Of Ice, Roses, and Lies: A Detailed Memoir of the Events of the Siege of Castle Oblivion

Chapter 6

Quietly, a hand rose from the side of the sterile hospital bed. With that weak amount of strength, the occupant of the bed rested it on his chest. Each struggling breath was accompanied by the crinkle of crisp sheet to a steady, melodic symphony of electronic blips and chirps. By the bedside was a simple model ship, constructed of delicately assembled pieces. Little plastic parts made a ship that Alumira was certain would once take to the skies.

He sat up in his bed, long lashed eyelids coming open then squinting at the bright flood of light that poured into the small hospital room. With several grunts of effort, the teenage boy turned in his bed and picked up the small ship he had constructed the day before. A small smile came onto his face as he looked at it, observing his handiwork with pride. Elegant fingers turned and looked at the spacecraft made of brilliant blocks of manufactured gems. Rays of sunlight poured in through the room as Alumira smiled, holding up the ship to take in the beams of light. The ship was a kaleidoscope from which the light shone through, and with each twist the teen made to the ship, the rainbow of colors danced along the cool walls of his hospital room.

"Alu?"

Alumira almost fell off of the bed from being startled so drastically looking up to see his father standing in the doorway. His expression lit up happily even more as the older gentleman came in, hanging his coat up onto the back of the door. His father was a robust man, but good looking with a rosy complexion. Alumira's own messy locks of black hair were mirrored on his father, only with stripes of grey. The older man sat down next to Alumira, observing the small ship as Alumira lowered it down to rest in his lap.

"I see you built it already…," his father said, laughing as strong yet soft hands moved over Alumira's. He observed his son's handiwork before grinning wider.

"Not much to do around here," Alumira replied, handing the ship to his father. "I liked the design a lot…"

"Good—that's the next one I'm seeing about constructing," the older man said, holding it up to the light as well. "If only your brother was so delicate and interested in the family business…" The blue-eyed boy pursed his lips slightly at the mention of his older brother, but remained silent to allow his father to continue speaking. "The doctors told me that you were going to be able to come home sometime this week."

Alumira blinked as he looked up at his father. "Really?" he asked, sapphire eyes widening. "They're going to be releasing me that early?"

"Provided you don't fall again," his father chuckled as he handed the ship back to Alumira. The fair skinned teen placed the ship back onto the table next to his bed. Alumira chuckled as well, resting his hands on his knees.

"Trust me, father, I make it my goal to not break all of my bones," Alumira responded, his voice elegant and smooth. A smile went onto his face. "How is mother?"

His father turned, the bed creaking to accommodate his larger form. "Your mom's fine, just fine," Alumira's father said. "Just worried sick about you, that's all. She wants her baby Alumira back…"

Alumira laughed, his cheeks turning red. "Tell mother I'm not a baby," he replied in a refined voice. "I am eighteen years old; therefore, I am in no way a child."

Tracing his hand over to the frail teen's hair, his father ran his fingers affectionately through it, gently patting Alumira's back. "You'll always be her baby Alumira, and you know I can't tell her otherwise," he grinned. "And you can't tell me otherwise." With that, Alumira's father wrapped his arms around the smaller boy, squeezing him into his chest tightly and protectively.

Closing his eyes, Alumira took in the scent of fresh flowers that always accompanied his father. That scent of the fresh rain and blossoming spring buds would be described as effeminate to some, but the cologne always brought the memories of his father. Even before he could feel arms around him, the fragrance that accompanied him made him feel safe regardless of the situation.

"Then tell her not to worry about me, then," Alumira noted, sitting up only for the purpose of moving closer to his father's hold. The pale boy closed his eyes and let a small breath escape from his lips. Alumira missed the sound of his father's steady heartbeat from having spent so long in the confines of his hospital bed. "And you don't worry about me either, alright?"

There was a steady chuckle from the older man, his body moving with it as he held Alumira. "I'll try to, I'll try to," he said quietly. "I know you're a strong boy, Alu."

"Thanks," the black haired teen replied softly.

There was a comfortable silence between father and son for a moment before there was the sound of a large crash outside the hospital room, causing Alumira to sit up straight suddenly. He glanced at his father then leaned around to try and catch a glimpse of what had possibly happened. The crash had quickly precipitated into a shouting match.

"Listen, asshole, I'm just going back to check on my little brother, okay?"

"Please, sir, just relax—"

"Relax? How in the fuck do you expect me to relax?! Some jackass stabbed my little brother in the arm!"

Alumira caught a red headed doctor stepping back, holding up his arms in defense as another person quickly stepped forward. The assailant was of a lean build; Alumira mused that he was around his own height—maybe even a little shorter—but his lean build gave him the appearance of being much taller. His dark crimson hair was spiked back into sharp points, several pieces of hair crafted to frame his face. The clothes he wore were disheveled and a bit worn in places.

"I understand, sir, that you're upset, but your brother's going to be just fine!" the doctor pleaded. "N-Nurse, please take him back to see his brother!"

"He better fucking be!" he roared. "He was bleeding all over the place!" The loud, rough-looking individual turned and snorted.

For a moment, his bright emerald eyes caught Alumira's and held his. The attacker's angry scowl relaxed and curled into a smile, relief seeming to make itself evident in his posture. The black haired teen imagined that it was due to the other finally being permitted to see his injured little brother. There was a connection for a moment, making Alumira return the smile with one of his own. Both he and the rowdy teen in the hall connected by chance with each other's gaze.

Just as suddenly as the world had slowed around them, the surroundings seemed to come return to life. Alumira sat up straight once again and brushed his hair behind his ear, the attacker having ducked out of view to presumably follow the summoned nurse, and the hapless doctor took a moment to collect himself before going on his way, ruffling his hair with his hand.

"I hope that boy's brother's alright," Alumira heard his father say before he pulled Alumira into a second hug. It was firmer than the last, yet shorter as he clapped his hand gently on the frail boy's back. Alumira was quick to put his arms around him as best he physically could, considering his father's larger size. "I hate to seem uncaring, however, I have an appointment that I have to go to…" A look of genuine regret crossed his father's face as he pulled away from the teen, but he soon smiled again. "Your mother and I will be by to visit you tonight, I promise."

Alumira smiled softly and nodded. "I look forward to it… and have a safe trip…"

His father nodded and took his coat, shutting the door behind him, leaving Alumira in the silence of his hospital room once again. He hoped the rowdy teen did not see his brother as he laid back down, slipping his hands onto his chest. Alumira thought his thoughts were horribly selfish, but to have that sort of person become his friend—he would comfort him and make sure to listen to him as he told him of his frustrations. Closing his eyes, he frowned softly, trying to will himself to sleep in preparation for his parents' return later that evening.