Chapter 9: Chamomile & Mint

The first rays of sunlight filtered through the forest, casting a golden glow over the camp. Katheryn stirred first, blinking against the soft light, the air was cool and crisp, carrying the earthy scent of moss and dew.

She pushed herself up on her elbows, glancing at the two men still asleep nearby, Athanasi lay sprawled on his back, one arm flung dramatically over his face, while Samo rested on his side, his expression calm, almost boyish in his slumber.

Katheryn couldn't help but smirk, Athanasi, for all his swagger, looked ridiculous with his mouth slightly open and his hair sticking out in every direction.

Samo, by contrast, looked composed even in sleep, though she noticed the slight furrow in his brow as if even his dreams were serious, she found herself watching them longer than she intended, a strange mix of amusement and fondness settling in her chest.

Deciding this was the perfect chance for some solitude, Katheryn quietly gathered a small bundle of chamomile flowers she had picked the day before and slipped away from the camp, the forest was serene in the morning light, birds chirping softly in the trees as she made her way to the small spring they'd discovered while foraging.

It felt good to move freely for a moment, without anyone watching her every step or teasing her about her situation.

When she reached the spring, she couldn't help but smile, the water was crystal clear, shimmering like glass under the morning sun, the small pool was surrounded by moss-covered rocks and overhanging branches, creating a tranquil oasis.

She quickly shed her clothes, hesitating for only a moment before stepping into the cold water.

The chill was sharp at first, making her gasp, but she quickly adjusted, letting the coolness soothe her aching muscles, leaning back, she allowed the water to lap at her shoulders as she sighed in contentment.

She grabbed the chamomile flowers and began scrubbing her arms and legs, the delicate scent mixing with the crisp air, a soft hum escaped her lips, a melody she vaguely remembered from her childhood.

For the first time in what felt like ages, she felt genuinely at ease.

Back at the camp, Samo stirred, his sharp instincts woke him almost immediately, and his eyes darted to the empty spot where Katheryn had been sleeping, aflicker of unease shot through him.

Where had she gone? Rising silently, he scanned the campsite and quickly spotted faint tracks leading into the forest.

Following the trail, he moved quietly, his boots barely making a sound on the forest floor, his chest tightened as he considered the possibilities—had she wandered off recklessly? Was she in danger? But as he approached the spring, the sound of soft humming reached his ears, easing his tension.

Stepping carefully, he found himself at the edge of the clearing, there, in the middle of the spring, stood Katheryn.

She was waist-deep in the water, her back to him, her hair glistening with droplets as she hummed softly, her movements were unhurried, graceful, as she brushed her hands along her arms.

Samo froze, his breath catching.

She looked... radiant. The soft morning light framed her silhouette, the rippling water reflecting her every movement, he felt as though he were intruding on something sacred, yet he couldn't tear his eyes away, his heart thudded in his chest, and heat rose to his face as his gaze lingered too long.

Realizing he shouldn't be there, he turned abruptly, his steps just as silent as when he arrived.

By the time he reached the camp, his thoughts were in disarray, and his face burned with shame, he busied himself with the fire, but the image of Katheryn in the spring lingered, refusing to leave his mind, his trousers felt uncomfortably tight, and he muttered a curse under his breath, trying to will the memory away.

The sound of movement broke his concentration, and he turned to see Athanasi sitting up, yawning dramatically, his hair was an untamed mess, and he scratched at his scruffy jaw as he groggily surveyed the camp.

"What's for breakfast?" he asked, his voice rough with sleep.

"There's no time for breakfast," Samo replied curtly, still feeling unsettled. "We need to pack up and head back."

Athanasi groaned, flopping back onto his blanket. "You're such a killjoy, one meal won't delay us that much."

Before Samo could argue, Katheryn returned, her cheeks rosy from the cold and her hair tied back in a loose braid, she looked refreshed, her face glowing with contentment. "Good morning, boys," she said cheerfully, flashing them a smile.

"You should really go wash up too. You smell awful."

Athanasi snorted, his mouth quirking into a grin. "I smell like a man who's lived."

