It had been an active decision to avoid toiling herself up to the woman’s room to wake her when it was still the buttcrack of dawn. Why should she also suffer the lapse of rest because of something that hadn’t been planned or known? It seemed foolish even if perhaps withholding the information for a while longer was a choice that may not have been hers to make. Regardless, it had been made.
Having been involved more than once with those medics that worked at the infirmary. While it didn’t happen very often, there were times that a fight broke out to the point of teeth being lost and more than knuckles being bruised. Plus she had a good relationship to make sure all her girls were healthy considering their private work.
Of course nothing could have prepared the folks that had come back with Senb in a delirium to see the man that was well… not their usual sort of customer. And it was clear when they walked back –leaving Senb at the tavern to keep the front occupied as she went about with the folks to take the imperial prince to the little spot a few streets over. Appreciating that the man didn’t appear to be violent or on a flight risk sort of deal. He was just in a state of out of it that seemed to be a respite. Though of course when they entered the medic facility, she was told to stay at the entrance. They were no healers, such arts were reserved for talented individuals that were part of the temple or the orders of the paladins; something they were not near too in any direction. But they could set bones, sew flesh and give medicine where necessary.
Although if there was anything stronger that needed to be done, they would have to wait for the doctor or plural to come in and start their work that was a lot more than she cared to think about.
She had stayed and gotten some information when it was apparent to her that Araminta had intended for the prince to be as unaware of as possible. If someone didn’t immediately peg him, then he wasn’t supposed to be known. Thankfully he didn’t seem to be passing anyone’s radar within though as she was getting some of those details, it seemed the man had been more of less, attacked. As if that wasn’t obvious.
She couldn’t glean too much from the folks seeing as he wasn’t one of her employees. So it was limited on her part.
He had been on the losing end of a beating, that much was all she could tell. And it had been violent to the point that the smell of blood was likely associated with more than a few lacerations.
By the time she had returned to the Fawn, a few of her early bird risers were up. Looking confused to why she was outside in her robe and slippers while Senb was just shooing the most nosiest of ones away. “Put together a breakfast,” Jasa stated to Senb once the little grouping of busy bodies were sent to go do anything else. Taking the bag that was bloodied to peek into its hold to see that it was surely a nice little bit of golden glittering coins that probably had been part of the reason the man had been attacked, if she was going to guess. Or someone knew he was the prince and decided to get their own sense of justice upon the Hound of the Imperial Queen. “Looks like we best offer the best comforts we can for that of the girl in room, one fourteen.” Jasa moved to grab a cloth to clean the leather pouch, “Something fresh. Eggs, sausage, bread. And fruit.”
Senb nodded though obviously she was confused to the delay. “Take it up to the room once it’s all made and make sure she eats up firstly before sending her down to me. In my office. I’ll have a talk with her then.”
When Araminta did wake, she guessed it was early as she felt as if she hadn’t much slept at all. Discovering that all it took was a couple nights sharing a bed with Theon and now apparently she was spoiled. Even if he did tend to get up in the wee hours of the night because he hated the very idea of softness. He was still close by and that was all that really mattered to Araminta.
Once she sat up to wearily glance about the room, it was still devoid of Theon. That was an entire whole problem that she likely caused herself through being such an absolute baby! Now she was going to have to hunt him down and fix what she’d broken.
There was to be a visit from Adra too, something she couldn’t forget.
Grumbling all sorts of things under her breath, Araminta rolled out of bed and fussed about getting her clothes on. Not reapplying the leather armor, as it would be a little tricky without the assistance, and besides it was safe enough in the town itself. If she had to chase Theon across the Imperial Kingdoms, that would be a different story!
The cook hadn’t looked too thrilled to pull out the stops but once it was expressed that the order came from the Madam, the man pulled his sour face off. Nodding wisely and getting swiftly to the task whilst fingers went about arranging a tray with a little vase to try and look the part of good morning breakfast, instead of setting the mood for some information that was less than thrilling at any time of the day.
Once everything was cooked and arranged on a couple of plates, the movement to go upstairs was normalized. Till she was prepared outside the woman’s allocated room to knock loudly to ensure it was heard. “Good morning, miss.” The overnight clerk called through while making a glance down the hallway and over her shoulder. Hoping she wasn’t disturbing anyone else, “I’ve brought breakfast as a request of another.” Not sure she was about to express the words that the Madam was sending up such a thing because of a bloody bag of money. Only guessing that it had to be generous if the Madam was willing to go so hard even for one guess. Or she felt bad cause apparently the man that had scared her near to death, was the companion to this woman. Guard?
She wasn’t sure. Not that it mattered, only that she was sent to do a task and she was damn well going to do it.
Making sure that the food would be eaten before taking the girl downstairs. Of course wanting to give Jasa time to get herself all gussied up into attire that was far more fitting than matronly mother wandering around at the dawn’s light looking after unexpected wayward children!
Araminta was still trying to organize how she would plot out her day, depending on what events would happen next. She couldn’t be rude and take off without being able to meet and greet Adra, so that was a priority. Potentially she’d have to discuss with Madam Jasa more work to be done to cover expenses, or perhaps she could work for Bo for a bit. Either could do her well. The trick would be trying to ask who had seen Theon and when without revealing she was searching for the very Imperial Prince himself.
She’d just barely gotten her clothes on when the girl knocked on her door. Araminta moved to answer it quickly, opening up the door too peer curiously and step out of the way. By request of another, whom, she wondered? It was easy to suspect Theon of such a thing, but the Madam had been more than accommodating too, that seemed a little more than what would be typical for any other guests.
“Good morning,” she greeted easily. “I did not know it was custom to serve breakfast? Though I appreciate it all the same.”
As the door creaked open to reveal the one she had yet to lay eyes on, the dark almost onyx eyes softened. Not sure if it showed sympathetically or genuinely but she did take the sidestep as invite to come inside. Stepping over to the small clawed table so she could rest the tray upon it, “It’s not. Just the amount that was paid I assume was more than enough and the Madam thought it best to assure you were well fed this morning.” Senb pointed out so no confusion was to be had. “Which in that case, Madam Jasa wishes to see you after you’ve eaten. As for what?” Senb shook her head. Not about to even delve into that bit because it was none of her business.
Nor did she have the tact for it anyways. She was the night clerk for a reason and it wasn’t to be the bubbly personality that made each and everyone feel welcomed. “I am Senb by the way.” Offering her name in case this one needed it for some reason or another. Or just to be properly polite. “When you’ve eaten, I am to escort you to the Madam’s office. Just so you know,” Folding hands before herself, Senb looked around the room then. As if she had never seen it before which in all fairness, she hadn’t.
It wasn’t exactly in her requirements to know each room. If it was occupied, it was occupied and she generally didn’t have people so late coming in. If she did, they had a standard room on the first floor.
Well that was incredibly suspicious.
The hows and whys were presently eluding Araminta, while she tried not to look like she was eyeing the girl up and down looking for clues. Already moving over to the table to do as was bided, if only because someone had been tasked with preparing a meal for her and she wasn’t about to let their work go to waste.
It would have been simple enough to bring her a meal and tell her to go see the Madam – having someone stand there waiting awkwardly for her to do so meant something. A kind gesture to charm and coax Araminta into taking a permanent position with the Inn? That didn’t require a babysitter. Poisoned breakfast with a witness to be sure she was dead and gone? Had potential and clearly she was adopting Theon’s paranoid habits. That didn’t feel right either, as there were surely more efficient ways to kill her… they could have done so while she was sleeping!
Something was wrong, now would she be able to squeeze it out of this woman?
“I am Araminta,” she supplied first, in case the woman didn’t know. Araminta doubted every employee knew every guest that came in. “What might be important enough for a morning meeting with the Madam?”
One had to be daring enough to ask out right, after all.
Senb shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly as possible to the question of why. “I was just told to bring you down and to make sure you ate.” Though she was adlibbing now, her eyes did scroll up and down the young woman. “You don’t seem like you’ve got much on the way of your bones. That may be why, in case something isn’t to your liking? I can’t be sure. I’m typically the night clerk here, so this is my last bit of tasks to do before I head home for the day.” Half true, half a lie.
It was none of her business to go out of the way to say what had all happened. Mostly cause even if she were to say something, half the information that likely would be sought would be missing. Because she had no idea what had happened after the Madam when with the man, the medics and then her coming back.
There was little reason for her to go branching out on what ifs, especially since she really didn’t want to either. In the case and point of this being, not her circus, not her monkey’s. “I can clean up the room a little if you’d like,” Though what there was to clean up was not much. And it wasn’t really her job either but she could gather that being watched to make sure every bit of morsel into one’s mouth was awkward as hell. “Sorry, I don’t know a lot of what’s going on. The Madam asks me to do something. I do it. Little else to it.”
Araminta looked down at herself, even holding out an arm to see if she could actually see for herself what others seemed to be fussing over. While she wasn’t the size she ought to be, Araminta was sure she wasn’t walking around as a skeleton either! She was also just naturally small, anyway. Plus Theon had been feeding her plenty, she was not a starved thing.
The woman didn’t seem to have the details, though.
“I see… that’s fair, if you do no know.” Araminta was still suspicious, yet she couldn’t bring herself to shake down the poor woman for details. She’d get them soon enough. At least the woman understood it was a little strange to have an audience, so the princess nodded her head about the offer of tidying, so Senb would have something to keep busy with.
How was she supposed to eat when now her stomach was churning with this anxious anticipation that something was wrong!
As efficiently as possible, then.
Araminta eyed the plates and then took to making the ensemble into a sandwich with the eggs, bread and sausage. All squished together meant she could scarf it all down in a few alternating bites with the fruit. No mess and no fuss. It’d be a breakfast in record time.
By the greater nines she was relieved when this one wasn’t about to start pressing for more information. Sure she had some but not enough to be useful. Allowing her to instead go about the means of organizing things that seemed like they needed it. Granted the room was practically in a clean state minus that of the bedding but that would need to be changed regardless. So that was where she would start. Pulling the blanket off with topsheet and fitted one. To undress pillows and make herself a pile of linens that would require washing and leaving the room to be refitted with new sheets so whomever was the next guest here could use them without fear of them being soiled.
Especially in this place, such care was highly detrimental!
Leaving the girl to do what she wanted for the meal aspect till she was more than ready to go. Only doing so when Araminta indicated she was ready and for Senb to take the tray away so she could return it to the kitchen. Much to the cooks preference less there be rogue dishes collecting in various corners of the place to find new lifeforms growing upon them. A horrible thought that was promptly pushed away.
Only when the girl was prepped, did she motion for her to follow. Surely at this point Araminta was going to be as well guided in the servant’s passageways rather than the actual guest ones. But she was not about to waste any further time when it came to getting this one over to the Madam and of course leaving herself because this was already too much of an eventful time. Leading along to the office space that was a converted closet with a simple desk and a chair present inside. The very top of the desk was a organized mess. Papers and files and various other things that looked like they might topple over at any moment but the Madam was very tight about how her desk was. It was the way she wanted it and could find whatever she needed in a moment’s notice.
With a knock, “Araminta here to see you, Madam.”
Jasa turned then on the bucket of her chair, hair pulled up into a coiled puff once more as she had changed the dangling chains around the arms of glasses for something a little more playful. Brightly coloured rather than gold as it had been the day prior, while favouring attire that was still trimmed around that of waist to accent figure but not so bold as the parts of her assets were spilling out everywhere. Smiling sweetly with a bidding of manicured fingers to welcome Araminta inside. “Thank you Senb, go on and make sure you get some rest.”
“Yes Madam.” Senb bowed almost, stealing a look towards Araminta that was practically oozing sympathy that would linger till she turned and left.
Leaving the two of them together, “How did you sleep, darling?”
Senb was a very nice lady, but not one that had what some would call a poker face. Whatever little bits information she did have, clearly it was something not good to keep giving Araminta these subtle pitying looks! It was almost enough to have the princess wanting to scream.
Madam Jasa’s pleasant greeting didn’t help with the whiplash either!
Araminta had lost all patience with this running around.
“Not as well as I could have, for reasons that have nothing to do with your lovely establishment,” she stated first and foremost to answer the question. Then Araminta was resting her hands on her hips, and whether she realized it or not it was a learned behavior she’d picked up from her royal parents when they were fed up with whatever run-around someone was giving them.
“I might be clueless in some aspects but I know when something is wrong. So I would appreciate you being forthright and not make attempts to be gentle.”
Painted lids helped glide that of vision over to the girl that expressed her night hadn’t been as restful as it rightly should have been. Had this been any other patron, she might have queried to what had been subpar enough not to offer the best rest possible. Yet something in the way this little pixie of a girl body language was, it was a indication that she was close to a cranky mood. Looking more akin to a youth that was ready to waggle a finger around while trying to look tough. Perhaps in the right scenery, Araminta may have been terrifying.
For her, well, she had seen enough youngling’s in her days not to be particularly bothered or moved by their need to be tough and adult like. Even if Araminta was an adult, she was a child by comparison. As were most of her employees.
Moving a few stray pieces of paper to another stack, Jasa considered the girl. Then the chair and outright decided that offering her to sit down might seem like another attempt to waylay the moment even longer. “Alright.” Jasa pulled that of glasses from her nose so they could hang from that of chain. Folding hands upon the narrow empty space of the desk and set that of eyes strongly upon the girl. “Your prince returned early this morning. And he was taken into the medic infirmary due to being well,” Jasa paused not to hold the moment any longer but because she was recalling information, “From what they said, a rather violent beating. Senb was startled to have a bloodied man in that of her midst so early, so she is obviously perturbed and was only doing as I asked.”
Jasa opened her hands in a honest gesture, “I was not given a lot of information as is medical procedure but please note that the facility here is not a healing one. So whatever they’ve done, they’ve done to the best of their ability. What I can say is, your tab has been plenty paid because of whatever it was he had done. And yes, I know who he is. He stated who he was after you left yesterday since he was not far behind. Half the information I had came from your prince. No one else knows, and it doesn’t seem like the medical staff did either. So that’s the gist of it. Just know that he was probably one of the worst of souls I’ve seen in a while.”
Leaning back some, Jasa continued that open palm gesture, “Was that forthright enough for you?”
With the Madam announcing prince first and foremost Araminta had a little internal jolt made all the worse with the following words of a medic infirmary. The onset of panic was so strong she could almost feel it rushing through her head like rolling ocean waves. Dropping her hands from her hips to hold straight at her sides and curl her fingers into her palm tight enough she could feel her nails digging into her skin.
That look of terror might’ve been on her face for all of a split second before it was replaced with that simple serious expression. The switch that needed to flip that somehow allowed her to mentally step back and handle an emergency situation without shivering or shaking, or crumbling down to her knees.
Araminta listened well to the rest, plucking out the pieces that were most important. Theon was alive but in grim shape. Somehow finding his way back with money of all the gods be damned ridiculous things! Knowing he’d prioritized her before saving his own blasted life!
He’d told Jasa who he was too, which was a curious thing, but for the moment was unimportant.
“Thank you,” stated Araminta first, perhaps a little wavering in voice, but that was gone just as quick. “For the honesty and the care you’ve taken. I need the directions to where he is now.”
That certainly was no sweet and gentle asking, it was a demand. And while she was able to keep her calm on the surface, there was no hiding the undercurrent that Araminta was about to be everyone’s damn problem if she didn’t get the information she needed.
Body language said a lot. In this moment, the girl had only a very short moment that looked like she was perturbed by what was said. Only that with a cool correct, it was removed. Leaving one to wonder if she was potentially irritated or irate about what transpired. Or if there was something else occurring that was meant to be sheltered beneath the privacy of her own composure. Whatever it was, it was none of her business. At this point, the tab had been plenty paid and she had taken care of ensuring the prince was sent elsewhere with the means of tending to whatever variety of injuries he sustained.
No longer becoming a lingering problem within her head. Sure that she didn’t really want that of the Imperial Prince to be a problem.
Plenty of things in her years she had dealt with, a psychotic rumour milled prince was absolutely not one of those things that she would want. Of course, she had been curious to his quite different personality at the time; it didn’t particularly matter any further.
Right now she was just watching this fresh faced little tulip get all frosty to the point where her voice seemed to be holding the efforts of control. Looking like she was ready to go to war rather than seeking information to where the man had gone. Noting the tone was less than cordial but finding no reason to be insulted by it. Whatever was going on was once more, not her business. Jasa hummed and nodded, “Head to the end of the street towards the town hall and hang a right. Go for about two blocks and turn right again. The building will be on the right hand side. Obvious to see with its signage out front that states it is the medical clinic.” The Madam folded her hands once more, “Best of luck to you then, Araminta.”
“Thank you,” she said again with a relieved rush of breath. With no need to fight the woman for information, some of that stony composure was lost to let worry slip through the cracks. Araminta turned on her heels to head for the door only to stop suddenly – her brain finally catching up to her fear and spinning it’s little wheels to be sure she was thinking a few steps ahead and not just running out in a blind panic.
She turned back to the Madam then, gesturing with her hands as she spoke in her efforts to keep herself level and not sound as if she were about to start shrieking like a scared rabbit.
