She seemed to be the type of person to talk a lot about whatever came to mind, this Symenestra woman. First it was a story about a bat, and then something about having to sacrifice her pet bat to the God Viratas. Brandon didn't quite approve of either, but the latter was definitely the worst. While he wouldn't claim to be particularly knowledgeable on the god of blood, Brandon did know some basic things; for example that he was the deity revered by the spidery race more than any other. But did he ask sacrifices? The bat doubted it, but still, it mattered very little.
What that step mother had forced the now-grown up Symenestra to do was just cruel and unnecessary. Cruel to the girl, a six-years old -which was very young by human standards, or so he had learned- who kept the bat as a pet! Infuriating! Sacrifices, ha! Of course they had to be made, one life for another, but this? THIS? This was nothing but a waste of Kihala's precious gift! This was just sending souls to Dira just because. It had no purpose, it was not necessary for survival! A waste of a life that could have meant something to someone.
Anyone but Brandon could say something like that without being a hypocrite. People squashed bugs very often, just because they were annoying, without remorse, without even thinking about it. Of course, Brandon did too, but he ate them afterwards. That way it wasn't a waste, not really. But that step-mother should be thought just how precious life was, if she was still alive. Would he do it just for this random Symenestra that nursed him back to health? No. But he would do it in the name of Dira and Kihala both, he'd pass judgment on her if he was in the vicinity. If he ever visited Kalinor again. It wasn't a promise, it wasn't an oath, but he might just fulfill that task. Needless wasting of lives was not something Brandon could overlook.
The thief had to admit, this woman knew what she was doing; if it had been him, Bran would just have torn the bandage off, probably nullifying any healing that had transpired, but she? She just soaked it, letting the water gently get rid of the bond between fabric and wound, then pulling it off. Clever! What do you know, one could learn something about medicine by being injured yourself.
Lucky? No, you've got that wrong. I don't believe in luck- Well, I do, but I don't depend on it. It was Yshul who protected me, if my wings are damaged, so are my arms. And those I need for stealing. One thousand times worth of thanks, Lady Yshul!
Meanwhile some cold water was poured over his back, it felt rather cool and it temporarily soothed the pain a bit -as long as he didn't move his back or wings too much though there wasn't a lot of it- and then some paste was smeared over it, aching a bit as she touched the lacerations. The poultice did sting a bit, as if someone was stabbing him with tiny, hot needles, but at the same time it felt good, and cool. Strange... Was it because of the smell that he was getting light-headed or ..? Never mind, taking a nap sounded great, he hadn't really slept as long as he was supposed to, and the bit of sleep he'd gotten had been filled with nightmares. This time around it might be better... the bed was nice and soft, perfect for him to sleep on. A yawn tore itself out of his jaw, hurting his back a bit, but he paid it no mind and just closed his eyes and surrendered.