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“Halsin, I’ll be back quick.”
It was what Yulia told him in the early morning, but the archdruid was a tad bit worried. It was now late in the evening, and while he knew Yulia knew her way in the forest, she had yet to be back to the camp. He decided to bide his time and hope that she comes back safe and sound.
The group already started to wrap up after dinner, and it was only then the elf showed up again, this time with a pot in her hands. It looked like she went through a lot. Little scratches here, some others there, and hair completely undone for someone who usually has it in a bun.
“I am back.” However, Yulia’s smile was bright, as if nothing happened for all these hours. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.”
“You missed dinner.”
“I’ll be fiiiine,” she sheepishly smiled. “I got berries on my way out. And before you ask, what took me so long is I took a detour to find what I wanted, fell down a long way, and a bird almost snatched my necklace, but I did well.”
“I am glad you are safe, but make sure not to put yourself even more in danger next time. Shadowheart wouldn’t be happy seeing you like that.” He simply put a hand on her cheek, healing the scratches she got from that solo adventure. “Now, what were you searching for?” He stared down at the pot.
“That’s… uhm….. for you.” She lifted it high enough to put the pot on his hands. He immediately noticed the slight blush as she averted her gaze. “It’s for your hard work at the camp. It has not been unnoticed. That’s a whole jar of honey.”
“All the pleasure’s mine, but you didn’t have to; we all contributed to the work.”
“I just felt like it, don’t ask any further and take it. Please.”
Halsin failed to read her face, but he was certain it was way more than that. Well then. He decided he was in fact going to perceive her a little further than usual.
“Thank you, my little mage. But I do prefer to give back. Would you allow me to redo your hair?”
That took the lady a bit off guard. She was silent for a few seconds, then silently accepted the offer.