The doctor came quickly and examined Nozel's wound, confirming the innkeeper's suspicions- and Nozel's, for that matter- that the blade he had been grazed by was poisoned. The poison was attacking his mana mostly, causing it to drain quickly, and presented physically in his fever and claminess. The doctor and the innkeeper's son helped get Nozel out of his clothes, the innkeeper's wife brought up some more towels, wash cloths, and blankets, and the innkeeper brought up a small tub of fresh water.

After cleaning and treating the wound, the doctor gave Ellie instructions on how to continue caring for Nozel until the fever broke and the next twenty-four hours were exhausting for Ellie as she sat by Nozel's side the entire time. She didn't take the time to do anything else, being too worried about him to leave his side even for a second.

When his fever did finally break, Nozel felt groggy and weak but otherwise fine. He looked around, seeing that they were inside an inn room, and when he the crackling of the fire, he spotted Ellie sitting by the fire as she added more logs and stoked it.

"Ellie."

Ellie was a bit startled when she heard his voice, but she turned and hurried to his side to hug him as best as she could.

"You're awake..!" She sat back on the bed, touching his face and smoothing back his hair to check on his fever. "You're fever has finally broken, that's a relief. How are you feeling?"

"Drained, but otherwise fine," Nozel replied, shifting his weight a bit and noticing something. "Ellie, why am I half naked?"

Ellie blushed and looked down at her hands. "T-They had to remove your clothes to clean and dress your wound, and the doctor didn't want you sleeping in soaking clothes."

"I see."

"The innkeeper's wife, Monica, offered to wash and mend them for you while you recover," Ellie added as she stood. "I can go check on them for you real quick."

Nozel reached forward to stop her, feeling a heat on his face again.

"You're looking flushed again, did your fever come back?" she asked, taking a seat on the bed next to him before reaching up to feel for a fever. "No fever... are you feeling alright?" She started to sit back and pull her hand from his forehead, but stopped when he thanked her. "F-For what?"

"For taking care of me."

Ellie offered him a smile. "It was no trouble at all, but do try to not make a habit of it?" She gave his hand a gentle squeeze, tucked him back under the covers, and stood. "Try to get some more rest, alright? I'll just be over here."

Nozel watched as she made her way back over to sit by the fire and sighed, not fighting the sleep pulling at his eyes once again.

Later that night, Ellie got up to check on Nozel's dressings and was trying to be careful not to wake him- with little success.

"Ellie..?"

Ellie looked down at Nozel as he stirred from his slumber. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you. I just wanted to check your dressings."

"It's fine," Nozel replied, still half asleep, "you should help remedy the predicament, though."

"What do you mean?"

Nozel just pulled her down into the bed with him. "Stay with me?"

Ellie's face erupted in heat, but she hesitantly agreed and let Nozel pull the blanket over the both of them.

They lay there for some time, Nozel falling back asleep rather quickly, and Ellie rolled onto her other side to face away from Nozel- trying to ignore their close proximity and his half-nakedness.

'He's warm.' she thought to herself, trying to push away the thoughts that were taking her mind back to their night in Tolsa. It didn't help much though, because not long after Nozel rolled over and draped an arm over her.

Ellie turned beat red feeling his muscular arm pulling her in closer before he started to nuzzle into the back of her neck.

"Mmm... you smell lovely..." Nozel commented, still half asleep. He leaned forward and began gently kissing her neck and shoulder.

Ellie's heart started racing and her body started to run hot in a way that it hadn't before. 'Why does his touch feel so good?' She gasped when Nozel's hand moved down her arm and slid underneath, cupping her breast. "N-Nozel, what are you-" she to ask, turning her face towards him.

Nozel silenced her with a kiss, lingering for a few moments before pulling back and looking down at her. "Will you deny me your company?"

Ellie fought to keep herself under control, somewhat familiar sensations coursing through her body. "You were poisoned, Nozel... you're recovering still... I wouldn't want to take advantage of that..."

Nozel kissed along her jaw until she rolled over and placed her hands on his chest. He searched her eyes, seeing her restraint. "And if I were to assure you that I was fine?"

Ellie sighed, pressing her forehead against his. "While that may be the case... I would rather we have a night together without one or both of us being influenced by anything."

Nozel smiled at the sentiment and pulled her into his arms. "Very well." He kissed her forehead, his smile growing as she settled into his embrace. "Sleep well, Ellie."

Ellie felt so warm and safe in his arms, her desire to give in to her urges fading as sleep began to blanket them both. "You too, Nozel."