discomforts they'd face on the long walk ahead. He gave Midori's shoulder a gentle shake.
"It's time," he said when her eyes fluttered open.
She nodded and pushed herself up to her elbows, nudging Pugly's still slumbering body resting against her. The pig dog had given them some distance during their conversation earlier, but once it was done and Midori had fallen asleep, the beast sidled up next to Cael and refused to leave.
"Who knows what other terrifying creatures are out there?" Pugly said as he plopped to the ground. Cael patted his head and scratched behind the beast's ears until he'd calmed down enough to fall asleep.
"Pugly, it's time to go. Wake up."
The pig dog smacked its lips together, sneezed, and then farted before opening his eyes and getting to its feet. Cael shook his head, not sure what to say, so he decided not to say anything.
After a brief meal, the tribe gathered their sparse belongings and set off into the jungle. Cael and Midori walked side by side, Pugly trotting alongside them. The foliage was dense; vines and ferns brushed against their bodies as they passed. Insects buzzed and clicked in the trees above them. Though the sun was still high overhead, little direct light reached the forest floor.
As the afternoon wore on to evening, the air grew humid and heavy. Rivulets of sweat ran down Cael's back and chest, and his clothes clung to him. Midori looked equally miserable in the sweltering jungle with her hair plastered to her neck and forehead.
When the group stopped to rest and drink from their water skins, Cael used a scrap of cloth to wipe Midori's brow. She gave him a grateful smile, making his heart flutter. He wanted to pull her into his arms, but mindful of the others, he simply squeezed her hand.
The jungle seemed endless. Cael's legs ached from hours of walking over the uneven ground and clambering over fallen logs. He knew Midori must be just as tired, but she never complained or asked for a break. She just continued putting one foot in front of the other.
As the day wore on and night fell, Cael noticed Midori struggling more and more to keep up. Her face grew drawn and pale. He knew her human body wasn't designed for such grueling physical exertion. After all, she was half his size, and it was obvious her eyes couldn't see as well in the growing dark. When she stumbled for the third time, he scooped her up and deposited her on his back before she could protest.
"Just until we stop to camp," he said.
She didn't argue, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and neck as he carried her while he pulled her legs around his waist with two of his four hands. He was glad to provide her some relief.
Pugly trotted beside him and gave Cael a hopeful look.
"Don't even think about it," Cael warned.
Pugly grunted and scampered ahead.
Finally, Zephryn called a halt for the night. Cael set Midori down, steadying her as she got her legs back under her. While the Zebrans prepared a meal, Cael, Midori, and Pugly collected firewood. The mundane task was made more difficult by the oppressive darkness which had settled over the jungle. Strange sounds echoed around them—screeches, howls, and other-worldly noises. Midori looked around and breathed an audible sigh of relief when they had gathered enough wood to head back to the relative safety of the camp.
After they ate, Cael could see Midori struggling to keep her eyes open. "Get some rest," he told her. "Tomorrow will be even more challenging."
Too tired to argue, she settled onto her bedroll. Cael sat down nearby, his back against a tree trunk. Midori reached out and took his hand, threading her fingers through his.
"Thank you for carrying me," she murmured with a yawn.
Cael gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Anytime."
Her eyes fluttered closed, and soon her breathing became slow and steady in sleep. Still holding her hand, Cael kept watched until sleep claimed him as well.
The next morning was more walking, but with each step the tribesmen became more and more animated and less tired.