“If it is not too much trouble, I’d like to retain our room until he is able to travel. If what he gave you is not enough, I will work where and how you need to me, for as long as it needs to be done. Providing him a place that is safe to rest and recover is my priority and I will do whatever is necessary.”
That included scrubbing down naked old men, Araminta did not care in that moment. She would scrub a thousand old men if it meant being sure Theon was well.
“I- There is also a woman who was meant to meet me this morning with a delivery. A wife of one of your frequent patrons. I’d very much appreciate if she could be told there was an emergency. She can leave the things for me or I can go visit her once I am certain Theon is alright.”
Eyebrows popped then as the girl stopped abruptly to wheel around in seeking to keep the room they had claimed for an evening. Under the means of wanting to stay stationary till the prince was apparently well enough to complete the means of travel. Which for a moment, Jasa just merely blinked like she couldn’t fathom the statement. Letting it mill through her the scape of her mind till she gave a slow nod. Watching as the moment where the means of control appeared to be slipping. As Araminta stated she would work for whatever if the funds given wasn’t enough. It likely wasn’t depending on the depth of injuries that would prolong the stay but such things didn’t seem that important to mention.
“Of course.” Seemed like the far more reasonable answer. Not about to start talking semantics when it was apparent to her that Araminta was trying to scramble her brain into a semblance of order. Once more seeming to pause with an address that there was a woman of one of her clients coming with a delivery. Earning a few blinks but nodding at the idea.
Deciding to give her hand a shooing motion in case this one needed to request more things, “Go on now. Deal with what you can.” No sense in having a frantic hen in the house when there were other things that could be dealt with in time.
Araminta’s quick and curt nod was her only statement of goodbye, before she bustled out of that room at the speed of urgency. Theon had been infallible, undefeatable, stalwart in every possible way. Even in the face of a monster like Gusteau and he’d always been alright! The only times he had been truly injured had been her own fault, from her fall and when the Queen had managed to puppet her with an ugly spell. Except perhaps when he’d use too much of a spell against that fae demon. Whatever happened surely caught him by surprise and there was no limit of potentials if could be. A new assassin, the Imperial Queen herself, some manner of beast or monster…
Knowing Theon was not undestroyable was possibly the most frightening thing she’d ever experienced. The thought of living without him had been awful enough on it’s own, but that at least came with knowing he’d be alive and living his best life! Theon dying was just… it was not allowed. She told him it wasn’t allowed and now that feeling was ten times stronger than it ever had been before.
As soon as she was on the street Araminta ran. Ran the entire length of the directions Madam Jasa gave her, until she arrived at the correct place with the little symbol of medicinal healers hanging on a sign out from. Rushing into the place looking as wild as she felt, with the huffing for breath and the windblown mess of her air.
“I need– I need to see the man that was brought in this morning, please!” That was the only please they were going to get!
You’d think that she came blasting out of the walls the way the lady at the front had been gripping at her chest. Looking at this woman that had come rushing into the building as though the hounds of hell had been fresh upon her heels. Leaving certainly herself startled and tilting gaze up and down the form in case there was a need to call for someone to escort this one outside. Elsewhere.
Where she couldn’t potentially be that of harm to herself or others. As precaution of course.
In a manner of seconds they were no less face to face. With the request being that this one wanted to see someone who was brought in this morning. “Miss, please,” A motion for her to take a step back for the means of personal space. “You’ll have to be more specific than that. This is a clinic that has all sorts of people coming in and going.” Trying to screw on the means of professionalism into place, the receptionist; for a lack of a better term, considered the girl once more. “Who are you looking for and your relation to them?” As much as she had been spooked by the sudden arrival, this was hardly the first time someone came bolting in here demanding to see someone else.
Of course there were procedures to take place and there would be little reason to forsake them now!
Apparently the means of Araminta’s upbringing was going to be tested to it’s fullest today. With her fear and panic trying to be the ones in control of what actions she took, even though she knew deep down that charging her way through people like an angry bull was not going to help. It would be easier if she could storm through like the very princess she was, making people hop and jump at her command just so she could get to Theon faster… Only she was a princess of nothing and what authority did she have!
It didn’t help that Araminta didn’t know what information they did have. Jasa had said they didn’t know he was the Imperial Prince, so what name could they possibly have for him!
“He is my… guardian,” she decided was the best way to explain their relation, as she very well couldn’t just announce ‘He is Mine’. “About this tall-” she held her hand up to about the right height. “Dark red hair and silvery grey eyes. I was told that he is in a terrible condition and brought it before the dawn.”
“He needs me to be with him,” she added on, stressing the fact that it was important. As she wasn’t about to take no for an answer.
Smoothing hands down that of her front in hopes it would soothe those startled nerves whilst giving her mind the jumpstart to start proceeding with a need for more answers than questions. Firstly, just who the hell this person was that she was coming in here like the very life of her was about to collapse. Which, fair, most people were in a state of that very existence when they came in here. It wasn’t that common that a situation was utterly calm. Especially when things occurred outside another person’s awareness which seemed to be this woman’s very thing.
With a due concentration, the means of hearing it stated that the fellow had been her guardian; attention rose. Shortly being given more details with some pantomiming efforts of showing height. Worrying her lips a moment as the woman did describe the one person that had been collected rather than came here on his own accord.
Turning to look at the little reception area for information. Digging over organized papers to find the scribbling of bits that had her humming and nodding. Holding up the item, “A gentleman by the name of Ghost,” The receptionist looked at the girl then as if she were still trying to determine if that was legit a name or not. It had been the one Jasa from The Sable Fawn had given. So who the hell were they to disagree. “Then you must be,” Lingering as she looked down, “Araminta.” Seemed Jasa had at least given some details to help Araminta otherwise the girl was likely to be thrown out.
With a page lifted to another, the woman holding the line hummed. “Are you able to stay calm and sorted, as I don’t think it would be wise to bring you back there regardless of your claim to be with the fellow if you are out of sorts. He was not in the greatest shape upon coming in, so while I can understand your urgency I would express a level of calmness.”
“Yes, Ghost and Araminta.” The statement was said with a rush of relief as Araminta fully intended to fight this woman too if that is what it took to get where she needed to be. Later she’d have to consider how quick she was to violence when it came to Theon being in trouble, but for the moment she was just grateful that progress was being made.
“I won’t be a disturbance to anyone,” she reassured the girl, even taking the moment to try and gather herself with a deep intake of breath and a slow controlled release. “I will be calm and quiet. I just need to be with him.”
At least on the outside Araminta could remain a bastion of good behavior. Not even just for the people here, but for Theon himself who needed to know she was there for him, especially for all of the times he’d literally had to carry her off as a half-dead lump of uselessness. There was no way she would leave him on his own around a bunch of strangers, even the helpful sorts.
With a lingering eye making its up and down crossing to ensure this one was about to keep her word of being not a hectic bottle of potential crazy or wailing banshee due to what was to come, a breath was exhaled. Stealing a moment more before indicating that she was to follow at her heels. Sliding out from behind that of booth towards the singular door to the side. Holding it long enough for the girl named Araminta to follow amongst the hallway. Splitting off in two directions while they stayed on the dominate right hand side.
There were rooms passing by them each. Mostly with doors wide open to express they were thankfully not so busy that people were running around like headless chickens. A few were closed and were housing a patient within. Stepping along till they came to one of those sealed entrance ways before she knocked and peeked her head inside first.
Only that she was promptly stepping back when it was clear that the space shortly invaded with another person. A modest height of a fellow that slipped through the door to act as a bulwark firstly. Looking between the receptionist then the other woman. Needing little else to say that had the receptionist handing off Araminta. So she could go back to the front.
“Just before you go in, we’ll have a quick talk.” A means to make sure she knew what was happening. “So, your clearly Araminta. Jasa stated who you were to me and my comrade this morning when we came to help. He’s certainly in rough shape but we’ve managed to staunch the bleeding, and stitch close the few stab wounds that were present. Seems the fellow by his own words expressed he had gone hunting yesterday and had brought back a stag to be slaughtered for its worth. Seems that the man inside was caught unaware by those of the unsavoury sort in a rather uneven fight.” The medic frowned a little with gaze flickering to the door. As if it was used for recollection. “He’ll take a while to heal up correctly. Blunt trauma in a few places, a broken dominant hand due to from what it sounds like, one of the assailants stomping on it. Cracked cheekbone and a hell of a black eye, alongside a busted lip and clavicle being broken. So he’s slung up to keep the pressure off. Plenty of bruising and lucky that he was wearing armour to avoid losing a kidney from the seemingly first stab and attack to shake him down for what I guess was money. There’s a lot of other minor injuries but those are the largest.”
Bandits… it was sounding as though the prince had been assaulted by a group of thugs for the means of coin. “We did try to sedate him and it only worked for maybe an hour. You’d think he would need enough sedation for a horse the way he seems to be unaffected by it.” Shaking his head. “He’s not very talkative however and obviously very sore. So just take it easy with him, he’ll likely be pretty quiet for a while.” Not at all aware that such behaviour was simply Theon in a nutshell. “You can go in when you feel ready.”
Araminta felt as if her heart was sitting in her throat, making it hard to breath and swallow. Following the other woman to where they were keeping Theon only for some new obstacle to be in the way! Having to use every ounce of her patience to stand still and listen without interruption or shoving past the man through the door itself.
It was needed information, regardless. Araminta had to keep her wits.
Greedy bandits looking to steal was perhaps the best case scenario, though Theon’s stubbornness to hold onto that money was an entire problem if he were willing to get beaten near to death over it! From the sounds of it, he was broken and battered near to pieces! Her eyes getting wider and wider until she felt like her stomach was going to twist itself into a pretzel. She’d seen him fight off a bunch of scoundrels with ease, leaving her to think there were either twice as many or they’d managed to catch Theon in a moment of vulnerability where his vicious mother had reached out with her magical claws to harm him.
The man wasn’t wrong in thinking Theon would need enough sedation for a horse. That fae side of himself was far stronger than even Theon realized.
“I understand, thank you.” she said, already keeping in mind that meant she couldn’t pounce on him and cling for dear life when he was in such an awful bruised and broken state.
As soon as she was given the space, Araminta stepped past to allow herself in. Now reigning in that rushing in favor of trying to be as subdued and calm as possible so Theon wouldn’t feel as if she were some frantic flailing mad woman coming at him. Especially if he did finally manage to close his eyes and actually attempt sleep. She doubt he’d dare, but she hoped that he would!
It was super unlikely that he was going to rest unless forced too. Which they had tried and only gotten a little bit of slumber out of him. Hence the commentary from the medic that had pointed out that the sedation had only worked for a limited time instead as it should have. Leaving the half fae to be at least more alert now than when he had been upon the entry of the tavern.
Although he wasn’t the largest fan of being present in such a facility; it seemed pretty useless to him to go about refusing their expertise. Add on that he was slightly curious about it seeing as the means of such medical efforts were generally elusive and rumoured to his ears. Baring witness to the tact that went with dealing with all of it, proved interesting. Though he could tell they were a little uncertain to his lack of physical response to being sewn or set into place. Not to say it didn’t bloody hurt to all hells but that he was plenty accustomed to pain. Having a decently high tolerance that avoided him blurting out or whimpering.
The sound of the door opening once more had been partially ignored. Merely letting the stray of gaze rise in expecting of the fellow that had been within previously, just that it was hardly the sort.
Promptly tilting that of gaze towards that of floor in a means of avoidance to whatever ire and verbal waggling due to what he suspected she had come here for. To point out his foolishness and the likes, he’d had hoped that no one would have told Araminta that he was here at all. Although he wasn’t sure what could have been told about his return eventually, he didn’t know if there was a reason to bother her at all with any of this. After her frustration with him the day prior, the want to just stay low and out of her way to leave her to whatever it was that could alight her mood was highly intended.
A slight wrinkle and it ached well in that of features due to the blackish bruising that made up a good ring and some about that of left sided portion, Theon shifted some. Seemingly settling in a way that expressed he was waiting for her chiding and verbal tirade to the items done incorrectly and to allow her to vent out those deserved frustrations.
As much as Araminta did want to ask him what in the greater hells was he thinking to land himself in such trouble, as soon as she got a good look at him those thoughts were gone in an instant. Made worse when he could not seem to look directly at her, seeming to expect that she was going to be nothing but ire and disappointment in him. Assuming, all too incorrectly that she found fault with him, rather than the fact she was worried and terrified that it was even possible he could end up in such a state.
She crossed the room quietly, with a lot more grace than she had in running all the way there, so ready to fight pas anyone that got in her way. Taking up residence to sit on the edge of the bed and reach out to brush the backs of gentle fingers to his cheek just under that awful bruise over his eye.
“He said you didn’t take to sedation well, that it seemed like you’d need a horse’s amount. I might have laughed if I weren’t so concerned that you were shattered into pieces and left here alone without me.”
Araminta trusted that doctors and healers would know what they were doing, but it didn’t stop her need to look him over herself. Attempting to force that wavering shakiness in her hands to touch and examine at least what could be easily accessed with only the softest of lingering.
Such a wait for the means of that lecturing motif that was to tell him how much of this was so incredibly stupid. How he was supposed to have avoided the encounter in some way or to hear that she was disappointed to the fact that even he could be caught unaware and overrun. Which was fair, he was still human in many regards. Though expecting her ire to come out because due to what had been said the day prior and her prompt leaving paired with his mistakes, well… he was just waiting.
Following her movement by ear alone till there was the sound and presence of her frame nearby. Settling down on this bedding as he instinctively sought to look towards her whilst avoiding any real eye contact, to make sure that she was settled fine. That she didn’t somehow slip onto the floor or there was a blanket monster, something ludicrous.
Flinching even though he may not have wanted too at the gentle presence of touch moving under that of eye. Letting it seal a little to express it wasn’t so much him afraid of her that warranted the reaction but the plain sensitivity that came from it. Peeking carefully after a second to look more so at that of the woman’s shoulder as she pointed out she may have found it personally humorous to the medic’s commentary about needing a horse’s worth of sedation. If only that medic knew, which that was where the amusement laid for Araminta if she wasn’t worried about the situation.
Feeling mouth wanting to give that means of apology for failing to come back correctly, or that he had managed to bungle this up as he had. But something in his head told him that if he did that, it would likely open that sermon can of worms.
Just that it seemed she was in a need to investigate. Not sure what she was looking for besides the obviousness that was the glaring state of being, but found that when her grasp came to settle it was unsteady. Struggling to even guess why she was concerned. Of course he could heal but that inability to heal one’s self was ever present. But he didn’t think her worry ought to extend so far. Working tongue against the effort of palate, “It’ll be fine.” Theon mumbled lowly, “Did… you rest comfortably?” Actively doing that thing where he avoided anything about himself to favour that of her. Finding that constant.
Araminta certainly wasn’t satisfied with the state of him – how could she be, he was clearly in pain! – but at least was affirmed that he was as good as he could be for now. Already running through how long it might take before she could bring him back to the Inn where he could rest in a place of peace and quiet, and with vague ideas that she might write to the paladins to have them come direct to Theon instead of forcing the battered man to travel.
“No,” she admitted easily. “I behaved poorly yesterday, so when you didn’t return for bed in the evening I was worried that you were trying to give me and my bad behavior the space.”
None of it was important to Araminta now. That embarrassment an those feelings of jealousy now seemed awfully stupid in the wake of more important things. To speak about it now with candid honestly was now seemed to be as easy as a child’s game compared to the fear she felt with the idea he might be near to death.
“So I apologize for rushing out so curtly,” she murmured, reaching up to brush her fingers through that dark red hair to smooth it out of his face. “I was… The thought of you spending intimate time with Olive irked me to the point of jealousy. I knew I did not have the right to tell you who you can spend your time with and I did not know how to handle it. I should have just told you.”
Hearing that she did not rest as comfortably as she could have in such a plush place aided a sense of dissatisfaction in his stomach. Disliking entirely that she had been bothered by his lack of presence to a point that she didn’t properly enjoy something that was fleeting. A moment for her to have and spend in the time with the proper sort of leisure’s that she may have had previously to all this chaotic hell that befell her family and lands. Though he glanced to her when she suggested that he was giving her space. Which he had been. Not about to deny that part, though he didn’t really understand what she meant about bad behaviour.
Seeing as he didn’t see anything bad about it. Such a place –while filled with the sort of work that was easily not a everyday occurrence- had been easily one of the nicest stops thus far. It seemed to him like she had deserved the chance to spend it doing whatever she wished. Be it working or napping, it didn’t matter. As long as she was enjoying it.
Yet if he wanted to say something, there was a pause to it. As there was more for her to express in which there was no reason to stop her.
Lingering to hear and finding that she was unusually more affectionate in ways that had him sort of watching all the more. Having gotten used to her being forward enough to embrace or lean against him –which clearly weren’t as easily done right now- but the motion of fingers moving from visage to crown, pushing the locks aside; it drew that watchful attention. Trying to discern her reasoning. Outside of just learning that Araminta was a physical person.
It seemed his commentary about Olive had set Araminta into a very unhappy mood to jealousy. For what, he really didn’t know why. “I was not going to spend my time with her. I used it as a way to express the establishment we were in.” Theon confessed, “But I did not express that when I noticed you were upset with me. I did not want to encourage more of your ire.” One admitted as to be sure that she knew his intentions were never to be rolling about. “It would’ve been improper nor would I have done so even with your permission.”
