Deep, conscious breathing. In and out, and in, and out. Iorveth tensed his muscles and pushed his body up in the air in a simple handstand. At least it should be simple but he had problems holding the position. Though, after a few more deep breaths he has stabilized his stance, his bare chest shining with perspiration. The wound in his arm smarted still, it had been six days now, six days doing absolutely nothing and he was so sick of it.

The elf was used to being on the move, his muscles always in use and the past almost-week has made his mood foul. He just had to do something. So he slowly and deliberately enured his weakened body to exercise with soft stretching drills that were meant for situations like these.

Lowering his underarms slowly on the ground he exhaled slowly and bent his legs forward into the direction of his head, clearly feeling the strain in his back and his thighs. The pose wasn't perfect and he knew it. But no matter how hard he worked he would never reach perfection again. The countless times he had broken his bones, torn his muscles and the poor conditions under which he lived for long spans of time had left parts of his body degraded, aged before their time, and gout-ridden and that made fluent motion sequences almost impossible.

With a growl he gritted his teeth and furrowed his dark brow when a sharp pain shot through his back, but he stubbornly breathed through it until it subsided. Truly, his body wasn't the fittest anymore, but it still bowed to his will and did what he demanded from it. And that was all he asked, all he could hope for really.

Shani of course had tried to stop him this very morning when he got up and went out into the courtyard, swarming around him and telling him that it was way too early for exercising his body, he should at least wait three more days. His fever might come back or the wounds could open again. Also, using up so much strength could make his body more prone to a recurring infection.

But he had snapped at her, telling her that he was well aware of all that, and she didn't need to coddle him, he knew what he was doing and he was perfectly fine.

All in a rather harsh tone, of course and yes... He probably did sound arrogant and baleful, no denying that. But did she have to be so insistent?

The redhead had definitely been angered, her lips a tight line but she had only nodded and stormed off with heavier steps than strictly necessary and Iorveth had been satisfied to be finally left alone.

Though now that he was thinking about it he felt a hint of remorse, for she truly had not deserved it. The dh'oine had been rather pleasant. She had left him his autonomy because he was definitely not going to use a bedpan. Ever. At least not while he was conscious and he outright hated it to have work done for him when he could do it himself. Shani has asked no questions and treated him with respect, all he could ask for, really. As he sighed, the tips of his feet touched the ground in front of his face and he smiled a little, despite the pain, proud that he could still go that far. Iorveth held it for a couple of minutes before easing his legs back again slowly, that is until a giggle ripped him out of his meditative concentration.

"Did you hear what they say?" one of the two women asked, while Iorveth refused to look at them, his mouth a set line. Bloede dh'oine wenches and their ridiculous gossiping! "No, what do they say?" The other said, definitely younger judging the sound of her voice. "They say that you gain a few years by bedding an elf." Giggles followed and Iorveth realized that they have deliberately spoke loud enough for him to understand perfectly fine what they said.

The next second was a pure reflex movement and he was on his feet in a movement as fast and smooth as that of a mountain lion, driven by his sudden anger.

Mariann and her companion immediately startled, and she shrieked with a hand on her heart.

"Be gone and leave me be, doddery wenches. Before I make you go. So spare me with that idiotic gossip of yours and spread it where it doesn't offend my ears, if you have to." The elf hissed, his teeth slightly bared in a show of clear anger.

Mariann just grabbed the young priestess and rushed off, she was not a woman easily ashamed but the elf's tirade somehow had her redfaced from shame.

The elf huffed, angered now that he had been interrupted in his training and he didn't really felt like getting into it again, but also wasn't sure what else to do since he wanted to escape the stench and the mass of sick people for as long as possible.

With a sigh Iorveth closed his eyes and focused on his breathing, not even noticing when his feet started to move on their own accord, a slow side stepping movement, left and right and back again.

It was slow but rhythmic and he slowly built speed to a rhythm in his head, his eyes closed as he did so. The elf moved in a wide circle, twisting around with every step in smooth, acrobatic movements until soon he twisted with every step, and got faster. Once he had built up enough speed and felt secure in his movements he easily jumped up into the air, his body spinning around its own axis and it almost looked like a dance, yet energetic and somewhat aggressive. It ended it a cartwheel without him using his hands it did hurt his bones but he did now allow himself to let the pain bring him out of his rhythm. Instead he continued with a low spinkick, slow enough to look like a dance, yet fast enough to keep it's aggressiveness.

