A Swift Recovery [Atzi]

by **Rhuryc** on April 22nd, 2011, 7:39 pm

25th Spring, 511 AV

Whitevine Hold

That was new. When Rhuryc opened his eyes he was not cold. Sore, and stiff, but the relief was palpable. Memories flooded his mind. The unyielding wilderness, the vast expanse of white. A sorcerer and his minions, days of torture and struggle. All of it seemed like a dream. A nightmare now past. And yet everything was so fresh in his mind. The dark, dank cell, the deaths he had caused, their faces forever embedded into his mind. Like all the others. There was no sight like the one of a man's countenance when he knew he was dead. No matter how terrible those monsters had been, Rhuryc would never be rid of their last moments. No matter. He was alive. With a shift he pushed himself from the cot he inhabited, torso training as he set up. Where was he?

A ward. All about him were cots loaded with patients in varying conditions, unconscious and wounded men and women scattered about while various medically minded works fussed over their conditions. The scuffle of the sick was strange mix of peaceful rhythms and loud, obnoxious interruptions. Some coughed, some hacked while others rested in care. Despite the serene tones and gentle, warm environment, Rhuryc had never much liked wards. Unseen as of yet, he pushed away the blanket that covered his torso and expected his own wounds. There were bandages everywhere. His arm, his side, across his chest, his legs. If not for his small clothes he would be almost entirely covered in white. Hmph. Moving was a nuisance. He glanced about his immediate area and felt the tension lift from his shoulders as he spotted his gear. And clothes.

It was not until he stood that the attendants took notice. They fussed at the man as he ignored them and went about reclaiming what was his, sliding into his breeches and fumbling with the tunic over his head. Stiff. His arms hovered over his head for a moment longer than what seemed proper. They had tended well to his wounds, but there would no doubt be lasting pain. Rhuryc knew that well. No matter. He continued his antics, next slipping into his favorite, leather coat, gloves, then clomping on his boots. His intent to leave was a thing of legend. Frustrated, eventually the medical attendant gave up, just as Rhuryc moved to reclaim his weapons. Sword, shield, knife. Good. Somehow he felt complete. He stood steady, firm for now, there remained only two things to do. Eat, for one. He was starved. The other was to find Cat. Atzi. Her name was Atzi. Right.

He turned, slowly - the damn stiffness in his entire body did not help him much - and surveyed the ward. Where was she?

by **Atzi** on April 22nd, 2011, 10:25 pm

After Atzi was carried to Whitevine hold, they lead her inside and to a cot. Golden eyes looked around in a panic looking for Rhuryc. Atzi spotted the beaten man with several healers around him, carefully tending to the wounds that scattered his body.

Atzi pulled away from the healers, moving towards the cot Rhuryc was on. One of the practitioners took hold of Atzi’s arm and forced her to sit down at a nearby cot. “They will take care of him, let me tend to you and then you can see him again.” Atzi tried to wiggle out of the woman’s grasp, but the Kelvic was too tired, her attempts were futile.

“Calm down, you’ll be able to see him soon.” An annoyed voice said to Atzi. One of the medical practitioners was tending to her. Her hands and feet were frost bitten, as well as her nose. Atzi stopped fidgeting for a moment, letting the woman work. Her hands and feet were covered with a strange smelling paste and then carefully wrapped in white bandages. “You will need to rest, try to stay off of your feet, it will heal faster than.” Atzi nodded slightly, her lungs still burned, but it was more achy than stabbing pains. The woman left Atzi’s side and went to tend to another patient.

The woman stood up, her walk was strange with the bandages wrapped around her feet. She made her way over to Rhuryc’s cot, and stood to the side watching the Whitevine Vantha work their magic on her injured companion. Rhuryc was unconscious, his breath was slow, if Atzi had felt for his pulse, it would undoubtedly be weak.