Letting lids shut like the effort was soothing the means of sharp twangs and pulls, “I simply wanted you to enjoy your time in a place that is luxurious and fitting to your former existence. Even for a singular time, but I did not want you to be put in a place of discomfort either.” Theon would have shrugged if it didn’t hurt; “You do not need to apologize. There was nothing done wrong.” He seemed to peek out again at the floor. “There should be enough coins that you may enjoy the time there longer till you wish to depart.”
Having him reveal he’d never actually intended to spend time with Olive at all, confirmed just how big of a blunder she made by getting all into a worked up huff instead of simply talking to him about it. They could have talked about it, gone to see Bo together. He’d not have needed to go hunting at all and he could’ve just spent the evening safe with her. Though with the way he spoke of wanting her to have a night of true luxury suggested he might’ve insisted on going out anyway to ensure that she got it, even if I should’ve made that coin on her own.
Regret twisting up in her stomach over what could’ve been so easily avoided.
“I wasn’t upset with you, not really, I didn’t even know what I was upset about until some hours later,” she tried to explain. Shifting to be sure he was comfortably covered up with the thing blanket so he could stay warm and toasty. “…I have realized sometimes I am so afraid to say what I feel because I don’t want you think I am trying to control you or treat you like you are a thing to be claimed. I couldn’t bare saying something that’d cause you to pull away from me and change what we have.”
She wrinkled up her nose then with a faint frown.
“…and now not saying something seems to be just as damaging. Why didn’t you just let them take the money, Theon? I don’t need the luxuries or anything else, I only need you. You are everything to me and if you had died-“
Oh, that was an unexpected crack in her calm. The way her throat closed up and her voice croaked. Having to press the back of her hand to her mouth and to try hold back a sudden onset of tears. Araminta had told Bo that without Theon the world would be void and hollow, and she’d not been prepared to have that affirmed so suddenly!
It seemed there was something that needed to be said. A sort of silent weight that was pressing in that means of awareness that bid him to quiet down a moment so he could simply listen to her. As there was likely things on Araminta’s mind that needed to be vocalized just to be understood. Whether they made sense immediately or not wasn’t the important part.
Granted he was likely going to need additional minutes to try and make sense of everything anyways. Following her movements still with the means of a blanket keeping across lap even though he wasn’t sure he even wanted it. But that was the lesser of things to think about while it seemed that there was something pressing on her thoughts that came out in the verbal movement of her concern. Being warranted towards not wanting to say the wrong thing or that there might be a means of control due to his previous history. Something he couldn’t comfortably express wouldn’t be something that crossed his mind because of those former expectations and behaviours. Those things were still being worked on and the progress was super slow.
But she was clearly distressed with this information coming to light.
Only that it was about to get far worse when it seemed that her want to focus on the things of the means of why he didn’t just let the other’s take what they wanted. But she was truly upset and he sort of stalled in a blank means of confusion. A plethora of replies settling in place to respond.
Settling on nothing too obtuse because well, it seemed silly to him.
Shifting with the good arm to pull that of the blanket she had just used to try and cover him up, and sought to move it to bind around herself. Not sure it would help but knowing that she was clearly in distress and needed that attention. “You were happy to be there.” Theon stated gingerly, “I know when you are excited. And you were genuinely thrilled to be there, partaking in something new. It was important to make sure I didn’t diminish your time there. It felt important not to let you down.”
Here he was full of stab wounds, bruises and broken bones, still attempting with his only working limb to draw a blanket around her – to take care of her. Araminta couldn’t even be sure if he were properly lucid enough to actually understand what she was trying to say, or if this was even the right time to say it. Only knowing that it didn’t matter if he had to drag himself out of a panicked horse form to carry off her dying body, or apparently travel across the kingdoms bleeding to death himself, he kept putting her first in a way that was… monumental.
Araminta didn’t know what possessed her in that moment to press her hand to the one cheek that wasn’t battered to all hell, leaning forward to brush gentle kiss to mouth. Nothing beyond a quick press and a slide of her thumb. Following it with a straightening of her back and that serious look on her face.
“I am going to write the paladins and have them come here to us,” she said, not acknowledging she’d kiss him at all. Maybe even a bright flush of pink in her cheeks as she still wasn’t sure how she’d let herself do so in the first place! “When you are stable enough to leave this clinic, you’ll come back with me to the Inn where you will stay in bed until you’re properly rested and healed. I’ll work days with Bo at his atelier to aid with his sewing and then evenings with Madam Jasa doing whatever she wishes. However long it takes until you are ready for travel again.”
She might have been worried to tell him certain things because of how it could trigger a flight response. Be it figuratively or literally, but he hadn’t felt compelled as he had with the Imperial Queen to obey, less there be dire consequences for such refusal to comply. Half, if not all, the things he did was out of preference. Still, he could know that there were things he did out of unidentified necessity towards her. She was as stated important. Someone that had managed to earn his care when there was a lot of times he was reserved and afraid to even dare think of such things. Invoking actions to do such tasks without the means of fear but a sense of vital desire. To see that she was taken care of and making mental notes that were encouraged as fundamental pieces to learn who she was as a person.
Be it from remembering that she liked crabapple or blueberry tarts.
To seeing something that made him think she would like it, such as the hairpin or even the simple flower from Essurn.
Rather than putting these details on his thoughts as items that would need to be recalled for dastardly deeds.
He had not expected to be ganged up during the means of his hunt. Returning with the prize to take to a butcher seeing as when he had left this town, Jasa had expressed interest but not enough for him to try his luck bringing back the materials for her to deal with. Rather putting the footwork in to taking the kill towards that of a butcher that would pay obviously well for a catch. Especially late into the season, the price was hefty. And in turn, with the season turning cold, there were those who were desperate enough to do whatever they had in mind to get something into their hands.
It wasn’t to say that he had gone down quietly either. Just there was more of them than there was of him and they had practice clearly. Suddenly he went from the hunter, to the prey. They were coordinated and assured to take him down fast enough that when they had him down to the ground, their search of anything good had proven to be rather disheartening.
That was their own fault assuming the butcher would have paid him immediately. Rather than taking time to realize that the butcher was determining what was all useful and what the pay would be. Didn’t mean they cared, obviously.
He still got the money –much to the butcher’s horror- though he lost the silver locket that had been given to him from the man of the dead wife. And the seashell that Araminta had given him along other things had been broken.
Something he didn’t want to tell her because it actually bothered him severely that something that had been given to him, had been destroyed. And taken by the other. Leaving a bitterness in his chest that was liable to live there forever. Save that his attention deviated noticeably enough that as the motion of grasp appeared to have changed sides, it was the swift and fleeting closeness that left him properly stunned.
It was short and swift but he wasn’t so out of it that he couldn’t tell what happened. Following her with likely one of the more animated looks he had produced in a while, with gaze widened –much to the pain of that in his face- and making the means of eye contact. Just… what happened…
Not sure he could even ask as he felt her look of seriousness spawn that indicated it was no time to ask. She was telling him what the plan was and he was left just sort of bungling around. Tripping over his own thoughts, while it took him added moments to realize the scope of her explanation. Parting mouth to say something but found nothing. Doing it a few more times while trying to dance between what the hell Araminta had just done and what she was telling him was going to happen.
He might have been stubborn enough to insist that they could continue but even he knew without a good arm and the need to heal from being unkindly stabbed; he wasn’t going to be much use to her. “Okay.” Agreement came softly though he was trying not to stare too openly –failing at it- when it came to looking from the pink of her features, to the lips as if he were truly trying to decide what they had just done.
“Okay,” she repeated the word, with a soft relieved sigh that there wasn’t going to be a fuss about it. Although by that expressively stunned look on his face she was quickly realizing with a deeper flush that her impulsive move had not gone unnoticed. Why did she do that! What ever possessed her to be so forward now instead of waiting until he was well enough for them to have a conversation! Any conversation! One cannot go around just casually kissing a man out of nowhere!
The urge to flee again was great, only the need to be sure he got the rest he needed was greater. Araminta swatted all those shrieking thoughts out of her head to focus on what was most important now in the moment.
“You need to sleep,” she told him, with a bit of a breathless murmur. “I’ll stay here with you so you don’t have to worry about others. If you get enough rest maybe this evening they will let me push you off in a wheelie chair to the Inn.”
There were too many people here for him to feel entirely comfortable, she knew. He’d always keep one eye open watching for danger, or linger fretting about her too. Best she could get him back to a quiet safe space where she could take care of him the way he needed.
Well now he had a whole new slew of thoughts that were all hinging on the what just happened deal. Trying to make his mind come together even as she gave the statements of the how, what and where of what was going down due to her decision. Not sure he was going to be able to make sense of much because well… what could he make sense of?
She had been affectionate before just of course now it was a bit different. The touches were different and well, he was certain the means of being that close hadn’t been in the history before.
Just of course there was a mention of rest. The words seemingly tugging him back to the here and now to quietly lessen the surprise that had pulled. Considering it a long moment as he highly didn’t care for the idea of sleep. Especially here. There were too many unknowns and well… apparently Araminta was aware of that. Humming a little while she made a comment about a wheelie chair. “I can still walk.” Theon stated though it was uncomfortable. Which that part he wasn’t saying outloud.
Rather he considered her quietly a moment longer before letting his cheek drop enough to bunt carefully to her crown. Not saying anything in the effort of disregarding the idea of even doing any of this, just he didn’t think he was going to be comfortable enough to rest. Not less they tried to sedate him again and they all knew how well that went. “You do not need to stay. I will be fine.” It seemed useless to have her stay in such a place anyways. “There are things you could do and resources of the place here that are better used than ignored.”
At least his means of gentle affection meant that she hadn’t startled him to death, just likely confused him as much as she confused herself. Finally allowing her to release all that strained tension and fear from her tense shoulders to relent to a droopy sitting stance.
“Oh you can walk, can you?” she questioned, her tone full of humor. Knowing how well that went she herself thought she’d be walking around and went hitting the floor in record time. “We’re not going to test it so soon.”
That blanket he tried to wrap her in was pulled loose, once again to be tucked around him, though this time a little more snuggly in case he thought he was going to wriggle loose. Araminta hadn’t brought anything with her, having left her bag and all her things back in the room Jasa provided for them. So she wasn’t going to be able to play her lyre in an attempt to enchant him to sleep.
“You’re not going to sleep if you’re here alone, so I will stay,” she insisted. “Madam Jasa knows my intentions, so I will be here with you until those here say it is safe for you to go.”
With a thoughtful twist of her mouth she eyed him over again and the small bed itself.
“There’s not enough space for me to lay down with you while you’re hurting, but I can sit here fine while you sleep.”
“Hmm.” Seemingly not getting her humour or he was pointedly ignoring it because he didn’t feel like challenging her so soon. Or himself. It was unclear which was which but it didn’t really matter. Just that it was apparently there was not about to be a moment where he was going to shirk this place like a pair of dirty shirts. Finding himself almost in a mental state of loathing that this was where he was going to have to remain till otherwise stated. Complimented by that fact when the blanket was pulled free and he was leaning back to find her making it twine around himself. Seemingly making it clear that she wasn’t about to let him get away with declining or saying otherwise.
Settling the gaze of gray upon her once more to hear her point out the obvious truth that he wouldn’t rest when he was here solo. Not that he was planning on doing it while she was here either. It wasn’t that part in which caught his attention rather her pointing out that she had let the Madam know what her thoughts were.
Following the line of sight no sooner that had him looking at the bed with all that same disliking that came from thinking such things were luxury items. Though this was hardly as soft as the ones Araminta coaxed him into previously. Of course he felt worn, but it was not clear to him if it was because of the mass injuries, the mental track and field he was constantly doing or something else entirely. Till he seemed to get a bit sassy, “The reason they attempted to sedate me the first time was precisely because I do not wish to rest.” Theon shifted then, not sure he could articulate the strong loathing for resting in a place that was so foreign and was easily accessible to so many. An inn was typically run with some expectations of privacy, here? Was entirely different.
So he was going to ignore the fact that he was meant to rest entirely. Instead motioning with a slight tip of chin to the articles of his armor and belt of many things, “May I have the belt.” He wasn’t at least naked from the top up due to being sewn and patched back together, though he was disliking the sling the most with the busted hand and clavicle, he did want to check his items. To see just how much was taken and what he would have to replenish. “You… did not work for Madam Jasa in the way she wished… yes?”
“I know,” she responded softly to the explanation of his sedation. If Araminta herself could not charm him into sleeping properly even in the safety of his hut, there was no way a bunch of strangers in a clinic would be able to do so even with sleeping draughts if Theon did not want to sleep! At least she knew he would be slightly more likely to do so if she were there. At some point his body was going to win the fight.
At his gesture towards his belt, Araminta dutifully got up to go fetch it. Feeling there was nothing wrong in letting him have a sense of control over what he could, as it was something she too always seemed to need when things weren’t quite going her way. She returned just as quickly back to his side to have her seat again, there to be his extra hands as he needed them.
“She decided to put me in the kitchen, but I had ideas of my own,” Araminta revealed finally feeling secure enough to give him that winsome smile. “I did not know you spoke to her on my behalf straight away. I offered to play music for her guests and did so for a small amount of time. I would’ve loved to do so even longer, but her in house musicians did not enjoy having someone of equal measure playing with them.”
Her mouth twisted into a frown then, not hiding that it annoyed her.
“Truthfully it made me quite mad. I supported rather than attempt to show off and overshadow. Although, I understand to have a stranger sprung on you without warning, they did not have to snub me. It would’ve been nice to talk.”
Something he felt comfortable enough with was the idea that Araminta –while she was applying gingerly that he needed to take the means of rest properly- she wouldn’t try to force it. If and when he was willing to, it would happen. If the choice was made for him then it was far more likely to be pushed back at like a stubborn bull. Not wished to partake in something that seemed like he was being made to be vulnerable. As he might have not been on the winning side come the beat down the night prior, he was still not in the desire to repeat the sensation of failure.
With it no longer being pressed and a want to check over things that were taken, there was a gentle appreciation that she went to retrieve the requested item. Leaving it to him to lay out the item across lap even with the other hand –finding it strange to use the left over the right – but sought to ask a question in the hopes of learning of her night.
Hopefully having been spared from doing something that was in the means of scrubbing down old men that would likely seem Araminta’s company, even if that wasn’t something she wanted. Her nature was gentle and sweet after all and he had seen her do something’s when she really didn’t want too.
Helping a man with a bath may not even be the worst of prospects of things she would do.
The topic of change seemed to spark her into the want of conversation. Alleviating a bit of pressure in his fatigued mind. Liable to grow at the reveal that she had not been put on kitchen duty but rather had a chance to play some of her music for that of the human kind instead of wasting such a talent on him or the fae that were greedy. And it appeared she enjoyed it for what it was worth. Outside what sounded like the folks she had joined were not her biggest fans. “Would they have preferred you to fail?” He asked but it wasn’t a serious question that was looking for an answer. Just a rhetorical vocalized wonder. “I do not understand the means of music even after all this time but it seems cruel that they would not have appreciated your gift and talent appropriately.”
He’d open a pocket on the belt and found it had been devoid of the few herbs that were kept in there. The vials of poison also go though he hoped the men didn’t take it with the thought that it was something to toss back. They would regret that a good long while before they keeled over.
The locket as he originally checked was in fact gone alongside any other itty bitty things that might have been seen as precious to sell.
His search was useless as the very equipment was officially just that of a belt. Leaving him to fumble to fold it in half and laid a hand over top of it. “Besides their snubbing…. Did you enjoy it?”
Araminta understood well that awful feeling of having things stolen from you. Those scoundrels that had tricked her and snatched her off the road had tossed away her entire bag and all of her vital trial items and took her ring. Even Gusteau had taken her things and clothes included, so that for a time she’d once again had nothing left. If not for Theon who knew where she would be now! Dead for certain.
Things, even special things, could be replaced, at least. Theon did not seem to have the same value of physical things the same way she did, but she would still find him new treasures to give him. Already pondering about what trinket she might find so he’d have a good memory from this town instead of feeling like he’d somehow failed her when none of it had been his fault.
“I did,” she affirmed with that smile again. “If she continues to allow me to play, it won’t feel like work at all. I’ve been encouraged to be more bold and less apologetic, so next time I will play to the best of my abilities and if they still feel sour, well, they shouldn’t have been so rude. It’d be lovely too if you had the chance to see me do something I am actually quite good at instead of my fumbling through trials and everything else.”
Most of the items taken from him really didn’t bother even a bit of his conscious. Just hoping that they weren’t stupid enough to tip back anything in an odd looking vial but knew if it happened, it wasn’t his fault. One would hope that common sense would kick in not to trust what appeared strange to drink. Yet, he was bothered by the loss of the seashell. Likely a silly thing to think about considered it was just something found on a beach. Knowing it was probably something stupid to allow his mind to fret upon even if it was an item that had been given to him. A first considering. However to mention or even allow himself to wallow in a loss of something that probably meant absolutely nothing, would have to be private to himself.
