The summer's light poured in from the balcony doors, the windows streaked with a thousand different colors spreading over the feather comforter draped over her legs. Though the doors were wide open and the chill was spreading much more often than she could bear to think about, she was burning up with a stress induced fever, her body shaking with heat chills. The third morning in bed was taking a toll on her. Alyvia's fingers dug into the down feather pillow, wondering why her perception of the world had changed so drastically in less than a few days. No longer did she imagine the simple life to be that a merchant nor did she want to ever return to the city she had thought to be peaceful and pure.
There was a subtle knock on the door. She glanced up weakly as the door cracked open with the loudest creak in the world. Her ears screamed in annoyance as she sank deeper into the sheets. There appeared her handmaiden with a tray of breakfast; the smell of bacon filled her nose, her stomach growling softly in protest. Yet it wasn't the hunger that confused her—she knew she would be hungry after ignoring dinner and lunch for the previous two days and only eating the foods her lady brought to her in the early morning—but the sight of the two knights standing guard by her door. Alphonse's gaze was completely concerned from what she saw through the crack of the massive door before it slammed shut.
"My dear, please eat something other than your breakfast." Her lady said as she sat the tray down beside Alyvia's bed. Alyvia glared up at her, ignoring the angry thoughts she so desperately wanted to proclaim to the girl who'd been sheltered in the castle her entire life. "You still haven't thanked the two men that saved you." More silence. "It's showing that you're not eating, my dear. Soon enough you'll be so skinny that no one will fall for you." The woman sat on the edge of the bed, her apron rustling up as she did. Even more vengeful thoughts raced through her head as the woman realized that getting through to her was an impossibility. The fact that she'd given the same speech three times each of the three days and Alyvia hadn't answered once should have been a clear sign that she wasn't going to come around soon.
When there was an obvious lack of an answer, the handmaiden tore off and threw down her apron. "Fine. Sit in silence for all I care. I am done with you and your family." She snapped as she stormed across the room, opened the door to slide out of it, and then slammed the door behind her. Alyvia rolled her eyes; the same speech every day as the lady tried desperately to get her to speak. She reached across the bed to grab a piece of the fresh bacon and ripped at the meat with her teeth; at least the cooks had some dignity to give her meat instead of more oatmeal that she despised with a passion. Her stomach thanked at her for the food as she rolled over and buried her face into the pillow.
Today, however, was different from the other two days. Unlike the other two days, the only disturbance she'd had had been her handmaiden and her father. Today must have been her lucky day as she glanced up at the creaking door to see Jon sliding into the bedroom with the man she'd saved, who looked much better now that he was out of the slums. After the rally where she'd nearly been raped, the Knight of Darkness had convinced Mason that the man should be offered a place to stay because he had helped rescue Alyvia. Of course, the shell shocked boy had agreed without hesitation.
The cut on his head was almost fully healed now that she noticed it and it was the only reason she smiled. Jon breathed in relief. "You looked healthier," Her brother said, falling to his knees beside her bed. Alyvia notice the panic in his eyes as his fingernails dug into the comforter. "It's a relief that you're feeling so much better after—"
"Stop," She whispered, her voice croaking after days of disuse. Jon's pupils dilated in utter shock before he quickly recovered, his mouth shutting to form tightly pressed lips. Slowly her gaze lifted from her older brother to the man standing beside her. The fever might have kept her in bed the past few days, but her handmaiden was right. She should have thanked him for assisting the Knight of Knight with her rescue. Alyvia smiled at him, although it was difficult to keep it for long. The lack of a good night of sleep that wasn't tormented by nightmares, the lack of sustaining food, the lack of movement in three days had left her physically exhausted and unable to move. "Thank you…for saving me."
"You saved me, my lady." He said, dipping his head gently. "The name is Claude Franz. You're a very brave girl." There was a moment of silence between all three of them before he cleared his throat. "It's an honor to be rescued by you. I hope you forgive me for dragging you into this mess." His eyes gleamed, a warm chestnut brown making her feel comforted in the midst of the disrupting shock. There was a hidden emotion behind them, but she couldn't quiet distinguish it in her fevered haze. Still she gave another weak smile and turned to the still tight lipped older brother of hers.
"Thank you Jon." A moment of silence between them, the awkward tension spreading with Claude in the room. There was so much she wanted to tell her older brother but couldn't. There were hardly any words. "Jon? Can you tell the Elrics to come here..?" She whispered as the sun gleamed in her face. He slowly nodded, standing gently. He looked so devastatingly tired—there were dark bags under his eyes, he was still tight lipped, and he didn't look like he would sleep for another fortnight or so without worrying about her. Still, he pulled the sheets up to her chin as he tucked her in, making sure she had access to all the fluids she needed.
As the two older boys disappeared out of the room, she heard him motion towards the Knight of Iron for his entry. Alyvia composed herself, tucking her long dark hair behind her ear patiently. Her arms felt weak, her body sore and tormented. No longer would she not eat. She would need to regain her strength, and she would need to learn to defend herself better. The chance of adventure was still there, still high in her dreams.
The two knights entered—Alphonse more quickly than his brother as he rushed to her side, his golden eyes filling with concern while Edward's pace was more lengthy and awkward. She glanced between the two of them, forcing herself not to yawn. "My lady," Alphonse said, falling to his knees beside her. "I prayed that you would be safe and I am quite thankful that you are," Behind him, Alyvia saw Edward roll his eyes at the mention of prayer. She frowned. "It's a miracle that the fever didn't take you. You're lucky to be safe."
"I wanted to thank you for what you did." Her eyes flickered from both of them, even if they lingered more on Edward. He had been the one to jump in and defend her, to slice the head off of the man who had lunged for her body without hesitation. He had been the one to slit the stomach of those who tried to harm her again. He had been the one whose eyes had been full of a rage with her life in such danger. She was talking mostly to him.
"My lady—"Alphonse started, but Edward cut him off.
"We're not staying for much longer." He grumbled, turning his gaze to the sun. Alyvia jumped in surprise. Usually when her guests had announced that they would take their leave, she would have jumped for absolute joy. Had she grown attached to these two? Had the boys saving her life formed a bond between them? She didn't understand it very well, to be honest, nor was she sure she wanted to. "We'll take our leave tomorrow night. It's been nice knowing you, Lady Alyvia." He dipped his head before turning on his heel and walking out. Alphonse gave her one frantic look before nodding softly and racing after her brother.
Shocked and unaware of the bond she had formed with the two of them over a week astounded her, and she whimpered softly, turning towards her pillow. This was obviously another good reason to remain silent for the rest of the day.