SHIP NAMES for Sage and Rowan, thought of by the beautiful Janelicious: Rage, Sowan, Saan, Roge, Rogan, Sagan, Sawa, Sawan, Roage and Swan (thought of by Luciano_Obsesser) SHIP NAMES for the King and Rowan will be in the next chapter because his first name is revealed in this one! Enjoy, lovelies.

Chapter Seventeen

When Sage finally woke up, it was due to Todd climbing on him, pressing his snout against Sage's person in search for food. I had long been awake, unable to sleep for more than an hour due to the discomforting pain.

He appeared startled at first, but a brief smile found its way onto his face as I laughed, watching him hand my little one a small piece of meat.

"Do you not know what they say about feeding strays? They will not leave if you continue doing so," I teased, watching with tired amusement as Todd stayed by Sage's side, his eyes full of hope.

Sage ran a hand through Todd's fur while Todd chattered happily, thinking he would receive an award after. When he did not, he trotted over to me, chattering a storm as if I could convince Sage to hand him more.

"Do you feel well enough to continue?" Sage asked, looking me over before he crept closer to inspect my wound.

This time, however, I pushed his hand away, frowning. "I am fine; I do not need your constant intervening. I will survive a simple graze," I replied, causing his eyes to narrow as a glare was shot my way.

In truth, I did not want to remove the shirt from the wound. I did not want the pain to return in full again and thought it was best to leave it be until we returned to the castle where medical aid would be provided.

"We can leave now," Sage said, standing up and putting on his helmet once again. I moved slowly against the tree, the rough bark scraping against my back as I attempted to get up. Todd seemed to notice and chattered louder, gaining Sage's attention.

"Hush," I snapped, Todd quieting instantly but not leaving my side. He circled my legs anxiously, waiting for me to return to the ground.

"I was going to assist you," Sage muttered, startling me as his arm unexpectedly wound around my waist, quickly pulling me away from the tree and against his body.

I could feel my heart jumping from my chest to my throat, threatening to soar out of my mouth. I refused to look up, allowing my eyes to rest on his shoulder. I had never known that contact with another human could be so intensifying.

"Are you okay?" Sage's voice was a whisper, yet it still echoed around just the two of us, causing me to jump slightly. I wondered whether his heart was trying to escape as aggressively as mine was.

It was Todd who brought us back, nipping lightly at my heels. I quickly pulled away, Sage allowing me to before he looked at anything but me.

"Yes, I am fine. All is well," I said, finally replying to the question he had asked. He then cleared his throat, smoothing his uniform before nodding.

"Good," he said, and began walking. I hesitated before following, allowing my heart to calm its stirring.

We were walking for a few minutes when Todd, who had tagged along, growled lowly, the bright fur on his back standing still and alert. I put a hand on Sage's shoulder, telling him to stop before we both listened.

They were quiet creatures, beautiful yet silent. It was why we did not hear her until we could see the gray pelt that covered her body, her large, yellow eyes standing out. They stared at us unyieldingly, as patient as ever.

She stood like that for a moment, as if waiting on us. When neither of us moved, she turned her back towards us, walking away slowly.

"We should follow her," I murmured, reaching down and pulling Todd up to me. Just like that, the growling stopped, but his eyes remained on the wolf's retreating figure.

"There are no wolves left in this forest. They were all killed off," Sage whispered back, seeming confused. I, however, was excited. I felt more at home than I had since leaving my own forest.

I started towards her, but Sage pulled me back, a frown on his face. It never seemed to leave him, always returning when I was present. "We are not following a wolf into the forest. You may be familiar with animals, but they are still dangerous," he said firmly, but I simply shook my head.

"You are more dangerous than she is," I muttered, pulling away from him and following the wolf's path. I could hear muffled footsteps behind me, reluctance in their every step.

She led us, never once turning back to make sure we were keeping up. It was not until Sage heard the rustling of leaves nearby that he stopped us, looking in that direction. Before he could even speak, I shook my head.

"That is the wrong way," I said, hearing his familiar sigh. He was doubtful of the animal, but I did not believe it was a coincidence that this wolf had crossed our path.

He paused for a moment, considering his options before saying, "Do not stray far. I am going the other direction. I will not continue following a wolf that is likely leading us nowhere." I rolled my eyes, offended by his words.

"Wolves are intelligent animals. You, however, would not know that because you do not know what intellect is. How could you when you have none of it?" I snapped, seeing his eyes harden before he muttered something and turned to leave.

Todd knew the wolf was a predator, as he had back at home. When I would walk with the wolves, Todd would refuse to join. He did the same now, running towards Sage's direction and abandoning me. I did not question him, knowing I was lucky my little one had travelled this far with us.

I huffed before returning my attention to the direction where the wolf had headed. But she was nowhere to be seen.

I walked faster than before and listened closely, but I could not find her. The only sights around me were the silent trees and meek bushes, the wind whispering to the both of them. I had lost her and I could not risk going much further for fear of getting lost.

