Private Tales Aftermath - The beginning

[Ashling Delaney]

The sounds were sickening, unearthly.. Sounds she’d only heard in her nightmares. Not even the years spent in the dungeons compared to the sounds deafening Alliria. Screams of pain, yells of taunts, battle cries, the gurgling of men, women and things dying, cries for help. It was all too much, way too much. This was by far the last thing she had imagined she had gotten herself into after the escape and yet, here she was. “Over here! Quickly!” she’d been running back and forth with the rest of the healers doing her best to help where she could. Unfamiliar with how to handle the casualties of war, she was decent enough in helping move the injured to a safer place to be looked upon by the healers. Ash had called out as she wrapped her arm around another casualty but needed help moving him. She’d not been on the road with Keldorn long before the war broke out, which also meant she was still too thin and slightly on the fragile side.

Teals looked towards one of the healers, sadness and worry frozen on her face. She wasn’t sure this one would make it “He needs to be seen quickly, he’s losing too much blood too quickly.” She said to the woman watching her walk away to grab some cloth. A hand then placed on the man’s chest as she slid her eyes closed briefly, the light was envisioned moving from her to the man, giving him just enough strength to get through whatever treatment they deemed necessary and to slow the bleeding. She stood, wiping her face with a.. slightly.. clean hand. Fresh and dried blood already covered a good portion of her face and clothing, as it had most of the healers. A deep breath in..

More were coming through the gate and that breath was let out.. Her eyes caught his movements, watched him as he carried a woman through the gate, only to watch his body jerk. Arrows, she'd watched with her own eyes as they hit their target. Ashlings movements started quickly towards the gate, watching as the healers nearby took charge of the situation. The woman he'd carried out was taken care of while others started caring for his wounds. “Keldorn!” She yelled but she knew her yelling would likely go unheard. Her pace quickened, she felt the magic brimming in the air, her skin crawled with it. Ash dropped to the ground shielding her eyes from whatever brightness filled the sky. Ash hadn't a clue what was going on but there was now a breach in the wall and It was then that she saw Keldorn charge out to hold this breach. Her eye's widened as she watched the scene unfold. It was as if everything was in slow motion as she watched him hold it before falling to his knees, eye’s to the sky, covered in blood and an arrow protruding out of his back.

Pushing herself up, she rushed to him sliding to a stop in front of him. One hand on either side of his shoulders, teals looked him over the best she could in this situation. Too much blood, fresh blood, his.. She was scared and it was ever present in her eyes. “Stay with me” she said softly “Fight it!” shook him.. “I need help!!” she yelled. Looking towards any that were nearby.. “You!” she demanded “Help me get him out of here and into one of the tents, now!” A few men carried him out and followed her into one of the tents and to an empty makeshift bed. “Lay him on his side, fetch some fresh water and cloth”. Her hands moved frantically trying to find where all the active bleeding wounds were.

It wasn’t long before the items she asked for were produced. “Thank you, I’ll take it from here” She knew what she needed to do and she wished for none to be around when she did it. Keldorn seemed to be out of it, coming and going out of consciousness as she worked. Bloodied fingers wrapped around the shaft of the one arrow still stuck in his back, where this one was located, if she were to just pull it normally, he’d bleed out quickly. Luckily, she wasn’t just a normal healer. With those fingers still wrapped around the arrows shaft, she closed her eyes and envisioned that light again, only this time she watched it surround the arrow as she slowly pulled it out to heal it as she did so. If she were to pull it out quickly, as one normally would do, it wouldn’t heal fast enough and she’d run into the same problem.

The sound of the arrow hitting the ground would go unnoticed as she then moved him slowly onto his back fully. Palms of both hands then placed on his chest, teals closed once again as she watched the light move across his body, His bleeding slowing until it stopped completely, his wounds, though still open, were no longer an issue. She did her best to now heal him too much, as to give away her secret but enough to make it seem as though Keldorn only had surface wounds, nothing grave as it had been. Teals opened, looking upon Keldorn’s wounds. The clean water soon spoiled with blood as she began to clean his wounds. Her body worn, eye’s weary, covered in driead blood, blood splatter on her face, her white locks stained red.. Her… gift.. takes its toll when used too often or too much, but it was worth it to save as many as she could..

---

Keldorn

 

[Keldorn]

He had done it. Jane was safe and the breach was held, even if it may cost his life. He saw Ashling in what felt like his final moments and he had no fear, no regrets. Be'senaar had summoned the Redeemed and he had answered the call, Ashling had even encouraged it.

