Try and Distract The Beast Away.

I jumped down sliding down the steep incline then fell off into the air and landed on the river bed. Grunting as I felt my leg twist slightly as I hit the ground and took a knee. I stood up and winced from the pain of my ankle. I ran as fast as I could into the water and drew an arrow, firing it at the beast charging at Artemis hitting it in the neck. The beast let out a roar as it stopped and stood on it's hind legs. I fired another hitting it in the neck again but it didn't seem to faze it as the bear turned it's attention toward me. It was one though fucker. I managed to fire one more arrow and just barley missed it's eye as the arrow grazed across the bears face before embedding in his shoulder. I dropped my bow and drew my sword just as the bear leapt at me. I went under the water feeling my head hit the rocks and lost my sword. The bears jaws sinking into the bracer on my left arm as I threw it up to protect my face. Claws ripping at the leather vest I wore. I reached around for my sword but couldn't find it as I struggled taking in water. I finally managed to get a hold of it and drove it up into the beast neck.

I came up gasping for air. I tried standing but only stumbled through the water. I made it to the shallows just as I hit the ground and closed my eyes as the world went dark.

I heard voices. Water moving. Felt a hand touching my arm. I was surprised when I opened my eyes and saw a ceiling. I looked around but didn't recognize the room. If this was heaven the décor needed some touch up but if I was in hell I could live with it. I tried to sit up and grunted.

“Whoa. Easy. Don't get up to fast.” A voice said as I saw a female elf standing over me. She had ashen hair and light gray skin. A trow or dark elf.

“Where am I?”

“Huntersrest. Your in the alchemist hut. You remember what happened?” She smiled.

“A bear I think. It's a little fuzzy.” I think I hit my head at some point. A bear attacked me. That I was sure of.

“Least you remember some of it but I would keep that secret.” She replied.

“Why?”

“Trust me.” She said as she brushed hair from my face. She had dark eyes. The kind you could get lost in.

“Are you the healer?” I asked.

“Sort of. Alchemist apprentice though I know a little about magical healing.” She smiled.

“Was anyone else hurt?”

“No. Thanks to you.” She said and leaned over giving me a kiss on the forehead.

“Good your awake.” An older Trow woman came in. She was much darker then the young girl who had been watching over me. “How do you feel?”

“Better then the bear I hear but not by much.” I said moving a little and rubbing my throat which felt a little dry.

“I will get some more water.” The younger trow smiled.

“Remember anything of what happened?”

“Not really, almost drowning I think. It's all a little fuzzy.” I shrugged.

“Yes. You hit your head pretty hard dear when you went under the water.”

“Since I have no memory can you tell me what I forgot or the parts of it you want me to remember.”

“You where in the woods for some reason.” She smiled.

“Right, I was looking for used fairy cocoons.” I replied. That I could remember.

“Find any?” She smiled.

“Don't remember.”

“The girls where taking a walk along the river bank and accidentally stumbled onto a bear. Just before the bear attacked the girls you fired at it to give the girls a chance to escape but it tackled you where you must have hit your head. Gave you all the scratches.”

“Feels about right.” I said.

“Did you heal me?” I looked at her.

“Selena, my daughter, did. The girls managed to bring you here. I was impressed actually. Not many full blood elves could have saved you and she is only half elf though it took a lot out of her.”

“Not to much I hope.”

“No. She has been doing magic long enough to know her limits. Though apparently not how powerful she truly is.” The old woman smiled.

“Your daughter is half blooded?”

“Yes. Selena is trow and elf. Two sides of the same coin but sadly welcomed by neither.” The old woman shook her head.

“Don't see many trow around here.”

“Where not the most loved people, not since the last war but me and my daughter have managed to carve out a living here in this small little town and there or other half elves here she has made friends with so we stay here and keep to ourselves.”

“Here you go.” Selena came back in with a cup of water.

“Your mom tells me I have you to thank for saving me. Thank you.” I said taking the cup and sitting up a little.

“You saved us first. Drink up. I put a little something in it for the pain.” She smiled and helped me drink.

