"Here," said Raieya, handing a mug to Gwaine. "Drink this."
He took the drink from her, examining it.
"What is it?" he asked.
"An herbal tea," she answered. "Sage and thyme. It should help your cough till we can reach the closest village."
"I'll be alright," said Gwaine, taking a drink anyway. "Just make me some more cooked apples."
Raieya laughed. "Maybe tomorrow. But you have to drink all the tea and promise you'll drink some more in the morning too."
Gwaine made a face. "For the apples."
Raieya rolled her eyes at him, though her look quickly changed to concern as yet another coughing fit overcame him. All day he'd been coughing and it only seemed to be getting worse. Raieya was worried and wanted to get to the closest town as soon as possible. Her knowledge of herbs and remedies was not very extensive and she feared he would need something stronger.
"It's just a cough," insisted Gwaine, seeing her expression.
Raieya shook her head, kneeling down in front of him and pressing a hand to his forehead.
"You're burning up," she said. "Go get some rest. I'll clean up out here."
Gwaine stood slowly, gathering his mug and bowl.
"I will. After I help you pick everything up."
"Gwaine," Raieya began to protest but he'd started coughing again.
Raieya waited for him to catch his breath, fixing him with a stern look.
"Go to bed," she ordered.
"Raieya-"
"There's not much to do out here anyway," Raieya argued, interrupting his protest. "Go lay down."
She took the bowl and mug from his hands, nudging him in the direction of their tent.
"Go on," she said.
"As you wish, *my lady,*" Gwaine replied, inclining his head.
"Good night, *my lord,*" Raieya retorted.
Gwaine gave her a nasty look as he turned and went in the tent.
Raieya sighed with exasperation as she began to gather the remainder of the dishes. She rinsed out the pot, bowls, and mugs then placed them back in their bag to wash out in the nearby stream in the morning. Then she took the dishes and the remainder of their food and stored them in a tree away from their camp. As she worked, she could hear Gwaine's constant coughing in the background. Raieya checked on the horses and gave them some more water before finally joining Gwaine in the tent. As she crawled in he sat up a bit, making sure it was her. Raieya took her bag along with Gwaine's and placed them behind him.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
Ignoring him for the moment, Raieya took the extra blanket and covered the bags with it.
"Making you a pillow to prop yourself up against," she answered when she was finished.
He nodded in response and lay back against it, coughing a bit.
"Try to sleep now," said Raieya, settling down under her blanket.
"Night, Rai," he said.
"Good night, Gwaine," she replied.
The next morning Raieya got out of the tent as quietly as she could. She blinked, rubbing her eyes against the morning light. Gwaine had kept her up most of the night coughing. Even when he had finally fallen asleep he continued to cough and wheeze. Hopefully he would sleep a little longer so he'd have enough strength to make it to the village. Raieya got to work rekindling the fire and washing the pots so she could make breakfast. After returning from the stream she dug the last apples out of the supply bag and cut them up, adding them to the pot for breakfast. She also steeped the last bits of the sage and thyme in the tea for Gwaine. Breakfast was almost ready when Gwaine stumbled out of the tent. He looked much worse than he had the day before. His face was pale, his breathing ragged, and his movements slow and unsteady.
"You look terrible," said Raieya.
Gwaine shrugged. "Could say the same to you."
Raieya ignored his comment, handing him a mug full of the herbal tea.
"Sit," she said. "Drink up. We have to make it to town today."
Gwaine sat and took a sip before he began to cough.
"Is breakfast ready?" he asked when the coughing had passed.
"Almost," Raieya replied.
She turned back toward the fire then and checked the food. As soon as she did Gwaine started coughing again.
"Do you think you can even make it to the village?" Raieya asked, concerned.
Gwaine nodded.
"It's just a cough," he insisted.
"Mhmm," Raieya replied. "Just a cough, wheezing, and I'd wager you still have a fever."
"Just a cough," repeated Gwaine. "I can handle it."
"I admit I'm no healer," said Raieya. "But it sounds like you have something a bit more serious than 'just a cough.'"
"Stop your worrying, Raieya," he said, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "I'll be fine."
"At least let me find someone to take a look at you when we reach the village," argued Raieya, removing their breakfast from the fire and ladling it into bowls.
Gwaine made a face at her.
"Raieyana, I do not need-" he broke off, coughing.
Raieya fixed him with a look.
"A healer fussing over me," he finished after a moment.
"Yes, you do," said Raieya flatly. "Your 'little cough' is driving me mad! You sound awful, you look worse, why won't you just admit you're sick?! Either you agree to see a healer or you can go back to traveling alone."
