Waking with a throbbing headache and someone grinning at me wasn't a pleasant way to wake up. Neither was the unpleasant taste of herbs in my mouth but I only had myself to blame...well, Tensay too come to think of it.
"Ohhh...what hit me?" I groaned, rubbing my forehead as Roshani looked down at me. "Mouth feels like I ate something rotten."
"That would be whatever Tensay gave you, Valery." Roshani answered, sitting beside me as I groaned. "Here, drink some water." He said, holding a bowl towards me.
Somehow I managed to raise myself up enough to drink, the water clearing the bitter taste from my mouth. "Thanks. I was so drunk yesterday and...wait, what happened? I remember coming back to your hut but the rest is a blur."
"You tried to mate with me." Roshani replied, setting the bowl down when I nearly dropped in. "I am kidding. I wanted to mate with you but you fell asleep before we could." He explained as I stared at him, wide-eyed and cheeks red. "I would not mind trying again when you are well." He whispered, lightly kissing my cheek.
"Maybe when I'm not drunk. Never drinking again." I muttered and he grinned, holding out his hand. I let him pull me to my feet, stumbling once he released my hand. "Whoa...head does not feel good...neither does my stomach." I mumbled, clamping a hand over my mouth when my stomach rebelled. Quickly I pushed past Roshani, who followed as I fled the hut. I found a bush a short distance from Roshani's hut only just making it before I threw up into the bushes, the bitter taste of the drink I had swallowed making me cough.
When I finally stopped puking, I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand thankful I hadn't had anything more than the drink Tensay had given me.
Really never drinking again, I thought. Now at my side, Roshani handed me the water bowl and I took it gratefully. Washing my mouth out I sighed before I handed it back, shaking my head to clear it. A little anyway as Roshani watched on with an eyebrow raised. "Thanks. Remind me never to drink anything Tensay makes...ever again." I groaned and he chuckled, brushing a loose strand of hair from my forehead.
"You should never drink what the wolf shaman makes. For your health and your mind." Roshani said and I nodded, heading towards the camp with the commander in pursuit. "Where you going now?" He asked and I turned my head slightly, waving my left hand over my clothes.
"I need a bath, badly. Unless the smell of sweat and puke is pleasant to you." I replied and he grimaced, shaking his head as he took a quick step back. "Thought so. I'll see you back here later." I added, heading through the camp as Roshani watched. With my back turned I didn't see the smile that curled his lips as I headed back to my hut first, knowing that carrying a weapon would be a very good idea in Oros.
Now with my club in hand and my bow slung over my shoulder, I stepped through the forest whistling for Dusk. Seconds later he raced out of the bushes, a low rumble emerging from his throat as his way of greeting me. "Hey boy. Want to go for a walk? I could use the fresh air." I asked and he growled, walking at my heels as I walked through the forest.
Taking my time I went in search of a waterfall to wash my clothes and myself, hopefully without being set upon by Izila or Udam. But my walk ended up being pretty uneventful, except for two brown bears fighting each other, which was pretty cool to watch as long as we kept our distance.
After what seemed like hours of walking we came to another waterfall and I looked into the distance, looking for Roshani. "Huh I thought this would be the perfect time for Roshani to follow me." I muttered and Dusk just growled, looking where I was. "Doesn't matter. At least this way I can finally have a bath in peace."
Dusk followed until I reached the waterfall and he stepped towards the rocks, curling up. "Keep watch okay? Thanks, Dusk." I told when he flicked his tail, flexing his claws. Stepping towards the water I yelped the cold water hitting me, leaving me shivering. As quckly as I could I headed towards the other side of the rocks, the water now up to my waist.
Adjusting to the cold I started to strip, throwing my shirt and skirt onto the rocks before I ducked under the water. Holding my breath I soaked my hair before I straightened, wiping the water from my eyes and nose. Feeling a little better I decided to find a good spot to sit and rest, the water washing the sweat and dirt from my body.
"Much better." I sighed, leaning my back against the rocks. After a slight shift I found a comfortable spot to sit with no rocks poking me in the backside.
Closing my eyes I relaxed, not knowing someone was just outside the waterfall. Even when they peered in at me I didn't notice, too content at relaxing after the battle with Batari and her Izila warriors.
It wasn't until I heard footsteps that I straightened only to have a hand clamped over my mouth, my cry for help smothered . At the exact same moment I felt an arm grip me tightly around my waist, keeping me from escaping.