Softness and Comfort
#19Michael woke up earlier than I did.
He has already done a lot of progress, and is much more open and caring than he used to be.
CLICK SpoilerToday's mission was to find more seeds so he can continue in his gardening attempts. He guided me through the jungle, far into the mountains and back, then towards the swamps next to Hadrian and far into the vast Patrician Plains. Light breeze on the plains brings many memories, and the gentle burbling of water along with the marvellous sight of the stream and the sea of grass... Just makes every step worth taking.
He always takes me beautiful places. And makes sure I'm safe.
Dragging home fistfuls of innocent plants, we've gone back to Sullivans Port.
After a hefty portion of gardening, we had a nice time of rest under an ancient tree. The evening was perfect, still warm with chilly winds blowing the leaves around on the forest floor. Even though we live close to the port village, it's almost as if we were in the heart of the forest. Quiet, serene, breathing.
We've grown quite closer over the past days..or was it weeks? Time flows so slowly around here, with one day like the other.
He's grown more caring, and has some hobbies as well. All of that does him good.
The moment when we sat under the tree, looking at the freshly planted greenery and jungle-covered mountain peaks looming in the distance...
I held his hand, and he held mine. In appreciation and fondness.
I cuddled up, and he held me. In protection and closeness.
Rest his head onto mine.
We talked, talked about nice and simple things. Dawn, dusk and sunshine. Plants and his health.
He told me about his dreams, people hidden in the fog. And amidst of that, a woman surrounded by blazing flames, repelling the mist like, a beacon repels the darkness. Beautiful woman, with pale skin, and a sky blue silk... And then he said my name.
A companionable silence.
Later that day we came home, just after the nightfall. I was surprised when Michael silently started preparing dinner. I never expected to see him do this. And yet, here he was, focused on cooking us a nice vegetable soup.
It was delicious.
Right after we finished the dinner, a proclamation echoed in out heads. By lady Mayor Morgaine, announcing us we can return as soon as we see fit.
This day couldn't possibly be better.
And then, we went to sleep in the regular manner. „In the Laps of Life, the Void of the Temptress“
After morning hugs of joy of our soon-to-be return and a quick breakfast, we took our time to pack up all the things we needed to pack from Michael’s cave home at Sullivan’s.
Each of us did part of the work, and in the end we stacked the sacks and crates on top of the summoned carrying disc. What a practical gift the Weave has given me. Thank you every day, chance and the blessing.
CLICK SpoilerIn a good mood, we departed, locked up the place, and started heading to our new home – to the eastern farmlands of Hadrian.
As a surprise on our way, we’ve met a woman! Absolutely normal human woman warrior, of a name Tyra, the seconf of the Mother. I hope I remembered that correctly, I was quite stunned of seeing another human at the jungle port full of monstrous beings.
Tyra carries a majestic tower shield, and wields her war axe ‘Choppa’. Of course Michael, loving his black steel ‘Meaty axe’ himself, couldn’t but participate in the axe-staring-contest.
I decided to stood aside, this is probably a warrior thing.
Or maybe they both have the same quirk.
Wishing miss Tyra a good day, me and Michael proceeded to continue towards the docks, and from there, took a ship into the town we know – Hadrian.
...
Strange feeling of nostalgia hit me when we arrived. The same streets, the same sky, but never the same as before. Nothing will ever be the same as on the day I arrived, I will see nothing the same as I did before Michael was almost thrown to the pit of the undead in Asylum.
It’s interesting to reflect on past month’s events, really.
Never before I could be so useful to myself and others, and never before everything looked so dark and bright at the same time. The contrast between various parts of my life is so strong, that I almost feel I can’t balance it. How fortunate I am to have my friends.
I wonder if I could visit Cutter at Hilltop.. However, I cannot leave Michael alone. I hope he is alright, I want to see him as soon as possible.
If only I had his Hilltop address, I could write him a letter...
Maybe I we will meet tomorrow, only stars know our fates. And only we create them.
...
How strange that we haven’t met any of our friends so far. It’s likely that Morgaine has taken initiative and summoned adventurers on various missions that needed to be done, as the tools of the mist are now safely contained within the safety vault of Skettus.
