"Hold him down! He has to lie still!" Everything was a mess, Iorveth ears were filled with the torn screams of the man beneath him. A young, frightened peasant with a nose too big for his own good and a missing forearm. He was going mad with pain and fear, so much was obvious.
The elf held the human down best he could who was convulsing under him, his face twisted into a sheer expression of agony. It was no easy endeavor to keep him pinned, all the blood made the bare skin slick and even Iorveth's long, experienced fingers were struggling to keep their iron grasp around the slippery flesh. He grit his teeth and pressed his weight down on the thrashing youth. "Diabhal iddo, a leagan o hyd!" (Damn it, lay still!) He growled through pressed teeth, his moss green eye blazing and the peasant gasped, his eyes squeezing shut.
Abigail's presence had become more and more necessary the last few days, much to the elf's dismay. He wasn't sure if he liked the witch or wanted to behead her. Both he supposed and for the time being it really didn't matter, as they all needed her expertise. Still he felt a grave, fundamental distrust and resentment towards witches, since his experiences with Findabair and Eilhart and something like that wasn't easily changed.
While Shani was heating up a pan in the large fireplace, Abigail stuffed a thick bunch of herbs right into the bleeding stub which gradually helped in soothing the gushing flow of ruby red. Yet the man's skin was white as chalk and Iorveth doubted that he would survive. The floor beneath them was slick with his elixir, so much that he feared he would slip if he moved too fast.
His assumptions were affirmed when Shani came rushing for them, hot iron pan firmly in her hand. She squeaked in shock when she slipped on the warm puddle and lost her footing. As things were the pan would have hit the patients face if it wasn't for Iorveth who couldn't prevent the redheads fall if he tried, but was able to yank the pan out of her clutches and press it against the wound.
There was that disgusting sound of charring meat and the stench of burnt flesh and bone and herbs but the Scoia'tael could handle it well. The peasant not so much, he arched his back in a silent scream of agony and his eyes bulged before rolling in their sockets and he lost his consciousness. Good for him, Iorveth thought and wiped his blood sullied hands on a grimy rag that was clamped under his belt. Now he's Fredae'ach Kreuger'eth's problem.
The war had brought even more sick and injured to the temple, the only place in the area that promised any reliable medical aid. The temple did not have the space to accommodate all of them so tents had been erected in the courtyard (which did not please Iorveth at all) and also squeezed into the free spaces between the temple and the houses.
It was a sheer gathering of sickness, despair, filth and corruption. For one, darkly pleasing moment he had been tempted to contact his people, assemble a small party and burn it all to the ground. But he found that he couldn't. He was simply too attached to this place in a wondrous, abhorrent way. It felt good to help. It felt good to help the fucking humans. Not as satisfactory as seeing them get pierced by arrows until they looked like hedgehogs, but good nonetheless, and besides some of his own people, and a good many other nonhumans were there as well after all.
He also felt a steadily evolving sense of companionship towards the strange, frail seeming, but fiery spirited one known as Shani and repaying her with death just seemed wrong.
Blasted war, cursed Redanians, bloede Nilfgaardians. he was distracted from his brooding by a sighing Shani and an enthusiastic Abigail who was patting his bare bicep, apparently pleased with his sleeveless leather jerkin. Iorveth shrugged her hand off with a small sneer and she only grinned, that infuriating grin. "Good work today. We got so much done together, alone we wouldn't even have handled half as much." She said and Shani approved with a small nod, still out of breath and apparently hurting a little from her small accident earlier.
Abigail gave Iorveth an appraising look, paying particularly close attention to his hands... and his lower bits, and she got a wicked gleam in her eye, "Hmm one such as you must be pretty good in the whole pinning-down-business, no? Surely had a good bit of practice with some young elven lasses in your time? If I ever need a good pinning-down I know where to ask." The elf didn't even knew where to begin his tirade and Abigail saw that as a good moment for elegant retreat.
Winking over her shoulder she sauntered off, her backside swaying provocatively and left a slightly bemused Shani and a seething elf behind. "Infuriating hag." He hissed, his foot kicking out against the cot with the unconscious peasant.
The remaining redhead chuckled and patted his shoulder. "You'll get used to it...possibly. Most likely not, but the possibility is there. And better now than later since she won't stop anytime soon, I can assure you of that." Shani sounded as if she spoke out of experience and Iorveth winced slightly which earned him another giggle.
He only rolled his eye but couldn't suppress the small smile that graced his shapely lips.
Even though the witch taunted him at least once every time they met he never really snapped at her. There was something oddly familiar about her manner, something unsettling. He had seen more than once how those who displeased her ended up in rather peculiar situations and she made him believe in Karma again, just like his nana did back all those years ago.
