Islana and Ch’Truta - Part 4

JP with mdman and Cindy

"It truly does, doesn't it?" Islana wasn't thinking he had a notion to hold her at that precise moment.

"Well, first things first...the cool down." Islana went through explaining the process of caring for M'hana. From when to give water and food; to how to brush the horse, clean its hoofs and everything in-between. Islana would show and then have Ch'Truta do the task. Often, this required her hand on his to show proper technique. Those times seemed to go a little slower than the others, letting their hands linger together just a little longer than perhaps was absolutely necessary. Still, it was done in such a way it could be easily taken as instruction, nothing more.

Being near Islana, having her often touch his hand, caused Ch’Truta deeper feelings. He followed her instructions to the letter, wanting her close to him more.

Ch’Truta’s thoughts were running amok. She stayed with him while he was poisoned, even holding his hand. She talked with him after, telling him of her past, even allowing Ch’Truta to hold her hand. Now, their hands slowly grazed each other while Islana taught him to care for M’hana. Chills shot from his hands up his forearms to his shoulders. This feeling so surprised Ch’Truta that he accidentally fell forward and to the ground while cleaning a hoof. He latched on to Islana’s arm to try and balance himself, which only pulled her down on top of him.

Ch’Truta quickly turned to face her. “I am sorry, Sister Locust,” he quickly expressed. Her face was only inches away. Ch’Truta, out of respect, held back from kissing her.

Once the initial shock of falling wore off, there was a feeling that shot down her spine, one that Islana hadn't ever felt before. She truly wasn't sure what to think or do. The redhead only knew she wanted to kiss Ch’Truta.

For everything the young leader had been through in her life, all of this was still new and different. Despite how much Islana couldn't deny liking the man from further in Arcadia than she had been. She was also completely unsure what to do with those feelings. It was a wonderful possibility trapped in a huge complication.

After several moments of quiet breathes, intermingling with two mouths so close. Her green eyes met his brown ones, "Umm..." was all the woman could think to say. She pushed her way off of him and stood up. Kissing him would have lead to problems. Not kissing him seemed like a huge mistake.

After Islana stood, Ch’Truta took a deep breath. He wanted badly to kiss those lips that were so near to his. He felt as though he had missed an opportunity that may never again present itself.

Quietly standing, Ch’Truta turned his attention back to the hoof, cleaning it. Inwardly, he was wondering how she had felt during that awkward moment.

As he finished the hoof, Ch’Truta again apologized. He turned his attention back to her charge, the horde, trying to suppress the feelings, “How soon do we move?”

Islana easily accepted the apology. She wanted to not think about what ifs.

The leader was glad for the question, a chance to get away from the awkwardness. "Tomorrow, mid-morning. It will take a few days to get to the winter passage." Islana responded. "I have asked Silina to be in charge of a group from the Horde that will attack from the south." Letting him know she had listened to the vision. "They will separate after we reach the winter passage.”

“Good,” Ch’Truta offered in response, almost showing the awkwardness of the moment. “That is good. I believe victory shall be ours.”

Was he speaking literally of the army or figuratively of Islana and himself. Ch’Trita wasn’t certain. The more he was separated from the spirits, the more he didn’t understand how to interpret things.

He turned to face the small frame elevated by her bearing and grace. “Shall we go for a ride.”

He offered her a smile. Now that he had felt freedom as this, he wanted to share it with her.

The Sister nodded, "I agree." She could really say nothing else, but did believe it.

His offer to take a ride led her to raise a brow, then a smile back at him. "I would like that.”