Aella of The River

Chapter 1

The icy grip of the river loosens as I'm hauled upwards, away from the waterfall's hungry maw. My lungs burn, aching for air as I dangle helplessly. Above me looms a face, framed by a wild cascade of auburn hair. She's easily over six feet, a giantess with eyes that glint like the river itself. Her arms, thick with muscle, hold me as effortlessly as if I were a twig.

"Hold still, little one," she says, her voice a low rumble that vibrates through my soaked tunic. Little one. The words grate, even as relief floods my aching muscles. I cough, sputtering out water, and try to focus on something other than my bruised pride.

She drags me up onto a narrow ledge, carved into the cliff face. It's barely wide enough for the two of us, and the mist swirls around us like a shroud. I scramble back, putting as much distance as I can between us – which isn't much.

"Who are you?" I demand, my voice wavering despite my best efforts. "And what do you want?"

Her lips quirk in amusement, a flash of white teeth against tanned skin. "My name is Aella. And I want to help you, if you'll let me."

Help. It's a dangerous word. I've learned the hard way that help often comes with a price, one I can't afford to pay. Still, my body aches, my stomach growls, and the soldiers are still out there.

"Why would you help me?" I ask, suspicion lacing my tone.

Aella shrugs, her gaze sweeping over my face. "You looked like you were about to become fish food. Besides," she adds, a hint of steel entering her voice, "I don't much care for soldiers trampling through these woods."

That earns her a longer look. "You're hiding from them too?"

"Hiding? No. I live here." She gestures vaguely around us, encompassing the roaring river, the mist-shrouded cliffs, the endless green of the forest. "This is my home."

My eyes dart around, searching for any sign of a dwelling, but there's nothing but rock and foliage. "There's nothing here."

Aella smiles, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Then you're not looking hard enough." She pauses, studying me again. "You're hurt. And soaked. Come. My sister will have a fire going."

Sister. The word hangs in the air, promising both comfort and complication. I hesitate. Trusting her feels foolish, reckless. But the thought of facing the forest, the soldiers, alone… It's a bleak prospect.

"And if I refuse?" I challenge, testing her.

Her smile fades, replaced by a look of quiet determination. "Then you're welcome to try your luck with the river again." She glances pointedly at the churning water below. "Though I wouldn't recommend it."

Aella´s words hang in the air, a thinly veiled threat. I weigh my options, the icy spray of the waterfall a constant reminder of my near demise. "Fine," I concede, forcing a nonchalant shrug. "Lead the way." But instead of moving forward, Aella surprises me by bending down. "Hop on, little one," she says, patting her hip. "It's faster this way." My pride flares, hotter than any fire. "I can walk," I retort, taking a step forward, only to stumble on the uneven ground. My ankle twists, sending a jolt of pain up my leg. Aella sighs, her patience clearly wearing thin. Before I can protest, she scoops me up, settling me firmly on her hip.

It's mortifying, being carried like a child, but I can't deny the relief that washes over me. My throbbing ankle screams in protest with every step. She adjusts my weight, her grip surprisingly gentle. "Don't be stubborn," she says, her voice softer now. "Save your strength. You'll need it." I clench my jaw, refusing to meet her gaze. The path she takes is barely discernible, a narrow track winding along the cliff face. The mist thickens, blurring the edges of the world. We walk in silence for what feels like an eternity, the only sound the roar of the waterfall and the steady rhythm of Aella's footsteps. Finally, the path widens, leading into a hidden grove.

And there, nestled amongst the trees, is a small cottage, smoke curling from its chimney. As we approach, the door swings open, revealing a woman even more imposing than Aella. She towers over her sister, easily seven feet tall, her frame solid and powerful. This must be the sister Aella spoke of. Her eyes, the color of moss, fix on me, her expression unreadable. "You brought home a stray, Aella?" she says, her voice a deep, resonant rumble. "He needed help," Aella replies, stepping into the cottage. "He was running from the soldiers." The giantess – her name is Bryn, I later learn – studies me with a curious gaze, her eyes lingering on my soaked clothes and weary face. "He's small," she observes, stating the obvious. "And fragile." "He's resourceful," Aella counters, nudging me forward.

"And stubborn." Bryn's lips twitch, a hint of amusement flickering across her face. "Come in, little one," she says, gesturing towards the fire crackling in the hearth. "Let's get you warm." Aella doesn't put me down, even as we enter the cottage. I remain perched on her hip, acutely aware of my vulnerability, my dependence on these two towering women. The cottage is small but cozy, filled with the scent of woodsmoke and herbs. Bryn busies herself at the fire, while Aella settles me onto a stool near the hearth. "I won't be placing you down until you recover," Aella tells me, her voice firm. "In the meantime, Bryn and I will take turns carrying you." The thought of being constantly carried, of being treated like a helpless child, chafes at my pride. But as I look at my swollen ankle, throbbing with pain, I know I have no choice. My journey has taken an unexpected turn, and I'm no longer sure if freedom lies in running, or in accepting the shelter – and the accompanying humiliation – offered by these two formidable sisters.