"Ashling..?" Voices whispered around him, hands grabbed at him rigorously. One boot dragged on the ground, then he felt as if he was floating before he felt something sturdy beneath him.

A woman's voice. Her voice. Ashling. The stranger that had been thrust upon him because of Vekna. Vekna. His concern for his companion overshadowed his focus and by the time he had the energy to speak. Ashling had already been wiping his body clean with a rag. "Vekna.." he wheezed. "We need to save.. Vekna.." there was a panic, an alarm she had never heard before.

A bright light would drop from the heavens, similar to what smote the dark God Vardan. But this was the work of the Redeemed as they began to banish the souls of the undead.

Ashling Delaney

 

[Ashling Delaney]

Weary eye’s gazed up at one of the healers passing by, raising her arm she flagged her down. “Is there anymore clean water to be used?” She wasn’t sure how much they had to spare, if any at this point. The small hand basin no longer held any amount of clean water, and she wasn’t even close to cleaning him up. The healer nodded at Ash and murmured that she’d quickly go check. “Thank you” her voice cracked. The constant screaming and yelling at everyone had begun to take its toll but it was nothing she couldn’t handle. Nothing compared to the bodies that laid nearby, void of life or on the brink of it. Nothing compared to the wounds that still lay bleeding and the men a woman crying out in pain within the tent. Even after healing Keldorn, her body yelling at her from the inside to stop, was nothing.

His voice startled her, teals quickly looking towards his face, she hadn’t expected him to be away so soon. Vekna? Vekna was still in there? Worry once again clouded her eyes “Where?“ Ash dropped the bloodied rag into the wash basin just as the one healer came and exchanged it for a clean basin of water and clean cloth. “Tell me where Vekna is and I will go, you are in no shape to be out there.” Which, at this point was a lie but if she were to tell him otherwise, he’d find out one of her many secrets. Another bright light took over everything, causing her to see nothing for a moment. Shielding her eyes with her arm until the light disappeared. She had no idea what these bouts of magic where but she could feel them as the built up and then expired.

Soiled hands felt for her throwing knives at her belt, not that they would do much if she needed to use them, but they’d be enough to give her extra time. Ripping a piece of, already barely hanging on, cloth form her shirt before gathering those bloodied white locks and using cloth to tie them up out of her face. She knew that with the panic in his voice that Vekna was in grave danger, she also knew how important Vekna was to him and with what short amount of time she’d spent with the two since the hearth spell, Vekna had become important to her as well.. There was a reason the spell pointed to Vekna, even if neither one understood why.

---

Keldorn

 

[Keldorn]

He reached for her weakly, his shaking hand grabbing ahold of hers. "Be-before the gate th-that I carried Jane through.. H-he's in a b-bad way.." unfortunately for her, Keldorn may have been clinging to consciousness, but he was acutely aware of magick healing. That would have to wait for a different moment.

"S-save Vekna.. Re-redeemed should be there.." she had never seen him so weak before, his body still recovering from being at the gates of hell. Instead of speaking, he would just weakly pull her hand to the holster at his hip where is repeating hand crossbow was. He had started teaching her how to use it. "Just in case.."

He started to say something else, before his head drooped and his hand dropped from hers.

Ashling Delaney

 

[Ashling Delaney]

He's in a bad way.. There were so many emotions fighting for the spot at the top that she wasn't even sure how to react to everything. The noises were too much, the smells, the sights.. She patted his hand and nodded. "He'll be okay, don't worry.." Eyes flickered out of the tent and towards the direction of the gate. Was there fighting still going on? It was unsure for everything was just clashing together, there was no way to tell battle cries to the cries of those within the tent. What would she witness beyond that gate? "I will..I promise" The second promise to have been made fell through parched lips. The first one was the one she'd given the Duke one night as she laid clinging to life on the dirt covered stone. She'd promised to look him in the eyes as he took his last breath.. and she did.

She felt his hand again, only to be pulled towards his crossbow. Eyeing him for a moment, wondering if this was really a good idea before just nodding to him. Fingers worked at removing it before clasping it to her belt. She stood there long enough to watch him fade back into that much needed sleep, his body demanding it. A shaky sigh let at before boot covered feet hurriedly exited out of the tent and straight for the gate. A few random healers and knights trying tonstop her, telling her that she's needed more here and not beyond the gate. She shrugged them all off and continued on until the gate was reached. Eyes took in the wreckage that was the battlefield and it was nothing she could have ever expected. So many bodies.. So many men and women doing things she was unsure of exactly what but from the looks of it, it was good and the fighting had ended.. Ash felt, off, she felt as if she should know everything that was happening before her eyes and yet, she knew hardly anything.