Leaving it to be held personally as mouth worked against the tenderness of busted lip to mention about how at least she was able to enjoy the ability to play. Even if those who had played alongside her didn’t give the rightful respect she had deserved. After all, it wasn’t as though Araminta had gone up on the stage to steal the show from her own commentary. A thing that didn’t even need him to vouch for because he believed her entirely.
The whole performance could have suffered if she was terrible at her art, but that wasn’t the case. And clearly it made her happy to think about continuing a chance to do so again. Listening to how she became uplifted with the idea of continuing something she was very thrilled at. “I don’t think you are poor at the trials or anything else.” Theon commented so easily that there wasn’t even room to even suggest he was saying that just on a whim. Rather a fact in his mind. “But this is just something you enjoy more so. I would not put worry or conscious concern into my presence being there, it should be something for you to enjoy while I wait for you to be ready to move out to the next trial.”
Of course he would simply prefer his hand to be working but at the end of the day, it didn’t really matter. He’s do whatever necessary to assure she was able to continue regardless. “You stated you were sewing with Bo as well. Then the silk was delivered, will he give you winter attire then?”
Theon did not seem to understand the importance of her getting to show him her talents… which, of course he wouldn’t. Araminta doubted anyone had taken the time to care enough about what his opinion was. Not that she needed him to affirm her skills in music… only it was such a big part of who she was as a person and she wanted to share it with him. So that Theon could see her, all of her and not just the parts that struggled. All of the joyous parts too.
“I want you to see me play. I’d like to share that with you,” she simply said. Reaching out to fix his hair again, as it was one of the few means of touch she could get away with when she couldn’t curl up with him.
At his question of Bo and the cerulean snail silk she nodded, happy to share this news too.
“It seems the silk is quite valuable and I did some means of alterations to lesson his work load. There will be clothing for me and for you as well. I met his wife and she is wonderfully stunning! A cobbler with her own shop and is preparing me a new set of proper boots. Since we may be here for awhile yet, my working there and with Madam Jasa should get us everything we need for winter travels. Bo visits the Inn regularly as a guest, so I might be able to have him see you for a proper fitting.”
“Okay.” If it was that important that he present while she played, if she played again, then he wasn’t going to say no. Even if its reasoning wasn’t quite making it to the conclusion of understanding. Able to simply realize that it was something she wanted and stated she wanted him present. As though he hadn’t been there prior with the means of listening to her pluck at strings before. Although he supposed it was important because it was something she was fond of. Her music. Which he knew well enough now.
The whole means of being fixed or rather hair being pushed around again; he was straightening some. Showing that he was rather aware of her means of physicality in ways that were so new. Locating that he wasn’t opposed to it –but hardly was when it came to her doing as she seen to seek after the means of affection when it came to soothing pieces of herself. Nor did he complain as it was something quietly appreciated. Just not voiced in case it was too strange.
Seeking to ask back to the mention that she stated she had sewn with the man that the silk was to go to. Which had been delivered and apparently the silk was so valuable that even as she helped in the means of the man in that of alterations, there was enough of a reward that there would be clothing fitted for her. And shoes, which apparently the man’s wife was that of the cobbler. It seemed she had made some strong connections once more. Proving time and time again that it truly was difficult for Araminta to be disliked.
Unless it was some other musician.
“Fitting?” He looked puzzled at her for the selection of commentary. “I still have some items that will work for me. It wasn’t I that lost my things prior, I don’t think it is necessary that you waste the means of gifts you strove and were provided with.” Innocence of understanding was present, not sure why she would bother expending the means of her delivery and the means of giving back on himself. Matilda had given her the silk to deliver to Bo. Not him and Araminta had kept it all safe. It seemed not so worthwhile to make an inclusion of him when there was nothing done on his part.
He would just repair what he had and if it really came down to it, he’d find something that was inexpensive anyways. “You could use whatever is left over to make a secondary set for yourself. If not more.” It wasn’t as though he was refusing because he thought it was useless just the idea of taking anything for himself wasn’t something embedded within him. Or he was declining because he thought himself better.
His focus had been and was obviously Araminta. As if that wasn’t clear as day at this point.
Naturally he would fuss at the very thought of getting something for himself. Tempted to point out he was in this clinic because he tended to go far above and beyond what was necessary, and landed in the wrong place at the wrong time. Araminta wasn’t about to make him feel bad for such a thing, though. If they spent the rest of their lives having this same argument over and over, it would be a very happy life.
“You will have to get used to me taking care of you,” she decided to say instead. Even grinning proudly about it, for at least she could do this! Araminta could not protect him the same way he took care of her, but she could easily fill his life with necessities and comforts that he would not claim for himself.
“It is not a waste to me to spend these efforts on you,” she explained. “In fact I quite like taking care of you. You had so little in your life and you made space for me in a multitude of ways. I can’t shield you from danger the way you do for me, nor will I try to convince you to stop putting me ahead of yourself. So I will make sure you’re warm in the winter and have a home that you feel safe and comfortable in. I’ll care for you in every way you won’t do for yourself.”
That statement. That very wording in that very moment hit something on the head –more than he already had- and there came a new sort of silence that left him visually blinking through bruises and pain alike. As if the means to look at the way her hand had been pushing the locks of bloody red aside in gentle motions paired with the mention of him getting used to being taken care of; Theon presented himself in a thoughtful reverie. As if the idea that Araminta’s means wasn’t because she was obligated too but wanted too. Leaving the air a sort of bewildering awe while she offered him a grin that was one hundred still Araminta to a tee.
A light hearted person that could charm seemingly anyone without much effort.
From a young age he had been set to be on his own. Survive even in the home that was supposed to be safe but hardly was. Learning as quick as he could that his life and existence wasn’t the same as anyone elses outside that of his dwindling number of siblings. A woman that birthed him did so for amusement –from what he could tell- and found a victim that would do her bidding with originally no question. There was once upon a time of course that he wanted to right by the Queen in the hopes that eventually she’d be a parent but that obviously never panned out. Outside the nanny that was killed for stepping in, no one wanted to take care of him. It seemed like a burden and so much of his mentality came to agree it was.
No one had openly expressed it as she had time and time again. Not sure why it seemed to click now or his mind had been just scrambled enough that a pocket of understanding had finally revealed itself.
Listening to express earnest compassion till he was left with that same sort of fuzzy tingly belly feeling. “Alright.” Theon accepted it easily this time. For once. Without a need to rebuff, rebuttal or alter the line of commentary. Pausing a long moment as sights ventured over her like he was mapping her once more into thoughts before shifting to oh so carefully drop chin over her head.
It wasn’t much of a hug considering his state but, it was an effort. “Thank you.” Not entirely determining what the thanks was for. Eventually retracting and giving her a softer look that seemed to be a new crack in his usual stoic presence. “Would it be possible to query the means of leaving? I would prefer not to remain and I feel they are avoiding the area.”
Now it was Araminta’s turn to seem surprised, as it was certainly the first time Theon had ever just allowed her declarations of care without finding some way to twist it back around to herself or flat out deny he was worth the time and effort. He might just be a little loopy or foggy in the brain, but even so it managed to create a wide pleased smile blooming across her features. Especially with the added means of affection.
Her smile only widened to that knowing bend when he asked about leaving there. Truthfully, Araminta was surprised he even waited this long before beginning the instance that they go. Having expected him to try climbing out of bed and giving that stubborn stare to anyone who dared try to stop him.
“Madam Jasa said they do not know who you are, so any avoidance is more likely they are busy or giving us the privacy,” she explained, but Araminta was already shifting to stand. “I’ll ask if it is alright to take you now and if they have something to assisst, though.”
The want to leave this place was practically suffocating. He’d been as mended as he could be so there was little reason in his thoughts to prolong the stay when it was just taking up space that was unnecessary. Urging mouth to find the strength to query that of Araminta to seek a chance to leave this place, only that his suggestion to their avoidance was met with more information. That they didn’t appear to know whom he was or who his parentage was.
Always a good thing considering he personally didn’t care for the looks, the comments or anything in-between. Knowing it was well deserved but still having a strong preference to just avoid it all together. Humming to express he was taking either idea of their busyness or the means of privacy as the idea to their lack of reappearance. Letting gaze follow after when she went to stand and made a commentary about assistance in which he gave a bit of a shake to.
“I’d still prefer to move at my own strength. As not to stiffen up entirely and then be even more useless.” And he just didn’t like the idea of relying on someone else right now regardless of whom it was. It was a shallow asking of course but it was something that was made.
“Save your stubbornness for when it’s time to eat,” she uttered with that sudden smile. Already knowing that was going to be the most difficult when he wasn’t going to be able to hunt and fetch food himself. “Let me see what they say about moving you.”
Araminta gave him one last lingering examination, as if trying to be sure he wasn’t about to sneak out of bed the second she turned her back and make a mad escape for a window. Once she was confident he’d stay put, she stepped out into the hall to seek whomever it was that was in charge of the living bodies in this clinic. Unsure of how a place like this even worked!
Thankfully there were no rogue windows for him to even consider the idea. Just now he had been given a new thought that was in the form of considering the meals that were no longer about to be prepared by that of his own hands. Leaving a vastly uncomfortable pit to open in such a space. Certainly a quick distraction for him provided by Araminta while she went out in search of those whom would be able to give a better answer to the means of letting the unknown prince leave their accord.
Likely to be thrown out if they knew!
It wouldn’t be that far that the fellow that had been assigned to care for the wayward entrant was found. Turning his attention towards the young woman when she seemed to be well on a mission in which, he gave a slight raise of palm. A sort of recluse effort wave, “Is there something you need Miss?”
Araminta too was trying to figure out how she was going to get Theon to at least eat something if he was going to have enough fuel in him to heal properly. Trying to keep him stationary at the Inn was going to be a feat all on it’s own, without having to add on top of it his fear of stranger-made foods.
One problem at a time, though!
It didn’t take more than a few steps to find the one that’d been tending to Theon. At least this time Araminta wasn’t on the verge of waging war with anyone that got in her way, anxious perhaps about what she’d need to do about Theon over the next few days, but far more calm.
“My Ghost is ready to leave and I need to be sure it is actually safe for him to do so. If you have a wheelie chair I might borrow, I can return him to our Inn and then bring the chair back to you?”
The man gave her a slow look over. Mentally checking to see just how she was reacting now compared to prior. Unsurprised by the whole frantic personality that had been present previously due to knowing just how people behaved when someone they apparently cared for was here. It was just a standard reaction but seeing how she was now in a far calmer state; it was still relieving.
Making a gentle gesture to indicate he merely needed a moment to walk back to the room door to pull out a little dangling sheet of compiled paperwork. Likely checking over the status of the one within and determining what would be best for the patient.
After a mere moment of humming and consideration, head gave a gentle bobbing. “With the observation that we have completed, it appears he is well enough to leave. Though I would suggest a few things in the name of care of course. Changing the bandages around that of his wounds upon back every four to six hours depending on their state. Alongside plenty of rest. It might be hard to be comfortable laying down for extended periods so he should be alright to sit or go for short walks for a bit. Nothing too wild.” The man chuckled finding his own humour hilarious.
Shortly clearing his throat to continue, “As for um… Ghost,” Still having a time believing that was the man’s name, “I’d advise having him come back in a few days to check him over once more. Unless you have a healer that you wish to go so proper then that can be entirely disregarded.” With a slow shrug he seemed to contemplate his next reply.
Studying the ground before humming, “I think there is a wheelie chair in the front portion of the area. I can also send someone along with you both to bring it back so you don’t require too. But I can have it brought over here so you don’t need to grab it either. If that works for you.”
It was relieving to know that Theon could walk around a bit if he wanted to. Didn’t mean he could go off hunting again or doing other Theon Things that were likely to pull out stitches and jostle his broken bones, but at least he wouldn’t be trapped in bed the entire time as Araminta knew that would likely drive him mad. For a man that was so quiet and still, he did not enjoy being idle for too long.
“I am going to attempt to send for a special healer, and hopefully we will not get into any further trouble…” Araminta couldn’t make any promises, their luck was not always good when it came to finding a few days without trouble. She’d thought she was the only one who kept landing into strange and dangerous situations, but it seemed Theon too was just as susceptible to surprises.
“That would be very much appreciated yes! The fetching and the escort. I’m a little hesitant to leave him out of my sight longer than a moment or two, I am so worried he’s going to try and get up and walk off to the Inn on his own.”
There was a slight raise of brow to the statement of staying hopefully out of trouble. Something that likely had been said more than a time or two within these walls. Almost like a mantra that was developed within the clinic for those who were more of the adventuring type. In this day and age, it sounded like wandering for exploration was far more dangerous than just working!
“He does seem to have a bit of anxiousness that leaves him to be prone to doing as he thinks.” The man stated in such a way that his tone was suggesting that he already had a bit of Theon’s stubbornness come about. Unclear to what potential aspect it had revealed but that was hardly a thing to start gossiping about. The lady had wanted to leave alongside her companion and he was not about to stop him. The fellow was already a sort of question mark oddity that didn’t need to be kept for anything more than gawping blinks.
Which was highly unprofessional.
“I’ll have someone bring it around and then you both can go back to the Sable Fawn.” Indicating she was welcome to enter back into the room as someone would be right along to usher the fellow and lady towards their next choice of destination!
Araminta almost laughed at the man’s tone, guessing he’d had a bit of stubbornness from Theon already. They were likely lucky he knew he needed the help, as he would not have let them carry him off otherwise. Liable to fight the whole lot of them until he was unconscious on the floor.
A scary thought, but at least now he was safe.
With a murmured thank you, Araminta quietly tip-toed back to Theon’s single small room, trying not to be a disturbance to anyone else who might be unfortunate patients in the place. Returning to step inside and gently close the door behind her to allow Theon some privacy until whomever was going to come along to aid them was ready.
“You are in luck!” she announced to Theon. “You may walk little once we’re safe and sound back at the Inn. I’ll just need to check on your bandages every few hours, and that won’t be any trouble at all.”
The door opened allowing the gray rings to focus back upon the woman even through the pain upon face. The swelling at least had ceased only to now look just perfectly marred and dark, though he found her return to leave his chest a little springy. A comfortable twist that seemed only to niggle the fact that she had been so close prior. Still liable to think about that till he grew enough desire to ask about it. Likely later.
Instead, she was telling him he was good to go although with some instructions that warranted the narrowing of lids. Suspicious of her statement. “I would be alright to check the bandages.” Theon shifted more so to the edge of the bed as if he hadn’t just heard her say a little walking. Perfectly intending to do all the walking he felt necessary as it wasn’t any part of his lower half that had been harmed.
Just as he was inching to gather up, the door opened again. And in case the blasted thing that had wheels with the intention of carting him along. Temporarily staring as another man stood there and did an obvious double take towards Araminta. The first just noticing her and the second noticing her. Turning something sour in his stomach at the swift consideration. “H… hello. Um, I was told to help you get Mister Ghost back to The Sable Fawn… I just…” Eyes went wide as the man shyly smiled, “Darren, my name’s Darren.”
Theon huffed as quietly as he could, maybe he just might act the part of injured soul at this rate.
Araminta’s own focus was entirely on Theon, resting her hands on her hips as if she were already to start giving him a good lecture about why he wasn’t about to get up out of that bed before he needed to. The one that walked in with that wheelie chair likely spared Theon the torture.
“Thank you, Darren! We appreciate the assistance,” she responded with her usual easy smile. Already stepping around him and to Theon, giving him that up and down look debating if she ought to help him move, or if such a thing was going to trigger him into being stubborn. Men tended to be more bullish than usual when they were hurt as it was, and Theon was thrice as difficult when it came to allowing someone to actually help him.
“Best not to waste time bickering with me about the chair and just sit. It won’t take but a few brief moments to get back to the Sable Fawn. I can save all my fussing for later.”
This blonde soul seemed to be immediately enamoured by Araminta. As they should, she was hardly nothing to look at. While he had a strong fondness for her general personality that was sweet and open to almost everyone, one couldn’t be that blind to not recognize that the mountain princess was a radiant beauty. Just he typically wouldn’t have felt a bit of ire watching this fellow get all googly eyed for her. Unsure if it was just because he was exhausted or because he was not in the mood, but he felt absolutely annoyed by the gawking.
Lucky that even against his reputation, he was not a violent sort. Instead, prone to being gentle and submissive in many ways.
“Of course.” The man smiled and held the back of the chair ready for him to climb into. Something that still earned a few more lingering stares before Araminta was chiming in about how he best not complain about doing what she wanted him too. Considering this and finding he was tied in a place where he wanted to decline and agree all at once.
Settling to hold still a moment more before mentally sighing at her need to ensure he was carted around like a sack of potatoes. Making a mental note to point out that he was not so feeble. Minus what he appeared like with the plethora of injuries.
He’d gather up and do as he was told in the sense. Moving over when feet were stable to settle down in the annoying wheelie chair. Finding it almost demeaning while indicting with a slight nod that he would need the gear that had been stripped away from him when he had been brought in. Darren spoke up, “We can have someone bring it all over, if you like, Ms… Mrs?” The blond man smiled so sickly sweet at Araminta, souring his thoughts all the more.
