29 The Differences in Intercourse 2 (2/2)
'I love you, too.'
'Do you feel well enough to return to the castle?'
'For one more night. Then I need to attend to the forest.'
'And your people?' he asked.
One of her bandaged hands brushed his cheek. 'No James, just the forest. It's the plants and animals who need me most.'
James took her hand in his. 'How will you help with your hands damaged like this?'
'It's not the hands that heal, but the energy and the touch. You can always come with me.'
'I'll give it some thought.'
'Alright.'
James stood and helped her to her feet before they went back to the castle.
Food was brought in when they returned and he had to help Lilly eat. Now he wondered how she would survive in the forest. She wouldn't be able to dig up roots or pick berries. He shouldn't have even considered Carthago's suggestion, but yet she hadn't fought what the energy had done either. They finished eating then went to bed, sharing the bond of Human intimacy once more.
James woke early the next morning as Lilly started to slip from his arms.
'Sorry,' she said. 'I was hoping to let you sleep.'
'No. I want to come with you.'
'Alright.'
They left the castle and the town before many people were up. Torta met them at the gate and sped them off to the forest. Lilly was off and running the moment Torta stopped. James quickly followed. Lilly's first patient was a large black bear. The cub she was giving birth to was stuck, turned the wrong way. Using energy, Lilly gently widened the opening then used her bandaged hand to turn the cub enough for it to come out. One more cub followed without problems. The big bear's head rested on Lilly's shoulder and Lilly's arms wrapped around the mother bear's neck.
Then Lilly walked to another place where several injured animals had gathered. Many of them were small. She treated the most serious wounds first, but James could tell it was hard for her. Carefully, he picked up some of the smaller animals. Lilly turned to him with tears in her eyes. She placed her bandaged hands under his hands and he felt warm energy flow through them. It was uncomfortable, but he remained still and watched with fascination as the wounds healed. He continued to do this until all the small animals were taken care of.
After that, it only left the wolf. He had no idea how to help with that. James watched as she awkwardly moved the wolf onto her lap and kept her arms around it. The air filled with warmth and the wolf whined in pain. Lilly let go as the air cooled and the wolf moved away. She remained where she knelt.
'Thank you, James.'
James sat beside her and pulled her close. The bandages on her hands were bloody and it concerned him. 'You're hands.'
'They'll be fine. The skin is almost completely closed again.'
'You look tired.'
'I am, but...' She got to her feet and James stood with her. 'There is still much to be done.'
'Maybe you should rest first.'
'Not yet.'
'Lilly you shouldn't push yourself so hard.'
'This is minimal compared to what I am able to do. Come, this way.'