Always with the best of intentions, Araminta stayed awake well into the night. Fretting inwardly that he still seemed so skittish and unsure how she would be able to help him through it. Things could not be rushed and forced into being fixed, she knew that… still, to know that he hurt so much and still had so much farther to go made her wish she could do more.
Eventually, as always when she was sitting still for too long, that exhaustion and weariness crept it’s way in. Pulling her down and folding her in, wrapped in a sleep so deep that not even dreams could find their way in. No threatening nightmares, no tossing or turning… not even for the means of being more comfortable. Just a deep, deep sleep.
Araminta wouldn’t have minded at all if he wanted to remain a horse for a little while. …only Araminta did not wake.
Morning came with a cheery rising of the sun and chirping of birds, so noisy for a little pasture in the middle of nowhere! With as late as she fell asleep it wasn’t so odd. It passed into the blazing warmth of noon with not a single cloud in the sky to help cast shadow for shade, and still did not wake. Perhaps that wouldn’t have been so odd at all, but when a small herd of deer went bounding by with the clops of their hooves and the noisy snorting didn’t even make her shift or sigh, she may as well have just been a limp lifeless body!
It certainly didn’t just rain now did it. It was pouring out every bad thing possible when it seemed by the means of leaping deer moving through the prairie plains wasn’t even enough to bring Araminta to that of the world. While his thoughts were miserable and plenty of private contemplation of what could be done to make a permanent remedy that was no more than black, ugly considerations; her lack of movement began to niggle into the misery mire of mind. Turning to look at her and staring with the silver ring that was to be a eye.
Watching.
Watching.
And once more finding a return of the unpleasant guest that was panic. Kicking down the door that was barely sealed with a rambunctious declaration, forcing him to twist right over.
Darting stare along the form that likely would slump from his movement to roll to his unused side, knowing… absolutely knowing that there was nothing he could do. If he used any manna now well… actually he wasn’t sure what would happen. Probably a formal deal with the black hooded figure that was often curated as the aspect of death. And if he moved out of this form, he was super unlikely to return to it for however long it took for him to recover. With his refusal to do so, it was also another nail in the coffin that would make it easy to heal or whatever the hell he was supposed to do.
Well… it was going to be an strange awkward moment in which he was forcing the front of legs to unfurl themselves in a strained means of fatigue and have to find a way to get Araminta to that of his back. So he could try to get to the nearest cathedral for those of a magically inclined priest! That is, if she wasn’t already dead!
Unaware of the torment and torture she was causing merely by refusing to wake, Araminta slept on.
Even when he started to shift and turn to eye her with a stare that would surely have awoken anyone from a dead sleep to be watched so intently!
Araminta continued to sleep, even when he made the motions to try and get up and her precarious balancing of laying against his shoulder sent her slumbering form sliiiiiding over until she’d collapsed in the grass.
Not a peep slipped out or a complaining grunt. Nor snore or frowning scowl at being jostled and disturbed. At least in her unconscious state she appeared to be sleeping peacefully! Taking in deep even breaths without an ounce of pain or struggle involved.
Sleeping like the dead, one might say!
It was inevitable then. As much as it would have done better to stay as the form he was currently for the quickened way of speed, it wasn’t helpful in getting her upon that of back. Meaning, the only thing he could do was to make that change and deal with the fact it was going to be ugly. He needed hands and to do what he wanted too.
With every effort of utter discomfort made to slip back into the more human style appearance, one’s insides declared very clearly that it was not happy to be present. Only thing in that was he hadn’t eaten a lot so even if the need to be ill shoved its way past stubborn resistance, it would be little. A small win in that case, he was not sure. Only that he went quickly to retrieve Araminta’s pack to be sure to put it upon shoulders before returning to reclaim the limp woman for the means of now making the walking trek to the nearest village.
And what the hell sort of trek that was going to be considering in his panicked fleeing, he had no idea how far they ran. Didn’t matter, he had to pick a direction and the way the deer had come from was suggesting it was not the way. All that mattered right now was getting her to someone that could heal as their main line of magic.
It took a lot longer than he cared for. A lot of tracking and mental games of pushing through the exhaustion with stomach certainly proving that his orthorexia would be a minor beast compared to the challenge that was manna sickness. Still, he had managed to stumble upon a small farmstead in which had scared the poor hell out the little old lady that was knitting on the front porch. Looking like she had nearly leapt her frail bones out of her skin when he approached with no sense of reason. Likely looking like a deranged mess carrying a form of a woman that was surely in a state of dead damsel. While the elder woman gawked at him in an array of thoughts, she seemed to gather the means of terrible worry and desperation on him.
He’d surely have to find a way to thank those in which had no reason to help. Especially one of his caliber, but they had.
Rounding up that of her husband from the field nearby to hook up wagon and their speediest hauler, it made the trek of getting to a larger town feasible. Even if it took a few hours, it was a few hours less than him doing it on foot.
It would be a theme however when they had been taken to the house of the gospel, to storm in and startle the next individual. One bent in prayer at the pews under the eyes of their respective God. Looking like their clean white robes were about to be yellow with the fact that someone came bustling in and the way the young priest had looked at him, it was clear he knew exactly whom he was. An unpleasant reality in that moment but overlooked when mouth stammered out a desperate plea for help.
Just… help.
Now it was new waiting. Where Araminta had been taken inside one of their purification chambers and they sought to call one of their paladins. All the while he was made to sit outside of it, listening to the whispers of novices and their elders about the fact that, the Prince was here at all.
It had to have felt like ages of Theon just sitting there, like a fish in a bowl, as priests, nuns, and monks alike would make curious passes… sometimes painfully obvious more than once just to have a look at The Imperial Prince. Too polite to utter a word out loud about him and perhaps too scared to actually approach. Temples like these were rare in the Imperial Kingdoms, as the notorious Queen Heirra seemed to not like the idea of some god of light being revered and worshipped over her. So many places like these had been abandoned or destroyed through some means of unfortunate incident… but all knew why they were truly vanishing, and the arrival of the Prince was not a good omen.
After awhile when the temple seemed to mysteriously empty out to become such an overwhelming quiet that footsteps now echoed off the stone walls, an incredibly tall man appeared with a terrycloth towel in his hands, seeming to be drying them off. Though he wasn’t in full regalia of armor in just breeches and cream tunic, the way he carried himself was so full of pure, undiluted confidence in who and what he was. Dark hair, dark full bead, and dark eyes. One would think he’d eye Theon with suspicion. Instead it was a simple and upfront examination of the Imperial Prince, from head to toe, taking in all of the details… until he broke out into a genuine smile.
Of course, his companion who came to a full clattering stop behind him, eyeballed Theon like she needed to pull her sword at any second. Equally as dark in hair and eyes, but her skin a warmer dusky brown and her armor shined so perfectly that it could blind someone in the sun.
“You look like you’ve seen better days, friend,” the man said with that continued warm smile. Ignoring the way his companion scrunched up her nose and glanced at him like he was crazy for such a statement. “Forgive me for the forward question, but I have to ask just for the ease of mind. What could possibly bring the Imperial Prince here to our humble temple?”
“You know it’s the girl, Reeves,” whispered his companion in annoyed confusion. The man – Reeves – just smiled wider, given her that I know sort of look and gesturing that he needed to hear it from the Prince himself. For whatever reason, he was not deeming to explain it to her!
The silence that came eventually was welcomed. The idea of being gawked at was certainly not new to him but considering the means of where he sat and the reason why he was here, it was nearly suffocating. More than abundantly aware of the failing presence of the churches that were meant to being boons and praise those of beings that in which he didn’t believe in, to others; it wasn’t unknown o him that his existence here was likely seen as some sort of great premonition.
The Imperial Queen was known for not liking such places. She was the start and finish of everything after all, there was no place for another to exist. Of course the woman was wise enough not to go demolishing all of the houses of Gods less she incite a rebellion of the holy order; it wasn’t silent knowledge either. He’d never come here on his own.
Once everyone had decidedly stopped taking the moments to peep at him with their little words, it was monetarily peaceful. Idly kneading hands over the other and feeling each smooth crevice that had healed in less than perfect state.
His head hurt.
His body hurt.
And his heart . . . hurt.
The sound of footsteps pried his attention away from the cleaned floors, though a second far more wily pair of steps came rushing no sooner; his gaze peeked through the side towards that in which was the first to appear. A tall fellow looking like some mighty part of valiant knight that young boys would dream one day of becoming. Practically emitting an air of relaxed prosperity whilst having a faint inkling of that same element that spoke of one’s position faster to those who were trained in magical arts. It was faint but bright in its own respect. Though his attention drifted somewhat to the one that trailed swiftly on the man’s feet, declaring herself the ward to this one without ever speaking a word.
The warmth radianting only seemed fitting for one who would tailor themselves to follow the path of God whilst also being a great healer and great protector. A far cry from what his own pathway had been, it was the way his ward clearly showed her distaste that made this feel a little better. With someone showing their obvious dislike, he knew where he stood. And hardly blamed her. He didn’t much like himself either. Fair to say he had a good hate for himself actually.
“I am no Imperial Prince,” Theon muttered clear enough but the weight of his weariness was evident. Finding annoyance with being addressed as such when he wasn’t one. Just a mutt that had been born from a woman of evil purpose and done those acts to keep her appeased. However, the man asked a question that was obviously already known. But the way the ward spoke up and gave the man’s name. She was still likely young and ready to take on the world by the horns of whatever bull was unfortunate enough to get in her way. Admirable.
“Her name is Araminta,” he found himself stating, “And your ward is correct. It is for the girl that I am here where I shouldn’t be.” By no means was he stupid. Actually he wouldn’t be surprised if someone came bustling out to clean every surface he had ungraciously touched with his dirty essence. “I will leave so long as she can be taken care of.” Not about to dance around the subject, all that mattered now was making sure Araminta would be okay and if she wasn’t, well… then he already knew the means of failure in that avenue anyways.
“Where I shouldn’t be,” he repeated the statement just the same inflection and tone as Theon had. Gesturing a finger as he did so, a ponderous look on his features. “You know, I always find statements like those so interesting. Especially when all signs seem to be pointing to the direct opposite conclusion.”
His companion gave a silent, world weary sigh and a roll of her eyes. As if this was a conversation she had heard a thousand times and now was trapped there for the one thousand and oneth reiteration. Reeves didn’t fail to notice either, even taking the moment to give her a fatherly sort of look that seemed both amused and chastising. She clammed up and straightened her stance immediately.
“Besides, I can’t let you leave now. Your Araminta has awoken at last and I fear she’ll start climbing the walls if we don’t bring you to her with haste. So up, up,” he beckoned with his hand for Theon to get standing. Fully expecting the order to be obeyed without any sort of malice or threat to it. In fact, compared to his suspicious ward, he was almost jolly!
“You are a mage – a powerful one at that.” he continued conversationally, already turning to lead the way. His companion waiting until Theon had stood to follow, so that she could bring up the rear. “There was a time when any mage with even the smallest affinity for light magic would come to temples like these to be taught how to properly use it.”
“You, though,” he said wagging a finger in the air as if this was something he’d been pondering for a long time. Long before Theon had even arrived there at all! “Never taught by a master, but capable. I can see it. Did you not try to heal her yourself?”
“Can’t imagine an assassin knows how to heal anything,” muttered the woman in the rear, loud enough to be heard, but soft enough that hinted she knew better than to be saying it.
“This is Padma and she has not yet learned our Lady of Light works through… peculiar means.” he laughed, heartedly and without concern about an Imperial Prince’s potentially wounded pride or feelings. “You may call me Sir Reeves.”
Honestly he had never met a paladin before and had no basis on how they behaved. What sort of personality hooks were similar and what veered away from common ground. Yet, this Reeves appeared to be more in line with the sort that wanted to be prophetic in efforts of mind blown lectures. Maybe more on par for those sort of folks one could see on corners on soap boxes with their hair wild and clothing practically scraps but still preaching about whatever vision they had. The suggestion right now that he took a mere comment about the knowledge they all likely had about his presence being a black cloud but saying it had the opposite conclusion, was odd.
