Torm nodded his head in understanding. "You worry about how you will fit in and it is not undue worry either! I am loath to admit it, but there are some very… arrogant knights in my service. Though they mean well, they are often not understanding of some Paladin's that are not of noble upbringing. You have already met one Paladin, Sir Farrel. He is entering his final period of service, but his duty will not keep him far from the temple. Such is their dedication..." Torm grinned widely, flashing a brilliant smile.
"My lord, you are of course, right. To be in your service would be an honour, but if I may, might I have some time to decide? I would like to be back home, to try and understand my future, as complex as it may well be." Marcus sighed and looked at the deity.
"Of course dear boy! You may take some time to decide. It is not a light decision, for any in my service must be faithful to the order, and to the service they are held in. Take a few days, and discuss your future with Farrel. He can advise you as well as any…"
Marcus smiled appreciatively, and bowed. Nodding, Torm directed him to the door out of the hall.
"As soon as you step through this doorway, you will return to the real world. Rest easy my son, for your decision should not be rushed."
Marcus walked out of the door, and the world faded to black.
Marcus woke with a start, almost jumping out of bed. A girl nearby shrieked loudly as he leapt out from under the covers, a damp cloth stuck to his forehead. Marcus grabbed the cloth and dropped it on the bed, frantically taking in his surroundings.
"Where am I? What place is this? I do not know you!" His voice echoed in the stark, bare walls of the infirmary. Dania tried to utter an answer, but her heart was racing in fright and surprise. She stopped, and took a deep, calming breath.
"You are in the Order of the Golden Lion's infirmary. You were grievously wounded, and you were brought here for healing." She gathered her composure, and looked at the man sternly. "Now lie down and rest! You are not in the health to be jumping around half naked!" Her face blushed crimson as she noticed his bare chest, such defined muscles, such a gorgeous body… Stop it! You are to be professional about this! She admonished herself.
He looked at her blush with a raised eyebrow and nodded his head, he crawled back into the bed and settled the blanket. He looked down at the bandages, and noticed they had come loose. She joined his gaze, and tutted under her breath. Getting up from her chair, she walked to a tray of dressings and compresses. Selecting a suitable length, she asked him to sit up.
"I'm going to cut away these bandages and replace them with fresh ones." Dania skilfully cut away the loose bandages and placed them on the bedside table. Grabbing the loose end of the fresh bandage, she started to wrap the dressing around his chest.
Marcus felt electric touches anywhere the young nurse touched him. He shivered at the sensation, not unpleasant, in fact, wholly gratifying. He sat stock still as she continued her work, slowly and carefully covering his wounds.
Her fingers tingled at their every contact with his body, and she blushed inside at the pleasing sensation, revelling in the drunken and overflowing feelings that flooded her. She made her way up his chest and ribcage, relatively slowly. She felt hideously wicked, but enjoyed the feeling immensely. There was no denying he had a raw and enigmatic pull.
As she began to finish off her work, Marcus admired the nurse's features, a regal face, golden skin and glittering eyes, she was beautiful, he thought. Stuck in his observation, he failed to notice her tie off the bandage and raise her face towards him.
Their faces drew closer together, and an electric feeling coursed through their bodies as they made contact, looking intently at each other, their eyes taking in every detail about each other. Marcus licked his lips, and Dania closed her eyes, expecting a most glorious sensation.
"Good to see you awake and well my boy!" Boomed sir Farrel, "You're looking fine and dandy, indeed! Much better than what you were, at any rate!" He smiled warmly and walked through the open doorway.
Dania recovered quickly, and collecting the old bandaging, went to dispose of it.
Marcus cursed his luck, but smiled at the newcomer.
"I thank you my lord. I take it that it was you who helped me outside the poor house?"
"Indeed so! 'Twas I, and I thank Torm that I was lucky enough to find you before it was too late, you're injuries were not pleasant, though I do know healer Jessop knows the business well enough!" He grinned again and laughed loudly. He moved to Marcus' bed and sat at the bottom. He reached out and clasped Marcus' hand.
"My name is Farrel, and I am doubly pleased that I was able to make your acquaintance, might I ask yours?"
"Indeed so, my name is Marcus, though I have no surname, I'm afraid that a poorhouse isn't too worried about formal names..." Marcus exclaimed bitterly, but then looked confused, as Farrel's face wrinkled in thought.
"What is the matter my lord? Have I upset you somehow? I did not mean too!"
"Nay good lad," sighed Farrel, "I had a good friend named Mark, a good friend indeed, and you remind me of him, you're mannerisms anyway. I'm afraid he died in Tantras during the Time of Troubles…" He sighed wanly, and looked up at Marcus' tear streaked face. "What is the matter child?" He asked softly. He put his hand on the boys shoulder, and raised the boys face with his other hand.
"My parents died in Tantras… I had just found out, a vision told me. A vision of Torm told me you would help me decide." He said softly. "Everything is so damned confusing! Gods I wish I was normal!" Marcus shouted loudly, cursing his ill fortune.
The knight sighed softly and looked at Marcus, steely determination was on the boy's features, and a hard look marred Marcus' eyes.
"You're life is confusing right now, I have no doubt, but to be aggressive like that, and to hold a grudge will do you no good. Life normally has a way of working out, and it seems like you've already found a nice lady to talk too…" A wicked grin brightened the old knights features, and he winked at Marcus.
"I would appreciate it if you left my infirmary now," said Jessop brusquely, "I wish to take care of my patient, if you please…" With one final wink, Farrel bowed deeply to Jessop, and left the infirmary.
"Some people…" muttered Jessop.