Shani abruptly turned to face him, even as they strode down the corridor together an odd... contemplative look on her features and he braced himself for another lecture on his bedside manner, though this didn't have the feel of that... still better safe than sorry, "Iorveth, I am grateful that you remain here, even though you could have left days ago. Without you I wouldn't know how to help all these people. There aren't enough seasoned healers around... Most of the priestesses are still wet behind their ears and definitely not all of them are even half as eager as Lív is." Shani had felt like thanking him for quite a while now, but never really found quite the right moment to approach him. Every time she tried he seemed to be in some sort of peculiar mood until she learned that the Aen Seidhe was always in a mood.
He stopped in his tracks for a moment, his brilliant green eye looking down at her and he seemed appreciative of her words, if a little taken aback.
Finally he smiled and inclined his head, he did not speak, but he did not need to. She could understand him without words in this very moment.
Iorveth has never been a conversational creature even though he was fairly inventive when it came to taunts and spiteful speeches. But those were quite a different matter entirely.
In his life he has come to value actions more than words for they defined the character of a person. And he could see that Shani was a good person. And Abigail as well... More or less.
Shani wasn't much different, though she could be a waterfall given the right moment and the right amount of excitement. Oddly enough she found that she became comfortable around Iorveth. The more she got to know him, the more at ease she felt.
There was a special... intensity about him, a will that drove him like few she had ever met. It was that same will that enabled him to work hours on end, helping the sick and crippled of the Temple, dispensing aid and at times muscle-power if necessary. Sure his bedside manner was atrocious and he had a terrible habit of cursing the patients out if they were being too much of a hassle, even if they were undergoing surgery at the time. But he also had a solid repertoire of knowledge as far as quick and cheap, not to mention highly unconventional, but amazingly effective methods of treatment were concerned. Methods even Abigail hadn't known of, that had saved at least a dozen lives thusfar probably.
Covering oozing gashes with cinnamon powder and cobwebs of all things to staunch bleeding and prevent infection, soaking an infected limb repeatedly in a tub with snow-in-summer leaves and other such unusual things. Truly he was a godsend, in spite of his history and thorny nature.
The both of them stepped out into the courtyard, happy to catch some relatively fresh air. All of the courtyard was crowded by now, plants squished under careless boots and arses and the tents and cots so close that one could barely find a way through them. Iorveth knew very well that not even half of them could be helped, what with the shortage of supplies and that a fast death would be a mercy and all they could realistically hope for. He had even said as much to Shani... and has never seen her that angry with him. She had even attempted to punch him but the elf was no gentleman and had caught her fist and persisted on his point of view. The redhead had been fuming when she turned brusquely and left him for the rest of that day. It had taken some time to calm her again so she would speak, or even so much as look at him.
It had been an amazingly stressful experience, one he very much hoped never to repeat.
It surprised him to know just how much the medic's opinion mattered to him.
He'd investigated her discreetly, just on the off chance that her open and caring personality was a farce she put up around him cause he was the big scary Scoia'tael commander. But no, every one of his people that he'd spoken to confirmed that she was indeed a fine and amazingly kind woman... naive to be sure, given her neutral view of the people who came to her, healing even the most recognizable of butchers, monsters both human and nonhuman... monsters such as himself.
One of the cobblestones shifted slightly under Shani's foot and she stumbled a bit, nearly falling onto the unforgiving cobblestones and would have, if Iorveth's hand hadn't shot out of its own accord and gripped her firmly by the arm and steadied her. She gave him a grateful look, continued on her way and there was nothing that made him feel uncomfortable about this situation, but he did not register that conciously. She was a friend to him now, an associate. Not just another random dh'oine.
Iorveth eyed the medic as she strode forward with more care in her steps now, weaving past the wounded with a casual ease that spoke of far too much experience in the matter. His eye lingered on her ample rump for a moment before quickly refocusing on her boyishly short red hair, before his body could respond to the visual. It certainly didn't harm his growing admiration of her, that she had a remarkable arse for him to admire as he worked alongside her.
He sighed tiredly and lamented of how It had been quite some time since he'd been with anyone. She certainly is a lovely lass to be sure. Not as gifted in her bosom as Geralt's Sorceress though, Iorveth thought. But she certainly does more than make up for it with that wonderful plump posterior of her's. Iorveth shook himself and felt the need to slap himself upside the head, for truly he was depraved to think of her in that way. Shani had proven her kindness time and time again, and he was... satisfied to be able to refer to her as an acquaintance of his, a friend even!
Though they had started off on rather shaky ground, he felt sure that he could... probably go as far as to call her his friend, and he had no intention of screwing that up, by screwing her... no matter how soft and appealing her deliciously dainty body appeared to his gaze.
Her body might stir his loins, but in his heart he felt nothing towards her save for the same general kind of fondness and trust he'd had with Geralt, though perhaps a touch deeper in some ways for she was not equipped with hard muscles, sharp angles and a scruffy beard. And though he wasn't at all aware of any specifics he got the sense, that she had been hurt far too often by those who she'd felt close to and he for one had no intention of winding up counted among their number. Shani deserved more than a loveless plough, and his very own heart still beat only for Saskia, the dragoness haunting his thoughts more than he'd like. Especially in those minutes where activity ebbed off and he actually had the time to dive into memories and idle fantasies.