Shaking it off she made her way into the battlefield, maneuvering between those still working on the undead. Eyes scanning the fallen for Vekna, careful of where her boots fell. Where was he!? She had to find him! Her breathing, heavy, as she continued to scan the grounds. Just beyond a pike of bodies she could see Vekna, laying on his side, still as could be.. Her heart dropped and panic filled those steps as she ran towards him, falling to her knees beside him. Hands lifted his head and laid it upon her lap as she listen to see if he was breathing, listened to hear even a faint heartbeat.. Teals clouded with tears as she realized, no signs of life were left.. "Vekna...Don't leave him, he needs you.." she cried softly into the horses face.."I need you.." She knew what she needed to do but she wasn't even sure she had enough strength to do it, what would happen if she succeeded.. It mattered not..Vekna must be saved.

---

Keldorn

 

[Be'sennar]

As she exited through the castle gates, she would recognize the squat Dwarf- Fel, one of the Redeemed who had helped in healing Keldorn initially. "C'mon lass! Stay close!" He would shout to her over the din of yelling. He led her down, down the collapsed earthen wall that was laden with corpses, over the trenches that were made level with corpses.

Undead feasted on the living and while she dropped to where Vekna was surrounded by the corpses of Wargs, Fel would continue on, throwing his body into the path of a small group of undead. "C'mon ye bastards! There's still one Dwarf in the field, eager for a fight, a-ha!" He would swing his hammer whilst yelling something in dwarvish and it would emit a thunderwave on impact casting the undead asunder.

Heavy boots would fall around Ashling before blood red plate crouched beside her. His calming gaze would wash over Ashling and when he spoke, she would feel a peace, scaring away her worries. "Dry your eyes, my dear." He would say calmly.

There would be a pause as a stream of undead broke through a group of guardsmen. His hand would rest on the hilt of his blade and as his eyes glowed, the overcast would dissipate, shedding a light on him. "Be at peace." He would say, and a beam of light would sweep from the heavens, illuminating the small group and they would fall lifeless to the ground.

Ashling Delaney

 

[Ashling Delaney]

She hadn’t even noticed the dwarf at first, his words barely falling on her ears. It was thanks to him that she’d been able to make it to Vekna in the first place and yet, she had know recollection of this? She had followed him, as he had asked, to Vekna all the while she was unaware of the goings on around her with the undead, unaware of just how close she was to things she only had nightmares about. The last of his words had her turning her gaze towards him, a smirk played across her face briefly as he took care of the undead before him.

Her attention moved back to Vekna, a hand brushing through his hair picking out dried blood. She felt another presence but gave it no mind as she leaned down and hugged the horse close to her. Teals held boots that moved into view before looking up to the red plate the man wore, his voice had a strange calmness about it. It washed over her, soothing her mind of all the crazed thoughts or worries that plagued it. Magic? If it was, she hadn’t felt it. The man was one she’d never seen before but it was likely this man knew Keldorn, as it seemed all did.

Ashling watched in awe as the man seemed to summon the light from the sky, was that what they’d been seeing?! And as the words fell from his mouth, that light found its target and the undead fell to the ground. Magic, again.. Fingers came to brush strands of white from her eye’s before looking from the man to Vekna. This was indeed the place she needed to be and the people she needed to be around. Maybe they all had answers for all the questions she’s held her entire life.. But for now.. “Please say nothing about what you might see..” she said to the man, that is, if it works.

With Vekna’s head still in her lap, she leaned over the house hugging it close. Palms were placed on his chest and eyes began to close.. The light was envisioned coming from her body, to Vekna’s. A soft hum came from her - it was that of a lullaby she could remember ever since she was a babe, but couldn’t remember any words to it. The melody was always calming to her and thus she believed to aid in her work. The light continued, from her body to his as she envisioned it flowing through his entire body, centered at his heart. Sweat began to form on her forehead, body was shaking but she was not aware of anything going on, with herself nor her surroundings. She would not stop until it was done.