His people call it Mae Dawns Ymladda, The Dance Of War. It combines martial arts with elegance and rhythmic tones and is used to steel ones body or right before a fight to reach the right mindset. It's aggression mirrors the despair and hate of his people for those who have driven them out of their cities and sullied their culture with their apish filth. He always felt free when performing it but knew he shouldn't overdo it.. Just a little longer, he liked to fly.

Shani raised her brow when Mariann stormed past her, cheeks aflame and eyes averted. The medic knew that the elf was out there in they courtyard and sighed inwardly. She could not deny that he was polite, he cleaned up after himself, even insisted on doing so. The priestesses and old Gerda truly were thankful for that, they has more than enough to do with all the sick people producing enough waste on their own.

Yet the Aen Seidhe was... Prickly. Handling him was not easy and while he treated her with respect and gratitude he was a very impulsive being and quick to anger. Iorveth was like the weather, unpredictable and dangerous. He could appear calm but behind his eye clouds were already blackening and soon a storm would come, short and fierce. There was a restless energy about Iorveth that unnerved Shani and sometimes made her hairs stand on end, a feeling she did not appreciate very much.

A frown pulled on her peachy lips when she cautiously stepped out into the garden, her eyes scanning the courtyard for the elf. Under all circumstances did she wanted to prevent to interrupt him in anything. He treated her with respect but at the same time let her feel that she still was just a 'bloede dh'oine' and at other times, though those were rare, he looked almost apologetic.

He made no sense to her... But what did Geralt say to her and Dandelion once? Elves were ultimately different from humans, no matter how alike we might look, we are different.

Shani clung a little to that statement, since the Witcher always seemed so wise to her and his predictions mostly proved to be right. So she faced all elves with polite cautiousness, tested the waters before becoming hearty or keeping her distance. And so far she has fared well with that tactic.

The lass was stunned when she found the elf in the midst of a complicated but beautiful looking movement sequence. The power in his limbs captured her and she found that she could not look away, found that she did not wanted to interrupt him.

So she kept quiet and silently observed. Shani could not deny that Iorveth was beautiful in this very moment, he seemed to fly over the ground, his body twisting and bending, glistening in the dim sun.

But there was also her medic eye that noticed the stiffness in his back and his knees, as well as one shoulder and some of his fingers.

His hardships have taken their toll on him, that much was obvious. It was fascinating how he still managed to make it look so effortless.

She barely noticed she was outright staring until to her intense mortification she heard his voice.

"Came to gloat, as though I was a caged animal in a zoo? Look somewhere else for your entertainment, you won't get it from me dh'oine. Now leave me alone."

At first Shani felt mortification, and then anger. "I didn't come to gloat. I do not care if you are human, of of the elven kin! I care for all my patients and that's what you are to me and you are overexerting yourself. I don't want all my work to be null and void just because a certain sir couldn't keep his bones still!"

She wasn't exactly shrieking, but she wasn't exactly quiet about it as well and the elf flinched a little, he has not expected this.

"I do not need to be coddled and looked after, I did what I needed to do. There is no need to sneak up on me like a thief, is there now?" Iorveth almost spat, it irked him to be so dependent on those he has sworn to fight. 'Innocent' or not.

Shani could not object to that. She has sneaked up on him, but with his best intentions! Huffing with a stormy expression she stomped off, turned once as if to yell something but just shook her head and left the stubborn, oafish elf behind.

"Is that how we show our gratitude, Veth? Pride as been the death of many. Remember that, idiot." Iorveth hissed and ruffled his hair, flinching when his palm grazed his scar. He could do well with all the voices leaving his head, especially hers. She was right. Of course his seanmháthair (grandmother) was right... Always.

He knew that Shani has not deserved to be treated such, and he also knew that he had to make it up to her somehow. He owed her. Knew how dangerous it was to take in a Scoia'tael, even in a time like this. Or especially in a time like this.

Rubbing his sweaty neck the elf sighed and reluctantly went back inside, to see if he could help. His leg was smarting a little, but he paid it no mind. It would go away, he was sure.

Shani hadn't even really set a foot into the temple when Lív came running up to her. The girl looked disheveled and paniced. Her big dark eyes seemed to take over her whole face when she looked up at the medic.

"Shani! Shani! The elven lass! She ..she.." The young girl seemed to be completely out of breath and could bearly speak a word while she gasped for breath.

The redhead frowned a little, her sorrow creasing her brow as she put her hands on Lív's shoulders and stroked them softly to calm the girl. "Calm down Lív and take a deep breath. Come, you can tell me what happened while we go to her and look what we can do."

