Finding Truth Behind Legends
by Wizardtho
Chapter 34:
Taha builds a fire pit in the center of the backyard, while Kimbal helps Dad and Jake carry the drywall to the basement storage room.
Sinopa, Angie, Melody, Lily, and I get comfortable in the lounge chairs a few feet away from the firepit. Sinopa holds another steaming cup of tea, but the rest of us have tall glasses full of virgin pina coladas to sip on.
Andy, Thomas, and Jasmine seem to find me at the same time, right as I take the third delicious sip of my drink. “Mmm… hi, guys. Ladies, if you’ll excuse me for a few minutes, I need to have a short conversation with these three.”
I stand and walk into the house with them. I show them the actual bathroom space, show Andy the loft spaces, then show everyone the basement, and where the water and electricity come in from the street. They quickly make a plan between them, and both trades agree to work in tandem starting tomorrow morning.
On the way up the stairs, I ask, “Did you see the final position of the cabin?”
Andy offers, “I did, but without a frame, I can’t envision the way you have it orientated yet.”
I nod, then explain, “On a slight angle. The front porch is open to the road and the backyard. The back door will lead to the forest and the garden paths.”
I turn to see them smiling; Jasmine nods, “I can see that working out well. We’ll start working in the house as soon as you tell us we can in the morning.”
I chuckle as we head back outside, “I’m an early riser. My house has an open door policy come sunrise. It’s unofficial, but still. There are usually between 2-5 coyotes here for breakfast, once they come off patrol. The front door will be awaiting your knocks, and coffee will be on.”
We’ve made it to the kitchen, so I pick up the ziplock bag holding the dream pillows, then hand them and the tin of calm night tea to Andy. “These are for Mae. If it’s only steeped for 3 minutes, one tea ball measurement will make 2 cups of tea. If you steep it for 5, toss it after the first use. Keep track of the stamp on the pillow. It’s to be placed inside her pillowcase, under her regular pillow. Keep the ziplock closed and in a cool dry place, for the second pillow. When the stamp fades to nothing, the herbal properties have been used up. That’s when you pull out the second pillow. Don’t hesitate to tell me if you need more of one or the other. And please, keep me informed of her progress.”
Andy takes my hand in both of his, squeezes it gently, then says, “Thank you, Bella. I’ll take this to her now so she can try out this system tonight. I’ll be here bright and early.”
I smile, watching Andy make his way out the front door, then hear Jasmine say, “Bella? Mama told me earlier that her foot was tingling a little bit. Is that normal?”
Scratching behind my ear, I ask, “Was her foot open to the air at the time or wrapped?”
She shakes her head, “Propped up and open to the air. She expected it to hurt when she cleaned the salve off. It did, but not nearly as bad as she thought… then she felt the tingling.”
I smile, “It’s the slight pain-relieving properties of the salve. Nothing for her to worry about. It’s doing it’s job. Did it look any better at all? A lessening of swelling or redness, a difference in the tightness of the skin at the edge of the burn?”
Thomas answers by showing me his phone screen. I wince as I look at the picture, “Oh, gracious.”
He explains, “That was before we started the salve last night. This…” he swipes to the next picture, and I can already see a noticeable difference for the better, “Is tonight before we came over.”
I sigh in relief, then pat his shoulder with a smile, “It looks so much better already. Yes, it’s still a nasty burn, and it needs care, but you are doing that. Can you flip to that first picture again? I want to show you something.”
He does, so I point at the splotchy hyper-coloring of the burn, then the pulled tightness of the skin all the way around the edge of the burn. When he flips to the picture from tonight again, I point to those same spots and say, “The coloring has evened out, it’s not super red or splotchy anymore, and the skin here is much more relaxed. She’ll probably have at least one fluid blister, with how fast this is working. Let it pop on its own, and it can drain onto the bandage. Just make sure to change the bandage to a new one each time she airs her foot; only use a mild soap and water to clean the area. The fluid should be either clear or a clearish-pink, and the salve will continue to help heal it all. If it is milky or yellow, please take her to see either a practiced shaman or physician. That means an infection is setting in, and she will need someone with training that I’ve not had yet.”
Thomas nods seriously as he processes that, then says, “Thank you, Bella. I’ll call and relay the information to her now, while it’s still fresh in my mind.”
When I return back outside, Taha, Greg, and Zander are all tending the multiple grills. My dad is playing with toy trucks on a blanket with Kai, while two men stand near my group of ladies. I smile as I approach, but after a pat from one man on the hand of the other, the first man quickly comes to my side and links his arm with mine.
We’re headed for the house as he says, “You and I need to chat, Miss Thing. Rumors are all over about you and the mighty alpha.”
I ask as we near my bedroom porch, “Avory?”
He grins, “Yes, Lovey, and you are about to show me your closet. I have work to do.”