Without any major disturbances, we managed to arrive to our new home.
Michael is likely nervous, as he barely expressed anything as we arrived into the blooming front yard. I asked about it, and he told me he is indeed nervous of meeting the people he hurt without the intention to do so.
Dear Michael flopped face-down into the pillows in the lounge area and yelled of joy. Finally.
His progress makes me happy, and even though I have my hands full, I believe it’s for the best.
After all, sooner or later he will become his own man again.
But I will miss him.
Despite his still considerable condition, he had become much more sharp, earnest and relaxed than before.
He seems to be doing well, I’m glad I can help him.
He had also opened up to spontaneous affections bit by bit. Now I can find comfort in his arms whenever I need to, which helps a lot with the troubles I sometimes think about.
I won’t show any of them directly.
And I need to ask Pip to look at the bruises on my arm... Temple ointments keep doing nothing, and from regular bruises, these turned into.. dark bruise-like patches, seemingly swirling inside with hues of grey and faded, dark purple.
They do not even feel painful to the touch, unlike other usual bruises do.
I hope this is going to be alright...
...
While at the Hadrian tailor, Michael had been CHOOSING CLOTHES. Michael! A man clad in iron the whole time I knew him!
It’s strange, unusual. Leisure clothing is good for him though, especially for the farm work that needs to be done, including all the repairs he needs to participate at.
...I had a sleeve added over my bruised right arm. Can’t show anyone.
This weighs down heavier than I thought.
Oddly enough, I seem to see better in the dark then I used to. Due to all the worries in my mind I have trouble focusing, I admit, but seeing without a lantern light spirit or a torch is neat on its own.
Maybe talking to Pip can solve my cluelessness about this health situation.
...
Shortly after we unpacked things from the disc, I went to send a proclamation announcing a dearly welcome to our friends who wish to visit us at the House 9.
Heh, I noticed Morgaine had something carved into my house plaquette – Sherina’s Place.
How thoughtful of her.
We should have an extra key made for Michael. There has to be a keysmith in the town.
...
After running various errands and basic tidy-up, Michael, more energic than ever, decided that it’s time for ‘PLANTS!‘
I didn’t want to overexert my arm, so I was just instructing him here and there, and carrying newly filled buckets back to the fields. It’s easier than an actual planting, and I get some exercise done. Marvellous.
Later, as Michael got lost in the joys of gardening, we finished the last patch of land we were supposed to tend to today. I brought a small basket of cherries and raspberries with me earlier, so I pulled it out as a sign of a well-deserved break.
Tired but happy, I felt light from the pride I was feeling. He is doing so well!
And as a token of appreciation, I made the effort of climbing the fence and giving him a small kiss on the nose. Michael, although surprised, passed around the fence and trapped me into a hug. I apologized just in case, but... he didn’t mind at all.
...I should probably control my displays of care and affection, while he is still recovering. But that’s what helped him the most.
It’s hard to care for someone when no one gives you a professional advice. Nggh!
...
As the skies went dark, we went home. Without a word, Michael started cooking dinner, as he likes to do every evening. This time, it was a thin slice of meat with plenty of mixed vegetables on the side, and just the right amount of salt.
His dedication to this household, to everything new that came real just recently, amazes me. The first time we met he actually growled at me.
And now?
He’s caring and protective, and we're sharing the same living space.
A little kindness can go a long way.
Of course I insisted on washing the dishes, he had already done so much at the house that day.
...
Earlier at the fields, I mentioned that something is troubling me and that it sould be safe to share it with him. And only him for now.
After we went home, in the bedroom, I partially undressed just so he could see my right arm clearly.
He suggested using a ‚remove curse‘ potion, but that’s something I already tried at the temple.
We had no further ideas, but... Michael embraced me, then took my cheeks into his hands, and then gently toughed his forehead against mine. And told me, that he wants to be here to support me.
„The waters will waver and rock, but they will calm.“
After those words we went to bed, claiming our well-deserved right to rest. Michael seems pleased with the level of comfort and softness the bed provides. After sleeping in a wilderness and then in the monster dwelling, the bed indeed seems better than usual.