There was no sense in how much time had passed since she had begun. Her own heart rate was beginning to slow as she continued to pour that light into Vekna. In truth, she had no idea how this all worked, she didn’t know if there was a better way or if this was truly the only way to do what she knew how. She felt the rhythm begin, faunt as it was, it was in tune with her humming. It was working! With every pulse of light, his got stronger. With every hum, his breathing would be heard until a soft snort was let out and a nudge to Ashlings chest. Eyes would open to look right into Veknas and she burst out sobbing. She paid no mind to the blood coming from her nose, nor the fact that she felt as if she couldn’t breath. Vekna was alive, she had done it, but at what cost to her or to another? Ashling was able to look up to the man, that light in her eyes was gone and before she could say a word her own body gave out on her and she slumped over Vekna.

---

Be'sennar Keldorn

 

[Be'sennar]

Be'senaar would watch as the young woman looked upon him in awe, it wasn't everyday someone got to see the Redeemer banish the undead. She then made a request of him, and he offered a reassuring smile. "As you wish."

Magick had a price, he knew that better than most. She would place her hands on the battered, broken steed that was Vekna. To Be'senaar, he was more than just a horse, he was a spirit guide, one he had sent many years ago to find Keldorn.

She probably wouldn't feel it as she focused on her magick, but Be'senaar would place a hand on her shoulder, opening the well of his divine connection to her. Hundreds of lifetimes of combating the dark, foiling evil, blessing the gods. It was a flood of energy that she would never know again. He would fight the desire to take away the pain beyond the strain, but that would have to be her choice. The cost was a life for a life, but it wouldn't be hers. It would be one of his.

He could feel the sting along his arm before it burned into his chest, felt the life ebbing away and flowing to Ashling like a conduit, and then to Vekna. Normally, in times like this, the Redeemer would die, something he gladly did. But it seemed the soul of a horse did not weigh more than that of the gods champion, and though he could feel the exhaustion, that's all it would be.

Once the heart of Vekna began to beat, Ashling would slump during the momentary lag of the exchange of energy, before Be'senaar's well filled her back up. Between her going unconscious, it would only be a handful of seconds, yet to her she would feel as if she had the energy of a good night's sleep. "Walk back into the light, young one.. you've done well."

Ashling Delaney

 

[Ashling Delaney]

There was much she had yet to see, yet to learn, yet to experience in life and it would seem as though she’s been thrust into a world she had known nothing about. Where she’d come from, magick was frowned upon, any type of magick. Therefore, it was never talked about, and she never witnessed it save for what she could do herself. Humans ran rampant where she was from, there were no other races and if by chance there were, they’d been in hiding. She’d never laid eyes upon the undead, until today and yet, she wasn’t surprised in the least. It was as if she’d always known this world existed outside of what she’d been accustomed to, or maybe it was more, she hoped it did.

She believed that her gift was working, that she was able to perform whatever it was she could do had only done so on much smaller animals. Unbeknownst to her, the man that had come to her was the reason this had worked all along. She wasn’t aware of his hand on her shoulder, the energy passing through him to her. She believed it was all her doing, that she actually did something worthy for once.. But who was she kidding? She had no control over what she could do, she’d used it many times prior for the wounded and thus, her body was already weary once she’d reached Vekna.

His voice is what brought her back. Eye’s fluttering open just as she felt another nudge of Veknas head to her chest. Her heart was happy, and a smile flickered on that oh so weary face of hers as she hugged the horse close. Tilting her head, she looked up to the man. “It was you, wasn’t it?” With a soft pat to the horse’s head, she scooted out from under him and pushed herself up to stand. Vekna stood, slowly, with her. “Thank you, for your help. I am in your debt sir?” She didn’t know whom this man was and awaited that answer. It was then she realized her body was no longer worn out as it had been, her head much clearer. Which was unusual after what she’d just done. Confusion crossed her face as she rubbed her head. Was this his doing as well?

---

Be'sennar Keldorn

 

[Be'sennar]

Be'senaar would rise to his feet, helping her stand in the process as he answered her query. "This was you. I cannot raise the dead, I cannot reach that anymore. At one point, yes, but that was ages ago. Before Alliria was so grand." He would say looking around, as he withdrew his hand.

"There is a price to all magick and in your current state, you would have perished to save Vekna.. that would serve Keldorn no more than losing him." His gaze would wash from her to the horse. "You have an impressive gift, with training you may eventually surpass me in renown." He would say lightly and with a friendly grin. "So instead of you paying the price for that magick, I did. But you brought Vekna back."

The Dwarf from before would approach. "Redeemer, we lost six. Kyp, Gryf, Solara, Drave-."