I chuckle and walk into my bedroom, then offer, “Sorry, Avory, but I’m clearly missing something. Why exactly do you need to see my closet? And what are these rumors?”
He stops, places both hands on his hips, and rolls his eyes before explaining slowly, “You may not want an expensive wedding, but I’m going to make damn sure you have a memorable one. If you don’t have a suitable dress, since you insist on wearing a sundress, I,” he bows dramatically, which causes his blonde hair to fall into his blue eyes, “Avory McGrath, am going to make you one. As for the rumors, they are about the two of you getting married, of course.”
I laugh happily and plop onto the edge of my bed, then offer, “Avory, slow down. The only reason marriage was even brought up -literally just last night- is because my Dad is old-fashioned. He saw my mate mark and knows Taha and I made love. Taha hasn’t even officially asked me. Yes, we both know that we will get married at some point, but Taha has been in his wolf form for centuries. He might want to be on two legs for a while before he asks me… and I’m in no rush. He’ll ask me when he’s ready. When that time comes, yes, I will be wearing a sundress, and yes, our wedding will be on my picnic island by the creek. The place is special to us, and it’s fitting that our vows be made there.”
He raises an eyebrow at me, then points to the double doors leading to my bathroom and the closet. I shrug and nod, knowing there’s no getting out of this, then follow him. Pointing toward the closet, he walks determinedly forward, immediately examining every piece of clothing I have.
Several times I hear a hum or an ‘oh, that’s cute’, but when Avory finishes, he shakes his head. “Darling, you need me. You have not a single sundress in a light color. I promise not to go overboard, but please let me do this.”
I bite my lip as I contemplate, then ask softly, “You’re a designer?”
At his nod, and smile of, “I dabble a bit,” I let out a breath.
After thinking for a split second, I look into Avory’s eyes. I relax considerably at the honesty in them. “Not white. I will, however, consent to wearing white flat sandals, though. If you can sketch me up a few ideas, I’d feel more comfortable. I’m really not a frilly, over-the-top type of person.”
His whole face lights up, then he hugs me, “You have a deal, Miss Swan. I’ll work a few things up for you in the next day or two, so you can look them over at the first bonfire.”
We’re laughing at one of Avory’s stories as we reach our mates the girls outside again. Taha turns his head from attending one of the grills, gives me a breathtakingly beautiful smile, then turns back to his task as he says something to Nova.
Avory chuckles, then whispers in my ear as he links his arm with mine, “Oh, Lovey... it’s not going to take any time at all before your wolf proposes. Mark my words.”
Taha builds a fire pit in the center of the backyard, while Kimbal helps Dad and Jake carry the drywall to the basement storage room.
Sinopa, Angie, Melody, Lily, and I get comfortable in the lounge chairs a few feet away from the firepit. Sinopa holds another steaming cup of tea, but the rest of us have tall glasses full of virgin pina coladas to sip on.
Andy, Thomas, and Jasmine seem to find me at the same time, right as I take the third delicious sip of my drink. “Mmm… hi, guys. Ladies, if you’ll excuse me for a few minutes, I need to have a short conversation with these three.”
I stand and walk into the house with them. I show them the actual bathroom space, show Andy the loft spaces, then show everyone the basement, and where the water and electricity come in from the street. They quickly make a plan between them, and both trades agree to work in tandem starting tomorrow morning.
On the way up the stairs, I ask, “Did you see the final position of the cabin?”
Andy offers, “I did, but without a frame, I can’t envision the way you have it orientated yet.”
I nod, then explain, “On a slight angle. The front porch is open to the road and the backyard. The back door will lead to the forest and the garden paths.”
I turn to see them smiling; Jasmine nods, “I can see that working out well. We’ll start working in the house as soon as you tell us we can in the morning.”
I chuckle as we head back outside, “I’m an early riser. My house has an open door policy come sunrise. It’s unofficial, but still. There are usually between 2-5 coyotes here for breakfast, once they come off patrol. The front door will be awaiting your knocks, and coffee will be on.”
We’ve made it to the kitchen, so I pick up the ziplock bag holding the dream pillows, then hand them and the tin of calm night tea to Andy. “These are for Mae. If it’s only steeped for 3 minutes, one tea ball measurement will make 2 cups of tea. If you steep it for 5, toss it after the first use. Keep track of the stamp on the pillow. It’s to be placed inside her pillowcase, under her regular pillow. Keep the ziplock closed and in a cool dry place, for the second pillow. When the stamp fades to nothing, the herbal properties have been used up. That’s when you pull out the second pillow. Don’t hesitate to tell me if you need more of one or the other. And please, keep me informed of her progress.”
Andy takes my hand in both of his, squeezes it gently, then says, “Thank you, Bella. I’ll take this to her now so she can try out this system tonight. I’ll be here bright and early.”
I smile, watching Andy make his way out the front door, then hear Jasmine say, “Bella? Mama told me earlier that her foot was tingling a little bit. Is that normal?”