Samo, however, avoided looking at her directly, his face heating as he remembered the earlier scene. "We don't have time for that," he muttered, keeping his focus on packing his belongings.

Katheryn raised an eyebrow at Samo's tone, catching the slight redness in his cheeks when he looked at her. She didn't think much of it and grinned. "Well, fine. But I feel amazing after my bath. You two should really do the same."

Samo, looked directly at her, his voice low but steady. "You could've asked for soap before you went to the spring."

Katheryn blinked, heat rising to her cheeks. She realized immediately that he knew where she had been, but the subtle tension in his words left her unsure of whether to feel embarrassed or defiant.

Recovering quickly, she pulled small bundles of chamomile and mint from her satchel and tossed them toward the men. "Here. Use these. At least try to smell like something other than sweat and dirt."

Athanasi sniffed the bundle theatrically, grinning. "How considerate of you, my lady."

Samo rummaged through his rucksack and pulled out a bar of soap, holding it up pointedly. "Or we could use this, like civilized people."

Katheryn's blush deepened as she turned away, muttering, "Well, I didn't know you had soap."

----

The spring was just as serene as it had been earlier, the sunlight now dappling the surface of the water through the thick canopy above.

Athanasi wasted no time stripping down and wading into the cold water with a loud whoop. "Gods, that's brisk!" he exclaimed, laughing as he splashed water over his face and hair.

Samo entered the spring with much less enthusiasm, moving deliberately as though bracing himself for an ambush, the icy water bit at his skin, and he let out a sharp breath as he submerged himself.

Athanasi leaned back against a mossy rock, lazily scrubbing himself with the mint. "You know," he began, grinning at Samo, "she's got you all tied in knots."

Samo shot him a warning look but said nothing, scrubbing at his arms with the soap.

"What?" Athanasi continued, unfazed. "You think I haven't noticed? You've been acting strange around her since we set out. Don't worry, though, I won't tell her you've got a soft spot for her." He winked dramatically, his grin widening.

Samo's jaw tightened, and he focused on washing, refusing to rise to the bait.

"You're interested in someone you shouldn't be," Athanasi added, his tone turning slightly more serious. "She's… complicated, Samo. And you're not exactly short on options back in the village. Plenty of women would be thrilled to have you."

Samo paused, gripping the soap tightly before resuming his task. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said flatly.

Athanasi snorted. "Sure you don't. Keep telling yourself that, my friend."

The conversation ended there, the silence filled only by the sound of water lapping against the rocks and the occasional birdcall.

Samo's mind churned, though, replaying Athanasi's words. He didn't want to admit it—not to Athanasi, not to himself—but there was truth in what had been said.

By the time they returned to camp, Katheryn had everything packed and was ready to go, humming softly as they approached.

She glanced up at them, smiling brightly.

"Well, don't you two look refreshed!" she teased, her tone light. "Maybe now I can stand being within five feet of you."

Athanasi chuckled, shaking the droplets from his hair like a dog. "All thanks to your expert advice, my lady. Truly, we're forever in your debt."

Samo didn't respond, busying himself with securing the packs to the horses, Katheryn noticed his avoidance but chose not to comment, instead focusing on tying up her bundles of herbs.

As the group began their journey back to the village, the atmosphere grew more relaxed, the trail was familiar, winding through sun-dappled clearings and beneath towering trees.

Athanasi entertained them with exaggerated tales of his past hunting trips, complete with wild gestures that made Katheryn laugh until her sides ached.

Samo rode in silence, his eyes scanning the path ahead, though he found himself glancing at Katheryn more often than he wanted to admit, her laughter was infectious, her cheeks glowing with life as she bantered with Athanasi.

Athanasi turned to Katheryn. "So, what's the first thing you'll do when we're back?"

Katheryn smiled. "Take a proper bath, with hot water this time."

Athanasi chuckled. "Hot water? Spoiled, aren't you?"

"Maybe," Katheryn said with a smirk. "But I've earned it."

Katheryn laughed openly, her mood light as they made their way through the sunlit forest.

Samo rode alongside them, his usual stoicism softened by the warmth of their camaraderie. 

Hope she asks for soap this time- He chuckled to himself.