Iorveth's heart automatically skipped a beat as her name crossed his mind, and he took in a deep breath to steady himself, even as more thoughts rushed in, and he remembered that exquisite soul he'd had the pleasure of glimpsing and being of service to. Shani spoke up abruptly, breaking him out of his reverie "Let's grab something to eat. It's past midday and we still have a lot of work ahead! I really don't want to miss lunch." Shani said and nodded towards the small building where the priestesses slept. All of them would be crammed into a rather small room due to the lack of space and eating together.
Iorveth shook his head and waved her off. "You go on ahead first, I have something I must tend to. I'll catch up later." He said and made for the main area of the temple again, leaving a shrugging Shani behind who made for the living quarters. He still vividly remembered her rant about the lack of White Raffard's decoction and other basic healing supplies.
While he couldn't do much to provide the rare ingredients for the decoction he had found others that would certainly help Shani to help the people. The elf got on his knees in front of his cot and pulled out a crate where he stored his belongings and searched for a small pack of herbs wrapped in waxed paper.
Once retrieved he unfolded the precious herbs gently and checked their quality. A relived sigh escaped his lips when he found them to still be in an impeccable state.
Thinking about how he got them made him smile.
It wasn't even that long ago when he had the desperate need to escape the confining walls of Ellander and the stares and whispers of the dh'oinne. Not all of them faced him with gratitude, of course not he had not expected that, but it wasn't like he wanted to be subject to their hate just to help their kin. The elf wasn't beneficial nor was he a born healer. He was searching for... peace of mind, if not quite forgiveness, not their gratitude nor their acceptance.
Donning his light coat he had left the temple and Ellander to scout the grasslands and light woods that surrounded the city, and inadvertently leaving Shani to think he had left for good, without a word. She had scolded him for that a good bit indeed after he had returned deep in the night.
But the little escape into nature had been enough to clear his mind a little and settle his thunderous being.
During his wandering he had remembered the redheads rants and here he was, holding the relatively fresh herbs. Shaking his head Iorveth got up and made for the dining 'hall'.
Shani was surprised to see Abigail in a rather secluded area in the room, two free chairs on either side next to her. Sidling her way through the priestesses and helpers she took a seat next to the witch and accepted the stew and wine she wordlessly offered her.
"You know, one day I'm sure he will sever your sorry head Ab." the medic said between spoons of the hot stew and glanced over at her friend who just giggled.
"I do rather doubt that my dear. He would have done so already if he dared." Shani just raised her brows and smiled a half-smile, her wooden spoon plopping into the bowl. "Guess he's fond of you, despite being a 'bloede harpy of the abyss', as he says." The witch smiled smugly at that and took a sip of a herbal smelling brew. "I think so too. As a matter of fact, I'm fairly certain he actually enjoys it." Abigail sounded smug and the smaller red-head just snorted. "I don't think the look in his eye can be described as affection."
Abigail shrugged her shoulder mysteriously and smiled still. "No, affection it is surely not, but by Melitele it is certainly passion of a sort and if he ever comes around then I certainly would gladly let'im have me, so he can vent that passion good and proper." She sighed dreamily and laughed when Shani looked scandalized, a blush adorning her cheeks. "What? Wishing to be in my stead if it should ever come to pass?" She asked without shame and Shani shook her head, her short red hair flying with the motion.
"No!" she announced her voice dead firm, "Absolutely not. I'm a human Abby, and he's a scoia'tael commander. There's no way he's interested in a d'hoine like me! And besides that, he's my friend Abigail!... I think." Abigail just smirked knowingly "Friends have been known to share a bed on occasion, sex is a great way to comfort a stricken friend don'tcha know?"
Shani growled, "I am not stricken, and I'm pretty sure he's not either. Neither of us have any need for that and I'm not sure about you, but I prefer to keep my sex and friendships mutually exclusive. And besides that I'm... Well I don't think that I'm ready for that."
Her voice quieted a little with that statement and Abigail sighed, knowing exactly what spooked in her friends head. A goddamned Witcher it was. "That son of a hound really stole your heart, no?" Shani's lips tightened before she nodded and leaned back into her chair. "He did. He wooed me. Wooed me the bastard. If he had been just out for a quick roll under the sheets I mean... I don't know. But he had no right, no damn right to have me hoping. Hoping for a future together and then making it seem like nothing but a game. Letting me fall like that." She exhaled all of a sudden, a deep sigh and her shoulders seemed to sag in sudden defeat.
Abigail frowned, she could understand her friend's struggle, but she could also see the reason behind Geralt's decisions. Leaning comfortingly into the medic she patted her knee and brushed a lock of stray red hair behind her small ear. "No, he had no right to toy with your emotions and your desire for him. But you also have to think of Alvin. You know that you could not provide him with the same care and aid Merigold could. If not tamed and brought on the right path the boys abilities could have wrought great destruction Shani. People could have gotten hurt, Alvin could have threatened his own life. In the end, it was for the best.
