Chapter 5
In the days before the storms, they went about their standard routine of tending the animals and garden. They repaired the roofs, reinforced the cob walls and re-insulated where needed. They chopped and gathered wood to store for future use, checked the food stores which Tora kept well guarded and finally checked the drainage so that the hut wouldn't collapse under the pressure of pooled rainwater.
He had discovered that she had made him sleep pants, a few shirts, a vest and coat from hides and furs, a pair of gloves, and another pair of boots. He never questioned her decision to completely release her apprentice and her former companion and she never mentioned her reasons for such an act. She never questioned him about his nightmares and he never mentioned them upon awakening.
In the evenings she would weave or sew and he would fletch arrows or practice carving with the knife she had given him. Occasionally, she would receive a visitor that required her talents and he would sit quietly in the corner on a chair he had recently made, and observe as he whittled, quietly noting each spell she cast, each word she murmured and each trance she entered. Every now and then, she would ask him to assist her as if he were her apprentice and he would eagerly obey with a, "Yes, Mistress."
He had been with her for many weeks before her fellow tribe members and friends came to visit. The first of which had been one that she called Ten "The Muse of Beauty". She was an illusionist that used her gift to improve the appearance of others. She would heal scars. Conceal deformities or rid them altogether and she was a genius when it came to aesthetics. Her companion was called Lory. Although Kuon found him a bit eccentric, he was a very proficient warrior and extremely graceful for his size. During the days they stayed with them, he taught Kuon many things. How to wield a sword and use his knife properly. Kuon's ability to learn quickly had astonished him and he took the young man under his wing. Mistress Kyoko had chosen well, to pick him as her new companion and protector. However, Kuon made him swear that he not tell her of his self-imposed duties. He didn't want her to be offended or to think he believed that she couldn't protect herself.
Her next guests were Kanae and Yuki. Kanae was a domineering and stern woman. Her companion Yuki, was quiet, strong and very intelligent. Kanae scolded Kyoko for not teaching Kuon to read and asked her why she hadn't. In fact, she really never thought of it. She agreed that it would be helpful and asked Yuki if he would mind. Yuki promised to teach him the basics and later Kyoko would teach him how to read the old languages and the mystical words that her books contained. He was quickly learning to channel healing magic and she had even secretly watched as he lit the cooking fire and cooled his ale in the past weeks. She felt a comfortable warmth knowing that she wasn't the only one like herself in the world. She started to feel not so odd and alone anymore.
Her final tribal visitors had been Chiori and Reino. They were certainly an odd pair. The woman had little dark beings constantly around her and Reino apparently could talk to and see spirits. As the females enjoyed each other's companionship and discussed current events, Reino taught Kuon how to avoid dangerous spirits and other nefarious beings. Kuon had never realized until then that there were far more things that were dangerous around him. Reino had warned him that he would need to help appease them on occasion as Kyoko was known to do. It was the first time anyone had ever mentioned her name to him and he was a little stunned. Her name was the same as the little girl he had once known.
It had been at least a couple of months since he had been taken in. He didn't want to call it purchased. She didn't treat him like a slave, she treated him as her equal and as an apprentice. She was thoughtful and kind to him. She allowed him to go about freely and made clothes for him. She allowed him to eat with her as an equal and educated him. Her friends and their companions also treated him as an equal and not once did she ever mention how they met each other. He sported the tattoos of her tribe and strangely enough, when they visited town, he was treated with the same respect that she had garnered. Although, he didn't test it by parting from her while they were out. He truly wasn't sure that the courtesies would be extended in her absence and he wasn't sure they would be pleased with calling him Master Shaman Kuon as she had introduced him. They did respect the tattoos though, and Mistress never allowed their path to go near the slave market. She had mentioned to him when asked, that it was distasteful and until she could do something about it, she would not go there again. He understood and appreciated the explanation.
As Autumn came to a close and the weather started to cool down, he found himself wanting to do more for her. She had done so much for him. She had healed him, educated him, treated him as an equal, expanded his world and taught him many Shamanic and Magical arts. He began planning his gift and writing it in the journal she had given him.
"Dark One, I have a request. You may deny it and I will not ask again." He told her as they sat comfortably, performing their evening duties.
She looked up from her knitting and smiled. "Kuon, you really don't have to ask like that. Just ask."
He nodded. "In Spring... I would like to build you a more suitable living space. Not that our home isn't suitable mind you, but I would like to give you a study to keep your books, a kitchen that is worthy of you and... a bed fit for a queen." He whispered the last part.
She blushed at the sweet gesture. How could she refuse when he had asked so honestly? "You may add to our home... but only if you allow me to help." She smiled.
He let out a sigh of relief and gave her the most heavenly smile. "Thank you, Dark One. It means a lot to me." He couldn't help, but think how beautiful she looked in the glow of the hearth.
"It means a great deal to me too, Kuon..." She said quietly. He smiled softly and nodded.
With those thoughts, he made plans to add two rooms to their home, add an attached storehouse and cellar that would be reinforced with stone and strengthen the hearth. He also made the decision to replace the roof with something more durable than just straw and branches. Perhaps a wooden base, a layer of straw and cob, and another layer of straw over that or, perhaps soil and grass with a way up for the sheep to graze safely or, maybe all wood with the cob and straw to fill the cracks. He would need to ask Yuki for suggestions on how to keep the water from leaking in. He wanted her to be comfortable and safe from the elements, without worry.
With the cold, came the first snow and with the first snow came the time when they would travel to many different homes, wrapped in warm skins and furs, atop the horses that he had become friends with over the months. During those times, they tended to the sick and injured, male and female alike. One evening after an especially long day, they entered their little abode and he collapsed on their bed, completely spent, with a high fever.
Kyoko gasped. "By the ancestors Kuon! Why didn't you tell me you were sick?!" She rushed to him and began stripping him after lighting the fire. She sighed. "You silly man. You should have said something. Going out into the cold like that was very careless." She murmured shaking her head as she flitted about the room, gathering what she needed: Willow bark for tea, a basin of cool water and rag, and a strong mint oil plaster to help him breathe easier.
She quickly wiped the sweat from him and spread the plaster over his exposed chest. She helped him drink the willow bark tea and dabbed his head again. "What will I do with you?" She murmured.
"Thank you my darling sweet Kyoko." He whispered in his hazy, fevered state.
She paused, a little shocked. "Sweet, sweet Corn... It really is you." She kissed his forehead gently as he drifted off to a deep sleep. And thus the unknown battle for her heart had been won.