When Eyes Meet Eyes
Chapter 8
By: Amazonestar
Author's note: I'm really sorry it took me almost 4 months to finish this chapter, but I had a absolutely no inspiration whatsoever. I did my best, but nothing came. Then suddenly one evening I was sitting behind my pc and tadaa… I came up with this chapter. It's not very long, but I have new inspiration for the next chapter. I have no idea where this is going to end, so be prepared for this story to be very long and with a sequel as well. So I can guarantee you'll have a lot to read.
If people want to archive this story on their website, please ask, I will probably say yes (under certain conditions of course).
Well, please read and review, because happy readers make a happy author. ENJOY!
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When Eyes Meet Eyes
Chapter 8
It had been a full season since One Eye's capture. He'd recovered real quick and there had been no side effects. Only his hatred for the humans had increased. But luckily for him, and the rest of the tribe, the humans had not intruded since. he also was very careful and protective over his family. His daughter Moth had come to the age where she went exploring everything and had to be kept an eye on all the time. But fortunately for him and Clearbrook, the rest of the tribe helped out.
"Hey, come back, you little..." One Eye playfully said as he scooped Moth up from the ground. "No, no, you're not going anywhere." Moth giggled like and child would when One Eye picked her up at her feet and tried to tickle him in her best attempt. One Eye only pretended to be affected by it, but was actually laughing at her attempt. He really loved his little girl more than anything and he was glad he was still around to enjoy her growing up.
He was interrupted by Strongbow passing by, looking as grim as ever. "You might want to smile a little more, you know."
Strongbow snorted. **As if there's anything to smile about.** Seeing that Moth reached out to the archer, One Eye put her on the ground and, with incredible speed the cub crawled on all fours to him. Absentmindedly, Strongbow picked her up. She squealed and started to, softly, pull at his hair. His hair had always been longer than One Eye's and a perfect target for two little hands. Strongbow didn't care, as long as she didn't hurt him.
In a way, One Eye thought, Strongbow had always all the attention from the cubs. In a way they always seemed to be attracted by him. And there wasn't a female in the tribe that didn't like him. Maybe it had to do something with his good looks or his lean build. One Eye smiled at the thought. And to add, Moonshade, the one the archer disliked all his life, recognized him. That was really worse fate. But the one eyed elf knew it would be good for his friend.
"Well, Moth seems to be very fond of you," he joked. Strongbow let out a deep sigh. **Together with all the other girls.**
"Well, that's what you get when your mother was the most wanted woman in the Holt." At the mention of his mother, Strongbow closed his eyes briefly, memories of his parent rushing past. Though it had been a long time since his parents were brutally murdered, it still ached. He almost hated them for leaving him behind, but of course it wasn't their fault at all. He clenched his fists at the thoughts of the humans and tried to wrap the memories and put them away. He didn't want to remember it.
"-- you ok?" He heard One Eye finish his sentence, completely the world around him forgotten.
**What?** he answered warily. One Eye sighed and shook his head slightly. "Never mind. Just don't think too much."
**I shouldn't --** Strongbow replied, not really paying attention to the other. He turned his gaze back to Moth, who was trying to braid his hair, just as she had seen her father done several times with her mother's hair, while babbling in her own little language.
"-- but you can't stop it," he finished his friend's sentence. Strongbow shrugged. **No,** he simply stated.
Suddenly, thy were interrupted by Brownberry and Moonshade, both carrying a stack of tanned hides. They both giggled as they noticed Moth in Strongbow's arms. "How cute!" Brownberry chirped. "Have you ever seen something cuter than Strongbow holding a cubling?" Moonshade just giggled and felt her cheeks grow warm.
**Brownberry, you are way too bright,** Strongbow joked at One Eye's sister.
"Tee hee! I know, but I like it!" she laughed and walked on to bring the hides to where they were needed. "You coming, Moonshade?" Moonshade only nodded, but her eyes were focused at Strongbow, who couldn't do anything but look back.
"You -- you, she seems to -- to like you," she stuttered. Strongbow glanced at Moth for a second and turned his eyes back to the tanner.
**I -- guess.** He couldn't describe what he saw in those eyes. He had never seen it in those eyes. Maybe it was really love, like everyone had told him. They sparkled like the stars and held much in them. He heard her soul name in his head and he almost said it, but suddenly aware of the two other tribes mates watching them. He jerked his head away from her gaze and shook it. Moonshade startled a bit and blushed even more.
"Would you --" Moonshade started, afraid for the silence that would come between them if she didn't say anything. "Would you -- like to come to my den to --" She didn't know why she wanted him to come, but it felt the right thing to do.
He hesitated for a moment. Why did she ask him? It was so strange. That feeling in his heart, what could it be? He shook the thoughts from his mind and faced her once again.
**I would --** It was hard for him to voice his feelings, but nonetheless he tried. **I would --** he tried again, but it was just too hard. Silence followed, and Moonshade watched him as if she understood the difficulties he went through.
"You don't have to -- if you don't want to," she finally managed to get out. But the archer shook his head. **No, no, that's not it.** He took a deep breath. **I -- I'd love to.** Finally, that was out.
The tanner's face lit up and very quickly she gave him a peck on his cheek. **Thank you,** she sent. And then she was gone with the wind. And he suddenly felt an emptiness creeping in his heart. Unconsciously he drew Moth closer in his arms and smiled inside. Maybe things were turning out alright after all...