It was then that I looked closer and realized that it was quiet, much too quiet. Even the birds had stopped their daily talk, not a chirp to be hear. I could not hear the rustling or scurrying of either the predators or prey. I then realized that perhaps I was not as alone as I had thought.

Lying there, covered beneath a rotting log, was a naked man curled against himself. He appeared to be passed out, no sign of moving anytime soon. I hesitated before walking towards him, my steps slow.

His hair was all around him, hiding his face, as if a raven's feathers had fallen off and been scattered. His skin was pale, and I would have assumed he was dead if it were not for the even movement of his chest. His body was much more lean than Sage's, which had consisted of more muscle.

I knelt beside him, carefully brushing his hair aside and meeting the face of the King's. His eyes were closed, his eyelashes longer than my own. He appeared peaceful when he was asleep, younger. It was as if all his years of pain and isolation had disappeared.

"King Sandalius," I whispered softly, so as not to startle him. He did not respond verbally, but I saw his body move in the slightest.

I ran my fingers along his face, tracing his hairline before my fingers found their way down to his jawline, feeling it tense underneath my touch. "King Sandalius, it is Rowan," I said, my voice a little louder than before.

When I did not receive a response, I started to pull my hand away. I was startled when his hand shot out, encasing my wrist, halting any movement. I stilled, adrenaline running through my veins, unsure of what would happen.

"Do not stop." His voice was ragged and hoarse, as if he had screamed into the night until the moon departed. His eyes were still closed, but I imagined them open, as drained as his voice was.

"Please." This was added as he let go of my wrist, allowing me movement once again.

That is how Sage found us, with the King lying there while I ran my hand along his face and through his hair.

Sage was quiet as he took off his uniform, stripping down to nothing but a pair of thin sweats. I started to look away, but Sage thrusted them in my direction, looking at me with his expressionless features.

"For the King. I do not think he will listen to anyone but you at this moment. Have him change so that we can return to the castle," he explained. The moment I took the uniform he walked off, disappearing out of sight.

I returned my attention towards the King, whose hazel eyes had opened and were staring at me without wavering. I watched him for a moment before placing the uniform in front of him.

"You heard Sage. Change so we can leave," I said, beginning to sit up but the King was quit to stop me.

"Wait," he said quickly, a hand curved along my waist. I felt my cheeks redden at the movement, wondering when all this unnecessary contact would stop. Between Sage and the King, I had experienced enough physical contact for a lifetime.

"Do not leave. Wait here," he said and I frowned, shaking my head.

"You are naked. I am not watching you change," I replied, relieved I had managed not to see all of the King's body.

He did not hesitate as he said, "Then turn around. I did not ask you to watch." At this I glared at him, gritting my teeth before I turned around, looking towards the forest.

I could hear the dirt and fallen leaves rustle underneath his weight as he stood up. It was a few minutes before he was dressed and he tapped my shoulder.

I turned, laughing at how ridiculous he appeared, but immediately regretting it when I was reminded of the pain that shot through my side, lingering as an unwelcomed guest.

"Were you hurt?" The King asked, frowning as his eyes landed on the shirt that was still against my side.

"I will be fine," I replied, standing up. It was then that the world began to darken, the adrenaline running out of my body, and everything hitting me at once.

He was by my side in an instant, supporting the weight that I seemed unable to carry. "You cannot possibly walk back. Why was she not taken back to the castle?" The King questioned, disapproval in his voice.

"It is my fault. I tried to persuade her, but she does not listen to others well. I told her that we would return if you were not found before mid-day. That was the most that I could get her to agree with." I could hear Sage's frown and the harshness in his words that was more than likely directed towards me.

"I will carry her-" Sage started, but I was quick to interrupt, having drawn up the last of my strength.

"No one will carry me or anything of the sort. I do not need help," I snapped, less energy within my voice that I had predicted. I realized my point was not coming across well, as I was still leaning against the King.

I moved away slowly, biting my tongue to keep myself from giving in to my exhaustion and pain. "See? Now let us go," I said, attempting to move them along. I sensed it would not be long before my mind gave into my body and I would have no choice over whether I was carried or not.

They both watched me warily, but it was the King who appeared as if he was about to object. He opened his mouth, but before he could get a word out, I began walking forward, not waiting to see if they followed.

The walk back to the castle appeared much more tasking than it was walking away from it. It also seemed to take longer, my every step weighing more and more than the one before.

I could hear Sage and the King conversing behind me, the King threatening to pick me up whether I objected or not. But Sage would quiet him, telling him that it would do more harm than good. For once, Sage and I agreed on something.

When we arrived at the castle, there were guards surrounding it. They were running one way or another, gathering things together and readying horses. It was not until one spotted us and yelled at the others to halt that they stopped, watching us.

"Tell Shaterria she is needed to take the King upstairs," Sage started, already beginning to direct everyone. They listened without hesitation, glancing back at us every now and then.

