XVII: Rin

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RIN

“Rin! I died!” Lana announced as she entered the Halfling’s home. Momentarily startled, Rin quickly went to the kitchen and prepared a drink for Lana.

“Lana die? But Lana here with Rin...” he responded, perplexed. Lana plopped into a chair at the table and propped her head on her hand. She quickly regaled him of the news. Of how she had woken that morning in a fit. Once more she had felt the cold molasses like sensation on her face, like she had every day for the past six weeks, and freaked out.

“What the hell is on my face!” she had screamed at Sylis. He bolted upright and confirmed nothing was there. A soft sob came from Lana. She felt like an idiot. She knew nothing was there, but it was the tipping point for she was tired of trying to pretend like everything was alright. And so she confessed to Sylis about all that had been happening (though neglecting to relay the murdering parts to Rin).

“It seems to all have begun after the minotaurs Sylis. I know I was hit hard, but I must have hit my head or something- what Sylis?” Lana asked seeing that the Wizard held a queer look upon his face.

“Lana... that minotaur killed you,” he said. Lana looked back in disbelief.

“And I’m alive how?”

Sylis went on to explain that Rasuvius had used a potion, something called ‘Revive at Any Cost’, on her. The guildmaster had used it before Sylis had any idea what had happened.

“I thought he had stabilized you, but then you began to lick the blood off your fingers and pick up the splinters to eat them. You were a hot mess to say the least. I even tried stopping you, but you attack me for that.

“Then I saw a thick, clear liquid all over your face and suspected Rasuvius had done something more than just render you a health potion,” Sylis explained, “It is that ‘Revive at Any Cost’ that has caused the quirks and your- well, desire to kill, which I think it totally fine! It sounds exciting. Can I come with you on your next kill?”

Lana gaped at Sylis. He had an arm around her, but she felt anything but comfort. Dread weighed upon her. Even the newly acquired quirks that made her do things she normally wouldn’t or forget who she was, was caused by the potion.

“Um, sure..." she began absentmindedly, "but I don’t know when the next one will be..." She then told him she had to go work a shift at Faela’s.

Rin placed a cup of taze in Lana’s hands. She drank deeply, having caught him up on how she died. There was relief in knowing her loss of control wasn’t completely her fault.

“I guess I’m happy I’m still here and all, but Rin... I’m a mess!” Lana continued to vent, “I thought I was losing my mind and would have to go back to Dr. Tomlund! I never want to be trapped again...”

Rin sat next to Lana, placing a hand on her arm and giving her a reassuring smile. “Rin see what Rin can do to help.”

“Help?” Lana replied incredulously, “I’m a damn nut job Rin! It’ll take a bloody miracle to fix this!” Lana laughed. She did so to mask the sorrow in her heart to admit to it. She didn’t want to be crazy, but Lana knew this was something Rin couldn't fix.
The Halfling, however, was his usual optimistic self. His eyes gleamed and with great gusto said, “Rin will make Lana miracle!”

Sylis had said similar words. The Wizard said he’d see if Xara or his Dean knew of a way to fix her condition. Hearing both guys confident that her madness could be fix was inspiring, but Lana knew she was a lost cause. Still, her mind clung to the what if?

The endearing look upon Rin’s face, the absolute determination that brightened his countenance, was enough to fill Lana with gratitude. She reached out and pulled the Halfling into a tight hug. “Stop being so cute,” she whispered.

“Rin just being Rin. Lana trust Rin to fix madness?”

“Of course Rin,” Lana replied, “I trust ya with my life. If ya do manage to find a cure, it’ll just be another reason why I love ya.”

The Halfling pecked Lana on the lips before saying, “Rin not need more reason to love Lana.”

“Really?” Lana said imploringly. Her thoughts flooded with all her flaws, a weight pressing upon her shoulders as she looked at Rin. He was too good, too kind, too selfless. By contrast, Lana was vile.

“Sometimes I feel like I don’t deserve ya Rin,” she admitted, “I mean why? Why did ya help me that day I was running from Barut?” A flash of anger swept over Rin’s face, but Lana pressed on, determined to make her point, “I’ve stood ya up and used ya for help. And because of that ya got involved with Barut and for heaven’s sake we’re seeing each other in secret! Rin... I’m doing ya more harm than good.”

Lana and Rin sat together, Lana resting her head on the Halfling’s. His ear was pressed against her chest as he pondered a reply. Was that to be the moment that he finally saw her for what she was? Selfish and unkind? Broken and lost?

“Lana good person here,” Rin finally said, placing a hand on her heart. He sat back up to look Lana in the eyes. “Rin can’t make Lana understand or believe, Lana has to do that on her own. Lana has lost her way, all people do, but Lana will find it. Rin will be at her side when she does.”

“But don’t ya blame me a little for what happened with Barut?” Lana persisted. The anger came back to Rin’s eyes at the dead man’s name.

“Lana not reason for Barut. Barut reason for Barut and he will suffer for all eternity,” Rin said contemptuously. His features then softened as he looked Lana over. He wrapped his arms about her once more, adding, “Lana not deserve Barut. Nor abuse. Nor her view of herself. Lana deserve love! Rin loves Lana very much!”

Tears burned at Lana’s eyes. He didn’t blame her and in spite of all her flaws loved her unconditionally- or stupidly- she’s not entirely sure which, but she was grateful for his devotion.

“Didn’t I tell ya to stop being so cute?” Lana said. Rin beamed up at her.

“Rin not Lana’s servant,” he replied.

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XVI: Lana

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LANA

What did you do? What did you DO!?