To a point that he just sort of hummed and accepted his feeble state.
Oh, Theon was absolutely surly now. Anyone else would simply think he was just like that, naturally surly and stoic, but she was familiar enough with him now to pick up on those subtle cues he was displeased about this entire thing. Assuming easily that he wasn’t happy about having to accept that fact he was injured and needed a little extra help in the moment. Certain that he could’ve walked him back to the Inn on his own feet, yet that was not something Araminta was willing to risk.
Theon would feel better once they were safely tucked away in the room. Where he could fuss about the bed being too soft and the food being suspicious.
Araminta gave Theon a gentle encouraging squeeze on his uninjured arm, beaming that easy smile at Darren but shaking her head to decline the offer of them bringing along Theon’s things later.
“Araminta. I’ve got everything, though, thank you.” she answered, already gathering up the means of Theon’s gear, giving Theon the bits that were going to be too awkward for her to carry entirely on her own. Not about to leave any reason for him to worry about what was his being in the hands of strangers!
As he took the items passed over so they wouldn’t remain and potentially be searched through for something else –not sure if that was the case nor did he particularly want anything of his to be left behind. Having already lost enough in the past twenty four hours to make him a little mulish about keeping his present belongings, well… present. Even if he immediately hated the fact that when his rump settled into the chair, Darren was being obvious enough about his boyish intrigue towards Araminta and the means that he was about to be pushed around like some invalid.
A boon for everyone that he was not the rambling vocal in irritation type. Merely taking what was offered till all parts were accounted for and Darren made a gesture for Araminta to lead first.
Taking the time to wheel this damnable contraption out of the room that had been his little personal cell for too long, into the halls that had not been registered previously in his addled mind. Considering the blandness while appreciating the lack of conversation thus far. At least such a thing was offered till they were well outdoors from the clinic and Darren seemed to warm enough to grow bold. “Sooo… Miss Araminta, do you… come here often? To the town I mean. Not to the clinic.” The man stumbled and made an awkward attempt to sound casual. Half tempted to slip an eye across his shoulder to the driver of this mobile seat. Managing not to do it thankfully.
“I’ve never seen you around and I’d remember someone like you.” Theon mentally winced at this attempt. It was so blunt that it would have been hard for him to ignore. Or miss. Settling to resting elbow to an arm rest and fingers to the non-blackened side of face. Letting lids shut just enough to look the part of impassive statue instead of potentially annoyed grouch.
Poor Theon was miserable and she shouldn’t be finding it so amusing, but it was hard not to when he was practically radiating his grumpiness. The sooner they returned, the better. Araminta made sure to take the lead to make it easier in opening up doors and making way for Theon’s grumpy self to be driven off.
…it was outside when Darren piped up again that she finally caught on and gave a curious squinting look over her shoulder at the man. There were times she could be clueless when she was distracted or if one was actually good at being subtle, but this one’s fumbling at an attempt of conversing with her was almost adorable. She’d certainly been hit on enough times too know a wide variety of different lines! Like the man in Essurn, it was flattering but not likely to get far with her.
“This is my first time for a visit and it has been interesting so far. Troubling too,” she alluded to Theon who seemingly was trying to pretend he was nothing more than a bump on a log at this point. A silent protest.
It was practically radiating off the guy the moment Araminta acknowledged him. Practically fitting the mode of excited puppy waggling its rump around with absolutely delight to hear that she hadn’t been someone that had just missed all radar. A thing even he could guess would have been incredibly doubtful happening seeing as Araminta had a magnetizing personality that clearly tugged and pulled people towards her. Though her suggestion of troubling, had made him crack the good eye open. Considering the apparent desert rose a short moment and found the mention just bold enough that he swallowed down a lot of his irritation.
He was more than aware his actions had her upset with him and that he was once more the foolish one for trying to do things that he had thought he was half decent at.
It was a swift action that dulled down the mood to settle and just slip back into the existence that was just preferring to be somewhat left alone. Taking well to start ignoring the conversation that was to be had less he add to her troubles any further.
“Well if you are new here, then perhaps you could use a guide to tour around. The town has a lot of things that might be missed to a new person.” They were trundling down the street thankfully at a decent pace and he personally found himself newly wanting Araminta just to go out with the man to look about rather than continue any more efforts of concern. “Besides the obvious things like the library and such, there is a few niche shops and restaurants. I would be happy to offer taking you around if you would like.”
Araminta gave a quick peep to Theon to see what he thought of this nonsense, but as expected he was doing much the same as he had in Essurn. Only this time, he was trapped in the wheelie chair and couldn’t casually inch himself farther and farther away to escape being part of the conversation.
“That’s so kind of you!” Araminta exclaimed easily, her smile brightening up with just the slightest air of mischief. Theon might catch on to when Araminta was being wicked, but this young man didn’t know her habits. Leaving her free to whatever mischief she deemed to get up to.
“My Ghost and I would love to have a tour of the town, especially the library,” she added on with all her usual enthusiasm, only to pause to tap her chin with thought. “Of course, we’re both going to be busy for several days through his recovery, so I am afraid we’d have to decline your generous offer. Truly, though, I appreciate how kind everyone has been here.”
Truly had he the ability, he would have distanced himself once more. Repeating previous actions that had happened in Essurn to give her all the time she wanted with the other person. Somewhere deciding that it was likely she would prefer it seeing as well, he had been trouble. Nothing new in that regard. Blissfully melting away into his own thoughts as to play oblivious to anything else happening outside watching their location moving closer to where he could hopefully just recluse in a singular room and leave the princess to whatever fancy she desired.
Not about to be that wet blanket that made her do anything she didn’t want too.
Of course on Darren’s hand, he had bloomed like a bright flower when she expressed a sweet delight at the idea of coming along with him to be shown around. Practically glinting like polished glass due to her commentary, absolutely unaware that she was leading him down a path that would encounter more that just herself.
Apparently grouping in the means of the fellow in the chair, which had him dampen in the grin. Realizing it slowly that she was either trying not to be too bold about her wording or she was clueless that he was attempting to ask her for a date. Just in a very roundabout way.
Adding on that the man’s… this Ghost would need to recover. Urging Darren to look at the injured redhead then towards the chestnut brown woman that surely was what most men thought of in their dreams. Hardly thinking a person such as herself was real. “O-oh, uh right. I suppose that does make sense.” The fellow didn’t appear interested so he was guessing there was nothing happening between them. The whole former statement of the woman’s arrival at the clinic of this fellow apparently being her guardian, had been written down. Noted so they would allow access but he didn’t think anything else.
“I mean the offer is there. For you.” Darren attempted to lay it out without saying clearly, no to Ghost. “I work at the clinic most days, so if you would like a tour, Araminta. I would be happy to give you one.” Laying it out as they migrated along the street. Not that far from the lush tavern now.
Theon would probably marry her off to the first man that asked, if he thought that was going to take care of her. If he didn’t have such a hard night already, she might’ve drawn out this conversation just to frustrate him a bit. Which would serve him right for always assuming she wanted this attention from flirty menfolk and trying to make himself invisible.
“For me?” she questioned curiously, deeming to give Darren another glance over her shoulder before grinning wide again. “Oh, I never go anywhere without my Ghost. It’d be like trying to explore the world without the sun, surely I’d see fine, but it’d lack a certain warmth.”
Araminta probably could’ve told him straight forward that she wasn’t interested, only she’d already discovered that many were unable to take such a blunt turn down well. Many could barely take a refusal at all and Araminta wasn’t about to earn the ire of some jilted young man while Theon was currently in a vulnerable position! No reason to harm his pride either when she could simply pretend to be a little dense and preoccupied with the care of her ghost.
And being preoccupied certainly wasn’t a lie. In more ways than one.
“Ah… ha…. I see.” The man seemed to be in a state of debate when it was Araminta attempting to suggest that he was apparently required for such excursions. Causing that gaze to open somewhat further though laced in a uncertain confusion to why she was putting so much effort in. He’d dare not ever stand in the way of something she sought after. Regardless of what it was. Yet this woman was showing herself to be a dunce little flower instead of outright telling Darren the yes or the no. Not entirely sure what Araminta’s reasoning was but knew it was unlikely he would have to know it anyways.
“Well, I wouldn’t want to insist any further than I have. Just know that I am at the clinic most days in case you change your mind.”
They seemed to temporary lull into a state of acceptance before the slowing of the chair came and he was more than grateful to see the tavern’s fancy sign once more. Daring not to even look at that of Araminta this time, as he made an indication that he was getting up with the variety of items in that of singular arm. Not about to be babied a second longer than he had, proving he was going to at least be stubborn about this once more. Gathering up the moment the chair had stopped its movement, so he could hold what bits were necessary. Glancing over shoulder to Darren in a sort of cold indifference before stepping at a slower pace away.
“It was… lovely to meet you though Araminta.” Darren attempted, looking up at the place. As if mentally marking out that this was the place that she would be.
Which that was apparently the thing that caught his attention, “Be wise with what thoughts you keep.” Theon warned then and there. Not about to have some enrapt loverboy deciding that he could make crooning calls outside the tavern for Araminta because he didn’t want to give up so soon. Watching the man’s face droop just enough to catch onto the phrasing before Theon inclined chin. Bruised, bloodied and battered didn’t stop him from giving a indication that this was Darren’s moment to vamoose.
Just when Araminta was gearing up to fuss at Theon for trying to get up and haul himself off far too soon, it seemed he’d finally had enough of the other man’s conversation. Though she wasn’t quite sure what his statement was meant to mean… Exactly what thoughts was the man meant to be wise of keeping? At least the message of go away was clear enough!
“Thank you for the assistance! I hope you have a nice day!” she chirped to ease that quick dismissal. Waiting quietly then for Darren to go before those evergreen eyes were glancing Theon up and down again. A small pursing of her mouth and the twitch at the corner of the lips hinting she had some other words to say for Theon all in the spirit of being amused, but for the time being was keeping them to herself.
She gestured with the few items she held herself for him to start his shuffling shamble inside. Being quick to get the door for him herself.
“You’re going to need some hot tea and a long nap,” she finally deemed to say, that humor still in her voice.
They were practically like night and day. Dark and light by how they each replied in their own way to that of Darren. Granted it didn’t really matter when the man was properly turning about and heading the way he had come at all. Taking his damn wheeling device with as the movement of slipping through the door was made to find the front entry of The Sable Fawn to be only manned by that of Jasa.
Where he only offered a short glance towards Araminta before the Madam was approaching. Not sure he wanted anything hot to drink or the idea that he was going to rest too comfortably right now. It was still a place that was incredibly foreign after all and well, he would just rather be left to his own decision to whether or not he wanted to rest.
He knew he needed it.
“Well you’re looking about as good as roadkill run over a handful of times, your highness.” Jasa grinned with all her glitz and pomp. Promptly setting a uncomfortable chill up his back that just sort of mentally sagged at the means that she was going to address him in such a way. Even if it clearly was pure amusement. “Araminta, Adra did come by. There are new shoes for you up in your room. I didn’t want them to be just left here behind the counter because they’d likely be mistaken for one of the girls.” A hand waved through the air as if the thought wasn’t even worth mentioning. “She stated if they don’t fit correctly, that you ought to stop by Bogart’s shop and see them both. But otherwise, that’s the only message I have for you. Granted I assume you want to put the prince into bed and go have yourself some fun anyways.” She grinned and he made an obvious sidestep that declared he wasn’t likely to start being invested in any small talk.
“You’ve been incredibly accomidating, Madam Jasa. We very much appreciate all that you have done for us so far,” Araminta greeted with her welcoming smile. Though, the moment Theon made that first inching side-step there was a subtle squinting of her eyes at him. Not about to let him escape off without her. She had every intention of making sure he was settled in personally, then he could sulk and brood the rest of the day as he wished.
“I’ll come see you this evening about playing more music,” she declared then, making no comments about running off to have fun on her own after putting Theon to bed like some sort of naughty child. Araminta was still debating whether or not she was willing to leave his side at all today!
With a gentle hand to Theon’s back to indicate they were to move along and a nod to Jasa to excuse them, she stuck close as his tiny shadow ready to shoo people out of the way and push open doors where necessary.
In a easy smile did the Madam look like she already knew how accommodating she had been to them. The gesture was clear without actually saying a strong I know, in reply. Though of course her features seemed to brighten all the more with the idea that Araminta might strum further to that of her musical abilities.
While Edgar hadn’t been thrilled about the fourth’s appearance, Jasa had been impressed. Enough that there was not even a single thought in her head that might believe that having the unknown princess play again could be problematic. At least a blow to ego’s that were the snooty sort. “If you cannot find me immediately, just ask one of the girls to set you on my path, darling.” Eyes glittered with this information that there would be work done without needing to pay for it. In a sense. Though he was more than ready to simply poof away into absolutely nothing; knowing well enough where the room had been. About to do exactly that when it seemed Araminta was attaching quick back to indicate with the barest careful touch to back, that they were to leave as a unit.
A bidding nod that was intended in temporary farewell was the start to Jasa turning to go back to her previous post. Where they climbed that of stairs in the flowing pattern of the hallway towards the room that had been assigned for purposes that were originally intended to help Araminta complete some extensive scrubbing of flesh. Now it seemed to have no further purpose than just a room as it ought to have been. With a few bits of traffic in the form of workers that were curious to see the sight. Casually whispering till they were finally able to segway into that of the room.
Once that door was shut, he made a movement to distance some in the effort of laying down the collected items that had been retrieved. Sparing the time to do so with meticulous care even down an arm before eventually making use of a chair instead of being tut-tutted to that of the bed. Letting lids closed as he made an effort of pressing the good hand into that of less enthused shoulder. Only making a vague open of gaze to point at the new boots –rather than shoes as Jasa said- to suggest they must have been the ones brought in from that of this Adra person.
Safe and sound in their room Araminta was finally able to let out a slow relaxing breath. To set aside the beaming smiles of social politeness in favor of being plain and simple Araminta – with a mini mission. Taking the few things she carried herself to set with the rest of Theon’s gear, following his gaze towards the waiting boots and finding herself amused that he was quick to try and redirect her attentions away from him.
He’d chosen a chair to plop himself into… a strategy on his part, she bet. To be stubborn and avoid the comfort of bed for as long as he could get away with it. For a quiet moment Araminta debated whether or not it was worth to struggle with him, quickly deciding there would be a lot of hurdles for him to get over in the next few days so it was best to let him decide which ones he was willing to jump until there was a moment she had to insist.
“Will you at least let me take your boots, Theon, if you’re going to sit instead of sleep?” she asked, moving to her pack first and foremost to draw out some of their brought along food items. The ones she knew Theon would feel safe enough to nibble on until she could figure out how to get him to eat something more substantial.
Of course his decision was to ignore the bed –that mentality of his was unlikely to disappear any time soon that Araminta ought to be properly pampered. And add on the means of internal guilt that he had only caused her a greater duress, he was apt to avoid anything that might be deemed comfortable. It was hardly the first time he suffered damages as this and while they weren’t pleasant by any means, he would hard muster up a whimper in complaint. Settling instead to point out the new boots that were needed for the young lady while he rested laurels in that of the chair.
Slightly hoping that she just might get bored enough to leave so he could just be by himself with blistering morose thoughts. Highly disliking the fact of the matter that he had caused her grief at all.
Of course there was a mention of footwear towards himself, pulling gaze in a sidelong consideration and shook his head at her. “I’ll handle them momentarily.” The idea of her taking off his boots was not only horribly mortifying but he didn’t want her anywhere near the action! To take off his shoes sounded absolutely demeaning, even if it was supposed to be in aid. Watching as she bothered to set out items that were brought along for provisions in the means of idle eats, before he was slowly watching her from the corner of eye.
Trying to decide how he might imply that her presence was hardly required or necessary. This was a perfect chance for her to go and do things without the constant presence. “It would be wise if you invested time into yourself.” Choosing that as his best way of pointing out that he wasn’t expecting or demanding her to be anywhere present right now.
Not even to allow her to take off his boots, was it! Exactly how did he think she was supposed to take care of him, if he refused even the slightest of little things? It was almost enough to make her laugh, but she wisely kept that to herself. Arranging things on the small table so he could get what he liked at his own leisure. Including the waterskin so he’d actually hydrate himself.
“Are you saying this because you would time time alone to yourself, or are you just trying to fuss me away because you think I shouldn’t be wasting my time with you?” Araminta decided to ask outright. All of that advice about communicating clearly was going to come in handy… and while there were plenty of unsaid things she was still unsure of how to say or talk about, at least this was something easily addressed.
With food within his reach, Araminta moved back to her pack to fish out her few remaining sheets of parchment and her other tools for drafting up a letter. The vial of ink, her quill that was looking a bit shoddy now, the sealing wax and her signet ring. Bringing them all over to the table so she could sit herself and start on writing a quick letter for Sir Reeves and his ward Padma. The sooner it was sent out, hopefully the faster they could meet.
The question was held onto. Thought over with due detail. Knowing that while he wasn’t exactly the most known person to enjoy company; he wasn’t bothered by the lack of it either. Unsure if that was simply because of his upbringing and the general consensus that assured he was little more than a wooden puppet doing the evil queen’s bidding. There was no need for companionship when one was expected to simply work, work and work. Of course things in that regard were vastly changing seeing as Araminta was present and he had so much more time to start dissecting his general existence.