"Besides, what would you have from a relationship with a Witcher? You would wither and pass away while he moves on. And there isn't even the comfort of children. It would be a bleak future, for the both of you."
Shani bit her lips and looked torn for a few very long moments. The witch could see the fight behind her eyes, but it had been so long ago, the medic could accept the plain truths and the reason behind Geralt's actions. At least clearer than she could back then.
"I... Yes. I know you are right. I knew it back then. It was... was just so hard to acknowledge them through the pain. It was so long ago anyhow, and I am ready to move on and past it." She sighed and allowed her head to rest against Abigail's shoulder for a little bit her lips and looked torn for a few very long moments. The witch could see the fight behind her eyes, but it had been so long ago, the medic could accept the plain truths and the reason behind Geralt's actions. At least clearer than she could back then.
"Thank you, Ab." She murmured as the witch stroked her hair. And she meant it, she truly was grateful for her friend's words, and she knew her friend was right on more than a few counts, but... she was still indecisive.
The words of her friend have triggered an outright maelstrom of thoughts and she felt inclined to explore her feelings, just to make sure. She did admit to herself that it would be a lie to say that she didn't find the elf attractive. The glistening sight he presented in the midday sun, while moving as smoothly as a cat, did make her heat up a little.
So did the small smug smirk he graced her with every now and then. But did it made her feel breathless? Giddy? No, not at all. She could not and would not deny that he appealed to her. He was handsome, even among elves who weren't called the fair race for nothing and his scars just made him more intriguing, gave his aura a dark shading that some would describe as irresistible. But even so, they were friends at most, nothing more and nothing less.
The medic was happy to be quite certain on her feelings but she sighed softly.
She couldn't remember ever having slept with someone who she did consider a genuine friend that she expected to stick around, even if just for a while. She had seen often enough how a night of lust could end in tragedy for one had discovered their slumbering feelings which ultimately weren't returned by the other and tragedies alike. Shani had always tried to avoid that and she was unsure if it would be wise to break that rule. After all it had always served her well and her encounter with the Witcher only strengthened her resolve.
Abigail sighed, noticing Shani's deep thoughtful entanglement, "Oh for the love of Veyopatis' hairy distended ballsack. Stop thinking so hard about this! It's simple enough to figure out. Ask yourself do you trust him? And do you find him attractive? If the answer is yes on both fronts then all you have to do is go up to him, entice him with that pretty peachy arse of yours, throw him down and mount him!" The medic looked scandalized and almost dropped her bowl but it was deftly caught by a giggling witch. Luckily for Shani she had no chance to respond. As the door opened to admit the tall elf they had just been discussing so casually.
Iorveth was obviously uncomfortable in the small room, crammed with women who he did not trust in the slightest, save for Shani, and perhaps to a certain extent Abigail even. They oggled him, they talked behind his back, they tried to get into his pants or tried to drive him away with their venom.
All three things had little effect on the Scoia'tael, but it still made his skin itch.
Abigail patted the chair next to her with a cheeky smile that only widened when she saw the twitch in Iorveth's jaw and the subtle bulging of his neck vein.
Once settled with the two women he reluctantly accepted the stew and poked around in it a little before actually starting to eat it.
"I have something for you. Collected 'em the day I was gone." The elf said after two long swigs of his wine flask and lightly threw the waxed paper pack on Shani's lap.
The medic didn't really knew how to react to the sudden nonchalance and suspiciously unwrapped the herbs. She seemed seriously surprised when she saw the multicolored bunch of plants on her lab which were really pleasing to look at.
"I... But.. Err, that isn't necessary. Uhm... What are they for?" Her voice was quiet and she blushed furiously, insecurity wafting off her in tangible waves. Iorveth seemed confused and furrowed his dark brow, his green eye piercing her down. "You told me that you are lacking in many proper herbs here, so I collected some useful ones on my way."
Shani seemed relieved yet at the same time seemed alienated. "Oh! Of course! Thank you." She said, a little too quick and the elf quirked a small smile that only added to her humiliation and she suddenly felt like a child that embarrassed itself. It was too much, first the heavy conversation with Ab and now this humiliation. Shani wished the ground would open up beneath her and swallow her whole.
"Take care of them, they weren't an easy find and I trust you two to cultivate them properly in the gardens, or somewhere more secluded where they won't get trampled."
The medic was so incredibly grateful that the elf did not act upon her foolishness and gallantly pretended that nothing has happened. He was probably too old to indulge in such childishness she figured. Despite his initial intentions he stayed, probably Abigail's doing and they chattered for a considerable time. He really had no real idea why he did, nor a justification but the solitary elf found himself enjoying the company of the two women and their easy banter. It felt comforting in an odd way he had no means to pinpoint.