He would be cut off by Be'senaar. "Draven, Chelios, and Sayla.. check their writs.. those who wished for resurrection, we will prepare the ceremony for, those who didn't? We will prepare the bodies and return to Eredale." Ashling could see the pain in Be'senaar's eyes as the names of the dead were uttered.

Once Fel walked away, he returned his gentle and calming gaze back to Ashling. "Not many would be willing to pay the price for a steed.. you were. That is the sign of someone whose soul is worth more than any amount of gold. Your worth will be known wherever you may go."

Ashling Delaney

 

[Ashling Delaney]

Fingers trailed down Vekna’s back, soothing not only him but herself after all that had happened and doing her best to wrap her mind around it. All me? She thought to herself with a slight shake of her head given in response. There was no way, she questioned to herself. Right? While he spoke of the price of magick, dried lips turned, smiling as she looked to Vekna. She knew what she was doing and what would have possibly happened, but it would have been worth it to save something that meant so much to someone. Teals marked the man in confusion when he said what he did about Keldorn losing her. “I assure you, sir, that losing me wouldn’t have caused such heartbreak as it would have losing Vekna.” A smile tugged at her lips as she knew he was simply trying to make her feel better.

“I apologize for causing you to pay that price when it was not asked of you.” She said quietly when she noticed the same dwarf that helped her get to this point making his way towards them. Redeemer? Was She had heard Keldorn speak very highly of this man a few times and she was now in his presence? There wasn’t the slighted idea just how important the man standing in front of her was, the Redeemer. But after seeing what he could do and what he helped her with, she knew she was in the presence of someone very important, very powerful.

She listened as the two spoke and watched the looks upon both faces as they discussed their fallen. She looked to the Redeemer wide eyed when he spoke of resurrection. So, there were more that could raise the dead? This brought some sort of happiness to her, to know that she was not alone in what she could do and perhaps, someone would be able to teach her how to do it correctly. “If there is anything I can do to help.” She said, interrupting them briefly.

With the Redeemers words falling back to her, his words surprised her. His words caused her heart a kind of pain she wasn’t used to, Her worth. “This stead means a lot to many, this stead has led a life of meaning and will continue to do so. This stead is innocently heroic, he knows no wrong and thus pure of heart. The price of my life for his was not in question. I’ve no life, I mean nothing to anyone, there are none that truly knows who I am and where I came from. My life has meant nothing and thus would continue to mean nothing if it were given to Vekna. It is but a beautiful price to pay to allow him to go on.” Said so certainly and not in a way that she wished for any sort of pity at all, just telling the honest truth


With a change of subject she spoke. “Keldorn will be most happy to see Vekna, I should get back to him, make sure my healings have helped him enough to rest easily.” She looked to the Redeemer again with a smile, a smile that hid the sadness of the words he spoke that continued to sound in her head. Her soul was worth more than any amount of gold, her worth would be known wherever she goes.. But what if they find out about her past and what she had done.. Then what. They wouldn’t think so then. "Thank you, again, for everything"

---

Be'sennar Keldorn

 

[Be'sennar]

Be'senaar would only offer a faint smile as she spoke of Keldorns pain. "I am willing to bet you would be mistaken.." he said gently. After the exchange with Fel, he couldn't help but notice the wideness of her eyes at the mention of resurrection.

"For now, Ashling..." She would notice an aire of familiarity at his use of her name, despite there being no introductions. ".. you can rest. That will be the best way for you to help, as you will not know when you will need full energy. When the time comes, you may observe, study, maybe even help. Keldorn will be there in some capacity." He would add.

As she spoke of her own worth, Be'senaar would speak, allowing a darker edge to his tone. It would serve only to get her to cease at hurting herself. "Ashling.." then tone would then become gentle once more. ".. all life has value.. all life have purpose, and all life should be cherished. Even yours. From the lowest slave of Cerak at'Thul to the highest merchant Lord of Alliria. Before the gods, you're all equal. Your worth is determined by what you do, not where you were born."

He then sighed and looked to the gate. "Return to Keldorn, we will tend to Vekna from here. Rest, it was well-deserved. And.. you need never thank me."

 

[Ashling Delaney]

There were just some things that people would never agree on, and what the redeemer spoke about regarding Keldorns pain and her, was one of them. With his words, she cleared her throat but said nothing and let it be. She cocked her head, threads of white stained with blood fell over her shoulder. She had to think back during this short interaction if she had given him her name, she was positive that had never happened. There were so many questions racing through her mind now but she knew now wasn’t the time to even begin to let them spew out.