“Speaking of. which I mixed a little something for you. This is for pain. A few drops but only when it hurts. To much and you won't feel any pain ever again.” The older Trow smiled and put one vial down.
“This one is for healing. A few drops with each meal. Best if you mix it with a touch of something to kill the taste.”

“That mean I am well enough to travel?” I smiled. I sure as hell didn't feel like it.

“On horseback. No. But Gypsy and her brother are waiting for you so you can ride in the back of the wagon. You should feel better in a day or so but that arm will take more time to heal. You live in the town?”

“Staying at an inn. Astrid place off of...”

“Yes I know the place. I will come check on you next chance we get.” The woman smiled.

“Thank you. How much do I owe you?”

“Everything has already been paid for dear.”

“Then at least except my gratitude healer.” I smiled

“You are very welcome dear.” I sat up and pulled the covers off of me only to realize now that I was naked.

“Wow.” Selena said as looked down at my cock.

“Sorry.” I said pulling the cover back.

“Um, my clothes?”

“They should be dry by now I will go get them.” Selena said though her eyes seemed to be glued to one spot.

“Thanks.” I smiled. Selena went to the door way but stopped to glance back as she bit her bottom lip.

“The rest of your stuff is over there.” I woman pointed to my bag.

“My horse?” I asked.

“Outside waiting on you. Artemis called it here.” the woman replied.

“Got to learn that one.” I smiled. It be nice trick to know in a pinch.

“I will tell them you are coming.” The old woman smiled. I drunk the rest of the water wondering how long before it kicked in good. She headed out of the room.

“Here you go.” Selena came back into the room. “Don't know if you can fix it or not but your leather vest is pretty shredded.”

“Least it served it's purpose.” I smiled. I don't think I would be alive without that vest on from the look of it.

“You want to turn around or?” I teased.

“Right. Sorry. Sorry. Just never seen. You know.” She said turning a little purple in the cheeks and turned around.

“Their not all that big are they?” She asked.

“I couldn't say. I am sure I don't measure up to a minotaur.” I joked.

“Note to self. Never date a minotaur.” She replied. I thought I saw her steal a little peek over her shoulder.

“You can turn around now.” I said tying up my breeches.

“Here.” She said handing me a potion.

“What is it?”

“Something for your memory. Maybe. I never made this potion before but it won't kill you. Mom gave you something to erase the last few hours. Drinking this should counter the spell.” Selena shrugged.

“Why?”

“Us girls were bathing by the river. I am sure you saw. Well everything.”

“Oh.” I nodded.

“Yeah.” She blushed.

“So why are you giving me this?”

“I just don't think it was fair of you to risk your life and then not know what you did.”

“Thanks Selena.” I smiled.

“Your welcome.” Se nodded. I gathered my bag and headed out with a little help. I had diffidently sprung my ankle at some point.

“See told you he would make it.” Gypsy said as she came out. I was glad I could remember her name at least.

“You two where betting on me dying?”

“I heard attacked by bear and thought the worst. Sue me.” The male Satyr said and handed a few copper to his sister.

“You.” A man said. I turned to see a big burly man coming at me. He grabbed me and hugged me tightly. “You protected my little girl thank you.”

“Ribs. Can't breath.”

“Sorry. Forgot.” He said sitting me down on the ground. “Artemis is my whole world. I am just glad you were their to protect her.”

“I think I acted more as bait then doing anything heroic.” I shook my head. I saw Artemis standing behind him who smiled at me.

“Ha. Humble to boot this one.” He laughed and slapped my shoulder. “I hope you don't mind but I went back and got the bear. Gladly pay you for the meat.”

“Your going to eat it?” Gypsy asked.

“Bear is damn good. Specially after it has been cured and seasoned.” He smiled.

“Carnivores.” Gypsy stuck out her tongue.

“Not like I can sell it in the city so it's yours though I wouldn't mind having the hide as a trophy.”

“Spoken like a true hunter. Might have a few holes in it but it still keep you warm come winter. Names Aaron.” He said and offered his hand. I took it and shook it.