"We both know you don't mean that," smirked Gwaine. "But if it'll get you to lay off then I suppose if you can find one I'll allow them to examine me."
"I'll find one," Raieya retorted. "Then we'll see who's right."
Raieya and Gwaine finished eating their breakfast mostly in silence, broken up by his frequent coughing. Knowing that it would be a waste of time to argue with Gwaine over whether or not he should help pack up, Raieya immediately set him to work with some simple tasks. Although it took more time than usual, they were soon packed and the horses ready to go. As she mounted her horse she noticed Gwaine straining to get on his. He pretended not be having any difficulty and for the moment Raieya pretended not to notice. She had a feeling if she argued with him any more he might change his mind about agreeing to see a healer.
The journey to the village took a little more time than Raieya had anticipated but they still managed to make it in a few hours after noon. Fortunately the only trouble they'd had on the road was occasional stops for Gwaine to rest a moment. They quickly located the village's only tavern and got their horses to the stable. Gwaine looked even worse by this point, so Raieya offered to take care of getting the room instead of him. She steered him to a chair with only a half hearted protest from him and then approached the bar keep.
"Hello," said Raieya. "My partner and I would like a room, please."
"What's wrong with him?" asked the man suspiciously.
Gwaine was slumped in his chair coughing heavily in the background.
"Bad cough," Raieya answered. "Nothing contagious. I've been with him and not been affected. We came here so he can rest and get treatment. We've got money and I can play in exchange."
"Money first," said the barkeep. "And he stays out of sight until he's better. I don't need him driving away any customers. And you. You can play you say?"
Raieya nodded, handing him the money for the room. "I sing and play."
The barkeep considered this for a moment. "Alright," he agreed after a moment. "Its been awhile since we've had any musicians come through here."
"Thank you," Raieya replied.
"Rooms the last one at the end of this hall," he said, handing her a key. "Remember. He stays out of sight."
"I'll see to it," Raieya responded. She took the key and returned to Gwaine.
"Come on," she said. "He wants you to stay out of sight till you're over this cough."
"What?!" protested Gwaine. "That's not fair! You can't expect me to stay in the room when we're at the tavern!"
"I think it is," disagreed Raieya. "He doesn't want you driving away customers and until you're better it's not a bad idea for you to get some rest."
"Why can't I rest out here where there's ale?" complained Gwaine.
"Do as you're told and maybe I can get you some," she offered.
Gwaine made a face but he followed her down the hall to their room. Raieya unlocked the wooden door and they stepped into the small room. There was a bed and a little nightstand with a candle on it on one side of the bed. A wooden chair sat in the corner opposite the bed. Raieya tossed their bags in the chair and tucked her coin pouch in her breeches pocket. She hoped the healer wouldn't be too expensive, their funds were running a little low.
"Make yourself comfortable," she said. "I'm going to go find the healer now."
"Raieya-" he began to protest but she cut him off, fixing him with a look.
"You agreed," she said sternly.
Gwaine sighed and sat down on the bed.
"Get on with it then," he said.
Raieya shook her head at him in exasperation.
"Try not to cough yourself to death while I'm gone," she retorted.
"Please," said Gwaine sarcastically.
Raieya turned and left the room, heading back down the hallway and over to the barkeep once more. He told her where to find the healer and then she left.
Raieya returned shortly after along with the village healer. They hurried through the main room and down the hallway to Raieya and Gwaine's room. Quickly Raieya unlocked the door and stepped back for the healer to enter. Gwaine, who had been asleep on the bed, stirred and began to cough.
"This is Gwaine," Raieya said to the healer. "You can hear already what the problem is."
The healer nodded, "If you'll leave me to examine him, I will get you when I am through."
Raieya nodded then shot Gwaine a look, warning him to cooperate and stepped out into the hallway.
She paced outside the door agitated that she couldn't stay in the room and worried about what the healer might say. After what seemed like an eternity the door finally opened and the healer stepped out.
"Will he be alright?" Raieya asked.
"He has a bad infection in his lungs," the healer responded. "But if he takes the medicines I am leaving and gets plenty of rest, he will be fine."
"Thank you," said Raieya, clearly relieved. "Is there anything specific I need to do for him?"
"Just make sure he gets the medicine and plenty of rest. I've left enough doses on the table. They are to be taken in the morning and again at night. If he hasn't gotten any better after taking them, come and see me. I don't believe he'll have any problems."
Raieya nodded. "Thanks again."
She paid the healer and then returned to the room.