However, he didn’t much care for the idea that she was subjecting herself to staying here in the room when he knew she was far more social and involved than he ever would be.
So no, he didn’t think he wanted alone time because he wanted it. But the latter portion of her statement. In which drew more time to think about. Picking up the means that if he were too honest, he was more than liable to be on the receiving end of that lecturing talk that indicated he was likely too stupid to understand half of anything. Preferring not to upset her any further when he knew she did not get the time to enjoy the accommodations as she would have originally.
“You are a royal. There is no sense for you to be putting forward such efforts.” Relying on that sort of statement in a hope that she might understand he was just uncomfortable with being given any further consideration. While her title was likely Queen now –all the more reason why he didn’t want her fussing after someone that had caused so many problems-, Theon settled with his commentary. Even as she pulled out items to write upon and with. Taking note of each item individually with a due case that was likely putting notes away into his thoughts for later use.
“I’ve caused you enough trouble already. I would prefer to avoid any further more and be respectful of your time and efforts.” Aka, he wanted her to just leave him be and enjoy herself however she wished. If he could have, he’d likely use his travel form to give her space for a while.
With the way he’d gone quiet, Araminta could practically see the wheels in his head turning when she peered green eyes in his direction. As if her were mulling over a much deeper question about life, the universe and everything else. Strange how such a simple ridiculous thing made her want to smile and gave her a little twinge of something that was surely adoration in her stomach.
“I would say that as a royal it is my responsibility to care for others, even if all I have in my purview is a single person,” she answered first. Opening up her inkwell to dip in her quill and set to writing. She didn’t stay quiet for long though, taking a pause to tap that quill to her chin as she considered it further.
“…as just Araminta you specifically are important to me and I like to help you and do things with you. I can easily go and do anything I wish, and I just so happen to want to spend that time with you. So unless you need time alone and want me to go now, I would like to stay here for awhile until I’m ready to run my own errands.”
Araminta stole another glance at him to see if he was going to struggle up against that too of if it would finally settle into his brain somewhere proper. She’d already had some good luck with him earlier, but he’d likely still been a bit loopy from being weary and in pain and now he was going to start fighting against her care all over again.
There was no quip or quarrel about her statement of being a royal that sought to help those around her. Of course such a statement was still as alien as understanding the means of genuine compassion. The Imperial Queen was all for her and her for herself. There was no measure of caring for anyone else of course so that idea that as someone who governed ought to do their best to ensure the care was given to those around them, she might as well have continued to tell him the sun as green and grass was purple. It just didn’t make a lick of sense what so ever.
Surely others would sit in that same agreement after being under Heirra’s rule for so long.
What he could shift under was the means of her care when it came to focusing that purview at him. Wanting to point out that such efforts was surely a massive waste of time. Reminding that he was more than familiar in leagues with handling everything himself and had not wanted to be that burden even if she was the one selecting the choice in the matter.
Mentally he was strung out. Latching onto the portions of thought that were barbed cruelty and sought to be wise to avoid her getting too close that she also would be subjected to such behaviours. Yet, she was mentioning that he was apparently important –leaving both a sense of unease and new confusion considering her previous behaviour- and how he just felt so scratchy at the idea of her wasting her kindheartedness on that of himself. Like it was a rash instead of a kindness.
Alas, he would hardly bare a vocal in refusal when she pointed out that she wished to stay put till she was ready. Not about to insist she ought to do otherwise, just nodding and shortly –on the outward expression of features being mollified- to accept what she wished to do. There was no need to rebel when she made clear what she wanted to do. Shifting to brace chin in the movable hand to just allow himself an deep from the toes internal sigh. Allowing gaze to drift to partial and find a particularly interesting spot on the ground to focus on. Letting his thoughts roam freely in whatever way they wanted, merely listening to the quill nib scratch in the ambience of the room.
“Hmn,” the soft little hum was enough to express she wasn’t so certain about his answer. Even watching him for a moment, not trusting that blank look on his face in the slightest. Not that she blamed him for retreating into his inside thoughts once again, where he felt safer and not so exposed. To be reminded that he was still vulnerable and now somehow having to try and find the ability to allow someone else to care for him couldn’t be easy. He’d said okay about getting used to her caring for him, but that didn’t mean he was suddenly going to be good at it!
Instead of trying to fuss him into speaking or doing what he needed to do for himself, Araminta allowed the comfortable silence. Scribbling away her letter to the paladins with practiced ease.
To Sir Reeves,
I hope things have gone well in Neive and that no one was seriously harmed. Since I left your temple I had some misfortune myself, though it led to me being reunited with Theon and I cannot be more grateful for that. You told me that your Lady of Light might create a path for us and I may now believe it!
We were planning to come see you at the temple as there is something concerning with Theon, but he’s taken a few dreadful injuries and I do not want him to travel like this. If you could come to us I would be forever in your debt…
There was more to write from there but Araminta found herself surreptitiously taking a peek at Theon to be sure he wasn’t falling asleep propped up on his arm and liable to fall over.
The scratching of the quill’s tip across the paper was in fact, a soothing sound. Possibly one of the better ambient noises to add to the room’s otherwise silent motif. Doing little for the way his mind was ever so damn loud as it typically could be. Just in ways that weren’t nearly as easily ignored with age old practice. The only similarity to its volume was the general lack or perhaps care to express a need to talk about it. With little practice to opening up in such ways, he kept the rattling commentary plenty to that of himself. Feeling the way one’s body ached and turned into a broken mess that was trying to repair itself. Simultaneously loathing the fact that one could heal with the gift of light but couldn’t use it upon themselves.
Guessing this was some sort of failsafe that a person couldn’t just continually rejuvenate themselves into health otherwise they’d be quite the formidable foe. Although part of him wondered if the fae blood within his being ought to have had some healing increases but that had never panned out in all his thirty years.
He’d be content as best he could to just sit as he had been. Feeling more of the princess’ gaze upon him till there was a knocking at the door that drew gaze to raise its lidded curtain’s into looking at the wooden space that kept it closed and them within. Till another knock beckoned and well, “Room service,” It was Olive’s voice, “Madam Jasa sent up some items and I thought I’d check in.”
Olive. Araminta had nearly forgotten all about the other woman… and in that moment had a surprisingly spiteful little thought about ignoring the door altogether. That was unbecoming behavior, however, so with a sigh the princess was sliding out of her seat and moving – although slowly – over to the door where she finally did open it up. Curiosity about what Madam Jasa deemed to send up to them when no requests had been made.
“Good afternoon, Olive,” she greeted with all politeness. It wasn’t Olive’s fault anymore than it was Theon’s that Araminta had that twinge of jealously, it was her own wicked little feeling to have to deal with. At least she had the pleasure in knowing that Theon never intended to fall into bed with the girl, even with all of her flirtings.
Upon that door opening to reveal the blond in thankfully a more modest ensemble than the day prior, she held that of a silver tray. Aligned with various bits of fruit and some sweeter items in the form of icing sugared buns. Likely filled with decadent chocolate or berry flavoured items. Meant to be a sort of silent gesture that the guests of the place were to be accommodated even a little on the special side. Not that the server currently questioned the Madam’s behaviours. If she sent something up, then all that mattered was doing so.
Perhaps Jasa was trying to butter up Araminta into sticking around a lot longer in the means of using her plucking fingers as entertainment. Or she was attempting to sway a secretive prince into doing things that were for her establishments better interest. Whatever the case would be, Olive wasn’t the one to express or even know the reasoning.
Just that she offered a sweet easy going grin while lifting the tray up to indicate it was room service. And well, she may have volunteered because she had heard that the Ghost had returned. “Afternoon Araminta!” Jovially she was greeted, “Brought up some goodies as per the Madam and thought that you might like a bit of extra company.” The latter portion maybe obviously hinted towards the unseen companion currently. “The Madam said things had gotten a bit rough and I am not on the clock today soo—” Any more apparent and their be flashing signs pointed to her reasoning at all.
“And heard that you’ll be playing with us again tonight, colour me curious! I didn’t reckon you’d be hanging around any longer but now I am excited to see and listen to you tonight.” Shoulders lifted with a earnest giggle, “Mind if I bring this in for you all?”
Araminta wouldn’t want to admit it, but a tray full of treats went a long way in soothing any sort of sour thoughts Araminta might’ve had. She’d never been one that over indulged in her prior life – yet back then having a pastry wasn’t hard to come by either! Merely a short walk to the kitchen away, rather than weeks in between.
She did step aside to allow the woman to enter, having a bit of poise to not chase after her heels to snatch up one of those iced buns. They certainly wouldn’t be going anywhere and if Theon did want to be brave and try one, she’d be thrilled to hand them all over.
“It’s kind of you to offer your company during your off hours, though it’s not really necessary,” she answered politely. Then in an instant any ire she might’ve had vanished in the wake of talking about her music. “Staying a few extra days is unexpected, but I am looking forward to playing again! I’ll likely need to borrow another dress as well, I don’t have any of my own. Clover had me dressed up like a dark faerie queen last night, it was delightfully enchanting.”
As the door was given allowance to let the blond woman in, she gave cheery sort of giggle that was hardly the sort of snide effort that was false. Rather it was apparently just as genuine as one could have ever imagined before brightening at the suggestion of company, “Maybe not necessary but I thought I’d do it anyways.” Of course she had her reasons and wouldn’t deny them even as they were allowed passage. Shortly watching as Araminta brightened at the mention of her music. Becoming as clear as the day was long that her passion was just that. Which only made one wonder why she travelled when there was now a clear option for her to settle and earn a wage while playing to her heart’s content.
“Oh I am sure if you just give a bare hint that you’ll be needing to be all gussied up again, Clover will be happy to do so. She has a way with making everyone look absolutely positively stunning. Though the idea of a dark faerie queen, seems entirely on par for yourself, Araminta. Dark, enchanting. Perfect for the vibe of the tavern.” She meant that as a compliment with the clearness that it was implied as such. “A few of us girls that are off duty plan on sticking around to see you perform. And to see Edgar’s sourpuss face pucker up like a cat’s bum.” She found this particularly funny.
At least till it was evident that her intention to drop off the tray at the table had her gaze locking with the man that was had been through hell and back. “O-oh my…” She set down the tray carefully, stealing a look at Araminta before puckering brows in a sympathetic expression. “That looks sore as all get out, Ghost.” He was watching her but in that same sort of silent way that had originally tickled her into delight. Now it just looked miserable and she could only assume by what she could see, he wasn’t that comfortable.
“Poor thing, Madam Jasa said you had a bit of hard luck just I didn’t think it was so terrible.” The man seemed to be considering her but his gaze veered just enough to Araminta before turning slightly away to indicate that he wasn’t about to engage for a reason or another. Warranting a blinking pattern on her part. “I’ve got some stuff that can help with the bruising. I’d be happy to bring it up and help out.”
He was now obviously ignoring her in a new way and it was highly curious. Unaware that he was doing so because of what Araminta had said about her irritation the day before. Not about to invite conversation or reply in case he made the comely dark haired woman mad again.
Olive was the sort of bright an delightful person that was impossible not to like, which made it completely impossible for Araminta to hold any sort of ill-will against the chatty, bouncy woman. Being one who enjoyed the back and forth of conversation, she likely could make good friends with her.
“I hate to rock the boat for Edgar, yet I can’t help but admit I may enjoy showing him up just the tiniest bit for how sour he was last evening.” Only a tiny bit, though, Araminta thought. It wouldn’t be polite to attempt to harm the man’s pride or his reputation just because he’d been rude to her. He was the one that had to remain working here and had no intentions of making his job harder or letting him be the brunt of any jokes simply because he’d irked her.
Now that Olive’s attention was on Theon, however, Araminta couldn’t help but notice he was being even more silent and reclusive than usual. Confusing her for the briefest of moments until she realized with a slight guilty flush that he might’ve been neglecting the woman on purpose. All because Araminta had herself a hissy fit and had to confess she’d angry and envious! She hadn’t wanted him to avoid Olive altogether, or let the poor girl feel snubbed!
“It- Yes. If you have something for the bruising we’d gladly accept it. Anything to help him be more comfortable would be wonderful.”
How was Araminta meant to fix this now! He was going to think she was just yanking his chain back and forth!
“Sometimes a little boat rocking is good. I think he assumes he is the best of the best that last night was that eye opener. To remind him that he isn’t you know.. the best in the biz as it were. To appreciate other talent and if means a little blow to the ego then so be it.” Olive sighed some, “To be honest, I think he is due for a bit of humbling. It’s not like you’re going for his job, just reminding him that talent comes in all forms. For a musician, he ought to appreciate the skills anyone and everyone brings is all.” Deciding that Araminta wasn’t here to tumble Edgar entirely off his self proclaimed podium but rather rattle it just in the right way that the man stopped being all up in his own bum.
Plus, it was always nice to see other people showing off what they had. It made her curious of course to be a spectator even if she wasn’t musically inclined. She could tell the difference between a good tune and a bad one at least. “Maybe tonight, Clover can make you into some white dove that illuminates without you, actually doing so.” Suggesting that she could be a radiant little diamond that added all that much more flare to her talent.
Of course, she could have gushed a lot more if it weren’t for the black and blue elephant in the room. To where the sympathy for the Ghost became apparent. Feeling truly bad for whatever it was that had happened to the point that he was literally a broken battered soul. One that was proving that he wasn’t about to say much of anything and was behaving as though she had never existed at all. Whatever sort of picked up interest he had the day prior, was missing.
Leaving her to blink whilst Ghost looked like he might be trying to figure out a way to excuse himself without actually saying so. “Certainly, I don’t mind. It might smell something awful but it will help at least alleviate the discomfort.” She considered Ghost while he seemed to find the wall super interesting, “I’d be happy to help out in any way.” Clearly he wasn’t interested a moment further and she had no idea why. Had she offended yesterday somehow?
Rubbing lips together, she turned back to look to Araminta. Trying to smooth out brows from their crumple, “I’ll bring it up in a bit with some cool cloth’s. Something that might help even a tiny bit.” Offering that smile once more, “Well I won’t keep you then,” She’d say both but something told her that he wasn’t about to go out of his way regardless to say anything, “Try to have as much of the sweets and fruits as possible. And if you need anything else, just ask. I’d be happy to help as I said.”
“Hopefully the is not so upset with me that he causes Madam Jasa any problems,” Araminta murmured, still keeping eyes on Theon as if she could beam her reassurances into his head just by thoughts alone. Finding herself wringing her own wrists in nervousness trying to ponder up the best ways to try and navigate such a tricky social situation, all brought on because she couldn’t figure out what things to shush her own mouth about. She was clearly not the clever tactician Theon seemed to think she was!
“We’ll make good use of anything you bring up, thank you!” she responded quickly, hoping to at least make sure Olive didn’t feel like she was being aggressively dismissed or that her efforts weren’t appreciated. Being sure to follow the girl out to the door to give her a soft smiling goodbye before she was shutting it gently and turning back to the room with bewildered wide eyes.
What to do here? Poor Theon was always on the receiving end of her lecturing in one form or another… that had to be exhausting even on a good day, let alone when he was hurting so badly and already low in mood and spirits. Yet, she couldn’t let him think that she wanted him to ignore Olive just because she had complicated feelings – it wasn’t Olive’s fault!
Upon crossing the room back to her chair, she slid into her seat and planted her chin in her hand. Likely staring down Theon in a way that wasn’t helpful at all, and lingering for far too long… but this was requiring a lot more thinking than she anticipated.
Olive seemed to be lingering in the moment before she took that of Araminta’s gentle affirmation of appreciation to heart. Softening gingerly in a way that was hardly subtle before they were both at the door. Sliding one from the portal to return to whatever it was that she was going too. Shortly bringing the room into a uncomfortable pressure that forced even him to be uneasy about it. Shifting under its weight that only grew when Araminta wasn’t saying anything but rather settling down to stare at him.
In such a way that the mental hurdles he was leaping were surely a new record. Trying to quickly rectify what it was he was about to be tut-tutted about and how he was going to have to actively do that was best.
Growing all the more uncomfortable till, “If you wish to instruct me on how you wish for me to act in front of others, I would approve of the lesson to adhere to what you desire.” Theon peeked towards her in hopes that this would be the right way of addressing that he would do well to respond and take the notes required to uphold to whatever preference she wanted. Anything was better than being stared at while waiting for the hammer to drop!
Well that statement didn’t make Araminta feel any better, nor did it offer any help in knowing how she was meant to approach this. Causing her to frown with the ever so slight twist of her mouth, still unable to reply right away. At every turn the things she said ended up being wrong… if she was meant to communite better, it seemed the learning curve for such a thing with Theon was so high it was near impossible.
To adore a man and want to shake him at the same time was such a strange place to be in.
“Are you not exhausted always trying to do and be exactly what I want?” she finally asked after that long uncomfortable silence. Finding that her wonderment about it was stronger than everything else. “Are you that afraid to upset me?”
