Tangled With Swords And Roses

Replay

I smiled behind my hand as the fair maiden glared at me. She went back to focusing on the fruit that was in front of her. She was elegant; her umber eyes looked at me from top to bottom, examining me. Her skin was blustered from the sun, probably from having to labor all day. Her features were soft in the morning light, and the nightgown she wore emphasized it. She was beautiful, a work of art.

She smiled, then, after finishing the apple in her hand, she handed me the tray.

"Tha..nk..y.ou..for..the...f...ood." She stammered.

"You are welcome."

I set the tray on the table and moved my chair closer to the bed. She looked tired and weak, but she was in a better state than I had found her.

"Whe.re I.." she questioned.

" I will answer all your questions after your hands are washed and your face is clean." I poured her some water from the pitcher on the ground.

"I am Moses." I said, setting down the pitcher. She looked away, not sure whether to tell me her name or not.

I continued to speak. " I found you in the forest bleeding, and I decided to bring you here." Terror swam in her darkish brown eyes as realization dawned on her. Her body started to tremble as she remembered me from the forest. She looked up at me, holding the blanket tighter against her chest. I leaned in to try and calm her down, but she screamed and shoveled my hand away.

***

I tried to breath in and out, but I felt like I was covered and unable to breath. He was from the forest, the one who smelled like blood. He put his hand on my back and a shiver ran down my back.

"Don't tou...ch me." I screamed at him. His hand recoiled back as he patiently waited for me to calm down.

"I won't hurt you." His voice was calm.

I breathed in looking at him. I am sure he could feel the fear that floated in the air. He got out of the chair and knelt beside me on the bed.

He spoke slowly " I am Moses. You were in the forest when you passed out, so I brought you here to nurse you back to health. I already told you I wouldn't harm a pretty creature like yourself. "

Curious I asked, " Wh...y wer..e you covered and sm..ell...ing lik...e blo...od?"

He looked at me, his expression turning serious. " The less you know, the better." He got up and picked up the tray.

" I promise as long as you are under my protection, no one will try to harm you. I swear that to you Sarah. " He smiled before turning to leave.