Wounded return

After returning to the city, Kael delivers his findings to Lord Greyheart’s advisors. They thank him for his service, and set to work figuring out what must be done. Kael leaves them to it, his part in the effort finished. He makes his way to the medic, to get his wounds taken care of.

Healing magic is exceedingly rare, and only used in the gravest of emergencies. The injuries Kael sustained do not qualify. His shoulder gets cleaned and stitched, and he is told to rest the arm for a few days. Fortunately, his armor absorbed most of the blow to his ribs, so the wound there is minor, requiring little care.

Kael leaves the medics, moving slower now as the day’s efforts have finally taken their toll. As always after such things, people in the streets avoid him, unsurprisingly considering the blood on his clothes. Though he’s used to it, he’s still relieved to make it home. With a sigh, he opens the door and steps inside.

Evie is there to greet him as he walks in. “Master! I’m so glad you’re…master, are you hurt?!”

Kael shakes his head. “I’m fine. Minor injuries.”

Evie looks at him, her concern obvious. “Are you sure, master?”

Kael nods, walking towards storage room. “I’m fine. Just want to get out of this stuff.”

He replaces his weapons, everything back in its place. Conscious of Evie’s eyes on him, he starts to pull off the armor, grimacing at his wounded arm and side. The elven woman notices his flinch, and hesitantly steps forward.

“Master…let me help you. You’re hurting.”

With a grunt, Kael manages to get the armor off. He turns to face Evie. “I…suppose that’s a good idea. I am supposed to rest my shoulder anyway…”

As he speaks, Kael is struggling to unbutton his shirt with one hand. Evie steps forward, her eyes wide as she reaches up to do it for him. She’s so small, her head not even reaching his shoulder. Kael can see her breathing quicken as she unbuttons his shirt, gently pulling it off his wounded shoulder. She gasps at the sight of his injuries.

“Master…does it hurt?”

Kael shrugs, the motion causing him to wince. “Not too badly. I’ve had worse. See, here.”

He turns, letting her see some of the scars on the other side of his bare torso. Evie reaches out, running her fingertips along the lines of his old wounds. He can feel her hand trembling as she touches his skin, and he sees her bite her lip as she does. She seems to lose herself for a moment, letting her fingers trail over him longer than either of them intended. Kael shivers slightly, which breaks the trance Evie seems to be in. She hurriedly backs away.

“Master, y-you should have a bath. Shall I prepare one?”

Kael nods, taking a deep breath. “That would be wonderful, Evie. Thank you.”

She pauses, looking at him. “Master, do you require assistance with…the rest?”

Kael shakes his head. “I think I can handle it. If I need your help I’ll call for you. Again, thank you, Evie.”

Evie actually looks disappointed, her eyes darting towards his belt. Regardless, she bows, backing out of the room. “I will run your bath, master.”

Kael watches her go, and breathes a sigh. There’s a growing tension between them, for certain. Something tells him that it’s all reaching a boiling point, and soon. The building pressure will have to escape somehow.