“Thanks.”

“Thank you.” Artemis smiled as she stepped closer and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

“I best get going.”

“Okay. When you come back this way you come find me when your feeling up to it.” the old man smiled.

“Will do sir.” I said and climbed into the back of the wagon. It looked like they had sold about half of their stock. Gypsy climbed in behind me. “So how did you convince your brother to wait on me?”

“I owe you one for earlier.” He looked back.

“I told him that showing up with you when we go to see the lady that Daisy is working for would might make her more inclined to buy from us.”

“Astrid.” I replied.

“That's the one.” Gypsy smiled.

“Where is Daisy?”

“She went to town to tell everyone that you were hurt but okay.” Gypsy nodded.

“He lives.” Torvald replied as the wagon pulled around back.

“Just barely.” I shrugged.

“I will take the horse.” He said and walked over untying it from the cart while I pulled off my bag and sack which was apparently full fairy silk from the feel. Gypsy introduced herself to Torvald who seemed instantly smitten with her. While her brother seemed to have some business sense Gypsy was clearly the people person of the two of them.

“Master.” I heard a yell as I came in the back door. Terra almost tackled me. She threw her arms around me and hugged me. Her face rubbing against my crotch while her hands held my ass. “I was so worried.”

“I am fine. I smiled down at her and ruffled her hair.

“We all were. I am glad you are okay dear.” Astrid smiled and puttin a hand around my waist so I could lean on her while I walked.

“Thanks.”

“Here. Take these.” I said offering Terra the ducks.

“Yummy Ducky's”

“You know how to pluck them?”

“Yep.” Terra nodded.

“Good save the feathers.”

“Okay.” She smiled.

“Just to let you know their are two satyrs outside who are going to try and sell you some wine.” I smiled.

“Hmm. Never had Satyr wine before. Probably not as good as elven but that stuff is very expensive. As long as it's not like centaur ale.”

“What's wrong with centaur ale?”

“You know how strong it would have to be to get a centaur drunk.” She smiled up at me.

“Fair point.”

“Hey you.” Daisy said as she came over and gave me a hug making me cringe in pain. “Sorry. Are you okay?”

“Just sore all over.” I shook my head.

“I am glad to see you are okay. You had us all worried when the bear jumped on you.” She shook her head.

“I am fine. Hit my head pretty hard so I don't remember much of what happened but at least I am in one piece.”

“You don't remember any of it?” She replied though I couldn't tell if she was happy about it or not.

“Just the bear jumping on me.”

“Oh.”

“Foods ready. Pretty cow lady.” Terra said as she came out putting a few bowls on the bartop.

“Her name is Daisy.” I looked at Terra.

“Sorry. Food is ready pretty cow lady Daisy.” Terra said making me laugh which made it hurt.

“I better get back to it.” Daisy took the food.

“Whoa. Hate to see the bear.” Helga said as she came over.

“That bad?”

“You look a little rough not that it's a bad thing. Some chicks dig scars.” Helga grinned.

“Help me get him upstairs to his room and into bed.” Astrid said.

“Kinky mom.” Helga smiled

“You know what I meant.” Astrid shook her head. They led me up to the room and into bed. I sat down and then crashed onto the bed. Astrid said she would send up some dinner for me.

“Hey you.” Arwen said as she came in. “How do you feel?”

“Sore but I will live. Alchemist gave me something for the pain if it gets to bad.” I shrugged.

“Where does it hurt the most?” Arwen sat on the end of the bed beside me.

“Everywhere. My arm and leg mostly. Bear thought it was a chew toy.”

“May I help?” She asked.

“Sure.”

“Solacium.” She said touching my arm. The pain slowly faded from a sharp stinging sensation to a dull ache. “Better?”

“Little sore but only when I try to move it.” I smiled.

“Mendus.” She said and worked on healing. “I can heal it a little each day but if I heal this to fast it will leave scaring and possibly limit movement.” Least it was my left arm I thought

“I would appreciate that. Thank you.” I smiled.