As he spoke, she listened but let her eyes pour over the battlefield. Too much, it was too much. Too many bodies, too much blood.. A vision of the Dukes bedchambers flashed in her mind, blood and limps everywhere. She stumbled back by the sudden unwanted memory. Eye’s flickered back to the redeemer before she spoke. “Will you rest too?” She asked, concerned. She didn’t know how much he could do or give before he too was giving too much. “You need too.” Said as fingers ran through Veknas hair again.

The tone in his voice when her name rang out had her focused on him, as she was sure that’s what it was intended to do. As he spoke, her vision blurred but she would not let a single tear fall. There was no way he knew where she came from, what had happened, what she’d been made to do time and time again nor how she ended things. Indeed, worth was determined by actions and hers had been nothing but evil that day she ran but he didn’t know this and that, that is one of many reasons she is.. unworthy.

Parched lips curled into a faint smile. “I am truly honored that our paths have crossed this day, I have much to thank you for, even if you do not believe that to be so. Please to not hesitate to find me if my help is needed, I will gladly do what I can.” She gave him another smile before looking back to Vekna, arms wrapping around the horses neck before hugging him close.

Her steps where heavy as she moved away from the two, she hadn’t wanted to leave Vekna there but had wanted to walk Vekna back to Keldorn to ease his worry. Nonetheless, the redeemer knew what was best and wouldn’t let any more harm come to Vekna. It felt like it took ages to get back to the gate and to the tent. Even with the Redeemers exchange of energy, she didn’t realize just ho exhausted she was until she got back to the tent.

The first thing she did was check on Keldorn. Moving to his side, she looked over where his wounds had been, no longer bleeding but closed. He looked so peaceful sleeping, she sighed and bent down to whisper in his ear. “Vekna is safe and well, rest easy.”

---

Be'sennar Keldorn

 

[Be'sennar]

Be'senaar watched her carefully as he spoke, as she spoke. He watched her mannerisms, her reactions. Then his gaze settled onto her eyes. A window to the soul for those who knew how to use it.

The pain, the fear, he had seen that level in the eyes of many women, many slaves, it was distinct. She would ask if he would rest and he responded with that gentle tone. "I will rest once the field has some inclination of clearing."

Her eyes glistened but no tear fell, and it was even joined by a smile that didn't quite reach the eyes. "And you are always welcome at the table of the Redeemed." He would begin. "Each of us have darkness in our pasts, each of us have faced it. When you are ready to face yours, seek me out."

He would bow his head to her as she left him behind on the battlefield, one gauntlet resting on Vekna's head. There would come a day when she was ready.

Ashling Delaney

 

[Keldorn]

When she returned to Keldorn's side, he was for the most part conscious. He could feel the probing hands of a woman, but it wouldn't be until she spoke that he knew who it was. "If you wanted to strip me down.. you need only ask.." he would laugh, his voice hoarse from the battle.

Everything hurt, but he knew that something was up. His wounds were healed, but he only remembered her from earlier. That would be addressed when he could stand. One hand would reach back for her, teasing along her hip on its way to her hand. "Thank you.."

 

[Ashling Delaney]

The windows to the soul.. That was one reason Ash never looked at another in the eyes for too long, she knew much could be read through the eyes. Yet, with the Redeemer, she felt safe. Safe in a way she hadn't felt until. Well, Keldorn. She knew neither were part of some vast plan to capture her and take her back like she believed would happen, as she feared most people she came into contact were part of. Was she truly finally safe? He had to know the words he spoke meant more to her then just silly words, he was the Redeemer and she had a feeling she wasn't the first lost soul he'd helped. There would come a time when she felt like telling her story, to get it out would be part of healing, to help her move on. A nod had been given to him before she'd said "I look forward to that."



Back at the tent, she'd just checked the last of the wounds that she could without moving him when his voice, hoarse as it was, was a welcomed sound. "Now, we both know that I wouldnt even have to ask!" She joked back before a smile spread across that bloodied face, fresh and dried. She'd forgotten all about her bloody nose from bringing back Vekna, what a sight that must be. "You need water, let me get you some" said as she started to stand but not before she felt his hand move across her hip lightly before it found her hand, a chill ran through her body leaving goosebumps upon her skin. Teals fell to his hand, then to him. "No thanks needed, it was the least I could do.. a repayment for all you've done for me.. Consider me still in you debt. Even with all the coin I managed to bring in" she smiled, fingers squeezing his hand lightly before letting it go. It had taken her some time to be used to physical contact of any sort, so even those was progress.