Granted the ward’s eye roll spoke volumes. Her master, her tutor seemed to have this habit. So it was to be noted that the paladin could get a bit wordy.
Thankfully adding on that Araminta had awoken –so he had been healing her. Good.
Yet with the idea of standing up, that was going to take effort. Bones clacked and muscles shrieked. Feeling as though he were in late hundreds rather than merely thirty. Knowing these were results of his panic today and yesterday. Making him weary and achy and sickly but that was because of his own loss of control and knew it was simply his burden to have. Taking a moment to climb to the means of protesting feet as the fellow looked like he was having a good time. The two of them together were like strict contrasts to another and he found himself personally favouring the ward a little more. Once more preferring her bluntness to affirm what he already knew.
As the man turned to lead the way, his comment about being a mage wasn’t surprising. Just as much as he had been able to tell that Reeves had light magic, the man himself easily could tell the same. There were mages out there that could successfully conceal their influence to seem like they were no different than the next person, but they were highly developed beings. More likely to be Elder Sages that had an affinity for numerous magic types rather than one. Or two in his case.
The sound of his little student taking up the rear was at least noted. Though he gave little bit less of a nod at some sort of knowing that in times past that places such as the temples or cathedrals would have enlisted any with any sort of boundary of light magic. Knowing it was useful. It could be trained in numerous fields after all. To be a priest that could handle curses and hexes, or to be like Reeves where their healing magic was aimed at aiding against dark magic. To be stalwart forces against true diabolical evils.
He was blithering a bit about being some sort of powerful mage before seemingly knowing that he hadn’t been taught by a master as many would be. Rather given the bare basics of what not to do and expected to comply. To learn and not to explode the room of the palace he reside in, into flames. As no one was going to save him but rather let him die in what had been created. “Yes.” Theon remarked even after Padma pointed out that it was unlikely he would know how to heal anything. “Not well. She had a reaction to it and behaved more like she had become addled with drugs and drink than being mended. What ailed her is too strong for my abilities.” He wasn’t here to boast about such things. He knew by all rights that his light magic was weak. Likely because he was born from such a witch after all. Or it was just some poetic divine justice that he could use it but it was practically useless. Fitting the motif of his written tapestry.
“She is not wrong.” Theon wasn’t about to suggest the girl didn’t know what she mentioned. Though he wouldn’t elaborate either. Perfectly content to know that his reputation was just as bloody as expected. More of a pestilent than much else. “I would not care to address you so formally or informally.” Declaring he had no intention of sullying the man’s name with his tongue. Sir or not. “Rather, I will ask. Was her collapse and limp state due to the wound upon her leg?”
“The results were the same with my attempt at healing her. Now she has to pass the tests before we continue,” answered Padma, this time not sounding so sharp in tone but rather concerned about it.
“Hmn,” grunted Reeves, seeming to not like the way she said it at all, and was quick to correct it. “What she means is that we need to be sure that the Araminta that’s awoken is indeed your Araminta and not a demon that has taken her place. How we can proceed will change drastically depending on the answer.”
There was a soft, uncomfortable huffed behind Theon followed by a quiet whispered uttering that she hadn’t meant anyone to hear this time. “Just what we needed, a demon and the Imperial Hand bringing down the temple.”
“I can only say for certain that she has a demon’s aura attached to her,” Reeves continued, with no hint at all on whether or not he heard Padma’s whispered huffing. “We will know the hows and whys of it soon enough, of that I can promise.”
Through this unhelpful conversation, they walked through the stone halls that had certainly seen far better days. There was very little in terms of things, certainly not the valuable sorts of holy relics and items one would expect to see in a temple of this size. Also notably, they’d not passed or heard a single soul. As if every priest and monk on the premises had hiked up their robes and booked it out of the temple as soon as the news about the Imperial Prince had spread. Likely assuming the worst was about to happen here and that the asking of help was nothing more than a rouse.
It could’ve even been easily assumed that this might’ve been a trap set for Theon, to walk him right to a dungeon cell without giving him the chance to show off the skills of the most notorious imperial assassin. Yet Reeves walked them through a large wooden door into a large chamber that seemed to be use for aiding the wounded and sick. With sliding screens for privacy and work benches set up for examinations or surgeries.
And there was Araminta in one of the beds, pale and wearily tired, but immediately washing over with relief to see Theon, followed by a sudden panic and was already shoving her blanket away to try and scrabble out of bed.
“Theon! Are you– Are you okay! I am so so sorry!” And without surprise, hit the floor the second she tried to stand up, muttering a frazzled and bewildered oh blast it in the process.
There was no comfort in that repeat notion that Padma had gotten the same sort of reaction out of Araminta when she was healed. Either his and Padma’s ability to heal wasn’t the right thing for the situation or whatever it was that plagued the princess was far stronger than they could understand. Likely to be a bit if he was honest. He was no grand healer after all. Knowing incredibly little when it came to the efforts of mending wounds with this apparent magic inclination. Truthfully he understood herbs and minerals and supplements far more than magic in this regard.
Yet he was attentive to Reeves grunting and explaining further. That they needed him to attest that the Araminta that had awoken was the same one he knew. Something about that actually terrified him. Recalling the puppeteering she had been involuntarily subjected too at the infested pond side. Not sure if he was really a good dowsing rod in this particular moment either. Though he hadn’t heard Padma’s commentary, even if he had, he was doubtful to be offended. At this point, he was pretty accustomed to her distrust. Once more, he found that far more comforting and validating.
Appreciating that her disliking of him could affirm his own hatred.
Raising his attention as best he could once more, the mention of a demon’s aura was well… new information. “You can sense that?” Asking curiously as the very thought had never crossed his mind. Mentally noting the pond once more and figuring a moment to express to Sir Reeves about it. Whether the man did something about it or not would not be his next step of learning.
Rather, he seemed to gather slow peeks from the side of eye to note that the temple was rather lacking. Not so much grand and lavish as some might believe. But a little too humble as well for something this large. Even if the lack of other bodies was noticed, that part was appreciated. At some point the idea that he was this living embodiment of a living plague had just become another stitch to his personality. Accepting and believing it in its own way.
A selected herald of death under the command of a Queen that was no queen at all.
The idea of it being a trap was never considered. Even if it was, would he have fought it? It was unclear for that to be decided. Simply accepting that the doors they moved through was much akin to an infirmary. And one in particular looked to be playing the part of eager owl with her head turning even while she looked truly unwell for once. Aiding his chest to tighten and stricken itself as this woman was putting too much effort in trying to scramble to her feet over someone so insignificant.
Barely giving a chance to be paused to quicken as well as he could over with a careful bend to give his grasp over to help the girl on the floor. “You do not need to apologize.” He meant that and found her means of doing so kind of worthless. It wasn’t as though she knew what would happen and he did not blame her for any of it. Merely himself for not insisting they do this sooner or for just being better at charting the means that her aura or whatever it was, was lingering around her like a cloud. Keeping hands out to aid her back to the bed when she was ready.
Araminta had not been awake for very long. In fact, she might’ve still been sleeping had one of the priests not roused her awake and asked her so many questions that had her head spinning. While refusing to answer her own questions too of where was Theon and how was Theon, to the point that they had to fetch the paladin woman to deal with Araminta ‘getting too rowdy’.
At least the woman, Padma, had been willing to answer Araminta’s questions well enough to ease any rising panic that Theon had brought her here only to quickly abandon her. Because it was exactly the thing she’d been so afraid of.
“You needed me and I fell asleep, and I honestly didn’t mean to,” she explained quickly in a breath, reaching up her hands the second her rear was back on the bed to grasp his face and look him over. Possibly even more forward than her usual means of touching, but it was pretty clear she was still a little loopy and uninhibited from Padma’s attempt of direct healing.
Araminta didn’t like what saw either, looking even more crestfallen about it.
“You’re absolutely haggard. You didn’t even try to sleep at all, did you! You could’ve died, Theon, you can’t just not rest!”
The paladin pair remained silent all through this exchange, though Padma had stepped oh-so-subtly nearby with her hand rest not-so-subtly on the hilt of her sword. It not being clear if she was holding it there in case Araminta turned out to be possessed or if it was a wariness about Theon.
Reeves himself still seemed as relaxed as ever, though more than curious to watch this back and forth between the pair. Giving a little clear of his throat to get Theon’s attention, to follow up with a questioning raise of his eyebrows. Was this the expected behavior for Araminta? came the silent question.
Making sure she was stable on the bed less she suddenly decide to try her luck again with the whole leaping to her feet, only to meet the floor; he wasn’t surprised when she took his face hostage. Shaking his head lightly, “It is no blame to you.” Nor was he about to start claiming nonsense about needing her. Honestly, he felt more of the ugly beast that had just lingered to latch on and give her some sort of unnecessary sense of caring when it was better when she did not. His reactions were not unfamiliar. At least to himself.
Sure it had been years since the last one but he’d dealt each and every time by himself those moments. He was not about to start making her feel responsible for something that was not her fault nor ever would be.
Yet, as she gave him the look only to droop, the tone was enough to make him stiffen. Having no excuse or even an idea to attempt to form one of why he was refusing or rather, refused to sleep; he simply avoided her stare as best he could. Leaving it unchallenged but noticing the motion of Padma’s form that suggested she was on alert. Working well enough to pull his gaze up to Reeves features that were loudly asking the question they wanted to know.
Nodding softly to agree that this was Araminta he knew. Knowing absolutely nothing about demonic possession, he couldn’t say if a demon was that good at replicating her behaviours or not. Nor did it matter, he supposed.
Adjusting simply to put knees to the floor and wait for whatever next sort of lecturing tongue waggling he was in store for. Finding this to be familiar in other ways but complying to it as he didn’t want to have her growing sickly further or something else happening. Whatever happened next? Well that likely depended on Reeves and Padma, didn’t it? And Araminta, of course.
Araminta was already releasing his face to go throwing her arms around Theon’s neck and cling in a tight hug, which created a small chain reaction of events. First of Padma just barely pulling her sword from it’s hilt while Reeves simultaneously held out a hand to have her pause. No one was getting attacked and murdered here today. …or at least not right in this moment!
“Padma, if you will help our patient get changed for the spring,” Reeves suggested, tilting his head towards the pair and clasping his hands behind his back. He rocked back an forth on his feet, observing while Padma made an attempt of being as gentle as possible with dislodging Araminta’s arms from their deadlock around Theon’s neck. For the first time appearing to have difficulties in keeping a straight face when the woman uttered out a frustrated he’s not going anywhere, let go.
Araminta was still swaying wildly once she did let go and Padma helped her to her feet. With an arm around the princess’ waist, she led her across the room behind one of the screens for the means of changing.
“First and foremost, we need to take her into the hot springs to be sure there is no demon’s soul laying dormant within her.” he explained forthright. “Like a baptism of sorts. It–“
“HOLY SHIT, how are you still alive!” exclaimed Padma from behind the dressing screen. Through the process of trying to get a slightly light-drunk Araminta out of her current clothes and into something new, it was the first time one of them had actually seen the wound they’d be working with. In this case, helping to remove the black stained bandage that was doing absolutely nothing to hide or cover the long webbing of lines that stained Araminta’s skin. No longer just along her thigh, but it had made it’s way all the way down to her ankle and upwards to her hip and climbing.
“Padma,” Reeves chastised, his veneer of calm finally breaking into exasperation. “Mind your bedside manners!”
There was a muttered sorry that didn’t sound so sorry from Padma and Araminta’s dark rejoinders of agreement in the form of I almost die a lot. Leaving Reeves now with a contemplating expression as his gazed turned back to Theon.
“…this may be easier for her if you assist. If you wish to help, you’ll need to remove your armor.”
Sure She had been forward with him before. They’d held hands or arms. She’d even pecked him on tye cheeks for some reason, so it shouldn’t be alarming when suddenly grasp abandon that of his face for an exchange that has arms looping up and around that of shoulders to neck. Issuing surprise that such an oddity of warmth was extended at all. He knew what hugging was, he wasn’t that stupid. But hadn’t expected it.