“Of course.” She moved to my ankle and completely healed it good as new. She headed back down stairs as Daisy came in with a bowl of food and a cup of something, hopefully strong.

“I brought you some food.” Daisy smiled and sat them on the table beside me. “I am so sorry about you getting hurt.”

“Not your fault.” I shook my head.

“Still. You got hurt protecting us.” Daisy smiled and leaned in and gave me a kiss before backing away slowly as she blushed. She left to let me rest but I saw her look back as she closed the door. I ate then got up long enough to wash off with the wash basin. The back of my head stung a little but thankfully I hadn't cracked my head open or anything like that. Mom always said I was hard headed. I went and sat back on the bed and picked up the book on magic and began to read and practiced a spell that made a coin on a nearby table come to me.

“Come in.” I said as I heard a knock on the door. Gypsy walked in carrying a cask. “I have the wine my brother promised you.”

“Thanks.”

“Feeling any better?” She said setting it down on the desk and grabbing a cup and pouring me some..

“Some. I think the bear was the lucky one.” I shrugged.

“Here you go.” She smiled as she came over and handed me the mug.

“Thanks.” I smiled and raised the glass. “Mmm. Pretty good.” I nodded. I wasn't a wine person, mostly because I never tried it, but this was actually pretty good.

“Thanks. Glad you like it. It's my dads recipe truthfully. Astrid seemed to like it and bought several and your friend Torvald wanted to take him to some whore house because he thought the madame might like it.” I could only shake my head. I knew the place they were going alright.

“He left you here by tour self?”

“I may be small but I am a big girl and can look after myself.” She smiled.

“I am sure.” I nodded.

“I just wanted to come up and thank you, for you know. Saving our asses.” Gypsy smiled.

“It's no problem. It's a cute ass.” I shrugged.

“You are so bad.” Gypsy laughed as she kicked her legs.

“You say that like it's a bad thing. I like horny women.”

“Hey.” She gave me a playful swat with her hand.

“It was a joke. Because of the horns.”

“Oh. Right sorry.” Gypsy laughed. “I better let you get some sleep.” Gypsy smiled and gave me a kiss. I watched her walk back toward the door. She grabbed the bottom of her dress up and mooned me as she gave her ass a little wiggle. It was cute as I said. Nice and tight with a heart shape. Her small goat like tail wiggling slightly as she gave it a shake. The rest of her was diffidently human as I didn't see a lick of fur. She dropped the dress and giggled then left. It didn't take long after adding a few drop of the potions Selena's mom had given me for me to fall fast asleep. I was still sore in the morning but was better then yesterday. Least I could walk but hunting was out of the question. I slung on my satchel and grabbed the bag full of fairy silk figuring I could at least bring it to them. It was funny that despite the bag being almost full it had almost no weight to it. Daisy smiled up at me as she was sweeping the floors and blushed slightly when I gave her a wink. I was surprised to find I didn't have to go far as I found Heidi sitting at the bar and talking to Helga.

“Hey you.” Heidi smiled.

“Heidi. What brings you here?”

“Checking on you for one. Heard you got pretty banged up.” She replied.

“I am fine.” I shook my head.

“I was coming to see you actually or Gwen I should say.” I said setting the sack down and she opened it up.

“Wow. That is a lot. Thank you. Gwen will be so thrilled. Might have to pay you in increments for what this is worth. I don't even think she thought you would find this much in one spot.”

“Could take it out in trade. The leather jacket of your fathers saved my ass but it's pretty much scrap now.”

“Consider it done. It will take me a couple of days but I am sure Gwen still remembers all your measurements. We wouldn't mind you stopping by later on just to be sure and so she can thank you in person herself.”

“Thanks. I will do that.” I smiled. She gave me a cheek and headed on her way. Helga got me some breakfast and I sat at my normal spot at the bar.

“Morning.” Gypsy said as she came down the steps. I hadn't realized she had stayed the night but was glad she did instead of trying to make it back in the dark.

“Morning Gypsy.” I smiled.

“Care for some breakfast?” Helga asked.