It was an unsettling experience, to be sure.
It was the same for Shani who found herself looking down at the herbs every now and again and the closer she examined them, the more she was convinced she could see special patterns in which the flowery seeming plants were bundled. To her it appeared to be more than just a gift to the temple and the patients. If it was like that he could have given the herbs to the Matron. Or just put them in the storage room which seemed like something he'd do.
But no. He had given her the herbs.
Shani shook her head slightly, trying to get the stupid thoughts out of her head. Nothing more than idle thinking after all.
She was glad that the elf did not seem to notice her mental absence much, or he did just not care which was entirely possible in Iorveth's case.
Abigail on the other hand seemed to notice her state of mind and elbowed her casually, a suggestive look in her eyes which made Shani sit up straighter immediately, trying to look focused.
Before more humiliations could happen the high priestess poked her head in before waving Shani over, a serious expression on her gentle features. Shani could barely suppress the relieved expression on her face when she got up and rushed over to the Matron, actually excited to speak to her. There have been pressing matters she had wanted to discuss for a while already and was glad that Lady Amalie finally had time for her.
The two of them stopped in the canopied passage that surrounded the courtyard, Lady Amalie shortly glancing at the colorful bundle of herbs in her arms but thankfully making to comments about it.
"I heard you wanted to talk to me about pressing matters, Shani?" The redhead clutched the herbs self-consciously before nodding firmly.
"Indeed. We are extremely short on supplies as you well know and I thought about some alternative uses for the Raffa-" She was cut off with a stern gesture and a graceful shake of a graying head.
"No, lass. We have to save those up for when the high Lords and Ladies and their heirs have to be treated. Don't give me that look... I don't like this myself. But if we can't treat them properly there will be no coin. And only with good coin can we buy new supplies to help more people. I am sorry Shani, but my decision on the matter is certain. There just isn't enough of the decoction to go around, we have to keep it in reserve."
This surely felt like a blow right to the stomach, though she had half expected it. Shani's shoulders sagged and she let her head hang a little, a clear sign of defeat, yet her lips were pursed in hopeless anger.
"As you wish Lady Amalie." She said snippy and turned on her heel, not even seeing where she actually went.
The Matron sighed a sad sigh and slowly made her way back to her chambers. She liked the spirit of the young medic, but corruption was something in this world that seeped into your every pore and in order to help, sometimes you had to let the corruption in.
Shani strode down the corridor, as tense as one had been struck by sorcerer lightning, grinding her teeth just a bit, and fighting back the frustrated tears that threatened to spill forth.
She had known the most likely answer to her request already, but she'd held out hope that the Matron might be willing to make an exception just this once!
Frustration in such matters was hardly new to her, she'd been frustrated for weeks already, but now it seemed to be reaching a pinnacle of sorts and Shani found that she couldn't stop at least some of the tears from leaking out and staining her freckled cheeks. And what she hated even more was the undeniable logic in the Lady Amalie's words, it made her feel ruthless to admit it but... the woman had a point.
So many would die, just to save the aid for the grand Lords and Ladies. It made her sick to the stomach and reminded her of the time in old dirty Vizima. Shani couldn't even accuse the priestesses of carelessness for they spent grand amounts of their own money for food, blankets and medical supplies. It was a tough situation, one which probably only a miracle could fix. She hadn't been paying attention where her feet took her, staring through the bundle of plants in her arms when she suddenly recognized where she was.
Looking up with a start she saw Iorveth sitting on his bed, his long fingers gently brushing up the shattered remains of a blade which she knew too well. It had been Geralt's and her brows furrowed in confusion as she had to wonder as to how exactly the elf had come into the possession of Geralt's sword and why he was fondling it so.
Iorveth had excused himself soon after Shani had been gone. The prospect of being relatively alone with the witch had been too unsettling to endure, she was a shameless woman in her own right.
He had made for his cot and in some act of silly nostalgic had pulled out Aerondight, his eye immediately getting caught by the red gem.
It made his heart flutter softly, for the blade always reminded him of his dragoness. Well, he wished he could call her his anyhow.
His single green eye assessed the blade expertly, he had wielded a good many blades in his time, and while he wasn't an expert swordsmith, he did know enough to know a high quality blade when he saw one, and this one was exquisite. The blade had been around 38 inches long and perhaps 32 or 34 ounces in weight, with a good solid core of steel direct a meteorite and plated with fine silver likewise from meteorites.
It held the fine pattern like flowing water upon it, that spoke of truly masterful gnomish handiwork mixed with a touch of the ancient elves from back even beyond the days of Lara Dorren and his grandmother!
There was a fine hum of energy in the blade that he could barely sense through his fingertips, a hum that promised that this blade would endure throughout the ages, ignoring the tests of time... Though the tests of a dragon were obviously something else entirely. A small smile came to his lips as thought of the dragon in question. 'Ahh Saskia, my Saesenthessis... to break something as fine as this... you truly will be like a god to the people of Aedirn.'