The first question got a bit of a head tilt. Akin to a dog listening to that of a high pitched noise with all the wonderment in the world to what was that! Not sure he understood the question to the entirely she was asking. Needing to ruminate over it with due care as it seemed to be a lot heavier than one would take at face value. And it seemed to hold a little bit of a pearl that made him consider that it likely was not something Araminta expected him to answer right at this moment.
So he turned to the second question. Mulling it over and, “Yes. You are the only person that is close to me and allows me to stay near. I worry that you will be upset that I would rather do everything you want than ever defy it. You are important and I value you. Care about you.” Theon glanced towards the door then as if expecting Olive to just burst in. “You were upset yesterday because I framed my statement incorrectly and did not fix the explanation. If possible, I wish to not do so again. I’ve also caused you trouble as well, would it not be best if I just sought to avoid you being bothered or disappoint you in the future?”
As expected he would choose the path of least resistance. To avoid confrontation by any means… made all the worse because he seemed to think that one wrong move meant he would lose her if he didn’t do things just right. This she understood very well, as it was very much the exact same thing she worried about herself! But how did one get past that, she wondered?
Another long silence followed of her just watching him and thinking. Trying to piece it all together as if it were some sort of strategic game of chess, attempting to determine what was going to be the easier thing for him to understand or at the very least offer him that tiny little seed to mull over so he might figure it out in his own time.
“…you were able to care about me because I gave you the space to feel comfortable near me. Do you think it might be okay to trust that if you did want to defy or disagree with me, even disappoint or upset me, that I would still want you near because I care that much about you too? Because I will make my own mistakes and even be ill-tempered or wretched and I would hope you’d stay and work through it with me.”
Whatever this was, it was apparently a moment to digest and try to learn something new. Not sure he was picking up on what this new was but hardly about to start saying he wouldn’t bother. Instead ears were figuratively perked while he could see those wheels click and clacking within Araminta’s intelligent mind. Something that always interested him was how she could be so thoughtful and not look the part of someone trying to screw together two thoughts with the strength of a god. Scrunching brows, turned lips and tongue sticking out.
“Why would I defy or disagree with you?” Theon asked genuinely. The very notion sounded absolutely absurd! If he could actively avoid them like the plague, then he would do so! Was that not how this ought to be, so she didn’t feel the strain and budding frustrations that came from having someone challenge the very things that made one themselves. “I would expect that you would be done with me immediately if I were to do such things. Though I don’t believe the descriptions of being ill-tempered or wretched fit that of your personality. So there is no belief in my thoughts to think I would ever wish to leave.” The man gave her a quizzical look still.
“Perhaps I don’t understand why this is a bother at all. Is it not the best for you if I have no reason or desire to do anything outside your expectations?” That focused mindset was presenting itself. Where he was loyal to an absolute fault. Though this loyalty was far better than any he had before. “I am yours to use as you want and how you wish, Araminta. Is that not something that is good for you?” Theon might have frowned if it didn’t hurt, “I don’t feel displeasure by being used. It is better to be used in friendship, is it not?”
To hear him talk about himself still as a tool to be used, even in friendship had her scrunching up her nose and twisting her mouth in a sort of displeased look before she even had a chance to school her features to prevent it. Araminta didn’t care for violence but how he’d been treated by his own mother to be trapped in this mindspace to think that he was nothing more than a thing always set her off in a way that craved throwing that evil woman off the nearest cliff. He was too good for this! She couldn’t stand it!
“You’re a person, you are not a thing to be used up at every convenience and then set aside. You have your own thoughts and your own feelings and you are allowed to have them!” That was so very vital about everything, leaving her almost exasperated that he was so deeply conditioned to think otherwise that it was still a problem even now. Araminta wasn’t sure how to get through to him on that front, and fell back to being silent again.
“…what if on the trials I make a terrible choice? Something so painfully obvious is a bad idea to you, but I am not listening because I am being foolish or cocky or just dense? Are you not going to stop me? What if I do say something careless, or maybe I do not know I’ve said something hurtful to you… will you not tell me? How can I ever know when you’re worried, or scared, or irritated if you are too afraid to say so?”
And that brought her right back around to what started this nonsense in the first place. Araminta tapped her finger on the table – a nervous motion because she couldn’t reach out now to touch him when he was so bruised and battered.
“I left here yesterday instead of talking to you about my feelings and that was my mistake, not yours. If I had stayed and talked to you instead of being scared to say something and just running off – even if I wasn’t sure why I was even upset – it would have been alright in that moment. You’d not feel like you needed to avoid Olive to prevent me from being upset and we could’ve been cozy in bed right now.”
That comment. You are a person. Yes, he knew this but the meaning of feeling it was so distant that it might as well have been across the world to him. Knowing it and registering it were distinctly two different things and he could tell that by Araminta’s bursting statement, that he was likely wearing on her nerves because he wasn’t making progress on this front. Certainly knowing that he had thoughts and feelings but such things were like precious little diamonds. Cradled close that they were coveted inside himself. Held away because if the revealed those, then others would know they existed. Something about that felt utterly frightening even if the sense of remorse that all of this was weighing on Araminta. To the point that she was bursting at the seams and he was tilting to be all the more attentive.
Not about to miss what was vital and important to the point that she was hitting a point of breaking. This was not what he would want for her to hold upon, so while he was certainly surprised he also didn’t hold any of it against her.
Being astute to listen rather than reply too swiftly when she was needing to vent out much on her chest. Although her commentary about the trials, he didn’t feel it was necessary to answer. Because he doubted she would ever do something so the example was slightly lost on him. Knowing that Araminta was utterly intelligent to the point that she thought of ways to handle the trials in efforts that most wouldn’t! Had she not, she may not have survived the first one. And caught his curiosity by feeing a bog witch a sandwich.
Gaze fell to the tapping before rising back up. Finding that her need to spill further was also important to heed and how she expressed that he didn’t need to avoid Olive either because she had been upset by his commentary the day prior. Which was still a huge question mark to why when she stated she hadn’t been sure to why he was upset. Even if she expressed a sense of jealously earlier.
“I’m sorry.” Theon uttered earnestly. Towards every little bit of ire she felt and an overlapping statement that he hoped expressed he was comprehending what she meant in some capacity. Silently telling himself he had better get better swiftly rather than taking the pace of a tortoise to fix everything that was abundantly wrong with himself. Working mouth a moment as if he were about to reply to much of what had been stated but didn’t know where to start. Not to offer excuses or false promises. “I will… fix what is incorrect and do better faster.” Nodding then as if he knew where to start and then looked to the place she had indicated. “You want to lay down then.” He wasn’t a fan of it but she expressed her statement and if he was going to be fixed then he had better start doing it.
With those simple words of I’m sorry Araminta visibly deflated, wishing it wasn’t such a frustrating thing and knowing it wasn’t Theon’s fault that these things were so hard to grasp. It never made it any easier trying to navigate what the right thing was. Wanting to help him find whom he was and break free from the conditioning his witch of a mother placed on him… and also not wanting to push him so hard that she become the very thing that harmed him in the first place. Perhaps it wasn’t exhausting for him, but it was exhausting for her and in that moment she was starting to feel the weight of it. Too many tragic, frightening, frustrating things back to back, over and over.
“It– …Mostly I would like you to rest but I think I do want a nap now too…” she admitted, following his line of sight to the bed with a heavy sigh. If she couldn’t get him to take care of himself, at least in his efforts to spoil her to the point of being an awful little goblin, she can get him to rest with her.
First though, Araminta turned back to her unfinished letter, quickly scrawling out where they were and signing it with her full name as one of royal blood must. Folding it up once the ink was dry to tuck it into an envelope and with a bit of the wax melted over a candle sealed it off with her ring. Later she could pass it off to someone to take to the post, or she could go drop it off herself when she left to see Adra and Bo again.
Finally sliding from her chair to hold out her hand to help Theon back to his feet. Hoping he wasn’t going to refuse a bed again, as she wasn’t so sure she could take it this time without bursting into frustrated tears!
Making his mouth work while his mind was like a stubborn dragon hoarding every bit of knowledge, feeling and miserable experiences like they were valuable gold was in fact, difficult. He could register that Araminta was unhappy but replying to it in the way she wanted, was a challenge. Nerves worked strongly against saying a thing because he was so dead set on keeping her happy. Which was a bit of a moot point when he could see she was exactly not that. So how did he fix it that it gave her the peace she wanted while still trying to make himself come together to a point that it functioned as it was supposed to.
He’d observed enough people in his life to know or rather recognize things that were normal. Oddities to him but normalcy to others.
Right now it seemed that Ara wanted to rest and she expressed that it was in two fold. For him –which he gave a bit of a hum to- and that she was likely feeling the effects of her irritation at him.
Another apology was upon his tongue but never made it over lips. Just watching her a moment while she finished that of the letter and he was ruminating through this wealth of thoughts. Muddling through it in no organized fashion. Looking at the tray that Olive had brought to the variety of things that were collected. The weird fluffy buns and the fruit that warranted a stronger stare. Like he was going to be able to tell if it was safe or not. Leaving her to finish and making himself eat even a little bit in hopes it would help a little. Trying to shove away the harpy like thoughts that were screeching about how dangerous it was –never mind that thus far they appeared to be perfectly safe- till he heard her moving. Tugging awareness over as she drew closer and something in her features… hurt.
So as she held out her hand, he considered it.
Then took it only that he made no motion to get up. “Why did you kiss me earlier, Ara.” She wanted him to say something, so he was finding the first thing that had been a glaring oddity in his thoughts. Feelings… this was one that was new and bright and, aptly confusing.
Oh! Oh no…! That was… honestly the very last thing she was expecting to suddenly be asked! After all of this nonsense they were toiling through, he’d decided now was the moment to put her on the spot! There was no hiding her surprise either as she’d jolted in the moment, squeezing his hand in the process as her cheeks went a flushed red and Araminta found herself blinking back at him as some sort of wide-eyed stupid owl!
“It… it was an impulse,” she started slowly. How was she to know the entire whys, Araminta hadn’t even taken the time yet to figure it out herself. Yet here she was, now chewing into her bottom lip trying to pull out all of the threads that were there, simply because he’d asked. It didn’t matter how tired and frustrated she was, Araminta was always going to answer when he asked, whether she knew the answer or not.
“Relief that you were not on the brink of death. Stunned bewilderment that you’d even be so battered and bloodied and still stumble your way back to me. You… you always take care of me to an extent that is truly extraordinary and that moment I just… A kiss was more than words could say.”
Well, that didn’t feel as if it even came close to explaining all the things she felt, but Araminta wasn’t so certain that piling on the full breadth of her inner thoughts onto Theon was the wisest choice when he still treated her word as law. He was plenty confused enough already!
That was new. Being a singular audience member to witness the usual decorum and control she possessed, slip away to show a blushing woman that looked as if he had asked her potentially the stupidest question in the world. He actually may have without realizing it but something about how she blinked at him, didn’t entirely suggest that as a fact.
“Impulse.” He repeated. Sure that he was rather dense in many things but that didn’t sound like something that was impulsive on a typical measure. Yet, here she was uttering it as the means of the why and pairing it next with a statement that only expressed she had been stunned, relived and something more about it. Which apparently Theon wasn’t about to go buying into all too readily either. “Would that not be upon the cheek or brow then if it was meant to be something in relief.” Gray eyes were upon her in such a way that may have exposed he had more history in such behaviours than she knew. Nothing extensive but enough to know the difference of what she did and what another might were directly different.
And growing emboldened, “Such an action was confusing. Still is. As that doesn’t seem like it is something that would be impulsive in your mannerisms. Nor have you done so before when problems have crossed our path’s. Such as the puppet at Nieve. The countess at Essurn. The harpies and snakes alike.” Theon moved to stand then and did something new, “You want me to be honest with you in the means of emotions but I don’t know if I can entirely when it seems there are blockades still ever present.”
It seemed that at least some of what Araminta had been trying to say had landed somewhere properly inside Theon, giving her exactly what she’d been hoping and asking for… only now she was not so sure she was ready! So bluntly laying her own words out that if she wanted him to speak his mind, she too needed to actually explain herself. What fine moment for Theon to get brave and bold. He could have done this elsewhere in the midst of a battle instead, where she’d be too busy to be flustered!
She took the ever so tiniest step backwards when he stood, though not willing to release his hand. What a strange feeling to want to flee somewhere and hide, while at the same time not ever wanting to let go.
“Actions are not always well thought out in the heat of the moment,” she tried to explain, feeling that burn in her features and deciding the best way to do this was to stare straight at his chest and not at his face. For if she looked him in the eyes she was going to feel even more silly than she already did and then she might not be able to stammer out a word at all.
“Those moments were different too… I didn’t- I didn’t quite yet feel the way I feel now. Or maybe I have for awhile, I told you I am not as smart as you think I am, and sometimes I might be slow to come to the right conclusions, especially when in the span of a day I thought I might lose you to some other woman and then to death itself! So it’s all been incredibly confusing and I’m not sorry I did it and I may very well do it again!”
…oh, oh that slipped out in a way that was absolutely dramatic, not helpful, and wrong in every way! She might as well have ran over him with a carriage pulled by six horses!
It was strange to truly see Araminta not her usual confident self. The one that charmed anyone with a easy grin and sometimes a mouthy twist of lips that made them chuckle in absolute amusement. To think that her want for him to say something –even if it was apparently the one thing she didn’t want him to focus on. Which was strange considering it felt like this was the largest oddity in their current relationship. Worth mentioning and pointing out to him, it was peculiar.
Translating into the now bashful woman that was giving his chest a full on stare that had he been anyone else, he might have worried there was something there. Or she was oogling in a way that was highly inappropriate.
Right now he would listen. Letting her explain herself in whatever fashion she felt best whilst formulating his own thoughts. Not entirely sure he was convinced that actions weren’t always thought out in some form. Although yes, not always in the most optimal ways. That was something understood very well.
Head still shook when she attempted to suggest she wasn’t as smart as he said she was. She was. Just now that things were a little more wild and less by the script she was evidently flustered. Using the state of her intelligence as a pass to suggest she was dumb in such moments. Nothing that would be believed by himself but would correct her gingerly if he felt she was weighing on that belief too heavily. Till she said a few things that caused him to figuratively stumble.
Having to take a moment to stop, think and repeat it all back.
Which blossomed into, “Lose me to some other woman?” What the hell did that mean! And secondly, “Do what again… Ara… what is this all meaning to you.”
Araminta thought for the tiniest moment he would accept her blurted out statement of pure insanity just as it was. Hoping that his typical silence meant he was filing away all that information to mull over and then later likely toss it out as useless. Not that she wanted him to do such a thing. Just because she was finding herself woefully unprepared to actually examine the sort of feelings she had absolutely no experience with didn’t mean she didn’t want to at all. …only… quick thinking didn’t come in handy for something like this!
There came another tiiiiny step backwards, still unwilling to release his hand, but at least with his demand for answers her eyes were shooting up to his face with that crestfallen, deer in the middle of the trial, wide-eyed mortification. She did say it, didn’t she. There was no taking it back now. Raising her free hand to point and waggle her finger at him as she spoke because she couldn’t fret and fidget any other way.
“That is a difficult question to answer! I thought that you might like Olive and it should’ve made me happy to think you might but it’d didn’t. But if I were to say I would like you as my person you would just say yes and how would I know it’s what you actually want when you give me everything I say I want without question!”
Araminta took in a sudden deep breath and in that moment wished she could just pretend to faint and throw herself on the floor. Knowing full well that wasn’t going to help anything at all.
“…then I went and kissed you and made it all the more confusing for you and I don’t even have the sense to feel bad about it. That is what I would do again in a heartbeat but it really isn’t fair to you.”
Typically he would have taken everything said and thought little else about it. Well, he would have turned it all over in his mind with due care but wouldn’t press upon the items spoken about because there would usually be a resolute acceptance attached to it. With her, he felt her rustications were sound and needed typically no further action on his part. This… this however was new. Strange and with her lack of strong confidence that he was familiar with, it was giving him all the reasons to keep poking at it.
Like a child with a fish tank. Just tapping the surface out of pure curiosity.
However as she kept inching back further with those little steps whilst keeping hand of his with that of hers, he was seeing her in a way that hadn’t been noticed before. Because this was new. The sort of bright eyed bewildered uncertainty paired with a sense of embarrassment he wasn’t even sure till now she could express, there was a gesturing finger made at him. Watching it while still allowing that chance for her to speak properly. Not to interrupt or rush to give a half assed reply when it was important that she express what she needed too. Be it with sense or not.
And boy, a lot came out in a few short ways that made him just pause. Stewing over it all in a repeating circle in which he wasn’t sure it was any clearer each time it passed by. “Stop.” Theon stated then in a more direct tone. “Ara.” Head was lightly –so lightly- shaken. “No.” A word he would say once in a while but this time there was context to it. “No, I don’t have interest in Olive. Yes, she is intriguing but if there was anything there it was be purely physical.” Not that he really was in the best of shape for any of that. “I don’t know what I want.” Theon added on in case she needed clarity. “I’m learning. I trust you but I am also weary. Because I know well that there is much I do and act that is not normal. And I don’t give you everything without question. I give because I want too. I’ve not had a reason in the past to do so of my own violation. You may not like it but my actions are done by my will. Even every want to keep you happy is because this… you are worth that effort for me. You are the first person who treated me as a person. And I value that.”