Nodding frantically Lív really tried to calm down and even closed her eyes for a couple of seconds to center herself while they sidled through the cots to the elven woman.

"She started trashing gradually and moaned as if in great pain. Her clothes were soaked in sweat and her skin is burning like fire! The stitches did not look well either, they seem to be inflamed and the skin is even hotter there." Shani listened attentively and her frown edged even deeper.

She had feared that this would happen, that the wound got infected, or that she maybe missed a single splinter inside that now caused all the trouble.

With a sigh she nodded and pressed her lips together when they reached the cot with the elven lass.

Her skin was pale and looked terribly sick, almost waxen and the slick sheen of sweat wasn't making her look any better. But worst of all was the wound on her stomach.

It seemed that the stitches were being refused by her body, even though Shani has took greatest care in cleaning them thoroughly. The medic felt slight panic arise in her, panic that she might loose the woman. But she knew that panic was dangerous so she fought it down and let her professional side surface.

She was glad to see that her bag with tools was already there, undoubtedly placed there by Lív and she set to work immediately.

An hour into it and Shani was close to despairing. She found no way to help the elf and it was getting worse by the minute. The time worked against her and she found no solution to the problem at hand.

She did not respond to any tinctures or potions she gave her and Shani was at her wits end. All she could do now to relief the lass from her pain and at least grant her unconciousness where she wouldn't feel the pain so bad. Shaking a little the medic reached for a worn wooden club, raised her hand and did not even register Lívs surprised face until a strong hand encircled her wrist and prevented the club from hitting the elven girls head.

"Let me help you. I know what she needs." Came the explanation and Shani recognized the voice as Iorveth's. She knew it would be stupid to refuse his help, just because she held a grudge against him because he was acting like an arse, so she nodded and he let go of her.

"I appreciate any help. I hope it's not too late." His startling green gaze pinned her down for a moment, as if he wanted to say 'It never is', but he kept his mouth shut instead and looked down at the elven woman when he came to stand at the bed-head.

Almost tenderly he laid his slender hands against her sweaty temples, his thumbs caressing her forehead carefully, and fingers lightly caressing her delicate pointed ears as he peered down at her. It seemed to get her attention and she looked up with clouded eyes, obviously recognizing him as one of her own.

Shani did not want to stand by idly, but she had no idea what else she could do that she hasn't tried. And she was almost thankful when the Scoia'tael spoke up again.

"Do you have potions around with Hemlock or Wolf's Bane? Or the herbs? A brew would help considerably." Immediately he looked down again and began to shush the crying elf beneath him in a soothing voice, a voice that even calmed Shani and let a pleasant chill run down her spine, the hairs on her arms standing.

She felt the soft, very subtle hum of magic in her body when he spoke and was fascinated that it really helped to calm the woman.

"But... those are poisono-" Iorveth shook his head and cut her off. "No. Not for my people. It will help her so would you please get some?" It almost sounded like a command and Shani only found herself nodding and rushing off to the small chamber with supplies. There really wasn't much left and the really helpful stuff was locked away in a chest, only the Matron had the keys to it.

It made her angry, but there was nothing she could do about it.

Digging through the shelves she breathed a laugh of relief when she found a bottle with the label 'Wolf's Bane, Use with care'.

Dashing back to her patient she was a little surprised when she heard the elf singing to her patient in soft hushed tones. But it seemed to keep her calm so she did not utter a single word.

Shani prepared the decoction and carefully fed the panting and gasping woman a few mouthfuls, glad that she swallowed after a short time of massaging her throat and did not spit it out. Already making for stashing the bottle away Iorveth shook his head and nodded at the open wound. "Pour it in there. It will not harm her, trust me. But otherwise her organs will not heal properly and she could die from the aftermath."

It was obvious that the medic had an inner conflict on that matter. Her brows were furrowed and she fidgeted a little, as if not sure if to do it or call Iorveth a fool.

Finally the elf had enough and snatched the bottle out of her hand. Ignoring her yelling he pried the flesh apart and carefully poured some of the contents of the flask in there before spreading the rest on the twisting woman's wound until it was wet from the brew.

"Now try to sew it shut again, and put a cloth drenched in chamomile on it before bandaging it loosely." He simply continued as if nothing happened while Shani was still shocked. She reacted fast though and reached for a clean set of needle and thread and swiftly sewed the wound shut again with practiced movements.