Recalling promptly that Padma had said that Araminta had the same reaction to her healing as she had his. Explaining that it was pretty likely that Araminta was on some sort of high once more. In turn, he shouldn’t think anything more of the moment. Managing to raise the silver gaze to the lingering paladin lord -issuing a halt and help to his charge- that was about a spring. Not sure what that meant even remotely. Regardless it seemed important.
Enough so that the fiesty Padma was quick to remove Araminta from clinging to him. Muttering clearly that he wasn’t going anywhere. Unsure if that was true seeing as he was the incarnate of doom and gloom to the temple. It wasn’t worth mentioning with the extraction going on and the means of women sliding behind privacy screen. Giving him a chance to struggle the will to gather up once more. Laying sombre consideration to the lord paladin once more.
Seeing that the man was preparing to explain before well… a loud bellow of disbelief left Padma. Calling out the horror and surprise that the former princess wasn’t pushing up daisies when she most likely should have. The burst of such a thing only foretold him that Aramintas wound was probably far worse than when he last seen. Aidingbtye heaping of guilt that he should’ve stressed further need to her to come for help. Or that he just hadn’t been attentive enough to bring a means of comfort, or declined every insistence that she was fine.
Why was he even here?
Evidence was loudly declaring his lack of understanding to the means of friendship. It was glaringly obvious by the second! If there was an option to dissappear a different never return, he just might take the offering.
Instead at masters effort of educating his bombastic student, he felt Reeves gaze upon him. Glancing at it in return but making a conscious decision to actively avoid its hold. Keeping his ears as the listening portion.
Intending to keep doing so before the paladin gave a rather absurd suggestion. “I am the son of the very person that has caused great damage to your order.” Keeping tone level and low in respect for the place they stood, “Should it not be imperative to your surroundings to worry about what disaster I may bring?”
He left that question hang openly, whilst still continuing. “If you seek to disarm me by having my armor removed, you simply have to state it rather that use Araminta as bait.” Suggesting clearly that he was suspecting Reeves of wanting to slaughter him without any type of resistance. “Just do no harm to her, she did not ask to be weighed by that of my being .”
Moving to unstrap the start of clasp to cloak, Theon eyed the floor with tired acceptance.
Reeves didn’t reply straight away. Merely curiously watching Theon begin the means of removing his armor, as he rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet. After a few contemplative moments, that brilliant, no-care-in-the-world smile returned.
“Our order values absolute candor. Truth. One cannot be open to the light of our Lady if they cannot be honest with themselves and others,” he explained with ease. “You wear your truth on your sleeves, friend, plain for all to see if they are willing to look. Help is what you came here today for, and help is what you will receive.”
“…of course we are also not fools!” he added on with a boisterous laugh. “The caretakers of this temple have vacated so that only Padma and myself remain. Had you come to do us harm we would have dispatched you out in the great hall – with ease, I might add. You’re clearly spent from manna sickness and though weapons master you may be, a man exhausted cannot fight.”
Padma soon returned with Araminta, holding one of the girl’s hands and guiding her along with an arm around her waist. Araminta now dressed in an itchy and stiff looking, cream colored dressing gown of some sort, with no sleeves and the hemline falling to just above the knees. Though it covered the ugliest part of Araminta’s wound, the black marking that had tinted her veins all the way down her leg now was plain enough to see. Even Reeves’ sunny disposition vanished to something concerned and serious.
Araminta herself seemed a bit uneasy, especially in the wake of Padma’s unhelpful declaration. She’d been avoiding the acknowledgement of this wound for so long, and even now she wasn’t so sure she was ready to deal with it! Really, the only reason she wasn’t putting up a fuss and trying to escape was for Theon’s sake. The sooner they found out if she were a dead woman walking, the better!
The paladin master gave Padma a nod, taking over the means of guiding Araminta himself as the other young woman quickly stepped away to fetch something. He murmured a few words of gentle encouragement as she led her toward a new set of doors and through the threshold, apparently just expecting Theon to come along without need to telling him to do so.
This new chamber was incredibly warm, air thick with humidity that it made fabric cling to the skin. At the far edge there was a big open pool of water where steam rose from the surface. This was a natural hot water spring they’d built their entire temple around, including a beautiful statue carved into the backmost wall of their Lady of Light holding up the sun high above her head.
“These springs are blessed by our Lady and will help facilitate your healing,” he explained, only pausing when Araminta cast a worried glance over her shoulder for Theon. “It’s alright, he’ll step in with us. Needs a bit of healing himself, doesn’t he?”
Quietly raising attention to peek slightly at Reeves – the man’s disposition seemed almost on par for Araminta’s typical cheery attitude honestly- and found the words flowing readily in a sense of conviction almost too much to hear. Nearly resting on the plain of being balderdash! There was no reason or desire to even quarrel with the paladin had he even wanted too. Easily accepting what was uttered even if maybe not all of it landed in the means of comprehension. Simply taking in the fact that Reeves appeared to be noble while clearly pointing out that if he had come here with ill intent, his life would have been forfeit.
Doubtful even had he come to fight, he would have. Not with Araminta being unwell and having acted the part of dead participant to the point of absolute worry!
The first and only priority had ever been to try to restore Araminta’s health. Clearly her means of sleeping was influenced by that of whatever this demonic aura was. Something that Reeves knew about. Due to easily years of being taught and such to become a paladin of his particular order and honour. In turn to hear that he could be so easily dispatched was a macabre comfort. Likely invited rather than staved.
It seemed however that whatever was happening now, the means of pausing the efforts of removing armor for what this was that Reeves deemed important, his attention was prompt to locate the two women. More so the chestnut haired maid that wore a face that he was certain he had not seen before. The means of apprehension lightly present on features that were so commonly turned into jovial efforts nearly at all hours. Sure that had he any words of encouragement to give, they would have flowed readily. Aware enough that his attitude was entirely different towards that of the mountain top royal than any other. Yet he couldn’t find anything to say besides a strengthening of fault for being too casual about what had easily causing her such grief. Certain that his behaviour was paramount to being factually too dumb to know what friendship was or did for another.
With the change of partners to escort her, he barely seemed to notice Padma being sent on whatever errand she was. Doing as Reeves guess with ease. Allowing some distance of course, developing in the space as long as he was tall to tarry behind at a docile pace. Merely keeping focus on watching heels lift and fall with the walking that took them towards that of a portion of the temple that was humid. Filled with steam that cloistered itself within the walls that strangely his mind was quick to pick up that plants would thrive in this environment.
Attention roaming soon to consider the carved marvel of their depiction of the Lady of Light. Guessing if he had an eye for artistry, this would be a inspiring moment. What he could do was appreciate the design but little eyes besides simply noting it into his thoughts. Growing to halt his feet at the edge of where he deemed it was best to stay stationary. This might be where Reeves uncanny ability to assume what would happen, would deviate. Not about to step anywhere close to the heated waters for a variety of reasons but mostly as not to taint their sanctuary any further with the blood or presence of the imperial prince.
He wasn’t that stupid! And certainly not that bold.
Reeves released Araminta long enough to take off his boots, then took the lead of a few steps down into the heated waters of the spring. Taking Araminta’s hand gently to pull and guide her forward down the steps herself.
…Except Araminta refused to move an inch!
There was no rhyme or reason to the sudden twinge of panic and fear. Araminta was even trying to rationalize it all to herself, that this was just a hot spring – one that looked so wonderfully inviting too! She loved the water and was a natural swimmer, not that this pool seemed very deep at all. There was nothing here even remotely dangerous or threatening to elicit such a sense of terror.
Yet something in her was screeching at the very idea of stepping in. Not even wanting to dip a toe! What if there was a demon laying dormant inside her? What if she stepped into the depths and then that demon clawed it’s way into her mind until Araminta was once again locked away inside her own head writhing in agony where no one could hear her? She’d already had a sample of that experience thanks to the Imperial Queen’s wicked cursed doll… Araminta would rather go lay down to sleep and never wake up again rather than relive that experience.
“I don’t– I’m fine. I’m fine.” she stuttered out, yanking her fingers from Reeves’ grasp, not that he was holding her with any sort of force.
The doors opening and closing behind them signaled Padma’s return. Now with a large crossbow in hand, seeming to be right on time to witness Araminta’s refusal of getting into the pool. Watching warily as the princess backed up and away until she bumped into Theon.
Padma immediately raising up the crossbow to aim at the ready.
Reeves seemed to have the patience of a saint, though Padma’s actions did have him outwardly sighing. Making a gesture to Theon that made it very clear he wasn’t kidding about needing the assistance.
“This is the most difficult and frightening part, but I promise it will be done quickly. You must be cleansed through these waters for us to be sure that any demonic presence has been expelled. If you are too far gone – taken over by a demon’s soul – Padma will end it quickly and there will be no pain. I have faith, however, that our Lady of Light has guided you both here for a reason.”
Curiously –perhaps a bit of mental distraction- he was wondering how such a place was built. How long it took and the manpower that was used to construct such a monumental place. Seemingly to gather at his own pace that they likely started with this space first. With the rising steam and the heat budding under armor, Theon figured that this was entirely all natural. Rather than making a canal channel underground to force the flow of water from wherever it was towards where they wanted. Knowing that such a thing would have been a far greater challenge that would have cost many lives to do. Unsure if the church was an organization that deemed life to be given in fair trade with such things. Before wondering just whom was the one that crafted the image of the Lady’s statue and decided the features without ever knowing.
His mind was trying to do its thing with wonderment but it was interrupted. As the sound of Araminta stuttering out drew him into the present. Arranging worn out figure to consider the young woman. Pardoning hands to open as she came backing up like a stubborn horse led to water, into him. Where it was the most unfortunate reality that had him lacing gentle palms to that of slight shoulders and attention peering shortly at Padma raising a large crossbow in her arms.
Needing no mathematician mind to gather what this was all for. Lightly tensing fingers upon Araminta with a shiny new warning stare that was aimed at the tutoring ward. He might be depleted of magic and foolish to wield his sword, but there seeing them ready to end Araminta’s life was like poking a red hot iron into his flesh. And it would be probably the first time, “If you attempt to harm her, you will find out why I was selected as the Imperial Queen’s dog.” While his voice didn’t change tone or depth, the threat was there. And it was directly aimed at Padma, not Reeves. The fact of the matter was, he didn’t have any respect for his own life and would not care if it was rendered moot. Pairing that with desperation to keep Araminta safe, was its own brand of lethal.
Thus far Reeves showed a level of patience that was saintly. His charge was not so diligent in that field. She could loath him all she wanted, but Araminta was innocent. Where the sunny lord paladin pointed out that they needed to cleanse her, Theon mentally hummed. Looked towards where Reeves was and then Padma and her newest large trinket.
“Can I help you do this, Araminta?” He asked her then, preferring to talk to her rather than assume. Or demand she do so. Keeping his grasp light but hopefully encouraging. Surely at this point he had made it known that there was little to nothing that he wouldn’t do for her. So long as she asked because he didn’t like any sort of idea of forcing something upon her.
“If my last act is putting down a demon, so be it.” rejoined Padma, not in the slightest bit intimidated by Theon’s threat. …well, maybe she wavered in just the slightest, but that crossbow stayed aimed at the ready.
“It won’t need to come to that,” reassured Reeves, waiting there on the steps of the hot spring pool. His eyes focused primarily on the young princess herself for any signs that might suggest that she was more than just a human girl. Despite his calm and his patience, it was clear that he was poised to jump into action if need be. Fingers of one hand flexing at his side as if he were mentally and physically preparing a spell, just in case.
Araminta didn’t answer straight away – still wrestling with that fear that this was going to end badly, and guilt that she’d brought all this trouble down upon Theon after he’d already suffered through so much already. With his awful mother, and these stupid trials, spiders and fire and now her own stubbornness.
“I don’t know,” she whispered honestly, swallowing a heavy lump in her throat. This room was a power keg of tension ready to go off, all because she was too afraid to take a few steps forward.
“He can come in with you, dear lady,” reminded Reeves. “You won’t be alone.”
Though hesitant, finally Araminta did look up towards Theon and gave a small nod, taking in a shuddering breath as she did so.