It took a while for the practitioners to finish their work, but once they did, they all slowly stepped away, a few nodded to Atzi as they passed her. The Kelvic stood at the foot of the cot for a moment, looking down at the man she’d (hopefully) saved. The woman moved slowly to his side, sitting herself down on the edge of the cot next to his waist. “Can you hear me?” she asked quietly, leaning forward towards him. Silence. A frown creased the woman’s face.

Atzi’s left bandaged hand touched Rhuryc’s hand, he was cold. The rise and fall of his chest let the Kelvic know there was still life. A pile of blankets were laid out next to the cot, Atzi grabbed one and laid it across Rhuryc, she took another and wrapped herself in it. She was still wearing the fur cloak like thing, but her legs and face still felt the nip of winter.

Rhuryc was unconscious for two days, each day Atzi would sit either on the floor next to the cot, or on the cot next to his still form. A practioner brought Atzi a small bowl of water and a cloth, to be used to clean up with. Atzi, did not understand most individuals bathing habits and began to drink the warm water- she was soon corrected.

The Kelvic cleaned Rhuryc’s face and hands of blood and grime, then cleaned her own face. Strange. Atzi was not fond of this method of washing. The people running Whitevine took pity on Atzi and allowed her to sleep on a cot next to Rhuryc. They also gave her an old brown dress and took the cloak back, returning it to it’s original owner.
The early morning of the 25th, Atzi woke up to a practioner greeting her. “Come with me, I need to change your bandages.” The Kelvic frowned at the woman, glancing towards Rhuryc. “Don’t worry, I’ll bring you back to him once we’re done.” Atzi didn’t want to leave Rhuryc’s side, but the woman continued pestering until Atzi caved and followed the Vantha.

While the woman was tending to Atzi’s frostbitten toes and fingers, Rhuryc woke up, causing quite a commotion in the ward. The woman was in the middle of bandaging Atzi’s feet when golden eyes landed on the stubborn man. The Kelvic jumped to her feet, nearly knocking over the Vantha. Atzi’s arms found their way around Rhuryc’s neck, hugging him close, her face pressed against his collar bone. The woman said nothing, but clung to him, her eyes shut, her fingers grasped handfuls of cloth.

After a few chimes, Atzi spoke. “I was worried. The Vantha stood behind Atzi, holding the bandages, waiting for the woman to let go of he companion and finish getting her hands and feet dressed. It was clear that Atzi had no intention of letting go.

by **Rhuryc** on April 22nd, 2011, 11:00 pm

Rhuryc wobbled. Something crashed into his chest and sent him reeling. A leg thrust out behind him and balanced his form before he went toppling over, one arm raising to strike at whatever it is that assailed him. Only there was no assault. No pain. His muscles relaxed, the sudden tensing enough to send dull fits of stress throughout his body. Despite that his countenance remained placid. His eyes flickered down to the mass of red that dug itself into his chest. Those were just arms around him. They were warm? Welcoming. Rhuryc found himself smiling. For once. Although confused, he embraced the contact. Had so much happened between them in the wilderness? He could scarcely remember their journey, most of it spent between fits of unconsciousness and feverish rants. No matter. The arm that was meant for defense instead found itself wrapping around the woman's back, powerful - yet somehow gentle - as he hugged her. That was right, wasn't it?

His eyes fell on the expectant Vantha. He grinned at the woman and leaned back, both hands coming about as he took Atzi by the shoulders. Surgically, he removed her from his chest and took a step back, his head leaning just slightly forward to glance downward. She was taller than most of the women he knew. Still, there was half a foot between them. Rhuryc never did have a change to study her face. A queer habit if any, the man observed people as he did metal. He view them for strength, for passion, and those were alight with both. They were both strangers to be sure, but something about Atzi was familiar. When she spoke another memory flickered to light. A few, quiet words. It was as if he knew her from somewhere before. Her presence felt right, good.