She left him at that and went to find a water, which thankfully didn't take long at all. The healers already had fresh waterskins prepared for those that needed them. A quick thanks to some of the healers before she took one and headed back to Keldorn. "Drink, all of it" she said before handing it to him. Paying no mind to her needs or that fact that her own body was screaming at her to settle down. It could wait a little while longer.

---

Keldorn

 

[Keldorn]

A pained smirk would cross his face. "True, just a smile.." he wheezed out as he shifted. And her insistence that he needed water, he perked a brow, the gash under his other eye stretching some. "We both do.." a pained laugh would follow her response to his thanks, his teeth bloodied within the grin. "If i were to put you our right now.. that wouldn't be the case.. bring a basin.. you shouldn't be soiled."

His hand would withdraw as she began to pull away, and a silent curse escaped his lips again as he rotated in a way that strained his injuries. Eyes closed, he would wait like that for her return, at which he would narrow his eyes. "Ashling.. we will share, or i will not drink until you get yourself another canteen. And a basin."

 

[Ashling Delaney]

Just a smile.. and that smile broadened, followed by a welcomed chuckle. Music to the ears, some would say, after such a battle. "That may be true, but you need it more, by far!" She insisted. He'd been out there, in that nightmare and she, she'd been here just to aid. Such a big difference and his body needed replenished. She might have aided in things differently then most but she didn't need any special treatment because of it, why none knew.

His laugh, though he struggled with it, brought another smile to her face. "Might want to hold those laughs back until you heal some more, they'll only bring pain until then." She said, concerned that maybe she hadn't healed him enough. She'd left that thought just long enough to have grabbed him the water. Upon her return she noted he was in a slightly different position. "You're going to hurt yourself the more you move, let me help you.." she'd said while the water had been handed to him. "Tell me how you want to be laying or sitting and I'll help you"

"I will get myself water once I know you're taken care of and a basin? Come now, I'm not that dirty." She smirked.. Though, she was more soiled then she thought she was. " You needn't not to worry about me Keldorn, I'll be okay. It's you that you need to worry about, let yourself heal." In truth, she wasn't sure how to handle someone worrying about he wellbeing and so, it was easier to dismiss it then to acknowledge it. "So, are you comfortable or do I need to help you move?"

---

Keldorn

 

[Keldorn]

He would bite back a laugh. "I do. But you need it as well." He relaxed some. "We just talked about what you're smiles do." He teased playfully. At her offer to move him, he would nod. "Fine.. help me walk into a secluded tent, I need to bathe the blood off of me."

He would accept the canteen, took a sip, then offered to her. "Drink.. or i dump this." He would say, his tone showing he was serious.

He would try to sit up. "If I don't watch after you, who will? Certainly not you, you're too busy doting after me." He would wince. "Besides.. Vekna would be pissed if I didn't." At her question, he gave her a look. "Secluded tent, waterskins, basins, bath. Let's go."

 

[Ashling Delaney]

Ash brought a hand up to cover her mouth and with all seriousness said “What smile, you saw nothing!” a laugh escaped those hidden lips before she lowered her hand back to her side. “Are you sure you’re well enough to walk, even with help, to another tent?” That hint of concern coating her words. She was worried that there was some internal damage that she hadn’t been able to get to and by moving him, would make it worse.

A sip, that was it before he pushed it to her. “I would have been happier if you had drank more before offering it to me.” she gave him that, matter of fact, look before she took the canteen from him. Lifting it to her lips, she sighed softly as the water hit her mouth, Since when did water taste so heavenly? “Who says I need anyone to watch over me?” The canteen would then be shoved back into his hands “finish it.” fingers wiped at what little water had spilled from the canteen onto her bottom lip before continuing “Besides, I’m sure Vekna would understand me taking care of you right now.” Would he ever find out what happened? That Vekna had died and she’d managed to pull off bringing him back? With help of course.

“Alright, alright!” With his words she walked out long enough to ask where the closest secluded tent was that had basins ready for someone to bathe in. Once she was told where one was, she asked that some more drinking water be ready and if there was any type of food, for just a little to be left. He needed the extra nourishment, not just from the water. “Alright, lets go”She stood next to him, leaning down to pull his arm around her neck to help him stand if he needed. “It’s not too far from him, just out this way ” she pointed “and 4 tents down, think you can handle that?”