“Thatta girl,” said Reeves with clear relief across his features. Once again offering up his palm to help her enter the pool. “We will have to hold you under, longer than you think you can stand. All you need do is stay calm, yes? Do you understand?”
That final question was aimed directly at Theon, as it was no longer Araminta he was worried about having trouble with this, but rather Theon himself who might panic if he thought the girl was under duress!
Demon.
The word had no right to even be attached vaguely in Araminta’s direction. He knew demons. He was related to one in human skin and this paladin girl that was still being taught the ways of her order issued the singular word with such a air that he felt as though he ought to take her outside and show her just what a true beast was. There was plenty of examples of his mother’s cruelty in the world, but none of Araminta’s. She was the one here who had been struck by claws or fangs of something from the underworld. It was just so… callous. Warranting a mercurial look before her teacher decided to suggest that he felt it wouldn’t come to that.
One could hope.
Turning to change his attention to the one that he was actively trying to protect and see back to a proper healthy vigour, he waited for an answer. Unfazed when she was uncertain about such a thing. Not about to degrade her worries –though surprised she had them- he would wait for her. While he didn’t think it was a good idea to potentially challenge the temple itself, he would if she decided she didn’t want to do this. It would merely be difficult and likely life ending.
Reeves seemed to have a better bedside manner in which expressed that he was allowed to enter the pool of heated healing so Araminta wouldn’t be left in hands she wasn’t familiar with. Though he would feel the sense of remorse for being the taint to step into their waters; he wouldn’t let such a thought hold him from doing so. Not if she needed this to be.
Pausing when they came to the edge to then properly once more make the effort of removing armor so it wouldn’t leak something particularly foul into the waters. Unsure at this point if there was obsidian spider silk still on him that might pool out and suggest there was some sort of otherworldly possession or something. Carefully listening and finding the task of even managing the straps a chore, he heard Reeves. Tilting his gaze upwards after a moment to express he had heard him and was now repeating it all through his own mind.
Eventually directing a look towards Padma with a clear, if she does not do anything, then he would not either. Laying to rest the last pieces of armor and chainmail to be bundled in that of the cloak. Sliding up to where Araminta stood and considered her once more. Wanting to say something about she could trust that he would not let her be harmed, but hadn’t been sure that he could confidently vouch when he was certain there was much he caused her in the ways of pain and suffering.
Candor truly was the rule of this order, for Padma’s responding expression was very much a same to you buddy! with no attempt at hiding it.
Araminta might’ve been entirely amused with this exchange were she in a place to pay attention. A prince and paladin bickering over her fate, when it was pretty clear that Araminta was going to meet a dire end no matter what anyone did. But that was darker thoughts best left behind, as Araminta didn’t have any intention of dying any time soon. Not if it meant leaving Theon behind to deal with the aftermath. She’d already failed him once already to land here in the first place.
“One step at a time.” urged the paladin master. Taking Araminta’s hand and finally, finally able to urge her to take the first few steps into the spring. Watching her every reaction and movement carefully, ready to make swift action should something go suddenly awry. Not just in terms of demons, but keeping a keen eye on Theon too, as the man seemed to be right on the edge of losing it should something amiss happen with this girl.
The princess had the tiniest but of relief to find that the water wasn’t burning away her skin or suddenly erupting her into agony when she took her first few steps. More like a comforting, steaming hot bath rather than a boiling cauldron. It wasn’t until the depth reached her wound did the sudden stinging pain start, drawing a soft mrrph of pain from her and a sudden step backwards. Thankfully Padma didn’t have itchy trigger fingers, as she remained steady at the edge of the pool with her crossbow aimed, but not yet making any signs of firing.
“Shh, it’s alright. Any open wound will sting.” reassured Reeves, waiting a beat to allow Araminta the time to adjust and make the choice to continue on her own. Once she did, Reeves led her further and deeper into the pool. The highest depth only coming to the waist of both Reeves and Theon, but on short and tiny Araminta it was just at her ribcage.
With a beckoning of his fingers to Theon, he showed the man where to place his hands. One to brace at the princess’ back and the other to hold her arm. It was the best way to dunk her under, where she’d be secure and quickly pulled back up to safety without dropping the girl or her losing her footing.
“The worst that may happen is a possession,” the paladin explained, arranging himself on the opposite side of Araminta in the same way he’d instructed Theon. “A survival instinct will kick in and the demon will take over. To which Padma will have to shoot. If one has taken root within you, there is nothing else we would be able to do.”
The man silently prayed that scenario was not to happen, as he had a strong feeling the aftermath was going to be bloody.
“Otherwise – and I have high confidence this will be true – you will simply need to hold your breath for as long as you can take it, and even longer than that to be sure. It will feel too long and you may be frightened, but I promise we will not let you drown. It is very important,” he stressed this to Theon with the most pointed of looks, “that we graze the edges of death. Else we cannot be certain she is free. Are you ready?”
With slow following did he come to echo her movements. Stepping into the heated waters with a slight look around. Almost as if expecting some great wailing of a banshee to slide out of his being. To scream itself around the entire chamber in a manic episode before the other paladin got excited and started clenching the trigger to release the bolt. If anything, the only reaction that came from him was a mild turn of those gray eyes. A shimmering glimmer and a slight narrowing of the pupil region to favour that of his nokken bloodline. Minor things that occurred but nothing so dramatic that he produced a fiddle out of his ass and started dancing on the water’s surface with a merry tune.
He was just intrigued but readily available to the pair of them in the water. Where he paused when Araminta made her discomfort known. Encouraging his placement to be present and looking about for something that would require a strong reaction. Not so much and just a statement from the lord paladin about an open wound being washed with warm water. A fair reaction that thankfully was shortened. Tagging long till it was clear they were at the deepest portion of the waters and he was then being beckoned on where to lay that of grasp to Araminta. Studiously following the instruction but keeping focus ever present to where Reeves began to explain what could happen and what would happen if the former did occur.
Leaving him a bitter taste in his mouth but knew if Araminta was truly possessed, that he had to let Reeves and Padma handle it. Even if it was grotesque. They were the ones who knew about demons, he did not. Even if he’d likely react and knew that it would probably be the end for not simply Araminta, but himself. He had a strong connection with her after all at this point. Loyal to a fault. To someone that had just given a shred of kindness to where he was abundantly depraved of such a simple thing. She meant much to him and if he had to perish in the action of rebelling at the sight of her own end, then so be it. There was no other he had extended this level of loyalty too, not even the Imperial Queen.
Still he gave an slight motion to his features that expressed displeasure with the idea of them being unable to do anything more if Araminta was possessed.
And something in his chest, grew fearful. Almost expecting it now that regardless of Reeves plucky statement of confidence, something told him that there was likely something hiding within Araminta that was unfortunately going to expose itself here and now and they’d come to the end of this all.
Pointing a look to Araminta as his grasp lightly pulsed to attempt his efforts of comfort, he knew the stressing of words from Reeves was aimed at him. So the paladin that was so nonchalant and calm, was worried about him. It shouldn’t be shocking yet a bit of him, was. And thought a bit longer even after the are you ready¸ to rest his gaze upon the princess. “If you wish to continue to torture me in your own way with sleeping and food, then I hope your stubborn tenacity is unfelled today, Araminta.”
Araminta burst into a short, stuttered laugh and in the wake of the moment it honestly was the most comforting thing he could’ve said. One unintentionally funny statement was enough to at least prove to Araminta that Theon was not still trapped in a prison of terror. And if he was ready for her to continue her means of ‘torture’, then stubborn tenacity was what he’d get.
So it was with a deep breath and a quick nod that she affirmed she was ready.
“Then to our Lady of Light, the Weaver of Life, we send you,” answered Reeves, taking a deep steadying breath himself as they dunked the princess under and held her there firm.
At first Araminta was quite tense, expecting something terrible to immediately happen. To explode into fire and fury, or an intense measure of pain and agony to grip her. Yet after a few moments nothing at all came and she relaxed under the warm waters. Holding her breath for a long period of time was not so difficult, even under duress when she’d been pulled under by a jealous bog hag. By sheer accident this seemed to be a useful talent.
She held her breath for so long even the master paladin seemed impressed.
“Stubborn tenacity was a good choice,” commented Reeves with a soft laugh. “Though this might be the one time it’d be better if she were more delicate so it’d pass more quickly.”
“That’s not funny, Reeves.” accused Padma, still standing there like a stone sentry, ready to fire at the single twitch of violence.
“It’s a little funny,” he defended, the faintest of smiles gracing his lips. He was far too focused to let himself be distracted however.
Several more moments passed and Araminta had to let out her breath, sending bubbles to the surface.
There it started to get difficult for her, beginning to tense again and curling her arm to grip Theon’s hand. Her chest began to burn from not taking a breath and her head ached from holding it, but she didn’t twist and turn into a beast. Nothing flaming, smoking, or generally horrible happened beyond her spinning wheels wondering if this was going to last forever.
When Araminta jerked suddenly – an involuntary attempt to suck in air – Reeves quickly barked out and Up, up! to pull her out of the waters. Promptly patting the coughing, sputtering princess on the back to make sure any water that had found it’s way into her lungs made it’s way back out. Padma, with eyes wide with surprise finally lowered her crossbow and took a few steps back away from the pool. Uttering a thank the lady under her breath.
“Well now! Not a demon in sight,” Reeves commented with a great deal of mirth. “Let’s get you to a table and see if we can’t figure out why that wound hasn’t been healing properly. Perhaps teach the Imperial Prince a few useful skills for your continued travels, hmm?”
Quiet was usually his preferred existence. At least it had been as surely him and Araminta could peg down. For being reserved and generally silent in their first encounters to where he earned the name Ghost, it was not something that had ever bothered him. However, now? It was an uncomfortable sensation whilst trying to keep a hold of Araminta as he could see her just below the white surface.
Laying there, holding her breath and the means that nothing seemed to be happening. Not sure if that was entirely good. Just not discounting the fact that nothing horrible had erupted from her in a horned giant fury. That was at least a relief but the rest, not so much. It felt like it was dragging on forever and even had the strangling worry that he was actually assisting Reeves in murdering Araminta! Because they weren’t saying anything and this seemed far more extreme than a mere baptism! Seemingly to break a moment when the suggestion from the dark haired man was pointing out that his means of striking into the woman below to use her mulish aptitude was appreciated. And a bit worrisome if something were to happen.
He’d prefer to have Araminta giggle instead of Padma’s suggestion that this wasn’t funny. Actually siding with the nervous loom of a sentry paladin behind than that of the chipper lord currently helping him seemingly drown the devil out of someone that mattered an awful lot to him.
The bubbles cause him to tense and her grasp was certainly giving him a reason to just cast this whole ordeal aside. To demand that Reeves pull back so he could pull the woman to the surface. But he stayed his violent worries.
Reminding, that he didn’t have the first clue about demons or possessions or their infectious attacks that harmed said princess. He had to trust this was the process even if it was making his heart rattle the bony prison of a cavity. Worrying and then debating the course of action of how fast he could incapacitate both Padma and Reeves if it came down to it. Feeling some of his strength returning as they stood and sure that the waters were doing much to alleviate his own lackings.
While he was not a religious person, the second Araminta jerked and Reeves gave the demand to raise her, strength was used. Pulling her along to where she was bursting forth in a spluttering coughing to give back any water that had been swallowed, he couldn’t even describe the level of relief that swam the channels of his blood. Just that he was and daring a peek over his shoulder at Padma quietly giving her own relief to the situation.
Grasp outstretched gingerly to ensure that if she needed him, he was there. But wouldn’t make the effort to insert it either, rather finding himself looking at the handsome paladin with something that wasn’t entirely clear. Wanting to snip a bit about not being addressed as the Imperial Prince –he wasn’t. Regardless of what womb he fell out of, he wasn’t the Imperial Prince, god’s damn it- but that was just a childish thought that was sealed safely in the confines of his thoughts. Rather determining the means of action that had him slightly pardoning away from the two in hopes to climb out and snatch up his cloak to act as a towel for that of the young lady. Curious of course to what Reeves meant about her wound but decided it was not his place to ask many questions about it.