"Bad infection," said Raieya, biting back an 'I told you so.' "At least now you have some medicine. Maybe we can both finally get some sleep."
Gwaine shrugged. "An infection that will clear up. Told you I'd be fine."
"An infection that *should* clear up," Raieya corrected. "Right now you're still sick, which means I was right."
"I was also right. It's nothing too serious."
"But you still need to rest and take medicine like the healer said or it will become serious," said Raieya.
"Yes, my lady," retorted Gwaine. "I got it. You've already seen to it that I have no choice but to stay here and rest."
"For your own good," she replied, irritated.
Gwaine scowled at her. "Can I not decide for myself?"
"You could," said Raieya. "But I know you well enough to know you'd never rest of your own volition. You'd just keep on going like there was nothing wrong until you collapsed. You'd be no good unconscious and I'd probably have to leave you somewhere. And I've gotten used to having you around. By ensuring you rest, I don't have to worry about leaving you behind somewhere."
"What you're saying is you couldn't bear to lose me," smirked Gwaine.
"I'm saying I've grown accustomed to your company and having you around does have some benefits," Raieya replied.
"Mhm," said Gwaine. "You want me."
"Not when you're coughing all over me!" said Raieya. "So do as you're told and rest."
"Alright," Gwaine relented. "Now that you've confessed your true feelings to me, I'll do as you ask. For now."
Raieya rolled her eyes at him.
"Wait till you're better," she said sarcastically. "Then I'll give you a taste of my 'true feelings.'"
"I look forward to it," he replied with a mischievous grin.
Raieya laughed. "It won't be what you're thinking. Not after putting up with this!"
"It will end up exactly how I want," said Gwaine confidently.
"Right," she scoffed. "Enough of this. You must be hungry. I know I am."
"Yes, actually," he answered, after coughing. "Do you think they make cooked apples here?"
"I'll ask," said Raieya. "I'm going to go see what I can get us now."
Gwaine nodded. "Bring some bread too."
"Alright," she agreed. "Do you want anything else?"
"Ale?"
"Maybe later," said Raieya.
"Then no," Gwaine sighed.
"I'll be right back," she replied, then turned and headed out the door.
Raieya returned a little later with a tray containing their dinner. There was a hot stew, fresh bread, an apple for Gwaine, and two mugs of hot cider. They quickly finished the food, neither realizing just how hungry they'd been. Raieya collected the dishes and stacked them back on the tray to return to the kitchen.
"I'll take this back when I go out to play in a bit," she said.
"You're playing tonight?" asked Gwaine curiously. "You never play our first night in a new place."
"No," agreed Raieya. "Usually we drink but you're in no condition for that."
"I'm always in condition for some good ale," interrupted Gwaine.
"You're not getting any right now," said Raieya firmly. "I need to play tonight. I could use the money."
"Are you that low?" he asked.
"Well healers aren't cheap," Raieya answered.
"I'm not the one who insisted upon being seen," Gwaine pointed out. "But I can give you money if you need it. Don't go spending all your money on my account."
"I did want you to be seen. We can worry about the money later," she replied. "I'd rather be out some money than have you continue to cough yourself to death. I'll be alright. The barkeep said it'd been awhile since the last musician came through. Very good for me."
"Hmmm," said Gwaine. "You always do well anyways. Everyone likes when you perform."
"Thanks," said Raieya, pleased with his unexpected compliment. "I hope it's the same here."
"It will be," he replied confidently, stretching back out on the bed.
Raieya set to work getting ready then. She poured a bowl of water and grabbed a small cloth from her bag and cleaned herself up as best she could. Then she changed out of her traveling clothes and into her dress. She brushed her hair and put half of it up. Finally ready, Raieya grabbed her lute out of its case.
"Will you be alright for awhile?" she asked Gwaine, going over to him.
"Don't worry about me," he answered.
She pressed a hand to his forehead but he waved her away.
"Go on, Rai," he told her. "I promise not to die while you're gone."
"You better not," Raieya threatened. "Get some rest."
"What else am I going to do?" he said. "Go do your job."
Raieya shook her head at him and left.
Turned out she and Gwaine had been right. The crowd had been pleased to have entertainment in the bar and Raieya was equally pleased with the amount of money she made. She went over to the barkeep and got herself some warm mead and a small tankard of ale for Gwaine. The barkeep looked at her in a new light after the business she had drawn that night and gave her the drinks for free as long as she agreed to play again the next day. In good spirits, Raieya grabbed her lute and the drinks and headed back toward her room. She had just stepped into the hallway when she heard someone call her name. Recognizing the voice, her good mood was quickly shattered. It was her oldest brother. Ignoring him, she quickened her pace, hoping she could get into her room and avoid him. She was pushing the door open when she felt his hand on her shoulder.