"It takes a bit more than that to kill me." Rhuryc smiled and put a hand on Atzi's head, ruffling that thick, vibrant hair as he did while she was a tiger. "I owe you my life, and I'll find some way to make it up to you, but, ah." He motioned over Atzi's shoulder at the Vantha, who now seemed all the more patient at their exchange. With such steadfast devotion, one could only assume so much between the two of them. "I think she wants to finish tending to those wounds of yours. Best let her."

Obligated now, Rhuryc would follow the pair and wait, watching patiently as the medic saw to the ails of his newest companion. He supposed she was that now. He had questions, of course, but for now he was content to wait. And think.

by **Atzi** on April 23rd, 2011, 12:21 am

The man Atzi held tensed for a short moment, then relaxed, a smile crossed Atzi's face as Rhuryc returned the embrace with a strong, comforting arm. Golden eyes looked up to Rhuryc's face, a glimmer of a smile rested there. A sudden sensation of fulfillment filled the Kelvic. She had done well, or at least, it appeared as though she had.

Finally, after a year of wandering Mizahar alone and miserable, she felt some form of home, a feeling of belonging. In the midst of the embrace, Atzi realized she had no desire to leave Rhuryc's side, she had no intention of letting the man go, unless he ordered her to do so. The Kelvic could feel a warm tingling fill her body, happiness, she had found someone.

Rhuryc's hands reached out and touched Atzi's shoulders, leaning back and slowly peeling her from his chest. Golden eyes met green as Rhuryc took a step back. The man looked at the woman for a moment, silence rested between them.

“It takes a bit more than that to kill me.” Atzi smiled, her long, sharp canines exposed. Rhuryc was smiling as well, his hand reached up and ruffled Atzi's red hair. The Kelvic let out a purr like giggle and closed her eyes as he messed with her hair. “I owe you my life, and I'll find some way to make it up to you, but, ah.” Rhuryc motioned to the Vantha that had been aiding Atzi just a short while previous. “I think she want to finish tending to those wounds of yours. Best let her.”

Golden eyes looked over her shoulder to the Vantha who's demeanor turned from annoyed to patient. Atzi nodded and moved to the Vantha who led her back to the cot she had just been on. “She has frostbite on her fingers and toes, it will heal without much aide, but try to help her change the bandages once more.” The Vantha said to Rhuryc, her attention then turned to Atzi. “And make sure his wounds are healing alright, though I have no doubt that you will.” The woman smiled then went to bandaging Atzi's bare feet.

Her toes had regained most of their color, but a hint of gray still touched the tips of her fingers and toes. The Vantha did not take long to bandage the Kelvic, and as soon as they were done, the woman handed the pair a pile of bandages. “Take care, and both of you: rest.”

by **Rhuryc** on April 23rd, 2011, 2:44 am

What a peculiar twist. Rhuryc watched the Vanthan woman tend to Atzi's bandages, taking note of the way in which she worked. It was simple, really, he had dressed a few of his own wounds before in such a way. But frostbite? Whens she was finished Rhuryc stepped forward and nodded his thanks, grasping the bandages and giving Atzi a quizzical gaze. Other than the wrappings she appeared to be fine. Happy, even, there was a strange glow about her person. Although he could not place it, he took the endeavor as a sign of good faith and turned to leave. Or at least he would have had he known where the exit it was. After a few moments of floundering he shot the Kelvic a nervous grin and started off, maneuvering his way through the various cots and patients to one of the several staircases leading down. He was strong enough to walk now, but Rhuryc's pace was still slow. He would never show his duress, note even a little, yet any telling glance could decipher the stiff cant, the labored, intense steps. The stairs were something of an exercise.

He was unsure of what to say. The two of them were strangers, Atzi and he, neither of them knew much about the other, but Rhuryc felt as if he was in the Kelvic's debt. And she was right. Somehow. Her scent was familiar, her voice a trailing memory that he could not shake. Perhaps he had dreamed of her while he slept. No matter, the least he could do was see to her health; after all, she had seen to his.