Lovely morning. I quietly snuck out of bed, tip-toeing down the stairs into the kitchen. I got to make a surprise breakfast!
Michael likes sweet things, so it was decided.
Short-boiled oatmeal with honey, fresh sliced fruits and a handful of dried nuts.
Along with a mint tea on the side.
CLICK SpoilerI prepared everything on the table, and to shorten the wait I was playing with the flames while resting near the fireplace. I didn’t want to disturb Pattie yet, and I wanted to stay indoors to not miss out on Mike’s reaction.
He LOVES honey!
...
I left Michael to his farming work, and ventured to Hadrian to see if there’s anyone I can help.
I met a woman of a name Abigail, in the upper parts of the town. Abigail asked me to drive out some squatters, which was ought to be easy enough to do as an evening feel-good activity.
HOWEVER.
There were wailing souls, vile spirits and clawing shadows overflowing the whole place. An old inn, but apparently it’s something more.
Me and Pattie turned the place up around, with flames and resilience.
Notable moment – In a desperate situation, surrounded by whispering evil spirits, I called upon the weave of flames with everything I got.
I felt a surge, and then a wave of tingling and strong heat washed over me, leaving my arms almost numb.
When I opened my eyes, there were but the last remains of lost souls being dealt with by my brave little Pat-pat. Tiny embers were still floating in the air.
I can’t believe I was able to push my spell boundaries even further!!
...
Upon my return, I found Michael at the fields. I decided to keep him company while letting Pattie run freely around the farms. She’s harmless, after all. My little warm dog.
After he finished up the tedious farming work, we headed back home.
BUT, we met Morgaine!!!
She was so loving and kind, seemed glad to see us as well! We had a nice conversation, however... She told us the evil artifacts Michael had gave her, were stolen by a Skettus guard!
Besides that, the conversation meandered through various subjects – from more serious to less. Later in the garden, me and Morgaine had a talk about love and relationships.
She told me she received a letter from Saeb, her girl love.
I did my best to comfort her with my words, and also with her own words which she spoke to me when we talked about Cutter.
,,If the relationship ends, it is because it wouldn’t last further.“
I have a feeling Cutter already forgot about me, since I was with Michael at Sullivan’s for more than a week. Why am I so nervous about this? He is a kind man, come on, me!
In the meantime Michael joined us, and relaxed near the pond.
As we continued our girly boys-love-talk, at one point when we’ve talked about how Fjord is completely clueless in dating and all the work is on Morgaine, Michael suddenly stood up and went to stare at me, with a little smile. I didn’t mind, so I kept talking to Morgaine and just smiled at him.
I wonder what that was.
...
Our joyful time was sharply interrupted by unearthly howls of a bloodthirsty wolf pack, ravaging everything on the farms.
Michael noticed them first, and as swift as the wind, he put on his full plate and went to slaughter and protect. Me and Morgaine quickly followed, and fought our way through dozens of giant wolves.
It seemed as if it would never end, I was exhausted and drawing from the last bits of magic I had.
Thankfully it was over.
...
We headed to the Coin, as Michael announced he needs a drink after such ordeal. I needed pancakes. Lots of pancakes. Every fibre of my body felt like tingling, from the rapid magic reserve exhaustion. Oh stars, the headache it can give me later...
I had a sweet cake and took one for Michael as well. Michael, being kinder man than he used to, shared his piece with surprised Morgaine.
I ate. As if I was famished.
Then I ordered a pile of pancakes with a fruit jam.
And devoured. Devoured everything with precision, until only remains of the pancake presence were the smears of jam on the plate.
Both were surprised by this sudden appetite!
Shortly after, Michael left. Probably to take a walk or something, so me and mayor kept talking. After a while, I heard shouting, in a voice resembling Michael’s.
We ran for the door.
There was an elvish woman. Small, red haired, and thin.
With a traditionally complicated name I shortened to Aria. I knew her name only thanks to Michael yelling it at me, the woman didn't even have enough politeness in her to introduce herself. It's not like it matters, but hey. Sailors are in this case more polite, and that's something.
My tired self had to sleep, so me and Michael left, and were heading towards our home.
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