Iorveth shook himself from such thoughts and went back to examining the blade. The long, slightly curved handle of the working like that of a sabre, despite the straight blade to aid in careful and precise attacks, was formed of a dark bronze like material with the lean pommel in the shape of a dragon's head, remarkably similar to that of Saesenthessis herself.
The blade itself was sharp, sharp enough to cut through even a dragon's thick armor-like scales. Saskia herself could attest to that much. And the metals harnessed from a meteor as they were, were sure to damage anything regardless of origin or power level, nothing could survive being run through with this sword. A wondrous weapon like no other to be sure... though it was still broken, like any other when put to the ultimate test of a Dragon's fangs and mighty jaw muscles.
Broken though the magnificent blade most definitely was, it still brought a measure of comfort to him somehow, the dark ruby in the shape of a benevolent eye set in the crossguard seeming to devour his spiritual discord the longer he gazed into it, leaving only peace and contentment in its wake.
So entranced by the precious gem was he, that Iorveth didn't feel presence of another being till it was already far too close for his liking and looked up suddenly, surprised to see Shani standing there as though ordered but never picked up. His brow furrowed and he felt oddly disturbed, as if she had witnessed something intimate, which she had in a way.
He made a point of wrapped the blade back up and placing it next to him, all without ever taking his startling green eye off her.
It made her fidget and he noticed the embarrassed flush on her cheeks with some satisfaction.
With it now being clear that he wouldn't speak first she sighed and let her petite shoulders sag in defeat, as if all the energetic air was suddenly squeezed out of her.
"I'm sorry, I didn't not mean'ta barge in like that it's just.. I.." She was obviously struggling with something and the elf heaved a long suffering sigh that didn't help at all and crossed his arms in front of his lean chest. At least he wasn't snapping at her which indeed was a great improvement Shani thought.
"Today just has been tiring and confusing. Confusion to which you greatly added I mean, what are these for? What do they mean? I'm just.. I.. I can't accept them!" She blurted out and held out the bundle of herbs in a gesture that was almost dramatic and Iorveth did not manage to bite back a choked chuckle.
"Excuse me? I told you already that those are healing herbs for you and the priestesses to cultivate. I stumbled upon them on my exploration and thought them useful. There is nothing more to it, Shani." He said sincerely, his brow furrowed.
Shani stared at him, looking from the beautiful bouquet of herbs, to his single earnest eye, then sighed realizing herself to be the fool the elf probably thought her to be all along. The redhead heaved a sigh of relief and flopped down on the cot next to him which earned her another raised eyebrow which she ignored. "Thank Melitele." She sighed and looked off into the abyss, appearing weary and hard used. Her usual vibrancy greatly lacking.
"What troubles your mind, lass?" He asked, it sounded more firm than gentle but the gesture seemed appreciated anyways since apparently a dam broke and she unloaded a lot of things that had troubled her the last weeks on him.
On how she couldn't properly treat all her patients due to the lack of money, supplies and experienced healers and how due to that so much of the work that fell to her, turned out to be for nought as her patients perished of fever, or failing organs, which the decoction could have cleared up right away.
That all the endless death and carnage she witnessed had her feeling helpless and frustrated and how she saw no way out of this situation. And how she really truly hated that they had to save up the potent stuff for the rich and mighty in the hopes that they would be generous. Which mostly, they weren't really, at least not nearly as generous as they could have been at any rate..
It was a lot that she felt just had to be talked off her soul and with each sentence she seemed lighter, yet more worn out and tired.
The elf scooted closer, just so that their thighs and shoulders touched and rubbed her back in a gesture of companionship which seemed to relax her. "Don't worry, we yet might find a way veninde (friend)." Shani knew it might be useless comfort but she appreciated it the gesture anyway and relaxed with a small smile. If nothing else, his words and presence confirmed that she could indeed refer to the elf as one she was close to emotionally.
"It's especially White Raffard's Decoction that we could use more of." She sighed and Iorveth's ears perked up with that.
"White Raffard's Decoction? Mhh... Interesting." he mumbled. "No way to get supplies? Nature is ripe with everything in this time of the year." Shani nodded helplessly and shrugged her dainty shoulders. "Yes. But the fungi we need for it produce spores during the summer which are toxic. There is no way we can get them now. We would have to wait for fall, near winter even." She explained helplessly and the elf pursed his lips.
He knew of quite a few fungi species that did that during summer and to whose spores his kin were immune, though they tended to have an incredibly debilitating euphoric or psychedelic effect instead.
"Do you know which kind exactly?" Shani furrowed her brows in thought and then shook her head slightly. "I'm not sure... Why? Can you do something about it?!" The hope that shone in her eyes made him cringe inwardly, it was adorable and repulsing in equal measure.
"I will have to ask a herbalist then. I can't tell for sure if I can help Shani. Better to not get your hopes up." He said warningly and she nodded, yet the shine did not leave her pretty eyes.