Lungs carefully inflated, “But… if you just acted on something like that because you were jealous of nothing… is that even something to react on? Was it genuine or influenced by raw emotion…” Theon visually softened. “I take notes for you. Things you like and dislike. Keep them ready because you and those actions are things I deem important. You may not enjoy that I seem subservient, I am.” Hardly about to be a revelation there, “But if it was vague jealousy that made you do something on a whim… I do not think that is genuine. What I do, I do because I want too. Because I want you to have much from losing more. They are not always big things but they seem and feel important to do. I don’t need to fight everything when I am with you… do I?”
He asked rather sincerely, “But I also do not, will not stand in your way either. Now… do you know what you want even after hearing this? Or do you think I am blindly following because I am a sheep that needs shepherd instead of a slowly learning person rediscovering what being mortal is?”
Stop. Ara. No. Pausing her right where she stood with such a petulant guilty look, as if he thoughts of escape had been read right out of thin air. Wildly thinkin of other ways she might flee as to not have all of her thoughts exposed so blatantly like this. Angry with herself that his statement that there could’ve even been a physical meeting with Olive gave her such an immediate sense of envy that there was no denying it was there.
The rest she listened to without a peep, though she might’ve looked the part of a wounded animal ready to skitter and hide under the bed. When Theon spoke he always did so with purpose – it wasn’t like her blithering chatter where she could go on and on about nothing important. Even if she was wary and still unsure, she did listen. Maybe finally vaguely understanding that all he did for her was out of a want to and not simply a blind following.
It wasn’t until he questioned whether or not she kissed him simply because she was jealous did that expression shift to earnest concern. Almost opening her mouth to protest on the spot! Swiftly shaking her head that it would only be the jealously… shaking her head again that he’d need to fight her!
“I didn’t kiss you out of jealousy. I don’t want you to fight me! I’ve only ever wanted to give you everything that you’ve never had and more because you have been someone who truly deserves to have a happy life. I hadn’t meant it to be with me, at first. Only that you could be safe and happy somewhere.”
Then she had to pause, having the flushing red to her features again and setting verdant stare up at the ceiling as somehow this means of candid honesty felt far too vulnerable even despite the fact they’d been through so much already.
“Now I- Now I want that future to be with me? With me. Only me. In ways I am a little afraid to ask for.”
He barely would have thought his original question would have divulged into such a large and detailed discussion that was certainly larger below the surface. Emulating that of a iceberg that seemed so miniscule at the top but was comically massive in ways just below those frosty depths. Although much like the mental analogy, it was important to be aware of it. Less risking crashing into the larger force without knowing how massive it was. Most of this hadn’t been his aim. Rather he just wanted to know her reasoning for doing something that at the time felt so out of character. While catching him entirely offguard.
Yet there was things he had needed to say when it came to Araminta thinking he was so blindly loyal to her in such ways that he’d just entirely go yes ma’am. Sure, he would likely do so but only after he weighed out the reasoning for it.
If there was a true belief that he thought an action she did was because of crazed folly, he’d hope that his comfort with Ara would be strong enough to say otherwise. That he was no longer that little doting sheep that would bleat and follow after the shepherd’s bell. It wasn’t perfect, he wasn’t perfect. There was a lot to learn in the means of regaining the shed humanity that was supposed to be part of his upbringing. It was a long, arduous learning curve that was by no means, easy. For anyone. However, he didn’t want all of this to be a reason that she had acted so forward because she was driven by a fraction of a feeling that was taking too much precedence in her chest. Nor did he want to feud against her. He was hardly in the shape to do so!
Not to say he liked seeing her in such a raw state of new feelings. Looking more like a bashful girl rather than the tactical intelligent being he found interest in. She was often leaving him thoughtful in ways that were more than skin deep. Yet, they needed to deal with this iceberg.
Allowing the grace of the floor to be hers once more. To speak her peace to where her features were igniting into a rosy hue that she seemed to be trying to lose. Arching features up some to look at the ceiling in case there was something there that hadn’t yet been addressed. “Perhaps I don’t need everything.” Theon pointed out. “Simplicity isn’t a terrible existence. I have no want or desire for the grand. The fancy. The broad or the expressive. But perhaps more the authentic. Things that might seem like they are not enough to you but to me, they are priceless.” Theon heard her last bit but was waiting to reply upon that. “Perhaps you don’t realize it but having one person know that outside my reputation and beyond the Imperial Queen, I am no more than any other. That I am flesh. Blood. Bone, is liable to be a relic in my thoughts. Kinship, to a level that is both new and somewhat frightening has no price. For me. This… is enough. You are enough.”
“You asked about the hut. What I need. I said nothing. Because you are already there.” Theon said this clearly with a level of control that wasn’t liable to be dismissed. “Materials… possessions… they are things. You are not. You are my first friend. My only friend and someone I’ve become okay with being so close that the means of physicality does not leave me looking for reasons to why you are doing so. I do not fear you, I enjoy you being present.”
So he considered her then after a thoughtful breath, “If you are afraid, then I would not push till you are comfortable and ready to face whatever it is. But you can ask when you are ready.” Nodding some to indicate he was not going to pressure her ever, Theon stole another look upwards at the ceiling. Just double checking.
“Hmn,” a soft thoughtful sound was all she gave at first. Finally daring to look down from the ceiling to find he himself was glancing up there, likely pondering if that was where she was finding all of her thoughts. Discovering that such a silly thing was so quintessentially Theon that it needed a little mental pin as an example of simple reason why she adored him… loved him! More than any of those grand and monumental moments of stunning bravery and selflessness. It was all of these little things that tickled her amusement and were so beautifully endearing.
He’d said more than once before that she alone was enough; it was still hard to believe, but then she herself had told him many things he too struggled with. At some point they’d both have to accept them as the honest truth and simply let it be. Let it be all that it was without wriggling and struggling and shying away.
There was not going to be any helping that bashful hint of pink to her cheeks no matter how much she wished she could be far more elegant and mature about all of this. Araminta always thought that she’d be a professional flirt, flawless and charming and perfectly at ease when she’d finally met someone that made her feel that twisting fluttering. Instead it had crept up on her when she wasn’t paying attention, until she’d tripped up over her own self to land both literally and figuratively on Theon.
At least she finally seemed to wilt back to something a little more malleable stepping forward to draw his one good arm around her back as she leaned to press her forehead against the one spot of his chest that wasn’t broken or bruised. Giving a soft sigh as it was the best she would get for now in the terms of hugs, as she wasn’t about to squeeze him right now!
“Would you… want me to kiss you again?” she dared to be brave enough to ask. “And if I said you could kiss me too if you wanted to?”
For a moment the room lulled into a silence. Thankfully it wasn’t as tense or even as thick that it had been previously. Appreciating that in ways he couldn’t articulate while leaving Araminta to mull it all over in her own time. Something he was very good about seeing as there was no rush to him that any and all of this needed to be sorted right here and now.
Yet she was looking at him finally rather than the roof and seemed to take something said as a chance to finally stop backpedalling. Rather drawing closer while using or instructing the decent limb into an order that was intended to clue him in swiftly to the want of closeness. Although it was hardly the same sort of embrace that was former but he wasn’t about to shirk from it either. Adjusting the grasp to twine gingerly without potentially being strangely twisted or harming parts of himself that were already fairly battered.
Letting fingers slip about the opposite side of her waist to linger before she turned features up and well… left his mind properly fumbling. Stumbling till he seemed to need added moments to think. And, “I would.” Honestly was evident there but, “Perhaps… in a bit.” Indicating he was naturally in no state to be that affectionate. Although now he was giving her a new sort of look, “Is… this alright to do?” Never mind the leaping lunge of a heartbeat that seemed to start picking up that he was surprised by all of this. It had only taken a good while to catch up to the rest!
After all of that, the dramatic and unknown and new, she nearly choked on a soft giggle. Apparently he had been so wrapped up in the bigger picture of the conversation it had taken him until that very moment to realize exactly what she’d been offering. Softening to a smile and a wry shrug of her shoulders, even if that flush of pink never went away.
“I would not have asked if it wasn’t alright with me,” she affirmed softly with the added nod of her head. “Nor does it need to be right this moment. You have been troubled and battered and confused and lectured and affectioned so much already.”
With the barest of tilts Araminta gestured towards bed, apparently still going to insist on the means of resting, and truthfully she really could use the rest herself if she were going to tackle all that she wanted to do for them both.
“…it is open permission as well? Freshly allowed, need no further asking required? Any time?”
There was a momentary consideration about she stated she wouldn’t have asked if it wasn’t already well on its way to being alright. Although Theon didn’t entirely seemed convinced on that seeing as he bared witness to her doing something’s already that she was not that thrilled about. Though he wasn’t about to start dredging up miniscule semantics in an effort to continue what didn’t need to be bludgeoned any further. Leaving him to lay attention properly upon her as she wasn’t insisting that they suddenly turn over a leaf that made them into something they surely were not.
Lightly nodding with a gentle humming that was likely more associated with the agreement that he was a little bit accustomed to being most of those things outside the last. That one was still very new. Very shiny and something he was very careful about holding. As it was a gentle thing that needed delicate care.
Although it seemed she was still set on going to that of the bed to where he was liable to find the largest torture of laying in something plush and soft once more. Starting to wonder truly what the fanfare was about beds in general, yet he wasn’t resisting. If he was blunt, his eyelids felt like they were sandpaper polishing away irises every time he blinked! Knowing that if he wanted to start letting his body repair, it needed rest. Be it somewhere comfortable or not.
Pausing instead to insist a moment for him to sit back down so he could remove that of shoes as he had yet to do so. Tilting gaze up at her when she asked the query of permission and almost pointed out that she hadn’t asked for permission the first time. But found that was probably about to push buttons that didn’t need to be stabbed at any further. “Yes.” The man replied easily, pulling loose one shoe then the other to organize to the side of the table till he was standing once more to be led on to the torture device. Having no reason to add on some lengthy explanation seeing as it was pretty obvious that he was hardly the person to say no to her without a proper understanding as to why. “Only you however. Other… affection from anyone else leaves me uncomfortable. And distrusting.”
Araminta was a little concerned that his sitting back down in the chair meant a new refusal of rest, but understood quickly when he was pulling off his own boots. He could have allowed her to do so, yet Araminta had the feeling he had some very silly reasons for not allowing her to do so and after such a length and tremulous conversation, it was better to just leave that be for now. Instead she stepped aside to do much the same herself in removing her shoes and the pin in her hair so she could rest with him far more comfortably.
Didn’t mean she wasn’t going to come back and hover at his side to be sure he could climb into bed without jostling around his hand and shoulder too much.
“If anyone else tries to kiss you, Theon, I’ll run across the room and tackle them for you if that helps,” she murmured with nothing but good humor about it now. While they had not defined what they were… as Araminta herself was still trying to figure that out, she was at least secure in believing everything he told her. If Theon said she was enough, then she trusted that. There was no reason to worry about anyone else until he told her otherwise.
Though about him getting into a bed, she trusted less. Using gentle hands to urge him where he needed to be. Waiting for him to actually sit and climb in before she herself deemed it safe to get into bed herself. Carefully not to bounce or jump or move so quickly that he ended up rolling with how plush the mattress was.
“…I do not wish to kiss anyone else, either.” she made that clear here an now. Else he might start thinking any man that flirts with her was a potential future suitor. “I am happy with you. I’m not interested in anyone else.”
“I would prefer if you did not. Not because I do not think you would but because I do not think you should put such effort when you have more of a charismatic charm to sway people verbally than resorting to such dire straits.” She could be entirely convincing with ways that would probably bring someone to herself without realizing that she was being particularly devilish. And he’d be a little worried about her tackling anyone when the action was highly unnecessary. Not to mention, whomever she decided was deserving of such a fate, he only suspected they would be on the receiving end of something far more clever if she had a chance to design a plan at all.
With boots properly removed so he might stop her from hovering around as though he were about to crumble into dust, the whole bed issue was more of a mental irritation than problem of gathering into it. Leaving him to come and settle easily enough before debating how one needed to lay. His only good side was his non dominate considering the right was busted, his back had been stitched and mended and features were bruised a lovely shade of black and blue. If he were more concerned about appearances, he might worry what the hell Araminta was looking at!
But he managed to get into this dastardly comfortable bed and felt his mind practically hiss at it. It was far more squishy that the bedding she put together at the hut. Liable to each them like some morsel of food to be absorbed, while he had to tuck such thoughts away. Less they win and he decided to leave this damnable surface to sit on the floor. Coming to settle eventually that weight moved from clavicle and arm alike whilst gaze found the woman no sooner. Perking at her words when it seemed that she was declaring for him to tuck away into his little informational bank that she had no wish to seek out other mouths.
An oddity because he was certain and knowing there were plenty who would be far more suitable for that of her caliber. Waiting to stare at her in such a way that declared he was expect her to scoot and shimmy around to her comfort however she wanted now that he wasn’t about to roll out of this spot; “I will remember that. I was already not fond of Darren trying to earn your fancy.” Theon admitted so casually that he might as well mentioned how mild the weather was thus far today. “It is good to know I do not fit your originally belief of me as well.” Hinting back to when she thought him as the Imperial Prince was going to be a replicate of his mother.
Sighing a little in a sense of calming, Theon adjusted the pillow a moment then accepted this mushy fate. “You should take use of the facilities here while we linger. Without worry hopefully.”
Araminta tended to tackle every thought and every problem using up every single ounce of energy and power in her body, so even though the day was barely even half through, once she settled in and tucked herself under the covers, she could immediately feel the weighted pull of exhaustion now that she was stationary. Thankfully, it wasn’t the same sort of feeling she had while demon’s poison was coursing through her – that was an ache and pain that went deep all the way down into her bones – this was just a welcomed need to take a break and be still. To have a nap in a moment where she finally felt safe and secure enough to do so.
One day Theon would feel that too, she hoped. Instead of making that silly face of his as if the mattress itself was going to swallow him up.
“You should know it is not a game I play when I dance around telling them a blunt no,” she confessed, turning to her side and sidling up as close as she could get safely where she’d not be in the way of him and his injuries. “Men often do not like to hear the word and will try harder just to prove they can win the impossible prize. As a princess in court none would ever dare push, but I have found that’s not the case when I am on my own. …so I too am very glad to discover you were not what I imagined you might be.”
Watching him struggle with the pillow like it was a vicious enemy waiting to attack, she smiled all the more.
“I’ll enjoy playing music for certain, but I’ll have my baths here in the room. The bathhouse was lovely and it was only the ladies of the staff. I just do not feel so comfortable taking baths with strangers. It was too much for me.”
There was something to be said about how she pointed out that while she could be very decisive in saying no, it didn’t mean those who were being told it would listen. Actually, he had seen a bit of it himself when it came to those who thought it best to bull ahead. So while he didn’t really understand the reason for not taking what was said as fact, he also understood why Araminta had her way of handling it. Granted thinking about the effort that went into those men that just couldn’t take no as no, sounded exhausting. The energy put into such a task felt fruitless when it wasn’t going to produce anything in reply. A waste.
“Hmm.” Accepting that she was pleased to know he was not his mother’s child to a fault. That there was no pomp, no flare, no smooth talking or smugness that made him seem so invincible. The Imperial Queen and him were as different as oranges to mud. They weren’t even in the same realm as another and that, was a boon in itself. Knowing that with the siblings he had that were close to his mother’s personality, it would have been hell to be like that. Sure that it was far more beneficial in the long run that he was removed from those types of behaviours.
Noticing how she seemed to be amused by something he was doing, the mention of music he knew she was eager for. Especially having listened to how her and Olive spoke about it, it would be a well deserved little treat that she could enjoy without feeling like her time was limited. He hoped.
Just he was a little surprised that she didn’t want to make use of the bathhouse of the place. Considering that had been the little bit that had drew her to choose the place at all, but there she expressed she was not used to having a semi public bathhouse. Which he understood, “When you wish to do so, I will leave the space to allow you to enjoy.” Still going to be that ever persistent gentleman, shifting weight enough that he could cinch just a little closer so she could be safely tucked in, “Rest, now.” Gods only knew that he was feeling it more than ever and he was loathed to even admit it.
Now if only he wasn’t so battered, they could continue on hopefully and start finalizing the next trial.
“You may have seen more of me than anyone else,” she mused out loud. Finding that rather funny in a way. Araminta was not particularly shy or dainty about that sort of thing… it truly was just a matter of whom she felt safe around and who was nothing but a stranger to her. Theon in every sense of the word was the very opposite of a stranger. “There is a screen for privacy, I’d not want you to shamble out unnecessarily right now.”
He inched just the smidgen amount closer and all Araminta could think was silliness and butterflies and relieved grinning. Giving a soft hum that she was heeding his instruction and even resting her eyes closed as she relaxed and let out a soft breath. No longer so quick to fall asleep in an instant, she listened quietly for awhile to the sound of his breathing until she felt confident that he wasn’t going anywhere. Finally allowed herself the chance to doze off for a well needed nap of her own.