 The stool is hard and unforgiving beneath me, but I barely have time to register the discomfort before Bryn reaches for me. Her hands are enormous, dwarfing my own as she gently lifts me from the stool. It’s like being picked up by a crane, the sheer size and power of her overwhelming. She settles me against her hip, her grip firm and secure. Aella watches with a knowing smile, clearly enjoying my discomfiture. ´She´s stronger than she looks,´ Aella says, winking at me. I glare back, resisting the urge to squirm. Being cradled by Bryn is a strange experience. I feel incredibly small, almost insignificant, yet there´s a sense of security in her strength. The warmth radiating from her body is a welcome contrast to the damp chill that still clings to my skin. Bryn carries me over to the fire, where a kettle is steaming merrily.

She sets about preparing a tea, her movements surprisingly delicate despite her size. The cottage is sparsely furnished, but everything is clean and well-maintained. There´s a small table in the corner, covered with maps and charts, and a collection of herbs hanging from the rafters. It’s clear that these women are self-sufficient, living off the land and keeping to themselves. As Bryn stirs the tea, Aella retrieves a bundle of blankets from a chest in the corner. She drapes one around my shoulders, its woolly warmth instantly comforting. ´Drink this,´ Bryn says, handing me a steaming mug. ´It will help with the chill.´ The tea is strong and earthy, with a hint of sweetness. I sip it slowly, feeling its warmth spread through my body. As I drink, Bryn begins to examine my ankle, her touch surprisingly gentle. She prods and pokes, her brow furrowed in concentration.

´It’s just a sprain,´ she declares finally. ´But you need to stay off it for a few days.´ A few days. That means more time being carried around like a helpless babe. My pride bristles at the thought, but I know she´s right. Trying to walk on it now would only make it worse. ´We’ll make a poultice,´ Aella says, rummaging through the herbs hanging from the rafters. ´That will help with the swelling.´ They work together seamlessly, Aella gathering the herbs while Bryn prepares the poultice. Their movements are synchronized, their communication unspoken. It’s clear that they’ve been living together for a long time, their lives intertwined. As they tend to my injury, I can´t help but wonder about them. Where did they come from?

Why do they live out here, isolated from the rest of the world? And why are they so willing to help a stranger like me? The questions swirl in my mind, unanswered, as I settle deeper into the blanket, the warmth of the fire and the tea lulling me into a state of drowsy contentment. For the first time in weeks, I feel safe, protected. But even as I relax, a nagging voice whispers in the back of my mind. Can I truly trust these women? Or is their kindness just a facade, hiding a hidden agenda? Only time will tell.

The poultice is a pungent, earthy concoction that Bryn applies to my ankle with surprising delicacy. It smells like a mixture of forest floor and something vaguely medicinal, and as the warmth seeps into my skin, a strange tingling sensation spreads through my leg. Aella watches us, leaning against the mantelpiece, her arms crossed. ´You should rest now, little one,´ she says, stifling a yawn. ´It´s been a long day.´ Bryn nods in agreement. ´We’ll find you some clothes and a bed.´ Before I can protest being called ´little one´ again, Bryn carries me towards a small room at the back of the cottage. It’s sparsely furnished, containing only a simple wooden bed and a small chest of drawers. But it’s clean and tidy, and the bed looks surprisingly comfortable. Bryn gently places me on the bed, then retrieves a set of clothes from the chest. They’re clearly too big for me, probably belonging to Aella, but they’re clean and dry, a welcome change from my soaked tunic and trousers. ´We'll leave you to change,´ Bryn says, heading back towards the main room.

´Sleep well.´ I wait until they’re gone before struggling into the oversized clothes. The shirt hangs down to my knees, and the trousers are so long I have to roll them up several times. I look like a child playing dress-up in his parents’ clothes, and the absurdity of it all almost makes me laugh. Almost. But the exhaustion is too overwhelming. I crawl under the covers, the soft wool a welcome contrast to the hard ground I’ve been sleeping on for weeks. As I drift off to sleep, I can hear Aella and Bryn talking in hushed voices in the next room. I can’t make out the words, but their tone is serious, almost somber. What are they talking about? Are they discussing me? Or is there something else, something darker, lurking beneath the surface of their kindness?

The questions linger in my mind, unresolved, as sleep claims me. My dreams are troubled, filled with images of soldiers, rushing rivers, and towering figures looming over me. I wake with a start, my heart pounding, the remnants of the dream clinging to me like a shroud. The cottage is dark and silent, the only sound the gentle crackling of the fire in the hearth. I lie in bed for a long time, listening to the silence, trying to shake off the lingering fear. As the first rays of dawn filter through the window, I finally rise, my ankle stiff and sore. I test my weight on it cautiously, wincing at the pain. It’s still too tender to walk on properly, but it’s definitely improved since yesterday. I dress quickly, pulling on the oversized clothes, and head out into the main room. Aella and Bryn are already up, tending to the fire and preparing breakfast. They look up as I enter, their expressions unreadable.