Lív had been attentive and already brought the bandages and the chamomile cloth just as requested. Shani didn't wanted to believe it at first, but it worked! The elf breathed a sigh of relief before shutting her weary eyes and drifting off into sleep all by herself."I.. I haven't dared to believe that it would really work. Thank you for your help! She would have died without you."

Shani seemed close to tears with her relief and it obviously made Iorveth uncomfortable who shrugged nonchalantly, his eye rather on his sleeping kinswoman than the excited medic in front of him.

"Don't thank me. She would have died without my aid.. and my people can not effort to lose lives when it can be prevented. Especially not such a young life." He said, his voice sounded quiet and Shani's excitement immediately died down with that statement.

"Yes. Of course... If you would please lay down again? I can see that your leg starts hurting again and your body still needs rest." Her voice was reserved now and Iorveth cursed silently, he had not wanted to achieve that.

"I'm fine I.. Actually I'd like to help around here. I can see that help is desperately needed and it would be a fair payback. Aen Seidhe or Dh'oinne. I will do what I can, for anyone." At first Shani wanted to refuse. Partly because of his own injuries and partly because she just didn't wanted the elf around but there was something in his eye, a plea almost that made her agree despite her resentment. "It.. Yes, we can definitely use another pair of skilled hands around here. You see how many suffer, and new patients are coming every day."

Iorveth nodded, relieved that she did not insist on him going to lay down again. And his help was valuable indeed, more than she could have imagined honestly. The old elf had a surprisingly vast repertoire in the use of herbs, and emergency splints and the like, and he knew tricks to staunch bleeding and prevent infection she never would have imagined. Together they managed to help more people than Shani would have ever managed alone and it gave the elf a satisfactory feeling that settled deep in his gut.

He would have never pictured himself helping the dh'oinne he had sworn to kill on every encounter, whenever possible. But maybe the vatt'ghern had been right. Maybe it is important to look into a new future, and to change with time. Even though it was not easy, that's for sure.

At the moment he found contentment in what he did, and it wasn't a bad feeling, not at all. He and Shani even managed to make conversation without him messing it up with snarky comments and it greatly helped to loosen up the tension between them.

Time was flying and by the time they were done the sun was setting already. Iorveth felt weak, his leg ached abominably and his head was spinning a little but he was determined not to show his weakness.

"I'll go and get us a few bites to eat. This work sure is making me starve!" And with that the redhead was gone, leaving Iorveth leaning against the door frame to the courtyard.

He had not expected that he would feel that weakened, but then again the day had been long and he had not allowed his weakened body any rest. Black dots started to blot his vision and before he could do anything about it his knees buckled under him and he was out cold on the stone floor beneath him.

Shani was already on her way back, balancing two wooden plates in her hands with some pork, rice and baked potatoes. She nearly dropped it in shock when she saw the elf on the floor.

Placing the food carelessly on the ground she rushed over and checked his vitals, which seemed normal. His body probably just couldn't take the effort that he had put it through today. Shani frowned, she had practically seen it a sigh she got up and looked around for anyone who could aid her in getting the oafish elf back into his cot. After all she could hardly pull him there alone, he was simply too heavy.

Luckily a few idle priestesses were close who helped her to bring the limp elf back to his cot and Shani was thankful for it. After all, she couldn't let him lay on the cold floor for too long.

It could bring his fever back and weaken him even more. She sighed once again at his stubborn oafishness that brought him into this situation and could imagine that his metaphorically thick head often brought him into troubled situations.

The lass felt utterly exhausted when the elf was finally settled and covered under a thick blanket and sank into the worn wooden chair next to the makeshift bed.

It's then that Iorveth stirred, of course she thought, his green eye only slowly focusing.

"I guess I owe you an apology." Was the first thing he said and his voice was raspy with sleep.

Shani huffed and crossed her arms, her legs crossing automatically in a show of reserve. "Damn right you do. I told you it would happen, I don't need to be a witch to predict it."

He smiled, and it only served to infuriate her more for it was that small smile typical to him, knowing and almost smug. She would have liked to slap it off his face. But reason told her not to, and when the voice of reason was already admonishing her, she should listen to it.

Iorveth shifted and it allowed her a good peek at his chest, and rather the Witcher amulet that rested close to his heart. His gaze was knowing when he looked up at her, fast as if unsure which reaction to expect. Shani pursed her lips, she had been curious the whole time and now might be a good time to ask. "Maybe you can answer a few questions to make up for it." It was a statement rather than a question and the elf grunted grumpily.