“What do you got?” Gypsy gave a little shrug.

“Eggs and sausage.”

“No thanks.” Gypsy shook her head.

“Oh right sorry.” Helga laughed. “Guess we will have to find something else for you and Daisy if she is going to be working here. What all do you eat?”

“Got any cereal? Oats maybe?” Gypsy asked as she climbed up onto the stool beside me.

“Yes. We keep some for the horses.” Helga nodded.

“That will be fine. Thank you.”

“You want some to Daisy.” Helga looked at her.

“Yes please.” Daisy nodded.

“Still want me to escort you home?” I looked at Daisy.

“If you are up to it. I don't want you to over do it plus Gypsy will be with me. She lives pretty close to my place.” Daisy replied.

“I am fine. Arwen healed me a little more last night. I can't use my bow but my sword arm still works.” I laughed.

“Okay.” Daisy smiled.

“Looks like my brother hasn't made it home yet.” I walked them home stopping at Gypsy's vineyard which I had passed several times but never really noticed as it sat a ways back from the main road near a small wooded area.

“Were you think he is at?” I asked.

“Off wooing some woman or another. Believe it or not he can be very charming when he wants to be.” Gypsy smiled.

“Is it just the two of you?”

“For over three years now. All the wine we are selling is from our first years harvest. Hopefully the first of many to come.” She smiled. “You know he could be gone awhile. It be just me here by my own little lonesome. I could use some big man to take care of me. I am sure we could find some way to pass the time.” Gypsy smiled up at me.

“Gypsy.” Daisy shook her head.

“What?” Gypsy grinned.

“You know what.”

“Your more then welcome to join us.” Gypsy grinned.

“I am sure you are more then capable of taken care of yourself.” Daisy took me by the arm and led me away.

“Spoil sport. Don't say I didn't offer.” Gypsy teased.

“Sorry about that. Gypsy can be a little...”

“Direct.” I laughed.

“That is putting it mildly.” Daisy nodded. We walked for a bit before we reached her farm.

“Looks like someone made it home. Big fellow.” I said noticing the Minotaur. He was hard to miss being taller then me. Hell, orc men would have to look up to him.

“Daddy.” Daisy ran over and gave her dad a big hug. “Dad this is my new friend.” She said looking at me when I got close.

“Thank you for looking after my family while I was gone.” The minotaur offered his hand that dwarfed mine in comparison. Now I knew how gnomes and golbins felt having to look up to us humans. Even his deep voice was a little intimidating.

“It was my pleasure sir.”

“Don't think a human has ever called me sir before.” He laughed.

“See you got the new flock back safe and sound.” I said as the pin looked packed now.

“Mostly. Goblins ran off with a couple. Not sure what they plan to do with them. Either eat um or fuck um. It could go either way with goblins. Maybe even both knowing those little bastards.” He shook his head. “I must confess when I had heard someone took down a bear I was a little surprised to hear it was a human.”

“Me as well. Could have gone either way truthfully.” I shrugged.

“Hello dear.” Betsy smiled and came over giving me a kiss on the cheek. “How are you feeling?”

“Better. Thank you.”

“When you said more sheep I didn't think you meant this many.” I looked at them all.

“Just in case next winter is as long as the last. I will have to build a bigger pen to keep them in.” Brutus replied.

“I can offer you a hand if you need one once my arm heals.” I shrugged.

“Thanks but we can manage.” Brutus shook his head.

“He plows fields for other farmers who can't afford horses so we have plenty of people who owe him a favor or two. All of our crop are already planted and should start sprouting any day now.” Betsy smiled. I imagine most farm work came easier to him then most humans.

“Seems we don't need me after all. I need to run to hunters rest.” I smiled.

“No horse?” Betsy asked.

“After yesterday I feel like the horse road me.” Shook my head.

“Ha. I like this one.” The minotaur said slapping my shoulder. I have a feeling he took that to mean something I didn't mean to say.

“Just don't over do it dear.” Betsy smiled.