The hold passed without much fashion. The inside was decorated, so much as any Vantha building was, pleasant to the eye and even more so with it's natural designs toward healing. The subtle, soft sounds of caring individuals filled the passing halls, idle banter from the evening's jovial activities. Their descent seemed hollow in comparison. Rhuryc wanted to relax. To be free of the cold and the foreign for just one night. He was sure that, come morning, his explanation for not showing up at the forge when was supposed to would be one of ill tidings, but for now he could use rest that was of his own volition. Not one caused by grievous wounds. Maybe there was still more to do. The cabin had a spare room, Atzi could sleep there. Did she own much of anything? The questions plagued his mind with every step. It was not until they left the hold and stepped out into the open air of Avanthal did he speak.

"The least I can do is offer you a place to sleep for the night, Atzi." Rhuryc turned his head to gaze down at the woman. "...and maybe get you some better clothing. First though, food. I'm petching starving." HIs cabin was not far from here. Maybe there was still something that could tide them over there. "Wouldn't mind dropping all this shyke off anyway." With a long stride, Rhuryc set off again, seemingly unaware of his own unstable health. Stubborn git, he was.

by **Atzi** on April 23rd, 2011, 4:55 am

Rhuryc lead the way out of the building, Atzi didn't seem to notice his uncertainty as to the exit, she just happily followed him. As the two descended the stairs, Atzi noticed his labor as he moved. A frown crossed her face, he was trying to hide it, and for that, she would let him, for now.

The Kelvic felt as if she was swimming in liquid sunshine at his presence. He was what she was looking for in a bondmate, she wished to stay with him, if he were to reject such companionship would easily break the young woman. Rejection and failure. Atzi's two greatest fears next to her bondmates death.

Atzi let her fingers glide over the smooth walls as they continued to head towards and eventual exit. Atzi did not have much appreciation for decoration, it was not something she really considered when walking through buildings. She did, however, listen to the short, soothing words healers spoke to their patients as well as the other activities going on in the area. The building was not particularly loud, but it was still active.

The two emerged from the building out into the cold of Avanthal. Atzi was not dressed for such weather, and did not desire to stay out in it for long. As they hit the cold, crisp air, Rhuryc spoke. “The least I can do if offer you a place to sleep for the night, Atzi.” The night. Singular. Was he going to kick her out? A twinge of pain struck her chest as her lips tightened. She knew better than to get so attached! Golden eyes moved away from Rhuryc to look over the buildings and activity in the cold city. “...And maybe get you some better clothing. First though, food. I'm petching starving.”

“I will be fine with this, I am not use to clothes, it's a rare thing for me to wear them, they are so... Restricting.” Atzi commented on the dress, tugging at the wool. “Wouldn't mind dropping all this shyke off anyway.” Atzi remained silent, her mind was bundled up with the “For the night” comment Rhuryc made. Of course, it was likely the man meant little in that phrasing, but Atzi took it further than he probably would expect.

Rhuryc set off again, towards his home, and like a good lost kitty, Atzi followed him. Her bandages slowly picking up clumps of snow and ice. It would be likely that they would be soaked by the time they reached Rhuryc's cabin.

It did not take long for the injured pair to reach his residence in Avanthal. Atzi looked at the cabin with curiosity, she had seen homes before, but her residential experience had been tents her entire life. Rhuryc let the two into the cabin, as Atzi entered her nose went wild, smelling the air in the two bedroom place. It smelled of a great many things, one of which was food, the other of past fires. The Kelvic poked her head into just about everything, like a cat exploring a new house. She looked at the beds, feeling them with her hands. She looked up the fireplace, and anything else she could get her hands on.