More flower picking then... If his people could see him, he thought gloomily and sighed.
Shani excused herself before it was her that'd fall asleep on him this time and Iorveth nodded, bidding her a mumbled goodnight.
It would be the first thing he'd do upon waking tomorrow, looking for the witch and hoping she'd be of help to him. The woman liked to be cryptic and she knew that he found her mystic affectation most annoying. Which just encouraged her of course. Iorveth sighed, tomorrow was gonna be a long day.
Iorveth found little sleep that night, his restless energy returned to him slowly but surely and making it impossible to stay put for long.
When he awoke the next morning he was disappointed to find that the witch wasn't there yet and upon further investigation he made the agitating discovery that she was unlikely to come at all this very day.
So if he wanted to help Sh- wanted to help the people, his people furthermore he had to get over himself and enter the metaphorical lion's den that was Abigail's and Shani's shared hut.
Quickly the elf got dressed in simple leather trousers and a brown tunic. With a sigh he let the red headscarf slide through his fingers, thumbs caressing the worn fabric. It had been a while since he wore it. He admitted that he had become strangely comfortable without it, at least in the temple complex. People just didn't notice it really, there were many with similar and often far worse injuries of their own who were of far more interest than himself, and those who would were too sick to care.
Iorveth expression turned into something grim and his lips were a set line when he wrapped the already slightly rotten fabric around his head in practised movements to hide the mark born out of hate and prejudice. He missed his usual feather and noticed with a slight smile that his hair had gotten just a tad longer than usual, and it was beginning to spill out from underneath the cloth in inky black tresses.
He'd have to cut it soon, but for now it was still tolerable. He thought as he wove his way around the cots quietly and to the exit.
The elf wanted to avoid to be seen if possible and seemed successful when he slipped onto the yet quiet streets of Ellander.
He'd have to be careful, it wouldn't do for knights of the Flaming Rose or other fanatics to see him, especially him who has commited countless gruesome crimes against their kinds and the crown.
It made him almost grin when he slipped the thin hood of his tunic over his head to conceal his face and his ears from prying eyes.
Finding the small hut wasn't a hard endeavor , it was close to the walls of the city and he had gotten directions by an excited Abigail who had eagerly implored him to come visit her sometime. For what he could well imagine.
Iorveth shook his head at that and could barely prevent a fond smile as he remembered the witch's antics.
He was used to stealth and wandering in the shadows, so he kept to dark alleys and small sideways to reach his destination. The grounds of the temple might protect him to a certain extent, but out here he was outlawed and rather easy prey with his only weapon being a knife in his boot.
Once the hut was in sight he kept lurking in the mouth of the dingy alley, his keen eye scanning the area thoroughly before casually stepping out and crossing the dusty street in a few strides with his long legs.
The elf found himself reluctant when he raised his fist for a few sharp knocks. His pointy ears twitched under the hood, trying to listen for any activity from the inside. But it was quiet, safe for the quiet breaths of Abigail inside.
Instead of the sharp knocks he had intended, it turned into a soft pounding which immediately made the woman stir, from what he could hear anyways. There was some rustling and soft curses before the door was opened for just a few inches.
He had never seen the woman that tired and found her sleepy, tousled appearance rather pleasing to his surprise. "Ooh, look who's come to visit the pesky old witch. The pesky ole elf it seems." There was snark in her voice, but not enough to be serious snark. Iorveth considered this her playful snark which with he was quite familiar with indeed.
"Right, this pesky ole elf seeks some counseling." He said, his voice even as he shrugged off and stepped in once she allowed him to. "Counseling huh? Is that how you call it? Counseling?" Her voice was rather playful and Iorveth sighed, definitely long-suffering before he faced her with a serious expression.
"I need your expertise concerning the plants in this area. Especially concerning the mushrooms for the White Raffard's Decoction." Iorveth said straight out, always coming to the point immediately as was his nature.
Abigails knowing smile puzzled him a little but he chose to ignore it, asking her about it would only end in more confusion and probably frustration.
"Coming straight to the point, no? Then I will do the same since I have a lot of work to do myself this very day. There is a grove in the east, not far from here where you can find the mushrooms needed for the decoction. I am unaware of what your people refer to it as, but I do know that it's spores tend to have a more... pleasant effect on your species than my own, though I am unaware of the specifics." Abigail frowned slightly, and it worried him. "Even so, you should take care, Iorveth. Just because the spores are not fatal, does not mean that they will affect you pleasantly. I have heard various tales and the only thing i can say for certain is... the spores themselves won't be the cause of your demise, if you should happen to perish out there."
He was taken aback by the actual concern in her voice but nodded his thanks, his hand touching his heart in a flourishing gesture to indicate his thanks as his people do it among each other.
When he went back at the temple to collect his things it was of course buzzing with a lot more activity, but he was glad that Shani was not among the priestesses yet. He did not want her to be unnecessarily (necessarily) concerned and waste his time with listing the possible dangers.