“I won't.” I nodded. I stopped by the Archers shop first to see if I could find Aaron or his daughter. Instead I found a lovely looking blonde elf. And I do mean lovely. Hell she could be part nymph I thought as beautiful as she was.

“Hello, how might I help you?” She smiled.

“Artemis or her father around?” I replied.

“So your the one. May the goddess bless you for what you did.” She said as she came around the counter and grasped my neck and pulled it toward her and kissed my forehead. “They are both out hunting but I have what you came for.” She smiled and wen back toward the counter. I couldn't help but admire her ass in the dress she wore.

“She hunts as well?”

“Yes. She is quit skilled actually.” The woman smiled as she glanced back over her shoulder as she almost caught me looking at her ass.

“Must be the elven blood.” I joked.

“I like to thank so but her father would disagree.” The woman fetched the bear skin from under the counter.

“Are you her sister?” I said. I could see the resemblance.

“Oh heavens no but I appreciate the compliment. Her mother actually.” She smiled.

“Wow. Sorry, you look so young.” I shook my head.

“Thank you. We elves don't quit age like you humans.” She replied. I wondered how old she really was.
“I am fifty four if you must know.”

“Wow. I was thinking late twenties when I first saw you. Your husband is a very lucky man. I mean no offense.”

“It is fine. None taken. Trust me he knows.” She teased.

“How does that work with half elves like your daughter? Half humans.” I asked wondering if her daughter was older then she looked as well.

“They age like humans to adulthood but age much slower afterwards. Best of both worlds really if you ask me. Puberty for us elves seems like it last forever.” She joked.

“I bet.” I said.

“Here is your skin and some gold for the meat plus a little something extra from us for what you did.” She sad sliding it across the counter. I was just about to protest when she cut me off. “And yes you will take it.”

“You read my mind or something?” I joked.

“Yes. Actually. I can hear what people are thinking most of the time.” She shrugged.

“Oh um sorry about that.” I said feeling like an ass.

“Trust me dear. I am quit used to it by now and I am very flattered.” She teased.

“Well thank you for this. I am going to go before I think of something you might take offense to.” I replied and took the stuff. I was going to get out of here as fast as I could before I thought something she might take offense to and go see Selena.”

“Very well. Thanks again and tell Selena hello for me.”

“I will.” I nodded and then realized she had just read my mind. I made a quick exit and walked across the town though village seemed more fitting a word.

“Hey you.” I heard a voice shout and Artemis came riding towards me. “Glad to see you are better.”

“Thanks.” I smiled.

“See you got your pelt.” She got down off of her horse. I couldn't help but admire the buck she had brought down that was tied down over the back of the horse.

“Yes thank you.”

“Take it you meet my mother?” She smiled.

“Yes.”

“She didn't read your mind did she?” Artemis gave me a look.

“A little. I wasn't there long.” I shrugged.

“She makes it so hard for me to have a boyfriend.”

“Yeah that could be a problem.” I laughed. "You can't do that as well can you?"

"No. Why are you thinking something bad?"

"No. " I smiled though that tight leather riding out fit made me want to.

“What brings you out here? I thought you be resting in the city.”

“Just thought I see Selena. Get some healing. Collect my skin while I was in town. Nice kill you got there yourself.”

“Thanks.” She smiled. “Mind you it's no bear but.” She shrugged.

“You shot it with that?” I said looking at her bow.

“Sure did.” She said handing it over. It was so small but it had a good pull strength to it. “It's for shooting from horseback. The speed of the horse makes up the difference in range so you can get close and run the animal down.”

“Makes sense.” I smiled handing it back to her. She excused herself to go take care of the deer and I headed on to the Alchemist shop passing by a very nice carriage parked in front of the inn wondering if someone from the royal court had made an appearance. As I entered the shop I saw a friendly face look at me.

“Emerald.” I smiled.

“Well hello handsome.” Emerald grinned. “You didn't come all this way to take me up on my offer did you?”

“No happy circumstance but I am sure men have traveled much further to see you.”

“You flatter me.” She touched my stomach and gave it a rub.

“What brings you out here to town?”