“I smell food, but where is it?” Atzi asked as she sat in front of the fireplace, one hand resting on the brick, the other to her side. She was on her knees with her calf's angled outwards.[/color]

by **Rhuryc** on April 25th, 2011, 5:42 pm

Home. Rhuryc's shoulders slumped after he stepped inside, the door closing with a solid thunk before he set his back against the wooden frame, relaxed, relieved. His eyes closed for only a moment. No more cold, no more men trying to hill him, and maybe now he could sleep of his own volition. The brunt of his gear hit the floor. In a practiced fashion he slid his pack to the side and removed his cloak, tossed it onto a nearby hook, then pushed himself forward. His eyes flickered about the cabin. It was comfortable. Homely. Spacious enough for two, the shelter came with small furnishings, beds, some chairs, a table to eat at. Otherwise there was little in the way of comforts. Most of the features were bland, undecorated, yet lived in. For the most part Rhuryc spent little time in the housing and his arrival was evident in the lack of common gatherings. There was very little in terms of 'stuff'. As it was, the man had yet to settle himself in.

"It's in the cupboard." He said, his boots scuffing across the wooden flooring off toward the small kitchen. There was no way he was going to cook. It took every effort from his considerable will just to walk without shaking, Nevertheless he found his way to the assortment of cutlery and dinner ware, making due on his promise of food. Bread, cheeses, and dried meats. There was no sense keeping anything that spoiled after a day or two. Rhuryc grabbed a loaf - his last, maybe he should have shopped before he left - and a hunk of still-good cheese (the other bits and pieces had spoiled) before adding the jerked beef into the mass. Did Atzi eat bread? The meal would be a sore one, sure, but they could make due. Tomorrow he would make it up to her. And she needed clothes! Bah. That dress was not enough. Any less and she would have to deal with more frostbite. Rhuryc nodded to himself whilst he laid the gathered items on a plate. Why was he so interested in this woman's good will?

His baritone filled the living room with a jovial laugh at the sight of Atzi. Ugh. That hurt. Everything hurt! Blast it. Rhuryc stepped up beside the Kelvic and set himself down, the plate hitting the ground soon after. He pushed it forward and let Atzi have her fill before he set at the morsels himself, focusing more on the dried meats himself. Carnivores, the both of them. For a moment he considered starting a fire. There was fresh wood and the warmth would be a nice addition, but the sudden idea of straining himself for that extra flicker sent his mind reeling. Instead, Rhuryc made do with the next best comforts. He removed his boots. Each hit the wood with a solid thunk. What a feeling. His feet felt free. The coat came next, the typical, leather addition to his attire that he was rarely without. He tossed it aside as well, but for some reason he kept the sword belted to his waist. Peculiar.

"Your bandages are soaked." He observed once his ravenous hunger was dealt with. With a twist, he reached back over to his discarded coat and retrieved some of the bandages the Vantha had given them before. "C'mon. Let me see your hands."

by **Atzi** on April 26th, 2011, 3:57 am

'It's in the cupboard.” Golden eyes glanced over to Rhuryc, he was already headed to the cupboard. Atzi's red head poked back into the fireplace, looking up into the dark chimney. It was a strange object Atzi had no incountered before. Rarely had she even wandered into a city, let alone a building. The thing was strange, it smelled of fire and showed signs of it, therefore, it was a place for fires.

After a few moments of Atzi covering herself in soot, she popped back out to turn and see Rhuryc gathering food bits. She watched silently, itching her nose and covering it with soot. The man turned around and suddenly filled the room with a deep, cheerful laugh. Atzi was, of course, confused, why was he laughing? What was so funny? The red haired woman cocked her head to the side as he dropped the plate onto the ground for the two of them to eat from.

The plate had bits of bread, cheese and meat. Of course, Atzi was more interested in the meat than anything else, but she would eat a bit of each. “Thank you,” She said before digging in. Rhuryc pushed the platter towards the Kelvic, offering the woman food. Atzi was famished, she ate very little at Whitevine and found herself still hungry. The woman reached out with bandaged hands and picked up a bit of meat, quickly tearing into it with her sharp teeth. The woman watched Rhuryc as he removed a few of the more cumbersome items of clothing. The Kelvic continued to scarf down the bits of food from the plate, taking chunks of whatever her hands found and promptly shoved them into her mouth.