"Raieyana," he said.
"Roldan," she answered, wrenching away from his touch. "What are you doing here?"
"Business for father," Roldan replied. "You're still 'traveling,' then I assume?"
"Yes," said Raieya shortly. "And if you don't mind, I'd like to go to my room now."
"That's it?" said Roldan. "Haven't seen each other for months and you're just going to walk away again? Not even going to ask about anyone back home?"
"Its not that I don't care," snapped Raieya. "I need to get back to-"
"Oh, I see," Roldan interrupted, glancing at the two drinks in her hand.
"It's not like that!" she said defensively. At her raised voice she could hear Gwaine stir and begin to cough in their room.
"I'm sure," said Roldan dryly.
"He's just my partner," defended Raieya. "And he's sick."
"Partner," he echoed. "You never wanted a partner before. When Raiyner was your partner you slipped off the first chance you got."
"That was different," argued Raieya.
"Oh, really?" countered Roldan. "How is that exactly?"
"I don't-" began Raieya.
The door opened then and Gwaine appeared in the frame. For the first time Raieya found herself wishing he had on a shirt.
"Is there a problem here?" he asked, shooting Roldan a measuring look.
"No," snapped Raieya, shoving their drinks at him. "Get back in the room. I'll just be a minute."
Gwaine took them and studied her for a moment.
"Go!" said Raieya.
"If you're not back in a minute, I'm coming back out," he said firmly, glowering at Roldan before returning to the room.
"*That* is your partner?" asked Roldan derisively.
"Yes," she snapped. "I trust him with my life. He's the best fighter I've ever seen and he's useful to have around."
"And you're sure that trust isn't misplaced?"
"What do you know about it?!" exclaimed Raieya. "I'll travel with whomever I choose!"
"Based on your history-"
"Is this what you want, Roldan?" asked Raieya coldly. "To continue to harass me about the past? If that's it you can leave right now. I have other things to do besides get lectured by you."
"You'd still be punished for what you did," Roldan replied quietly. "Go on back to your man. I'll be around."
Raieya glared at him, then turned and stormed back into her room.
"Who was that?" demanded Gwaine.
"My oldest brother. Roldan," Raieya answered, angrily tossing her lute case to the floor.
"What did he want?"
Raieya shrugged. "I don't know."
"Tell him to sod off," suggested Gwaine.
"Did," she replied. "Didn't work. He said he'd be around."
"Does he want something from you?"
"I don't know," Raieya snapped.
She turned and glowered at Gwaine but he could tell there was something more bothering her.
"There's something you're not telling me," he prodded. "You're worried."
Raieya sighed, forcefully shutting the case, then sitting down heavily on the bed.
"It's probably nothing," she said after a moment. "Just something Roldan said."
Gwaine sat down beside her, handing her the mug of warm mead.
"What'd he say then?" asked Gwaine.
"He mentioned that I'd still be punished for what I did," said Raieya, a little reluctantly.
"But you're not going back," Gwaine pointed out.
"No," agreed Raieya. "But what if he tells someone where to find me? What if he tries to take me back?"
"We won't let that happen," said Gwaine.
"Gwaine, you're still sick," Raieya pointed out. "I'll handle it."
He shrugged, meeting her gaze.
"I'm not going to let anyone take you away," he said firmly. "Whether I'm sick or not. I mean it."
"I can take care of myself," Raieya responded quickly. Her expression softened then and she added, "But thanks."
"You'd do the same for me," said Gwaine dismissively. "You've done the same for me."
"Well you inevitably wind up in some sort of trouble almost everywhere we go," Raieya replied. "For once just lay low and let me handle it."
"You handle it then," he replied. "But I've got your back if you need me."
"Thanks," said Raieya, finally relaxing a little. "Right now I just want you to focus on getting better. I'll deal with my brother."
"I could cough on him," Gwaine offered.
Raieya laughed. "Well maybe I'll take you up on that if he continues being such a prat."
"There you go," grinned Gwaine. "Even sick, I'm not useless."
Raieya shoved him playfully as she rose from the bed, setting her empty mug down on the nightstand.
"I'm going to be useless if I don't get some sleep," she said, stretching.
"I don't know if I'm that tired," Gwaine replied. "But I suppose I'll go on to bed too."
Raieya pulled off her boots and stripped down to her shift, then climbed back into the bed. Gwaine blew out the candle on the nightstand and they were soon asleep.