Araminta had quite enough of all of this, darkly for a split second wishing they’d just let her go lay down and die! Still coughing hard even as the paladin helped guide her back up the stone steps. Cream gown clinging to her skin in all sorts of uncomfortable itchy ways on top of it. Barely being able to keep her own knees steady to do the walking on her own, more than ready to latch her arms around Theon and just cling there until she could finally breathe again.
Unfortunately it seemed Reeves had other plans and now that it was confirmed there was no demon lurking deep inside Araminta, he was eager to rush her to the mending portion of this confusing mess. It was barely even a second or two after receiving Theon’s cloak and wrapping it tight around herself did Reeves suddenly sweep her off her feet. With that same confidence of knowing exactly what he was doing, to not care what it looked like or what a certain brooding imperial royal might think.
Reeves barked out an order to Padma to fetch his tools, taking wide strides out of the humid room back to the infirmary proper with a very bewildered princess in his arms.
“This is a little fast, isn’t it!” Araminta choked out, knowing her face was likely a few tinges of pink by now. This was a bit undignified, just being tossed around like a sack of potatoes!
“Oh, it is not for your sake, dear lady, rather for your guardian who may very well bring these walls down on top of us now that he’s had a refreshing bath and renewed pep in his step.” This statement came with that broad open smile and a little wink, even as he was gently setting her down on top of one of the empty surgery tables. “While the dangerous part is over, the next may be incredibly painful due to the spread of the wound. If you wish it, I can give you something to sleep it away.”
Araminta had managed and dealt with the pain for months, a little bit longer wouldn’t mean much. But when she squinted a bit and examined the man’s face, she got the impression that when he said painful he meant something far worse. Though hesitant she went ahead and nodded her affirmation, shifting on the surgery table to make sure Theon was close by.
Funny, how the moment he managed to get the cloak to Araminta, she may as well have been an after image in his eye. For she was swept up in the arms of the paladin that was busy issuing orders to his ward. Leaving him blinking for a moment before following after with visible confusion. Trying to fathom just what happened in a manner of seconds. Even that didn’t help.
Just sort of studying the prompt exit and registered that his next step was reapplying the shed protective material that was his armor. Glancing once or twice around the room whilst lingering a bit on the carved statue once more.
Lucky for Reeves, he didn’t have the Imperial Queen’s cold temper. It was improbable that he’d try much of anything so long as there was nothing done to the woman that had strong importance to him. If it was the opposite where something could happen to Araminta, well…
It was a story to be told rather than assumed.
Taking a bit to settle the bits and bobs back to frame, aware enough that he did feel marginally better; he took the time to depart the chamber. Politely closing the doors behind and ensuring they were closed. Likely the steam in the room was also filled with light healing properties and it would be impolite of him just to storm out in chase after where the others had fled too. Notably taking stock at how the place felt more like a crypt than a temple with the lack of bodies. Awkwardly knowing that they’d likely come back if he left. Leaving a thought of discontentment that his reputation was this bad but mentally knew he shouldn’t think much of it. It was familiar.
A bit of lagging but he did manage to find the way back to the infirmary. Hearing the low words being exchanged in conversation between paladin and damsel, to where he sort of just glanced about and kept himself back to the front of the room. To avoid being too present but standing in a silent waiting to be called when they were in need of him. Or to shoo him out like a alley cat that had snuck in uninvited.
Reeves was already at a table taking pinches of this and a dash of that to toss into a stone mortar, grinding it all together into a think green paste. Once he was satisfied with the smashing, he scooped it all into a glazed mug and poured a healthy amount of water on top to fill it. A stir later and he brought the lukewarm, noxious looking liquid over to Araminta.
“Drink all of it. Hold your nose if you must,” he instructed.
Araminta wrinkled up her nose from the smell of it. All grassy and licorice smelling, not pleasant in the slightest! But thankfully she did not have Theon’s delicate stomach nor trepidation about swallowing things down. Glad to find that it didn’t taste nearly as bad as it smelled, but certainly not wasting any time in drinking it all down. Much to her alarm and panic the elixir worked it’s way into her system so fast she didn’t even have a chance to call out or reach for Theon! Slumping over on the surgery table back to being a useless unconscious lump once again.
As for Theon, it was immediate that Reeves beckoned him over with a waggle of two fingers gesturing exactly where he was meant to stand. All of that jovial, beaming sunshine pleasant was gone – replaced by a man who had a job to do, and he was quite serious about it.
“She may react reflexively from the pain. You need to keep her as still as possible else we may inadvertently harm her,” he instructed firmly.
On Padma’s arrival with a little wheeled cart of very sharp, very scary looking array of metal tools, he directed the women to attend to Araminta. Apparently not about to upset young lady or guardian alike with too much touching by a strange man. Waiting as Padma made sure the princess was snuggly comfortable wrapped in Theon’s cloak, and then doing the more scandalous part of sliding up the short hem of her gown over her wounded leg until they had a clear view of the wound itself.
The entire surrounding area was black at this point, around the open gash where ink black something so reminiscent of that giant spider’s obsidian skin it was almost spine shivering. Reeves had not yet seen the wound himself until this moment, but at least he didn’t exclaim his shock out loud as Padma did! His expression just grew more stern.
“Your first lesson, Imperial Apprentice, is to know how the wound came about– Padma?” he stated first, pointing at his ward seeking answers.
“She said she was gored by a demon, sir.” It was the first time Padma had actually used a title of respect since they’d arrived.
Reeves grimaced. “Such a wound could have killed stronger men in a day. Her spirit must truly be of the Lady’s Light.”
The knowing of how salves and tinctures and potions were made might be the only reason that when Araminta drank what she was told to and flopped over in a induced narco drop, he didn’t react negatively. Rather giving Reeves his best uncertain look on a face that moved like stone. Not sure why he was to be requested when once more, he was not the one with demonic knowledge or practice. Had he been, they wouldn’t have been here.
Feet still obliged like the obedient being he truly was. Aligning to where he was shown to stand and noticing that Reeves sunny shiny disposition was replaced by one that was all business. Likely a face that made it clear long before any words were stated that he was serious and would not heed much of anything else at that time. It was not a moment worthy of lippy mouths or rude behaviour. Mere near blind compliance. Something he was very good at.
Moving up to where he had been instructed to be and with the knowledge that Araminta –even knocked out- may still respond out of instinct. Her body doing the work rather than her mind. He had no issue with this and offering no rebuttal. Easy acceptance, that turned slightly leery with the show of curious dangerous looking items on a cart pulled up by that of Padma. Leaving him to look at them rather than watching how Padma took care to adjust the hem of the linen wet gown. Revealing the wound and the means of that was enough to stop him from overanalyzing the tools that looked like torture devices.
Mentally wincing at the state of the leg and cursing rather abundantly in the same place that none of this should be happening. The moment she told him, was the moment he should have been insistent on getting her healed. Properly! Not by his amateur hands that obvious did a buttload of nothing.
He could beat himself up silently while maybe getting a little more outwardly annoyed at being addressed as imperial once more. Thankfully no prince was attached but rather proved to be intelligent enough to follow along to Reeves and Padma’s dedicated behaviours. Curious naturally when the elder paladin mentioned that being gored by a demon would have killed stronger men. It was funny in that statement to him, Araminta was still proving that she was far better than most people. Even if she claimed she was merely normal.
She was showing herself to be a stalwart person with morals and compassion in leagues alongside a steadfast desire to thrive even while having a tolerance for pain that was out of this world. He was seriously going to have to start considering cutting the ties for them all once more. For it was evident to him, she was going to do just fine continuing and not being withheld any further.
Mentally chalking it away that with her being present here, the temple would surely align with her. They had no love for the Queen after all and she would likely find her saving grace with these people. This might as well be the last bit of something he could do and chalked up a hope that he could talk to her later and explain he would be gone soon enough.
Reeves and Padma quickly shifted places, the elder paladin needing now to instruct not just one ward but two in a very delicate art.
“Information is a vital part of healing. To know what you’re dealing with allows you to adjust technique and not waste manna. Always ask questions when you can, and follow with a proper examination of the wounds.” he instructed clearly, formally, and with authority. Showing by example through means of quickly rubbing his hands together to warm them and ignite a little bit of his healing magic.
Her only hesitated a tiny split second, eyeing Theon warily before he laid a hand on Araminta’s thigh, then any concerns about the prince’s reaction were forgotten and replaced by his attentions to the unconscious young woman. Reeves spoke aloud every single step of the process to make sure both of his students understood the means of how and why he did what he did.
“With a combination of the light and your eyes, you seek out what is not meant to be there or what may be missing. It takes practice in connecting yourself to the one you mean to heal. You must feel their breath, feel their heartbeat, feel their wound.” Of course, he couldn’t show the inner workings of how he used his senses – that was a thing one could only learn through doing. But he could show how to properly examine the wound itself, as any doctor without magic might. His gentle presses around the gash to test the skin. A light probing of his finger to the gaping gash itself.
Immediately pausing when the Araminta made a squeak of a noise and jolted, nearly jump scaring Padma who had been so intently listening. she’d forgotten their patient was living.
“There is something still in there – of all the nine hells, the luck of this girl,” muttered Reeves, seeming to be stunned about this revelation himself. He hovered his hand over the wound, seeing if he could pull it out with the light magic itself. The more he pooled into it, the more uncomfortable and shifty Araminta became. Giving Reeves the slow, dawning understanding of why the healing attentions of Theon and Padma seemed to only aide on the surface but no much else.
“…it cannot be removed with magic. I’ll need to remove it surgically… best hold her steady.”
This is where he became dutifully curious. As Reeves noted prior, he personally was never taught on how to use his abilities. A vague commentary of what not to do and if he did it incorrectly, what happened next would be his own fault. No one would save him. The very thought was enough to make the scarred tissue along throat, throb in phantom pain.
Now to listen to someone that was educated to a high level in the art that made them both a notable figure in both young children’s minds and a pillar of the very order served, it was enthralling. Keeping his grasp firm to where he was told to as that wasn’t about to leave his mind.
In equal measure, he wasn’t bothered or showed to be perturbed when Reeves went about assessing Araminta’s thigh. Just curious. A sort of innocent curiosity that probably was more fitting for a youth than one of his age but it was a good thing. It was currently keeping his thoughts away from the topic that was developing in speaking to the young woman under grasp about what he thought was best for her resilient being.
Only startling some when the man’s finger went probing only to invoke a discomforted noise and a jolt that had him tensing some on the woman’s frame to ensure she wasn’t about to start spastically flailing like a gasping fish on land. It wouldn’t do too much for him when the teacher here in the room expressed that there was something inside Araminta that was entirely alien. The last bit needing not to be said to be understood. Earning a look from himself and found a gross sensation that made him wonder if this was akin to something laying eggs in another creature. And found it too gnarly to want to continue thinking back. Remaining as a unwanted saturated idea that would not be shooed out entirely.
Trying well to keep a firm hold of the young tactician while she grew more discomfited by the movement of healing magic. Only affirming that whatever the hell had decided to use her as a cocoon, was something that would need to be physically evicted rather than magically removed.
So he nodded. Tightening his hold and somehow wishing he knew exactly how to comfort someone. This was going to be unpleasant.
This was where the assortment of tools came into play. Pointing Padma to be sure to hold the girl’s leg firmly still, then double checking to be sure Theon had her upper half stationary, Reeves them moved to pluck up two of the sharp little utensils. Igniting a bright ball of light in his palm to wave the pieces through, shaking them a bit to cool it before he very artfully, delicately used the scalpel to slice into the flesh itself. Then pushing in a pair of tweezers to probe deeper and deeper into the wood seeking what wasn’t meant to be there.
It hurt. It hurt a lot if the soft pained whimpers of the sleeping princess were any indication. Straining against those that held her down and even forcing Reeves to pause for a moment until she stilled once again.
Whatever it was, had sank all the way down to the bone, but there was a clear indication on Reeves’ face when he’d found it. Setting the scalpel aside to rest his palm back against her thigh to give a means of magical painkiller to make the means of pulling the object out without her thrashing around.