Shaterria came out quickly, rushing over to us. "Your Highness, are you alright?" She asked, inspecting him. The worry in her voice was clear, her eyes as wide as a deer's.

"I am fine. Take Rowan and patch her up," he said, looking over at me. I frowned, shaking my head.

"I would prefer to patch myself up, thank you," I said, Shaterria looking me over with a pointed look before she persuaded the King to allow her to assist him in going back to his room.

He frowned, glancing once at me before I could hear him say, "Go back downstairs after and make sure she is well and patched up." Then he and Shaterria were gone.

"You cannot shut everyone out."

I did not turn to look at him, but merely crossed my arms. "I have done a sufficient job of doing so. I did not have any problems until you came into my forest," I shot back, walking towards the castle.

Sage did not leave me alone as I had hoped, but followed me. I headed into my room, opening one of my suitcases. I had brought along an aid kit my father had made, thinking perhaps I might need it. I had been proven right.

"If you shut everyone out, then who can you trust or fall back on?" Sage asked, leaning against the doorway as I pulled out the kit.

"I do not need to be dependent. There is such a thing as being independent, Sage. I have done fine," I scoffed, sitting on the bed.

Sage walked over to me, sitting beside me, the kit between us. Before I could grab it, he snatched it, smirking. "What you are is prideful, Rowan. There is a difference," he said, opening the small kit.

I crossed my arms, looking over him. "I am in a dress. How do you expect to help me?" I asked, watching as his confidence slipped from his face as his eyes traveled over me, realizing I was right.

But instead of leaving, he simply went to my suitcases and pulled out a pair of shorts and a shirt. They were both more faded than not, often used when I went into the forest to assist my father in his daily work.

"Change," he started and when I did not move, he added, "I will not leave until you do so." He then turned around with the kit in his hand while the clothes were laid out on my bed.

I sat there for a moment, looking at Sage's back. He was odd. They said the more you get to know someone, the less they surprise you, but I did not feel that would be the case with him. He was different than the humans I had been around my entire life. I did not know if it gave me hope or simply terrified me.

I decided it was best to listen, rather than disobey. It would only cause more bickering and I believed that Sage would not leave the room until he had his way.

I gently took off the dress, making sure to do so more carefully around the wound. It was a slow process- taking off the dress and replacing it with the other clothes- but I eventually finished and sat back down, redirecting my attention to Sage.

I cleared my throat before saying, "I am decent. You can turn around." He turned, his eyes studying me before he walked over, sitting so close that I could feel his the fabric of his pants brushing against my bare leg.

"Hold your shirt up while I clean the wound," he instructed, gesturing towards the mentioned area. I did as told, making sure to hold it high enough so that I would not be in his way.

The moment Sage saw the wound, a frown formed and his eyes turned a shade darker. "Why did you not listen and go back to the castle when told?" He muttered as he opened the kit, rearranging it before pulling a few things out.

"If I left you would've-" I started, but the second he pressed an alcohol soaked wipe on my skin, the words dissolved, momentarily forgotten as I hissed, biting my lip.

"You should have listened. Perhaps you would not be in so much pain," he replied, the satisfaction in his voice poorly veiled. He pressed it against my skin once more, his eyes only softening when I flinched at the contact.

"Perhaps the only reason I am in pain is because you're here," I replied, narrowing my eyes at him. I would not admit that he was right, although I did not regret my decision.

He simply shook his head slightly, his blond hair falling around him as he leaned down, taking a closer look. My hand twitched, the urge to run my hands through his hand running strong. I wondered whether it would feel like the fur of a large cat, which he reminded me so much of.

"Your prideful nature will hurt you one day, Rowan. I only hope that someone is there and brings you to the realization that isolation is not the only option," he murmured, his face still hidden from my view.

I opened my mouth, but inhaled sharply as the needle pierced my skin, distorting my thoughts. I gripped the sheets, looking anywhere but at the Sage's actions. Just the feeling alone had caused my face to pale and my hands to shake.

"Rowan?"

I had not realized that time had passed, or that Sage had finished handling the wound. I looked down and saw that there was now a white gauze placed over it, the needle gone.

I glanced at Sage, whose eyes were studying me, as if questioning my actions. "Are you afraid of needles, but not strange animals?" Sage asked, his studying rewarding him when I grimaced.

"We all have a weakness. I can usually avoid mine," I snapped, daring him to press it.

He sighed, watching as I folded the torn dress and put the kit back in my suitcase. "Had I not been here, would you have left the wound to get worse? If you could not watch me, then there certainly was no way that you could have patched yourself up," he shot back, his voice laced with disappointment.

"I would have found a way. It is not for you to worry about. You can leave now and attend to your priorities," I said, walking towards the door and holding it open before pointedly looking at him.

He just stood there for a moment, his brown eyes on mine, and then walked out, pausing to say, "Do you truly think isolation is the best answer? The King believed as you did and now he as far from humanity as he can be. Do you think turning into someone so controlled by impulses, so unable to control their emotions, is the best option?"

And for that, my mind held no answer.