---

Keldorn

 

[Keldorn]

"Yeah, the one behind the bloody lips and blood matted hair." He continued to tease. He would groan at her question. "I think I've been much worse off." Keldorn laughed. "Viper's Den in Ragash in my youth.."

"I'm sure you would have, but this is a sip by sip basis." He replied, taking a slightly longer sip and offering it back. "Sip. By. Sip. You did when you casted that spell and it led you to Vekna. It became my duty to watch over you, whether you like it or not."

She would depart and return, ready to help him to his new quarters. He would use her to help stand, and even put his arm around her shoulders for support. "I'm going.. to need your help... with the bathing."

With some effort, they would reach the secluded tent, and he would close the flap, before allowing her ease him down onto the elevated cot. He would still need some time, he needed to gather all his strength.

 

[Ashling Delaney]

*I don't know what you're talking about, I don't even know how to smile" it hasn't been until recently that she even allowed herself to do just that, smile. He was too thank for that. "The Vipers den?" She questioned "You're younger years? You speak as if you're some old man, you're still young."

A slight eye roll was given when he handed the water back, she reluctantly took it. She winced when he mentioned the spell. She had apologized for it countless times and still, to this day, felt bad about it. "I thought it was too simply show me the way I needed to go, not become your burden. I'm still sorry." She sighed into b the canteen before taking another much needed drink. She laid the canteen beside him this time.

Once she had his arm around her shoulders and he was standing, they began to walk, slowly. "I uh, I'll do my best to help but certainly you don't need me to help bathe.. all of you?" Memories came rushing back to her at just the thought. The Duke. A shiver ran through her body before she shook it off. It didn't take themthat long before they we're in his new quarters. The flap closed, she helped him into the cut before checking the bath water. "It's still warm, well do your body some good to soak in it, ease your muscles. "

---

Keldorn

 

[Keldorn]

*****​

Some time later, the pair would be done with the bathing. Keldorn was cleaned, his tunic having been repurposed to serve as Ashlings new clothing.

His injuries, had been for the most part healed, and now he and Ashling were sharing a dinner of sorts. Fruits, nuts, dried meats, water, and any alcohol that could be gathered for those that served.

He rested upon the cot, his head relaxing atop her lap, one hand resting on his bare chest, while the other bent and found a home on her opposite thigh. Despite the pain from the injuries, Keldorn bore a content smile upon his lips as his eyes focused on the woman who had come to take care of him. Much had happened since she helped him into the tent, and now the dynamic of their relationship had shifted greatly.

Ashling Delaney

 

[Ashling Delaney]

Her soiled dress had become way too wet during the bathing and thus, had been tossed aside to be washed at some point. Luckily, Keldorn was willing to give her his tunic to use until she could find something more.. Suitable. It served its purpose at the moment, long enough to leave her decent at least.

The bath had, indeed, helped his wounds continue to heal. Even the new ones had begun to fade, leaving just the slightest memory upon his skin. It felt delightful to be rid of all the muck and blood that had been left to dry on her skin, hair and clothing. There was just something so, special, about that basin that it had a smile playing upon her lips as teals looked towards it

The food had been ever so welcomed, she had not even realized just how hungry she was until the smell of it filled the tent. Fingers moved towards the variety of food, taking a couple berries in hand before plopping one into her mouth, a satisfied sigh followed. Feeling his eyes upon her, she lowered her chin, eye’s meeting his as she placed a berry upon his lips. “You should get some rest once you’ve had enough to eat” Take care of him she would. “You’re still not fully healed and need your strength” she smirked lightly before plopping another berry into her own mouth with her other hand.

---

Keldorn

 

[Keldorn]

He watched her gaze flit to the tub and he couldn't help but laugh, knowing the thoughts that moved through her head. His fingers would still dance along her other thigh as he relaxed some.

You should get some rest once you’ve had enough to eat. You’re still not fully healed and need your strength.

She would taunt him with a berry against his lips. He would smirk at her before the lips parted, and he sucked the berry into his mouth and crushed it between his teeth. A swallow later and he would sigh some.

"Aye, I will. So long as you do, too. You exerted yourself quite a bit today. In the morning, we will celebrate with Vekna and my kin, and then we shall carry on, if we would like too. Or, we can take some time and stay in a city for a few days." He shrugged, with a wince. "Your choice, Ash."

---

Ashling Delaney