When he finally pulled it free and held it up to examine, it was hard to tell at first exactly what it was. One sharp point and in a triangle… cone shape and cracked jagged on the other side. Reeves dropped it into a jar of water and swish it around – likely full of the holy waters as all of the black oozy stuff vanished away quickly, leaving nothing but the shiny jet black object behind.
“A chip of the horn,” Reeves explained. “It must have broken off in the femur and remained stuck there, leaching away into her blood as a slow poison. It is no wonder she was never able to heal.”
“Oh thank the great lady,” exclaimed Padma with a rush of relief. “I was imagining something so much worse! Like demonic worms!”
“Demonic worms would have been expelled out in the spring,” he stated then.
Maybe it was a good thing Araminta was not awake, she’d not have appreciated these sorts of thoughts at all!
Now that the offending evil object was removed, Reeves set about the movements of actually healing. One palm against the girl’s thigh and the other hovering close over the wound itself.
“With an infection such as this, it must be drawn out of the blood. To simply close the wound would only trap the tainted blood in her body, prolonging her recovery for a needless amount of extra time.” he continued his lesson. Showing how he was drawing out the black ooze by means of the light magic. Tilting his head to gesture for Padma to fetch more of the holy waters and to help clean up the tainted blood as it poured out.
“A healer might use all of their manna to heal a wound that’s progressed this far – but a master knows to lean on the spirit of the one they are trying to heal. In battle, if a healer were to only use their own energy they themselves would collapse after a few patients. Rendering them effectively pointless. One must first pull from the patient what they can, and then fuel the rest from your own manna.”
“In this case, I’d say stubborn tenacity is an apt descriptor,” For the first time since this surgical healing began, Reeves cracked a smile. “She has it in spades. If the girl had been born a mage, I doubt our Imperial Queen would have risked sending her on the trials.”
Holding her still and observing how Reeves went about going so deep that he was personally starting to question if there was anything truly inside to find, it would become tangible proof. Retrieving something that was put into a vial of water that was likely holy and shortly revealed to be the tip end of the very horn that gored her. Leaving him in a silent awe that wasn’t so much reaching his features. As was typical. But taking due time to funnel through the information that had been offered with a accepting fathoming. It would not have crossed his mind that the horn itself had been present in her leg still. Obviously.
Even if it had, he wouldn’t have been able to do what Reeves had.
Shortly becoming invested in his explanation once more. Only affirming his true awe and amazement at the things Araminta did and done without so much as a complaint. It strengthened by leagues the means that she was truly fearless and capable of doing so much. Underlining his own admission that there was very little he could do that she couldn’t. Feeling a sense of pride that very thought that she had been gracious enough to waste her time on him before raising his attention to hum and nod in agreement to Reeves statement about if Araminta was a mage, she truly would be a fearsome foe for the Imperial Queen. Though she was already even without magic, otherwise he likely would have never been entirely tasked with taking the princess’ head.
“Thank you.” It seemed best to say now after it all. Not about to make other comments or anything that was unnecessary for this moment.
“You are most sincerely welcome, friend.” responded Reeves with that charming open smile. “It’s not everyday someone is foolish and bold enough to defy Bloody Heirra. It is my humble pleasure to be of assistance.”
With a statement like that, it made it very clear that being the Queen’s murderous hand was not the only reputation now starting to circle around the twelve imperial kingdoms about Prince Theon. While many were still apprehensive and fearful, apparently there were some that were recognizing the Imperial Prince no longer seemed to be following the beck and call of his vicious mother.
The means of continued healing were not done swiftly, due to the nature and spread of the infection. Even for one as talented as Reeves, even in having to switch places to allow Padma to take over, it took several hours to pull ever bit of the black nasty infection out of the princess’ body without bleeding her to a dry husk. The master paladin almost suggested that Theon too aide with this healing, but openly explained to the prince with pure candor that he needed to conserve his energy to his fullest as the girl might need him in the future. With the actual wound itself healed, all that was left was a physical mark, seeming almost like a tattooed jagged swirl of black ink.
Padma did the delicate work of making sure the princess was properly cleaned up and then she was moved back to one of the beds where she could sleep off the remaining effects of the elixir, and hopefully to have a true and restful sleep for the first time in ages.
“Though the wound is healed, she is always going to be marked,” Reeves explained with a great deal of regret, once all was quiet. “It’s rare for one to escape a demon alive at all. Those that do are… sought after, coveted treasures to drag back to their realm. A toy that doesn’t break easily is one to keep. I am truly baffled that none have attempted to claim her already. Your princess is truly blessed by the Lady of Light. Perhaps fae-touched as well to have such luck.”
It was heard but brushed by. Not about to give credit or even properly suggest acknowledgement about Reeves idea of him defying that of the Imperial Queen. Knowing that there was nothing to say to it. Simply accepting the moment as it was and daring to be the observant watcher when the efforts of dedicating healing went on. Proving that Araminta’s blood was severely tainted and took such a due care that even if he might not understand everything that was happening, it was proving that the care of the two paladins and their craft was something to be in quiet reverie of. Such a talent and it yet proved to be so painstaking that it did make him wonder just how high the princess’ pain tolerance was.
She was proving to be truly remarkable. By every second.
Alongside the two that were giving so much when they truly did not have too.
It was silent interest that continued to watch through the hours and wondered if there was something to be done to help either of them. Remaining passive as not to ask for what would he even do? Likely nothing. Simply hearing that he would potentially be of need in the future but thought carefully in the annals of his own mind that he would implore Araminta to align herself with the temple. Then, if she needed healing, she would be treated by professionals. Ones who could explain their talents inside and out. Forward and back. From the very core of their being. Especially with the soon uttered statement that Araminta would be marked for eternity because of this all.
While some may look upon it in a sense of horror, he figured it was a well deserved badge of honour and proof to her outstanding persistence. She was surely no precious jewel that may have been protected once upon a time in her kingdom. Princess Araminta from Caeldalmor, was a warrior and a icon. He was certain of that. A suitable legacy to tell other young girls that would aspire to be more than what they were told to be. To do.
Before he could raise the mental pedestal any higher, Reeves spoke further whilst the princess was made comfortable to rest.
The man’s comment was enough to invite him to recall a detail, “She would be suitable for that.” Remarking that she would be certainly blessed if she were fae-touched. Adding to her outstanding list of achievements. Alongside being potentially favoured by this Lady of the Light. “Within a plagued village,” Theon was pointedly glossing over a bit of the suggestion of how no known demon had come seeking after Araminta… yet. “There was a idol we discovered in a cavern. Demonic in nature. With notable signs that is was maintained and influencing the plagued status of the abandoned place.” Theon lightly brushed at his own jawline whilst actively avoiding any prolonged eye contact. “Many undead wandered and blighted things within the water. Slimes in particular.” He didn’t explain much to that, allowing Reeves to take this information as he wished.
They were the paladins after all.
Rather, “Would the temple alliance themselves with Araminta if she needed?” Jumping more so towards that to curiously garner what sort of reception this would pull.
“Another blighted place…” Reeves responded with a thoughtful frown, apparently not the least bit surprised to hear of such a thing an with a statement like this suggested there was more than just the slime blighted village. His hands resting at his hips, fingers tapping while he appeared to consider the mention of the place, but not yet responding on regards to it.
Instead, seeming to take greater interest in Theon’s question.
“Before I answer, would you indulge me with a few questions of my own?” he inquired, quite openly curious. Even Padma who hadn’t strayed too far and was presently cleaning up the utensils had paused and perked up her ears to listen.
“Even a fool would recognize the Imperial Queen would not send her son and heir – her murderous hand, if you’ll beg my pardon – to merely bear witness to one taking the trials. Your Araminta was meant to die. So then… what stayed your hand? What was it that changed your path?”
That… didn’t sound good. And he didn’t even know how to express an interest in knowing where others were and also not want to know. Clearly there was something more afoot about this if there was multiple locations. Again, it was none of his business when he was no expert. Barely even a novice to such things.
Dark magic and demons were for all intents and purposes, mystical things that were more suggested myth than fact in his world. Even if he knew it was there, the lack of education made it mysterious.
Regardless he wasn’t about to waste time in daring to gauge his thoughts here. Asking bluntly if Araminta needed the temple, would they lend her their aid. Which didn’t appear to alert Reeves in any abrupt way. Rather the man turned it around to suggest he wanted his own questions answered first. Be it far from him to insist otherwise, so he merely nodded in compliance. Waiting a moment and shortly taking time to consider the queries.
“I do not know.” It was an honest fact. He was not entirely sure himself to why he stayed his hand after he was told to slay Araminta. Reasoning at first that he was merely curious to see why she was warranted death and what problem she posed at all. Just that ended up turning somewhere and even as he sought the answer now, it was elusive. Likely to be no reply at all. Just, “She was the first to treat me as someone and not something.” Theon stated passively, “She said we were friends and it was interesting to me.” Leaving it abundant then and there that the very thing was a first for him. “Perhaps that.”
“Interesting to you,” Reeves repeated, suddenly erupting into a boisterous, pleasant laugh. Even Padma too was snickering nearby. Both finding this a very understated, not quiet accurate description of what they could see, plain as day, was something far deeper than simply being interesting.
However, it was not the paladin’s place to tell someone what their truth was before they were ready to recognize it for what it was.
“To be called a friend when one previously had none could be life altering indeed,” he responded instead. Also a truth, even if it was not the full scope of this interesting partnership the Imperial Prince had found himself in.
“I cannot tell you with certainty that if she called upon us to aide that we would follow her – we do not yet properly know your princess, and her illness did not give us means to truly speak.” answered Reeves with the upmost honesty. “You, however, have shown a strength of character. To come to a place that has no love for your parent’s rule, while weak of body and spirit to seek aide for one dear to you. To speak with us with truth and candor, to protect this girl at threat to your own life, to go on to tell us of a place that also needs our aide.”
“That is the values of our very order. That is the actions of one we would align ourselves with. So yes, Imperial Prince. We will aide you. And should that request be on behalf of your Princess Araminta, then it so shall be.”
The sounds of their laughter and snickers was just enough to well… mortify him. Reddening somewhat but internally trying to dissect just what was so amusing about that. Settling on the glaring thought that clearly it was just another dig at him being inferior in ways he didn’t understand. Didn’t have that familiarity with like others would. A rip on his lacking self and silently decided that it was in their right to make fun of his clear lacking.
Accepting it after a minute and tucking the reply away into darker portions of his thoughts.
Settling next once more to simply pay attention to what was to be uttered. Knowing that thus far Reeves proved to be very educated and highly worldly. Although there was a note that he was sure he had not expressed that Araminta was a princess, but figured she may have said something herself when he was not present.
“To address me as such is incorrect.” Theon picked at that now, “I am not.” Clear that this wasn’t just him being fussy but a clear show that he did not believe it, feel it or even acknowledge it. The title was misplaced and had no business being associated with him. Even if it was correct, it wasn’t. “I would not request anything on behalf of Araminta. She is capable and wise and surely it shows that she is full of strong conviction in whatever she chooses to do. I ask, out of curiosity. Knowing that there is someone or a organization that is better suited to honour her nobility, is placating.”
The red headed man turned some to consider where the very woman was resting. “I will leave for now. So your order can return and not feel unwelcomed in their own abode. Thank you.” Pausing for a moment, “I will be outside of the town. If needed.” Not about to leave this time without talking to Araminta properly. As he expressed he would do from now on. And he would honour that.
“The man can’t take a compliment to save his life,” announced Padma with a scrunching of her nose. Ready to open her mouth and lay it all out for this Imperial Prince, that he’d just been given the loyalty of what was possibly the last paladin order in all the twelve kingdoms and to stop being as dense as a frickin’ mountain made of granite. Yet had to shut her mouth the moment Reeves shook his head at her.
“Stay,” insisted Reeves instead. “The order can return here with peace knowing you are not a threat to them. They will not worry or feel unsafe. Yet she,” he gestured softly towards the slumbering princess, “will fuss and fret if you are not close by when she wakes. Give her that comfort.”
He stepped away, beckoning his fingers for Padma to follow.
“Come along now. It seems we need to make some arrangements to visit a blighted village.”