´Good morning, little one,´ Aella says, a hint of amusement in her voice. ´Sleep well?´ I hesitate, unsure of how to respond. ´Well enough,´ I say finally, avoiding her gaze. ´What are your plans for today?´ Bryn glances at me, her eyes narrowed slightly. ´You’re going to rest,´ she says firmly. ´That ankle needs time to heal.´ My pride flares, but I know she’s right. I’m still dependent on their kindness, their protection. And until my ankle heals, I have no choice but to accept it. My journey, it seems, is on hold for now.

The smell of woodsmoke and herbs fills the small cottage as I sit at the crude wooden table, picking at a bowl of porridge that Bryn sets before me. The porridge is bland, but nourishing, and I eat it slowly, savoring each mouthful. Aella watches me with an intensity that makes me uncomfortable. I try to ignore her, focusing on the simple task of eating, but her gaze feels like a physical weight.

"So," Aella says finally, breaking the silence. "Tell us about yourself, little one. Where do you come from? What brings you to our forest?"

I hesitate, my instincts screaming at me to reveal nothing. But I also know that I owe them some explanation for my presence here. They saved my life, after all.

"I'm from a small village to the north," I say cautiously. "I... I had to leave."

"Leave?" Aella presses, her eyebrows raised. "Why?"

I glance at Bryn, who is stirring a pot over the fire, her expression impassive. I take a deep breath. "I angered the local lord," I admit. "He wanted something I couldn't give him."

Aella's eyes narrow. "And what was that?"

"It doesn't matter," I say quickly. "The point is, I had to run. I've been hiding in the forest ever since."

Aella is silent for a moment, studying me intently. I can feel her assessing me, weighing my words. Finally, she nods slowly. "I see," she says. "Well, you're safe here, for now. But you can't stay forever. This is our home, and we have our own lives to lead."

"I know," I say quietly. "I don't expect to stay forever. Just until my ankle heals."

"And then what?" Aella asks. "Where will you go?"

I shrug, avoiding her gaze. "I don't know," I say. "Somewhere they won't find me."

Bryn sets a steaming mug of tea in front of me, the fragrant aroma filling my nostrils. I take a sip, the warmth spreading through me, calming my nerves.

"We can help you," Bryn says, her voice low and steady. "We know the forest well. We can guide you to a place where you'll be safe."

I look at her, surprised by her offer. "Why would you do that?" I ask. "You don't even know me."

Bryn shrugs. "We help those who need it," she says simply. "It's what we do."

Aella nods in agreement. "Besides," she adds with a sly grin, "it's always nice to have a little adventure."

I stare at them, unsure of what to say. Their kindness is disarming, almost unsettling. I'm so used to being alone, to trusting no one, that I find it difficult to accept their help. But I also know that I need it. My ankle is still too weak to travel, and the soldiers are still out there, searching for me. Maybe, just maybe, I can trust them. Maybe they're not like the others.

Aella's grip is firm but gentle as she lifts me effortlessly, settling me onto her broad shoulder like I weigh nothing at all. The world shifts, and suddenly I'm looking down at Bryn, who smiles reassuringly before following us out of the cottage. The movement jostles my injured ankle, and I wince, but Aella adjusts her hold, her hand warm against my back.

The air outside is crisp and clean, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. The forest floor rushes beneath us as Aella strides forward, her long legs eating up the distance. Bryn keeps pace easily, her enormous frame moving with surprising grace through the trees. I cling to Aella's shoulder, my head spinning slightly from the height and the unexpected motion.

"Where are we going?" I ask, my voice muffled against her thick auburn hair.

"To a safer place," Aella replies, her voice strong and clear. "A place where they won't find you."

I try to peer through the trees, but the forest is dense, the sunlight dappled and confusing. We move quickly, leaving the cottage behind, deeper and deeper into the heart of the woods. The sounds of the forest intensify - the rustling of leaves, the chirping of insects, the distant call of a bird of prey. I feel a strange mix of fear and excitement, a sense of anticipation for whatever lies ahead.

After what feels like an hour, Aella finally slows, then stops. She gently lowers me to the ground, my legs shaky beneath me. Bryn comes to stand beside us, her eyes scanning the surrounding trees. We are in a small clearing, hidden from view by a thick wall of foliage. A narrow stream gurgles nearby, its water clear and sparkling.

"This is it," Aella says, gesturing to a rocky overhang that forms a shallow cave. "It's not much, but it's dry and sheltered. And it's well hidden."

I look around, taking in our surroundings. The cave is small, barely big enough for one person to lie down comfortably, but it does offer protection from the elements. The stream provides a source of fresh water, and the surrounding forest is teeming with life. It's a far cry from the comforts of a village, but it's safe, and that's all that matters.

"Thank you," I say, my voice sincere. "For everything."

Aella smiles, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're welcome, little one. We'll bring you food and water every day, and check on your ankle. Just rest and heal. We'll take care of the rest."

Bryn nods in agreement. "We'll also bring you some blankets and a fire starter," she adds. "It can get cold at night."

I watch as they turn and head back into the forest, their figures disappearing quickly among the trees. I'm alone now, in this small, hidden clearing, with nothing but my thoughts and the sounds of the forest for company. It's a daunting prospect, but also a strangely liberating one. I'm free, for now, from the soldiers, from the lord, from the life I was forced to leave behind. Now, I can create a new life. My new journey begins here.