When he woke up in a daze, the storm had stopped. Cold breeze still whistled past the window but not much anymore. The fire crackled in the fireplace, having been lit anew. This was not right. The fire should have gone out that night. Who would have been awake to tend it? Then, in a rush, he stood from his spot by the cradle to find it empty and the woman not in the bed. He scrambled through the bedding of all the beds in the infirmary as if it would make much difference. 

“No no no no!” He cried and rushed into the kitchen to continue his search when his face planted into someone. He staggered back, bracing his nose. The woman turned around, cradling the baby in her arms, nursing her. 

“I was starting to worry.” She said, sweetly, with a thick Carnelian accent. “We didn't know when you would wake.” She gestured to the infant that cooed quietly. He had to stop himself from ripping the child away from her. It would startle both her and the woman and would possibly start a conflict. He stayed calm. 

“How… How are your injuries?” He asked calmly. She stayed quiet for a moment, taking in his question. 

“They feel quite well, thank you. I swear that tree came out of nowhere.” She hummed quietly, rocking his baby back and forth. After a moment, her head perked up, getting his attention. “Where is she?” She looked at him as if he knew. 

“Who?” 

“Her mother?” She gestured to the baby again with the tilt of her head. 

He stayed quiet for a moment. “She died… She could have the baby, but she couldn't stay…” He looked down at the floor. “Thank you. For feeding her.” 

The woman stared at him, wonder in her ruby eyes. “What's her name? What's your's?” She asked, her voice becoming more and more gentle. 

“She's Willow.” He said, brushing the short, blonde hairs on the child's head. “My name is Fern. I'm the healer of these woods.” 

“My name is Amalia. May I stay with you for a time. I can't say when I can return home.” She didn’t seem like a fae with some nefarious plan to take his child. After some deliberation, he decided. 

“You may stay.” He announced. She, Amalia almost jumped for joy, the beads on her dress jingling softly...