The paladin and his ward did not stay to see if Theon acquiesced to the bidding of staying. Confident that the way of the Lady of Light would guide the Imperial prince to where he needed to be. After all, he’d been brought here to them, and what an interesting new world of possibilities that had been opened in this new knowledge about the man!
As for Araminta… For the first time in a very, very long time she actually dreamed. Good dreams, bad dreams, dreams of fanciful nonsense and terrible frightening things. Too physically exhausted to toss and turn or thrash about. Yet finally getting a proper kind of rest that was actually restful even despite some of the mixed dreamings.
It’d been hours before she actually awoke and the infirmary was very dimly lit by candlelight thanks to a few of the returned priests. After a moment of sleepy blinking, proper awareness kicked in again and Araminta suddenly sat upright, absolutely ready to throw off that blanket and go causing a ruckus.
“Theon!!“
Rings of argent naturally drifted to the perturbed and clearly agitated Padma. Looking like she was about to lick the arse end of a toad with how her features were all scrunched up. Not sure he knew where any sort of compliment was but agreed well enough that no, he didn’t know how to accept such things. Those types of things were just as alien as most kindnesses were. If he was about to develop a sense of offense, it was stunted.
Once more laying focus as best he could to that of the lord paladin and the means of nonsense dribbling from his mouth. It was still a good thing he wasn’t argumentative by nature. As this might be a very real instance that it could have happened. To point out that while he lacked what most people had, he was not so blind not to notice the discomfort that came from the others before they were missing from the place that was rightfully theirs to exist in. Wondering somewhere if Reeves himself might be one of the leaders of this temple that he could give such a statement at all with that same level of confidence that felt like it ought to be envied.
No matter, it was apparent that he wasn’t really given a choice anyways. For the flick of fingers to bid that of ward closer, the subject was ended. Another means of familiarity.
If there was something for him to find fault with, it was shut down and shut off. No longer important.
Leaving the infirmary as quiet as the morgue save for the steady breathing of one. There would be little else for him to do save to find a spot out of the way and sit till he was needed. Wanting to avoid causing any potential bother to those who deserved to move freely in their own place. Managing to find a corner that wasn’t laden with something occupying the space and sat there. Finding the recognizable sensation of keeping himself busy with private thoughts and one sided conversations once more. Avoiding being potentially problematic in any way he could.
Time moved and he found one person coming into the infirmary to check on Araminta, at least a few times. He did well to avoid looking in their direction as if his own gaze was about to turn one to stone. Practically feeling that awkwardness in the air like a taunt noose about one’s neck before they would do what they had too and leave with a quick shuffle.
It was somewhere between trying to reanalyze for the umpteenth time the means of what had all happened under Reeves tutelage that the night was breeched by a woman jerking upwards like the walking dead, and his name being broken. Urging him to rise swiftly less Araminta somehow find her feet and became a menace to whomever was the next soul she laid eyes upon. Making sure to rattle that of armour and such to prove that she wasn’t devoid of any additional life, before managing to come close enough that one of the standing candelabras were brought close enough to radiate low golden flickering light.
Assuring it was enough to make a halo of light about before adjusting and kneeling down upon floor. Folding hands across lap and simply, waiting.
Immediate relief washed over her features and those ten thousand different worries and concerns that were flittering around in her head were pushed aside, in favor of absolutely no thought or second thinking to her actions. Shoving away those blankets anyway to hop out of the bed and come throwing her arms around Theon’s neck all over again. This time without anyone there to come prying her off before she was ready.
He likely hated it, she knew, and was only tolerating it for her sake, but in that moment she needed to be just a little selfish. Even if hugging a man in full armor wasn’t exactly the most comfortable thing to do, Araminta needed it. And thus she buried her face and clung on like an annoying barnacle clinging to the bow of a ship.
There were too many things she wanted to say and the princess hardly knew where to start. Leaving poor Theon trapped in her grasp for far longer than she should’ve, until her head finally settled on the only thing that was truly important to her.
“Are you okay?” It might’ve been the hundredth time she asked at this point. And now she was doing so directly in his ear by means of tearful whispering, because she still wasn’t letting go of him any time soon.
For someone that had been recovering, she moved like a viper. A sweet, gentle one mind you. With no intention to stay wrapped up in the blankets that would serve her well to stay warm in. Something he considered between the few seconds he had before arms were reaching and strapping themselves around that of neck once more. A baffling sensation surely but not unpleasant.
Merely raising wonderment if it was alright that he wasn’t disliking the action. Trying to assume that this was probably normal and much akin to when she insisted their arms or hands be linked, it wasn’t peculiar. That the action was instead totally normal. A thing that wasn’t in his life but not an behavior that should’ve been met with wary concern.
Shoulders relaxed somewhat. Lightly with clear modesty of where his own palms laid upon, there was no insistence that she remove herself. Leaving her to so as she wanted or needed until she was good and ready at her own pace to either pull away, speak or insist at staying as this.
Finding a sort of in-between.
Not so formerly accustom to her of all souls, sounding sorrowful. As he gave her query a proper consideration, hands made use of themselves. Reaching out to snag at tye top cover of her abandoned blankets. Pulling loose what he could till arrangement could be made of bring it to that of back and shoulders. Not wishing her to be exposed to the nighttime infirmary air.
“Yes.” Came the response. Not really a lie nor the truth. Pressing hands to the means of upper back to impress the blanket upon her. Hoping that heat from palms would help some. “Do you feel pain? Or sore? I can ask for someone to help if you wish. Are you uncomfortable at all?” Concern showed softly, ready to do what he could to alleviate whatever bother she potentially had. Once he could be affirmed of such things, he’d seek to speak his honest means of apology for what suffering he had caused or has been ignorant to the means of her suffering. Feeling it was owed.
“I don’t care about me right now, Theon,” she breathed out, somehow relieved, worried and frustrated all at once. Such a complex torrent of emotions it was hard to focus on just one to begin with. All she really knew was that she needed to hold tight to him, as she was so afraid he was going to slip through her fingers. Whether it be someone whisking her away or her own stupid body trying to render her unconscious all over again!
After a few moments Araminta did finally pull back enough to examine his face. Worriedly seeking for just how much damaged she’d done by being so woefully terrible at her one job. Pressing the palm of her had to his cheek and brushing her thumb at the sight of those dark circles under his eyes. Though he seemed minutely better than the last time she had eyes on him, possibly due to the hot spring waters, he still very much looked as if he hadn’t slept, ate, or even rested the tiniest of bits. Araminta still had no idea how long she’d actually been unconscious and how they’d gotten there to the temple, which meant he could’ve been agonizing for days.
“I’m so sorry, Theon…” she murmured softly, unable to stop tears from escaping but at least she wasn’t choked up or sobbing. “I abandoned you when you needed me the most, and I can’t imagine how scared and alone you must’ve felt. I am so, so sorry. I just- I just didn’t realize it was so bad. I should’ve- I should’ve made sure we found a temple first! I was so careless!”
“But I do.” He replied rather swiftly to her statement that she didn’t much care about herself at this current moment, however, he certainly did. Not about to just glint over it any further seeing as well, look what happened when he had. Making the effort to keep that blanket draped as best he could about her slight frame. Waiting till she removed herself from being tucked so close, only to be just all that more feely with him.
Leaving him a plain candlelit view of just how bothered she was. An oddity to him as she had been so assured, so confident and unbothered by practically everything that of course he hadn’t believed it was possible for her to be anything but those very things. To see otherwise, it was gut wrenching.
The palming of face and the way her jade ringed gaze fluttered over him –it wasn’t difficult to know she was coherent enough to be studious. Chalking away whatever thoughts she had and he found himself idly leaning into the means of gentle brushing touch. Lifting brows a little when she started to murmur and her eyes started to drip drop.
“No.” Singular but strong, “I am not unfamiliar with dealing with what happens to myself.” Declaring in his own way that he had no intention or expectation that she ought to play guard when he was more than accustomed eventually soothing himself over. It wasn’t particularly fair that she felt she had to anyways, “It is not your responsibility and I would not wish that to be either.”
Lightly he gave his features a slight shake, “Do not apologize. I could have been more direct and insistent after your injury was revealed. You know your own tolerance better than an outside source, how would you have known it could be potentially bad?” He wasn’t here to make her feel bad or like she ought to be omniscient either. “It is not your fault.”
He was being stubborn and far too kind, but she never expected anything less from Theon. He’d likely throw himself right into the maw of a giant flaming spider despite all his fears just for her sake – which was exactly why it WAS her responsibility to care for him when he was struggling the most!
“You shouldn’t have to deal with it all by yourself,” she insisted, quite earnestly. Almost wanting to stroke her fingers through his hair in those soothing motions, just as she had when he was a horse, so he’d understand just how important he actually was. “You’ve had to be on your own for so long without someone to care for you and it’s wrong. You shouldn’t have to suffer and struggle all on your own.”
There was no possible way she could make up for this massive bungle. Leaving Araminta to heave a shuddering sigh to return her arms around his neck and just bury her face there for a moment. At least she was awake and able to now.
“I wanted to be there for you and take care of you so you could feel safe,” came her muffled voice. “Instead I made it so much worse. I always seem to make it worse. And you can’t stop me from saying I’m sorry, because I am going to say it a thousand times and it’s still not going to be enough.”
What he could do was listen to her however, even if he didn’t agree with it all. Instead finding muted comfort in just bare little motions that were contact. Able to accurately recall that prior Araminta, such things weren’t anything he had. Even the one nanny he had when he was born, had been slaughtered due to an event. And after that, nothing. So as much as he wanted to stay neutral and not look like he was doing anything, it was nice.
But he could see how much this all affected her. Giving him a figurative boost to try and assure her all the more that none of this was her fault. Her responsibility. Her burden. “If it means you are okay, I do not mind. It is familiar.” Suggesting that he hardly expected her to deal with him in such ways, “I would not want to bring a dourness to you. Please do not make this your burden to carry, you have much already.”
As she slipped back in and clung near, he adjusted then. Shifting and maybe a bit of studying to where he could arrange his own grasp to politely fold about her in what he hoped was a return embrace. Even if it felt rather awkward to do and wasn’t sure exactly where hands went in this situation.
“You did not make it worse. You did not know and you cannot take blame for something that was never yours to have. I may not be able to stop you for apologizing, but that does not mean I have to accept them either when I do not feel they belong.”
Araminta managed to laugh softly against his neck, melting softly into what was very obviously an awkward uncertain embrace from a man who’d likely never hugged anyone in his entire life. Not about to point out he could squeeze her to death if he truly wished and she’d be happy to let him.
“That’s fair,” she murmured, whisper soft. “But that means I don’t have to accept your apologies either, as I know that is exactly what you are going to attempt to do.”
They probably looked very silly with him kneeling there on the floor, and her being an opossum attached to him. Araminta couldn’t bring herself to let go, though, almost afraid that as soon as she did that they’d never have another moment like this. Had she died, Theon wouldn’t ever get another opportunity for squeezing hugs as she was fairly certain he’d have given up on people all together and very likely run off to be a horse the rest of his life.
…it wouldn’t have been such a bad life being a horse. But she wanted so much better for him.
“You’re not a burden to me. You might be the only reason I want to bother with trying to keep living at all. So if you’re going to say sorry, you can say it, but please don’t think you’re anything less than important to me? You’re never going to be a regret or a burden to me, you’re a life I very much want to have.”
What an odd moment. To hear that she wanted to repeat back his statement of not accepting whatever sorries he uttered her that she felt were unnecessary. Truly uncertain when someone had gone out of their way to express such a thing without it simply being that of a demand. Although, he wasn’t upset about this either.
Still kind of trying to figure out what way this whole hugging thing worked without being a strange noodly creature that was terribly uncoordinated.
Then came something else that seemed to once more start poking holes in his former thoughts. Wondering if Araminta was psychic in some way because she seemed to know just enough about what he might be thinking without ever actually knowing. It was quite the foresight that ought to be famed itself. Leaving him a moment to think about what had been uttered and trying to push it through a resistant and confused filter in one’s own laborious thoughts, that had him lightly tensing his grasp upon her. “I… would disagree.” Seemingly having to settle with just simple honesty right here and now.