“Your bandages are soaked.” Atzi looked down at her hands, holding a piece of cheese and bread, one in each hand. Golden eyes looked down to her hands and feet. “C'mon. Let me see your hands.” Atzi could not say no to him, she put the piece of cheese in her mouth and the other back on the plate. Obediently she held her thin, pale hands, with a hint of gray still clinging to the tips of her fingers.

“I am fine, you are the one who warrants worry and concern.” Atzi said, still chewing. She kept her hands out for Rhuryc, like he requested.

by **Rhuryc** on April 26th, 2011, 4:52 am

Rhuryc watched the woman with humor alight in his eyes. She was amusing, to say the least, and he found himself almost enthralled by the way she handled herself. Not to mention the soot added an quality of innocence he had not sense sense, well, ever. When Atzi offered him her hands he gently grasped the proffered skin, unwrapping the soaking, wet bandages and laying them aside. Once finished, he grabbed the new wrappings and reproduced what he had watched less than a bell ago, carefully applying the medical aid and ensuring to take a great deal of tenderness in regards to the Kelvic's health. Somehow he felt attached to the woman. Strange. Rhruyc was seldom to trust and contact was rare, but this interaction felt nice. Right. As if it belonged.

"There we go. Feet now. C'mon." He spoke softly, ignoring any sort of protest as he grabbed one Atzi's legs, repeating the same act as before. At times he enjoyed this kind of work. The slow, subtle calculation, the measured process, but more so he felt as if he was helping a friend. A dear friend how strange. He finished before so long and remained where he was, his eyes flickering from the bandages to the silent, golden gaze of his companion.

"You don't need to worry about me. I've had worse. Much." He almost lied. "Although I'd be dead without you. What were you doing alone out there anyway, hm? Or do you tend toward wonderful walks in a winter wasteland?"

by **Atzi** on April 26th, 2011, 5:16 pm

Rhruyc carefully took her hands and unwrapped the wet bandaging, it hung and stuck to Atzi, eventually being pulled off and tossed aside. Golden eyes watched Rhuryc's face as he carefully and thoughtfully reapplied the ointment and bandaged her hands in dry, soft cloth. His hands were warm against hers, rough, but caring. Atzi smiled at the man as he finished, she looked at his handiwork, the bandages were secure and her hands could already feel warmth returning to them.

“There we go. Feet now. C'mon.” Before Atzi could even move her feet out towards him, he grabbed one of Atzi's legs and went about unwrapping and re-wrapping. Atzi make a small mew like noise as he took her leg rather suddenly, she hadn't been expecting the action and found herself off guard. Atzi wiggled her toes once the bandages were off, the ointment that had been applied was slippery between her toes. The feeling of wiggling her toes was similar to when muck had gotten between her toes, this slimy, disgusting feeling.

Rhuryc finished bandaging Atzi's feet and she smiled down at her covered toes. Her eyes looked up to meet Rhuryc's green gaze with a soft smile.

“You don't need to worry about me.” Atzi frowned, she didn't understand, of course she was going to worry, how couldn't she? “I've had worse. Much. Although I'd be dead without you. What were you doing alone out there anyway, hm? Or do you tend toward wonderful walks in a winter wasteland?”

What was I doing there? Atzi blinked a few times at the mans question. She hadn't expected to be asked.

After a few short chimes of thought, Atzi spoke up. “I was looking for something. I have been wandering for a long time looking.” Atzi smiled, pulling her legs back next to her. “And I have found what I was looking for.” The Kelvic's bandaged right hand reached out and touched Rhuryc's hand. “You.”

The Kelvic had found what she was looking for. She had been searching for a companion, someone she would be able to be with, protect and be protected by. Rhuryc was her home now, and he was all she would need. The red haired woman let go of Rhuryc's hand and picked up the small piece of bread she had set down, taking a bite of the less-than-ideal food source.