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Original Post
As she begins to wake, Rowan burrows deeper into her bedroll with a groan. Goddess, why can’t I stay asleep? Everything…hurts. She slowly shifts, trying to get comfortable. Feeling bandages, particularly thick around her thigh. She swallows, wincing at the ache of her throat. My throat is so sore —
She jolts up, releasing an ear-piercing shriek at the memory of the creature that had emerged from the bones she shared the cave with. Looking around wildly, Rowan sees Bimpknotten kneeling next to the fire, hands over his ears as he glares at her.
“Vhy’z it dat every time I find ya, you’z passed out und needing medical ‘tension? Den ya vake up screamin’ like ya tryin’ ta make my earz bleed?”
Hand on her chest, Rowan trembles as she sees the skeleton, still in its — her — shackles on the cavern wall. Eyes wide in fear, Rowan focuses on the small gnome, struggling to gather her thoughts.
“Wha—I must’ve…was that a nightmare? I think…what happened, Bimpknotten? How’d you even find me?”
“Lass, I been trackin’ ya zince da day ya left. Vasn’t ‘ard ta, t’all. Dunno vut ‘appened to ya. Found ya ‘ere, t’rashin’ around liken ya vas oonder attack. Couldn’t getcha ta vake, neider, but I bandaged yer vounds just fine vonce ye zettled. Az fur vhat ‘appened, ken ye tell me dat?”
Rowan feels Bimpknotten’s eyes roam over her body, causing yet even more shivers. Why do I feel so…exposed? Unsettled, still, despite the warmth of fire and friend?
I fell outside, and sought shelter here. I was tending my wounds when I was attacked…I thought. I…there was a monster from that skeleton.” She points. "But…you found me alone? I was…it had me. You didn’t save me?”
“From a munzder? No, lass. Vas only you vhen I got ‘ere. Ye vas ‘urt, und in fever vich only broke di’zmornin’. Vasn’t zure ye’d make it — d’iz been a veek.”
“I've been uncounscious for a week?! And you’ve been here this whole time?” Panicking further, Rowan grabs her pack, digging her way to the bottom. Pulling out the tome, she runs her hands over its cover, confirming it was safe. Thank the goddess — but he didn’t act on his fear of this relic — why?
Bimpknotten just gives a grunt. “Toldja dat ye’d be needin’ ‘elp. Dat book callz trouble, even if’n ya ‘ave de best intentions. Dere’z a reazon my people ‘id it back b’fore, but…dere may be anudder dat ya vere called to bring it out now. I dunno de vill of yer goddess, and von’t risk her vrath.” Shaking his head, he continues. “Und I mean ta zee diz to de end.”
“Well, thank you for coming to my rescue yet again. This seems to be becoming a bad habit on my part.” She studies her hands, avoiding his gaze. “I-I owe you my life, twice over. And,” Rowan takes in a shaky breath, blinking away tears. “I am sorry about…before. I think…I may have overreacted. I just…this tome, it means the world to me. It’s one of the few things I have of any value, and…I didn’t handle your response well. You’ve been…the only friend I can remember, and…I’m truly sorry.”
Rowan hears Bimpknotten step closer before he takes her hands in his, his short stature allowing him to peer up at her, despite being seated.
“I’z just glad dat yer alvight. I knew ya vould be needing ‘elp, und I vas able to be dere ven it madder’d de most. Ye canno’ do dis alone, nor should ya. D’is not a slight to ya. No vun should ‘ave to be alone — iz unnatural.” He leans in closer to Rowan, and she feels him press his forehead to hers as she closes her eyes. Bimpknotten murmurs, “I found my’zelf unable to stay avay, to leave uz d’at vay. Ve vas both being unreasonable, und ye be needing ‘elp vith keeping dat book zafe. Keeping yerzelf zafe.
Eyes still closed, Rowan smiles sadly. “It turns out you were right. I shouldn’t have turned away from your offer to help, but neither did I want to disrupt the life you built.” Though you have proven yourself trustworthy.
“I ken rebuild. Vouldn’ be da first time. Probably not de last, eider. Diz iz a vorthy cause. ‘Zides, I vas becomin’ restless, it vas time for a new adventure. Just donnae be t’inkin’ I vill letch’ya be valkin’ avay from me zo eazy de next time!”
Rowan laughs. “Deal! Though you may regret being stuck with me now. I seem to find the worst places to shelter.” Glancing at the skeleton again, she frowns. “Speaking of, can we put her to rest before we move on?”
Bimpknotten shrugs. “Von’t ‘urt, donnae zee vhy not. How ya know dat’z a her?”
Now it’s Rowan’s turn to shrug. “I…just know.”
Carefully removing the bones from the rusty shackles, they bury them just outside the cave. Kneeling before the fresh grave, Rowan places a bouquet of wildflowers atop the dirt mound. “Rest well, and find peace.”