Of course he was seen, and many eyes followed him but no one dared to cross his path which he found quite pleasing.
His horse had been brought to the stables outside the city and everytime he could catch a moment he would visit the old mare to see if she was treated well.
To be honest the mare was in an impeccable state, well rested and well fed and she could really use some movement, her saddle straps had to be hooked wider than usually.
Iorveth refrained from using a fast gallop, it would make his little excursion look like an escape which he definitely wanted to avoid in order to avoid riling up the guards.
He was rather sure he had seen the grove Abigail had pointed him to from the last time he was wandered the wilds. He had looked right into it from the soft mossy hills that surrounded the grove and had decided not to go down there, since the air had been thick with spores.
While riding he bent down in his saddle and picked up a few leafy herbs on which he chewed to make his mind less prone to probable hallucinegenic properties of the spores. After all he wanted to get some work done instead of dancing naked under the thick green canopy.
It was an uneventful little journey, that didn't take him longer than maybe an hour and a half at most, and he easily avoided the few monsters in the area.
Intelligently he left his horse out of the immediate sphere of influence once he dismounted and left it in the halfshadow of a few silvery birches that were scattered close to the mossy hills and the grove.
As he ascended the soft hills he focused himself, prepared his mind for the onslaught to come and controlled his breathing carefully.
His face was calm when he looked down into spore filled grove and then, after long long minutes began to climb down to begin his search for the mushrooms.
The effect was almost immediate- As soon as he dived into the magical looking dust of spores he could feel it cloying his nose and toying with his senses. But his steely willpower saved him from succumbing to the twisting effects all to soon, long enough for him to find the dark and hidden patch with the special mushrooms. They grew on a small mossy patch which was overshadowed by an overlapping rock.
Quickly he began to pick the ingredients, carefully cutting them off right above the ground and taking care not to damage them. They were incredibly valuable and having one damaged beyond use would be a shame.
Keeping his movements steady prove to be a hard task all too soon though, his hands began shake ever so slightly and it looked as though the air would shake in waves around them with every movement he made. The elf shook his head to rid himself of the effects of the spores, but the movement only made everything worse and the world spun around him in a blur of colors and light.
Iorveth groaned and tried to touch his head which was when he noticed that he was laying on the ground, the bag with the mushrooms discarded next to him. "How the hell..." He muttered, surprised and intrigued when his words became visible in the air, colorful swirls of somethig, he had no name for it but it looked so beautiful that he was stunned silent for a while until he began to babble, useless words just to see those colors again.
And oh how he laughed, deep and rich and it almost felt as if his vocal chords weren't used to that sound anymore for they felt raw and the colors turned dark with the dissonance.
The elf winced and ripped the cloth from his head in an energetic movement, happy to be rid of the constricting thing.
His heavy coat soon followed and he scrambled onto his feet with quite an effort, his breath labored when he finally stood.
Iorveth's eye widened with the sight, the spores dancing around him were illuminated by tiny lights it seemed, much like little glowing bugs and he felt so full of spirit suddenly, his chest so full and heavy with the feeling that he needed a way to vent, to get it out lest he burst.
Reaching for his belt he pulled out his well-used flute and began to play, absolutely fascinated with the colors his music created. It was almost a frenzy, obsessive and fast, high and low. His fingers moving on their own accord until it terrified him and became too much too fast, spinning out of control and over his head and with an effort he managed to throw the instrument on the ground, his forehead glistening with sweat and his chest heaving.
It's then that he heard a low, familiar chuckle. "Enjoying the Midaëte delights, my friend?" Iorveth wipped around and stared into the face of his friend, Laolin, the long dead Liaolin who had perished over a year ago, by Iorveth's hand no less.
But there he stood, easy grin and red hair just like he had remembered. The elf found himself dizzied yet again when the grove arround him blurred and turned into the burning ruins of a village, an exact scenery his grandmother had forced him to remember so well, to his great shame.
Laolin's grin turned into a leer and there was something about the elf that deeply repulsed Iorveth, something that made him stagger back when he suddenly heard the soft sobs of a young girl, her prone and naked form curled up on the dirty ground right behind his friend.
She was dirty, but he could see the blood staining her thighs, smeared by groping hands and he felt nauseous, so so nauseous.
"Iorveth, are you alright? Hun er bare et dh'oine hore. (she is just a human whore.) "
And all he could do was shake his head and back away from that horrific creature that he had once called friend. His foot caught against a beam and he fell, flat on his back which punched the air out of his lungs immediately and made his vision go dark.
Authors Notes:
AlexanderRavana: I apologize for the delay my much appreciated readers, but things have been a little busy of late as in medieval fairs, work and writers block and loads of frustration.
Glad to have a friend who ain't afraid to whack the nonsense out of me every now and then, so thanks for that my Grinning disaster.
And see! We made up for it with an extra LONG chapter.