“To meet with Katherine at the Inn to rent a couple of rooms. Entertainment for the nobles and servants while they are away from the city.”

“All the comforts of home.” I laughed. If they couldn't make it to the whorehouse the whorehouse would come to them apparently.

“Exactly.” She smiled.

“So what does bring you here? To the alchemist I mean.”

“Came to see Belladonna and Selena. No one makes potions better then dark elves in my experience. I have to make sure my girls stay healthy plus the fresh air of the country side is a welcome distraction. Vixen can more then handle the girls while I am gone. What about you dear?”

“Healing.” I shrugged holding up my bandaged arm.

“You two know each other?”

“Yes. He was kind enough to come to the protection of one of my girls a few days back but was to humble not to take the reward I offered for his deeds.” Emerald smiled.

“He has a knack for doing that. He tried picking a fight with a bear yesterday.” Selena smiled.

“Oh dear. That was you.” Emerald gave me a look.

“Yes.” I replied holding up my arm.

“Then I am very glad to see you are in one piece.” She smiled.

“Thank you.”

“If you ever change your mind you know where to find me.” Emerald smiled and turned back to Selena. “And if you need to talk more deer you are more then welcome to come to me. I will be staying here during the kings visit.”

“Thank you Emerald for listening.” Selena smiled.

“Of course dear.” Emerald touched her hand. Emerald had that carrying personality about her. I imagined she was a favorite of many a men who enjoyed pillow talk just as much as fucking her.

“So. What are you doing here?” Selena asked as Emerald left.

“Just thought I would check in. No I didn't ride my horse. I walked.” I grinned before she could ask.

“Good. The stitches could tear if you over do it. How is the arm?” She said stepping around.

“Better. A elf healer friend of mine did some healing last night as well as my ankle.”

“Lets take a look.” She said removing the bandage.

“Much better. She is a full blood elf isn't she.” Selena asked.

“Yes. How can you tell.”

“My ability to heal others isn't as strong as this.” Selena shook her head as she looked up at me.

“You kept me from dying yesterday.”

“Strong emotions...”

“...can affect the power of a spell.” I finished the sentence knowing what she was about to say.

“So you do know some magic.” She smiled. She must have felt it like Arwen had.

“Very little. I can blow out a candle, stir a drink, and tie a knot.” I shrugged,

“We all start somewhere.” She teased. I was sure young elves could do all of those spells quit easily. “Well I can leave this for her and focus on your other wounds since you are here.”

“Not about to say no.” I smiled.

“Lets head into the back.” She said and led me back into the room I had stayed in after the attack. It had to be the one they used for visitors who needed healing when potions were not enough.

“Okay take off your shirt.”

“This really necessary?” I smiled though pulled it off anyways.

“I could do it through your shirt but it be hard to see were the wounds are.” She smiled.

“Fair enough.” I smiled.

“Solacium. Medens” She said. One hand dulling the pain while the other healed. That was a clever trick I thought to myself.

“Your mom around?” I said making small talk.

“No. She just stepped out awhile ago to go get some herbs from the forest. With the king visiting it typically means many people come to town. I am sure we will get all kinds of sorts with all kinds of aliments. Poison ivy, animal bites, bug repellent. You name it. May as well be an army camp out there.” She mused.

“Why doesn't the king just ride back and forth?”

“Truthfully. It's just an excuse to get out of the castle. Gives him a week away from political mattes while still being close enough to ride back to the castle if something urgent comes up.” She replied as she moved down to my stomach. “So you take the potion?”

“No. I figure I would be a gentleman and not remember what I saw.”

“Thank you.”

“If you didn't want me to remember why did you give me the potion?”

“I just wanted you to have the choice but I was okay with either choice. It is more about why we make the choices we do then the choice itself.” She smiled up at me.

“I think I follow.”

“Well besides your thigh I think that does it. Unless you don't mind.” She blushed slightly. The wound in my thigh felt pretty deep considering I wasn't wearing armor their I wasn't surprised. I guess I should ask if Heidi would craft me some leather breeches as well.