Scratching behind my ear, I ask, “Was her foot open to the air at the time or wrapped?”
She shakes her head, “Propped up and open to the air. She expected it to hurt when she cleaned the salve off. It did, but not nearly as bad as she thought… then she felt the tingling.”
I smile, “It’s the slight pain-relieving properties of the salve. Nothing for her to worry about. It’s doing it’s job. Did it look any better at all? A lessening of swelling or redness, a difference in the tightness of the skin at the edge of the burn?”
Thomas answers by showing me his phone screen. I wince as I look at the picture, “Oh, gracious.”
He explains, “That was before we started the salve last night. This…” he swipes to the next picture, and I can already see a noticeable difference for the better, “Is tonight before we came over.”
I sigh in relief, then pat his shoulder with a smile, “It looks so much better already. Yes, it’s still a nasty burn, and it needs care, but you are doing that. Can you flip to that first picture again? I want to show you something.”
He does, so I point at the splotchy hyper-coloring of the burn, then the pulled tightness of the skin all the way around the edge of the burn. When he flips to the picture from tonight again, I point to those same spots and say, “The coloring has evened out, it’s not super red or splotchy anymore, and the skin here is much more relaxed. She’ll probably have at least one fluid blister, with how fast this is working. Let it pop on its own, and it can drain onto the bandage. Just make sure to change the bandage to a new one each time she airs her foot; only use a mild soap and water to clean the area. The fluid should be either clear or a clearish-pink, and the salve will continue to help heal it all. If it is milky or yellow, please take her to see either a practiced shaman or physician. That means an infection is setting in, and she will need someone with training that I’ve not had yet.”
Thomas nods seriously as he processes that, then says, “Thank you, Bella. I’ll call and relay the information to her now, while it’s still fresh in my mind.”
When I return back outside, Taha, Greg, and Zander are all tending the multiple grills. My dad is playing with toy trucks on a blanket with Kai, while two men stand near my group of ladies. I smile as I approach, but after a pat from one man on the hand of the other, the first man quickly comes to my side and links his arm with mine.
We’re headed for the house as he says, “You and I need to chat, Miss Thing. Rumors are all over about you and the mighty alpha.”
I ask as we near my bedroom porch, “Avory?”
He grins, “Yes, Lovey, and you are about to show me your closet. I have work to do.”
I chuckle and walk into my bedroom, then offer, “Sorry, Avory, but I’m clearly missing something. Why exactly do you need to see my closet? And what are these rumors?”
He stops, places both hands on his hips, and rolls his eyes before explaining slowly, “You may not want an expensive wedding, but I’m going to make damn sure you have a memorable one. If you don’t have a suitable dress, since you insist on wearing a sundress, I,” he bows dramatically, which causes his blonde hair to fall into his blue eyes, “Avory McGrath, am going to make you one. As for the rumors, they are about the two of you getting married, of course.”
I laugh happily and plop onto the edge of my bed, then offer, “Avory, slow down. The only reason marriage was even brought up -literally just last night- is because my Dad is old-fashioned. He saw my mate mark and knows Taha and I made love. Taha hasn’t even officially asked me. Yes, we both know that we will get married at some point, but Taha has been in his wolf form for centuries. He might want to be on two legs for a while before he asks me… and I’m in no rush. He’ll ask me when he’s ready. When that time comes, yes, I will be wearing a sundress, and yes, our wedding will be on my picnic island by the creek. The place is special to us, and it’s fitting that our vows be made there.”
He raises an eyebrow at me, then points to the double doors leading to my bathroom and the closet. I shrug and nod, knowing there’s no getting out of this, then follow him. Pointing toward the closet, he walks determinedly forward, immediately examining every piece of clothing I have.
Several times I hear a hum or an ‘oh, that’s cute’, but when Avory finishes, he shakes his head. “Darling, you need me. You have not a single sundress in a light color. I promise not to go overboard, but please let me do this.”
I bite my lip as I contemplate, then ask softly, “You’re a designer?”
At his nod, and smile of, “I dabble a bit,” I let out a breath.
After thinking for a split second, I look into Avory’s eyes. I relax considerably at the honesty in them. “Not white. I will, however, consent to wearing white flat sandals, though. If you can sketch me up a few ideas, I’d feel more comfortable. I’m really not a frilly, over-the-top type of person.”
His whole face lights up, then he hugs me, “You have a deal, Miss Swan. I’ll work a few things up for you in the next day or two, so you can look them over at the first bonfire.”
We’re laughing at one of Avory’s stories as we reach our mates the girls outside again. Taha turns his head from attending one of the grills, gives me a breathtakingly beautiful smile, then turns back to his task as he says something to Nova.
Avory chuckles, then whispers in my ear as he links his arm with mine, “Oh, Lovey... it’s not going to take any time at all before your wolf proposes. Mark my words.”