Chapter 12: Bruises and Porridge
A noise caught my attention. At first I didn't know what it was, but when I listened closer, I realized it was a sort of grumble. I stood up and wiped my eye with the back of my hand.
"Who's there?" I asked, my voice revealing I had been crying. After I said this, a hissing sound came from the corner of the cell. I stiffened, but only for a second, before I got closer to the source of the noise. The hissing grew louder as I got closer. Snakes? I thought, automatically thinking of the reptiles that had hurt Loki.
Once I was close enough, the hissing stopped and I froze, unsure what would happen next. "Whatever happens you can handle it." I told myself. I took one more step and peeked through the darkness.
My eyes found a pale foot first, and I gasped, dropping the clothes, and stumbling back. A foot? I questioned, looking at it again. Snakes don't have feet. But people do. I walked back to my original spot and stared harder, until my eyes found a leg (wearing soiled pants), then a chest, and long arms. That can't be... My thoughts trailed off. As much as I want it to be, there's no way it can be him. I thought painfully. Then why are you avoiding looking at his face? My subconscious taunted. I'm not. I lied. My subconscious laughed. Sure you aren't. I clenched my teeth. Shut up! I mentally yelled. I'll show you I'm not afraid. I darted my eyes to his face.
And almost burst into tears of joy. It was him. He was alive, I could tell by the sharp rise and fall of his chest. I was so relieved he wasn't dead; I didn't notice at first, that he was in pain. There was a grimace on his face and a hiss escaped his teeth, as he clutched his side. My healing side kicked in and I rushed to his side, kneeling down by his side.
"Are you alright?" I asked soothingly, my hands hovering where he gripped the hurt area. He didn't open his eyes but gritted his teeth angrily. He opened his mouth and spoke. "Do I look alright to you, you insignifica- "He opened his eyes at this point and once he saw me, he stopped mid- sentence. The look of hate that was on his face changed, and another emotion played on his features. One of recognition, or relief, I couldn't tell.
"Ah, so you have returned." Loki mumbled, before gritting his teeth in pain again. I winced at the sharp intake of air that came from his mouth, my eyebrows furrowing in sympathy. I let my eyes search his body to see if the salve had closed his wounds. To my relief it seemed to have done its job. His skin, once covered in bruises and cuts, was now pale, with only light scars as indications he'd been injured. His hair also seemed to be growing back, at a faster pace than I had expected.
If you healed him, why is he in pain? My subconscious thought. Hmmm…. That medicine only heals flesh wounds, not… broken bones. I thought slowly, my eyes widening in realization. Of course. Why am I so stupid? Why wouldn't he have broken bones? I shut my eyes in an effort to keep myself from slapping my forehead. No matter. That's in the past. Loki needs your help now. I opened my eyes and gazed at the broken man before me. You're right. I have to help him. I looked at the area he was covering with his hand, and without thinking I laid my hand over his.
"I can help yo- "I was cut off mid sentence when Loki roughly grabbed my hand. His eyes burned with hatred, as he squeezed my hand, causing me to wince. "Don't. Touch. Me." He spit through his teeth, venom in his words. His tone scared me, making my heart beat faster. Loki stared at me for a minute, the only sound in the room, my racing heart.
It was I who finally summoned up the courage to break the silence.
"Broken ribs'. I whispered. "What?" He spat. "Due to my extensive knowledge in the art of healing, it is evident by you clutching your side, you have bruised, fractured, or broken your ribs. "I 'm willing to bet that yours are broken. "I finished in one breath. Loki continued looking at me, until the corner of his mouth lifted.
He slowly released my hand, and said, "You aren't as dim witted as you look."
I looked at him in astonishment, not knowing to take his words as an insult or a compliment. I decided to choose the latter. "Um… thank you?" I said, rubbing my hand. Great another bruise. This is the second time I've been manhandled today. I grimaced.
Loki's half smile looked smug as if he was happy somebody else was experiencing pain.
"Jerk," I mumbled under my breath. "What was that?" Loki raised an eyebrow. "Nothing," I smiled. Loki's 'smile' turned into a scowl. "You'd do wise not to insult me servant." He warned. Oops. I better not push him. I thought biting my lip.
"So, exactly why are you here again?" Loki demanded. I took a big breath and exhaled. I turned and walked to get the clothes and porridge, then reached my hands filled with the stuff towards him. "I come, bearing gifts."
Author's Note: Hey guys! It's been forever! I hope you haven't given up on me! Summer's almost over, plus I'm moving! So my life's a little hectic, right now. So I might not update as often. Thanks to all who reviewed and please r/r. I love you all! I hope this chapter was worth the wait. Bumblewolf out!