"It'll depend on your question, but ask away. I'm all ears."

The redhead could not suppress a giggle but cleared her throat when she saw the elf's eye darken. "That medallion... Where did you got it from? You can't be a Witcher." She said, and suddenly her voice was soft.

Iorveth could sense that there was a lot more behind that question, so he he chose his words carefully before answering.

"It was a gift, given to me by a valued friend. And it has served me well." Were his words finally and Shani looked up. There were rumors of course, of Geralt having fought for the nonhumans in Upper Aedirn. But as it was with rumors she discarded them fast, there was no use in pondering over half truths. But this actually made her gasp softly and she reached out before berating herself, making an effort of masking her hurt.

Iorveth frowned and looked down, obviously pondering something. Taking the necklace off he handed it over to her with a small, genuine smile. "He's alive and well.. If it means anything to you." The elf was not someone you would seek out for comfort, even his kin hasn't done so. They came for instruction, and sometimes advice. Oddly enough he wasn't a beacon to his people, more like a fierce sword that burned with the passion of hatred.

Shani appreciated the gesture though and looked down at the brilliant metal, the finely shaped wolf head that resembled Geralt's, but now that she studied it more closely she could see tiny differences in the maw and the ears.

She had not expected it, but hearing that he was well brought her a little relief and settled her upset heart. Reluctantly did she hand it back when he held out his palm, and insistent look in his eye and slipped the medallion back around his neck once it had settled in his hand.

"Thank you." She simply said, and Iorveth said nothing, only nodded but it was enough.

Shani left the room feeling more relaxed now than in the past week. The tension between her and her patient was gone. And... perhaps she was just imagining it but she could swear there was something different in its place now, something almost like... camaraderie?

She shook herself, whatever it was it hardly mattered, not like the Elf would remain with them for long now that he was most certainly on the mend at this point considering how long he'd managed to stay on his feet, he would surely be leaving them soon.

*Good work lad, you did a fine job today* Iorveth nodded, silently acknowledging his grandmother's words with a faint smile. He had done well, despite the wound ultimately overcoming him, he had fought his instinctual ingrained disgust of the dh'oine and... actually helped them, he had ignored the other voices that demanded the blood of those who had wronged his people time and time again, and actually done things in a way that Saskia would have approved of, in a way his grandmother would have truly been proud of.

Sure he'd been forced to endure the occasional glower from wounded dh'oine who looked upon his ears and recoiled from him in disgust, but he'd done his job, he had saved people, stitched the wounds of those he had once butchered so freely, as well as those of his people, he had even gone so far as to play midwife to a young dh'oine in labor until the strange witch known a Abigail was fetched to take his place.

*Perhaps I will stay a while* He thought, thinking back on the few grateful looks he'd received both from his own people, and from the dh'oine who'd looked past the ears and seen him as the savior he was to those few who would accept his aid. *who knows... perhaps I'll end up actually making a difference for once, and inspire people as Saskia would have wanted...* Iorveth snorted in self-derision *Yeah right, and who knows mayhap Saesenthessis will immaculately conceive, and retire to become a bloede vatt'ghern, start her own witcher order, the School of the bloede Draconid... my but wouldn't that be lovely indeed.*

And it was with such amusing thoughts such as those, that Iorveth, lulled himself to sleep. He had a busy few days ahead of him planned, and he intended to be as rested as possible.

Authors Note :

The Grinning Psychopath: Greetings Ladies and Gentlebeings, today's lovely chapter is brought to you by: Velvet Acid Christ songs, some Within Temptation, and... whatever the hell Ravana listened to to write most of this. Anyhow hope you enjoyed the chapter. If you did you should also check out Long Winter by Seventy-Four Mudkips s/11265700/1/Long-Winter Lullaby by Chocolafied s/11246167/1/Lullaby and The Elf Outlaw by SapphireStormAngel s/10920305/1/The-elf-outlaw not quite as long as our story, but still their all good and worth checking out.

AlexanderRavana: Ah, look at the things he does. Salvation at last? We will see... As you maybe already figured, I was extremely inspired by Caopeira when I came up with the Mae Dawns Ymladda. We get to know a lot about elves in the games, and the books. But not a looot of culture actually. I have felt the same way in Dragon Age, jus' saying. So many things I still wanted to know.
So here my friend and I are, making up our own bits and pieces.
If you have anything you'd like to see done or an idea of your own you think would be just the s***, just say so in a review or PM! We are always glad to hear from you guys.