Glancing sidelong to that of the low light like it was about to give him some profane answer. “If… I told you that I think it would be best to separate and you to rely on the Temple here for aid… would you allow it? I do not think it is best that I stay with you when there is clear indication that my help is not that at all. And one who can withstand such a terrible pain, does not need the likes of less than equal to her own measure.” He didn’t know how to really go about this but forward seemed like the wisest path. Even if it wasn’t what she wanted to hear.
“You would be in better hands and companionship with those of same confidence and influence. I would do better by myself. And here, the paladins are capable of helping with demons. They have no love for the Imperial Queen. It would be a good agreement to work with.”
“Who said that you are less than me? Who said you weren’t a help every single step of the way?” she asked, perfectly ready to fight (or at least very seriously yell at) anyone who would’ve dared to suggest such a thing to him! These weren’t the things she was expecting to hear from him, prompting her to finally pull away, just far enough that her hands rest on his shoulders. Examining his features with a great deal of concern and finding they were likely all coming from his own thoughts.
Thoughts she could surely reassure him about only… the one phrase stood out. He would do better by himself. Striking this twisting, gnarly little part of her that had always known it was she that was the real burden here. Her reluctance to let him go had trapped him with this heavy weight on his shoulders. While she didn’t doubt he cared about her… perhaps that was the problem. All this time she thought she’d been giving him the room to grow and breathe, but really she’d become a new sort of chain that dragged him through dangers and traumas and hurt. Over and over again. It would continue too, as she couldn’t stop the trials after coming so far already…
Araminta had to let him go. But how could she possibly do so in a way that wasn’t going to reinforce all of those terrible things he thought about himself?
“Is this… what you actually want to do…?” she asked slowly, carefully. “Because I don’t agree that they’d be better for me even if they are helpful. You’ve never failed to be anything but exactly what I’ve needed. …but if you truly, want to go, I won’t- .. I won’t stop you. I would never force you to stay if it wasn’t what you wanted or needed.”
There was no actual name to give to her curiosities besides. Well, “Myself.” There was no reason to deny such a thing. He knew what he knew and didn’t think it necessary to try and soften any sort of it. There was nothing to soften. But she had asked and in turn he was going to be sure she understood that he already knew such things.
Of course it seemed that something had rang together for her as she pulled back. And he didn’t particularly resist the means of reaching up and out to try to brush away those fallen drips that decorated cheeks. Using thumb as he could to smear them hopefully to drying. Leaving her time to think and of course ask a new question in which had a few things hooked alongside. Seemingly pausing to really consider what she had to ask and say in tandem.
“No.” Honestly, he didn’t want to leave but, “But, I do not think it is best for you to be alongside myself. Just because I care about you fervently does not give it the right to be the correct choice. I am accustomed to being one and know that it is best for me to do as then I am not near and not liable to present stress or worry when you have much on your shoulders.” Head gave a soft tilt with that lingering comprehending, “It is because I care for you that I do not want to be in the way any longer. There is much about me that is flawed, incomplete and fractured. Broken and not worth the means of fixing. You however, are confident. Brilliant, full of preservation and a tangible light to others. That works well with the order here. Things I cannot do that you can and they can. This is why I am saying this. It seems better to see you succeed than fumble with dead weight.”
Theon shrugged softly then, “If you can do better, then I would consider that a success for myself.”
Araminta listened, holding her breath as she did, fully expecting him to tell her that he did want to go and that this was all too much for him to manage. Theon was never anything less that honest with her, so she’d know he meant every word he said. Thus when it wasn’t that crushing affirmation of all of her fears – but rather Theon’s own fears and insecurities that seemed to be in the way, that stiff expectant way she was sitting softened along with her release of breath.
If he didn’t actually want to leave her, then this was something they could work through together.
Only… there was absolutely still a problem here and it was Araminta.
“You are not the only one fractured and flawed, Theon,” she responded softly. “I’ve been so selfish in wanting you to stay with me, because I was lonely and scared and you have been such a good friend to me. I am egotistical because I thought I could give you somewhere to feel safe and grow, but all I’ve really done is put you through so much unnecessary pain.”
That was where she realized it truly was going to be the best choice. Araminta found it very hard to meet his eyes then, turning verdant visage anywhere else but him. Over to the candlelight where she wished she could just huff them out, so she could disappear into the dark.
“I don’t want to let you go. …but maybe you are right and it is the correct thing to do. Everything I do is going to get more and more dangerous, and you are going to fret and worry and twist up inside. You’ve not even had time to breathe and heal from separating yourself from your mother, and now there is me bringing you endless problems. I care too much about you to keep torturing you over and over again…”
“So you should go to finally be free and maybe when the trials are over I could come back to you.”
It seemed that there was a lot more going on than what was within his own head. That place was just a living hurricane at all hours so it wasn’t unusual. However, it seemed that Araminta was a lot better at hiding much of her own turbulence. Unsure if he should be in awe that she was that good at holding her own and appearing so unaffected or what. Knowing that what was necessary right now was to afford her the chance to speak with an undivided attention. Even if he was picking apart pieces of her spiel with a easy disagreement.
“You might consider it unnecessary pain, but I wouldn’t. You’ve been the only person thus far that has at least attempted to treat me as more than an tool or an object or something to loathe because of who I am. That, is not pain. I would like it if you were able to not think of it in such a way but I would not force it.” He knew better than anyone that sometimes, you needed to just have your thoughts as they were. Kind or mean.
However, it seemed that her mind was going to need a bit of time to come back to its cheery self. Retracting grasp to hesitate a moment before at least attempting the effort of reaching out and lightly folding palm over one of her own. “You do not torture. You were kind and allowed much freedom. I would not think lowly of yourself. You are not worth such terrible statements.”
Still, he could hear her. And admittedly he knew well enough that it was highly unlikely that they might see another in the future. Though if she was with the Temple, then he was less worried. They were capable and an obvious obstacle that would annoy the Imperial Queen. But unless she wanted to strike out in unruly favour, then it was doubtful she would be so unwise.
But he could become a fair target for the Imperial Queen to line her sight at once more. “Okay. If you wish too.” He would not force that or attempt to say anything that could be a lie about it either. Making an effort once more to at least reach and pull the blanket up upon her yet again. “Your items are safe her. I have kept them present.”
Bowing head in a more formal matter, he knew this would be best for her. She’d was resilient and strong in ways she likely didn’t realize but she would discover them. He had beliefs in that. “Thank you. For just being kind.”
Araminta didn’t want to be kind, not in that moment. Not when her heart was presently hurting so much more than her wounded leg ever had. All she had to do was insist that this was silly, that he needed to stay. And she knew he would because he wouldn’t refuse anything that she asked him.
Which was exactly why she wouldn’t. Araminta had helped him break free from his terrible abusive mother and had shown him that he could be something else. That was enough and it was time to let him go and finally find peace for himself. Whether he wanted to go live as one of the animal fae, or travel the kindgoms, or have a little family somewhere. There was an entire world open for him now and she’d given him that. It was enough.
“I may still use the hut for times of rest?” she asked, honestly surprised her voice didn’t croak in the process with the lump that currently resided in her throat. “I might see you sometimes for a visit. It’s not goodbye forever?”
There was this very peculiar and odd ball that seemed like it was forming in conjunction with his stomach that was being issued by the beating vessel. Not sure what it was exactly doing but it wasn’t pleasant, that much he could figure out. More of a bother truly but guessed it might have something to do with the fact that after all that transpired in the last while, it could be exhaustion and starvation nipping at him. Making itself known in new ways that ought to have him paying heed because of lack of recollection or a figurative callous to it all.
So why didn’t it feel like this was all a good thing?
There ought to have been some sort of relief knowing that Araminta wasn’t exposed to everything without someone there to take revelry in her companion. He was certain that her and Reeves in particular would get along so swimmingly that he could have suspected Padma gagging at it in a childish way. The thought alone was worth an internal hum of amusement.
Lightly he motioned that he would remove himself promptly as so she might take the time to rest as she could. Not about to suggest she try too, knowing she was wise enough to do it on her own.
“You may claim it as your own to do with.” Theon stated plainly. Not in a way that was saying he was being cruel or mean, but just himself. There was little he would make use of in the hut truly and she had been doing well to make it suitable for comfort. It seemed silly to him that he would say no when Araminta had begun to make it into a perfectly cozy nook for her to preside in. It was no grand palace but he supposed she would make it into one of her own choosing.
Just it was that last bit that caused him to stand in a sort of lingering post. It would be easy to say nothing but he had already stated he would not lie to her. “I do believe so. The Imperial Queen will not lay dormant of course nor does she appreciate her reputation being tarnished even mildly. I would not set yourself to believe that there would be a next time of greeting.” Theon seemed at peace with this, “I will do my best to ensure that she finds fault with me to allow you time to continue your trials and to finish it all successfully. That seems like a good thing I could do for you.”
Araminta too made sure she was on her feet, pulling that blanket tight around herself so she wouldn’t suddenly change her her mind and cling on to him and refuse to let him walk away. She had to put on a stoic face and be strong now, so he could move on and not feel guilty or worry about how she felt. He needed to be able to move on and not look back.
Although, just this one time she wished he could’ve lied to her and told her that they’d see each other again soon.
All she could do now was nod that she understood, and force an attempt of a smile so he’d know she did appreciate the last thing he’d try to do for her. As Araminta herself was going to be sure to stop in every village and every tavern to curse the Queen’s name and rile up every land she visited, so that his wicked mother would instead keep her focus on the very princess who was trying to upend her rule and forget all about her escaped son.
“Goodbye Theon. Please stay safe.”
This must have been what one would call bittersweet. Something about all of this was raw and new. Leaving a lot of wonderments of what was happening at all. New sensations that were wildly strange but supposed that was due to this all being just that. New.
Never mind this uncharacteristic wanting to just throw aside everything and made some sort of claim. Although what sort of claim that was, was a mystery too. Just that seeing Araminta not her jovial self was like a small alarm. Something he knew she would amend when she was ready.
Of course he had the desire to stay as well and it was impressively strong. Assuming this was the result of being treated like a person along with someone who didn’t look down at him. Attempt to slaughter him at a moment’s notice and generally let him experience strange new things alongside without a sort of blistered exasperation. It had been nice to have a friend even if it was a short while. That he could take to treasure as he formally gave her a proper princely bow before that of a princess. Needing not to give another word less something unusual slipped out and made this all that much harder.
Turning upon heel so he might properly vacate the temple and decide the next plan of action.
He could merely wait for whatever reckoning would happen, or he could go on the offensive and return with the intention of fighting back. It would be short of course, he doubted there would be any success in the matter but it might give the Imperial Queen the satisfaction of not bothering to hunt him down and send him to the same plain as the other offspring that had come from her. If he was lucky, he might be able to take down her right hand but even that was a longshot.
Regardless, it might be the best course of action. It was unlike him to do so and ought to work out just fine.
Lightly letting the door close behind himself, Theon gave it a light patting before turning to adjust his direction so he could excuse that of his existence from the temple proper.
The moment the door closed Araminta dropped onto the bed, sitting there silently for several long moments, waiting for the well of tears to come.. wishing them to, willing them to! Anything that might give her some sort of cathartic release instead of the increasingly heavy, numbing ache that now was squeezing not just her heart but her lungs with it. Heartbreak was not a new experience for her, she knew it well with all of the people she’d lost. At least this time it wasn’t because of death, so surely that meant she could heal quickly from it?
When tears did not come, she plopped back into the bed and curled up, hoping that she might drift back to sleep quickly as she did so often as of late… but that too didn’t want to come to her. Her wound had finally, after all of this time, been properly healed. The poison all drawn out of her body. Now she suddenly missed that ability to grow still and just drift away into a black oblivion.
As hours and minutes ticked by, Araminta tried to organize her thoughts so she could… make the next step. Something that normally she could do in an instance. To think of a dozen different scenarios and whatifs, possibilities, could bes. This evaded her too, as everything she thought of all lead back to jumping up out of bed and seeking out Theon.
This was the right thing to do, something he needed. But why did it have to feel so wrong?