Lana rocked herself back and forth as the high left. The body on the ground was covered in blood; multiple stab wounds piercing his body. She had completed the job. Lana had found the hit man, but her stomach knotted at her loss of control. She had over killed again- and worse, she loved it every time. The warmth and smell of blood, how it felt on her hands and face. The agony and fear in her target’s eyes. The absolute control she had over them.

Then something would call to her, and this time, it was the young woman who had sought help in the first place. “Are you alright?” she had asked. It was as though she was second guessing Lana for taking care of the man she knew had been hired to kill her.

“Of course I’m alright!” Lana snapped, but as she looked at the twenty something year old, the excitement vanished. The shock and concern etched in the woman’s face formed a pit in her stomach. It was a look Dr. Tomlund would give her when he questioned her sanity.

Lana could feel her hand clenched tightly around her dagger and slowly she returned her gaze to her kill. The once handsome face was unrecognizable.

What did you do!?

After backing away a few paces, Lana glared back at the woman and as though she could feel her judgement upon her said, “I saved you didn’t I? What does it matter?”

The young lady opened her mouth to say something, but stopped herself. She was full of questions and it annoyed Lana. “Aren’t you a little young?” she asked when Lana showed up. “Does it matter if you’re still alive in the end?” Lana retorted. Thankfully the young woman didn’t try to further interrogate Lana and tossed a pouch of coins toward her before leaving.

Lana slumped into a corner. The blood was becoming cold and sticky. The smell began to make her nauseous. Why she continued to stab the man Lana didn’t know. Nor was it the first time she found herself in that state.

When she had killed Barut, it was easy to brush off the torture as revenge for what he had done to her and Rin. She was angry, livid, and hurt. But it didn’t stop. The thought of taking a life began to dance in her dreams, a replay of killing Barut over and over and over again. But then new faces seeped in. The Hags, her father- Kraig, Sylis, Emma, Dr. Tomlund, Jessie, and even Rin. Lana would see herself mad or pitying them and would unleash her daggers and fire upon them.

Everytime, she’d wake in a sweat. Three weeks she endured the increasingly persistent dreams before they leaked into daydreams. It was a week after that when she purposefully cut Sylis during a sparring match in a moment of frustration.

“It’s okay Babygirl,” he had said, though Lana stared numbly at the wound, “You were just a little too exuberant. Good thing you’ve been working with Faela. You can patch this up easily, right?”

The inside of Lana turned to ice. She was glad Sylis didn’t question her behavior, nor her poor bandaging skills. Her mind was a lit trying to figure out what was wrong with her and how she’d weasel out of her lying about Faela.

Still, her new interest in death was enough to make her want to shut down, to give up and act recklessly. She had no more control and every time she tried to, it felt as though she lost more of herself. However, Lana was too scared to admit it. She had done her time at Dr. Tomlund’s Asylum for Young Girls and if she gave up, she’d likely be sent to prison or the adult institution. That was the last thing Lana would ever want again: to be locked up and unable to be her own person.

She looked at the bloody dagger in her hand. There was some hope that resonated in her. Whether it was blind optimism or actual ability, there was something about the situation that gave her hope she’d be able to manage her new addiction. As long as she could continue to keep the murders within the means of her contracts for the guild, Lana would be able to legally kill whenever the urge came and the job was present.

That fact came to her attention when Rasuvius posted a notice to kill a spy. Lana asked if she could take the job and the guild master gave her permission to act solo. Part of her didn’t like the idea of becoming a hit man, the continual war within about if she should or shouldn’t kill, but after completing the job, she felt free. Her nights were dreamless and the days without the constant nag. For the first time in weeks, Lana didn’t notice exposed necks, turned backs, or isolated folks everywhere she walked. Rin’s and Sylis’s heartbeats weren’t tempting whispers that begged to be silenced.

But it never lasted. The temptation came back and before she knew it, she was elbows deep in blood and ecstasy. Then the guilt would wash over her as clarity returned. Guilt for having been so brutal and aggressive. No one deserved torture.

Once more Lana was left feeling sick. There was so much blood all over her so she began to use her magics to clean herself up. As she did that, she began to remind herself that she had rid the world of another evil and was another step closer to being free of her debt. A mental montage that eased the guilt. Once the debt was paid, she would leave the guild and the life of it behind.

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XV: Jessie

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JESSIE

The White Phoenix is always born in twins...

The message was cryptic and unbelievable. Sylis had just told Lana that Jessie instilled in his mind a message as they walked home from the asylum. She called him out for lying. Jessie has never spoken. Why would her first words be to Sylis, let alone in a clear message? But Sy insisted it was truth, though skeptical himself.

“I mean, what legend of a White Phoenix is there?” Sylis asked. Lana shrugged her shoulders. She was irked with the wizard. Part of her felt like he was pulling her leg.

A few weeks after returning from their mission to kill some Hags, Lana had made it a point to do something special with Sylis. She had been keeping herself busy with various activities. Odd jobs for Rasuvius, learning the hooping arts with the folk from the carnival, training with Sylis, and her ‘shifts’ at Faela’s healing ward. The last was just an excuse to see Rin in secret. Lana had been rather open about the times she would go and visit the Halfling, but the jealousy that would come from Sylis was annoying. So she began to lie, using Faela as a cover up since she did owe the Guild.

Still, Lana could see Sylis getting antsy, even though they saw each other every day. He had begun to talk about taking her to see his mother. Part of her wanted to go, but it meant another level of attachment she wasn’t quite prepared for. So she decided to distract him with a visit to see Jessie.

Lana warned Sylis that his safety couldn’t be promised. Jessie may not attack Lana, but even with her there didn’t mean people were safe. The picture Jessie had drawn of Sylis, when Lana first visited her, was warning enough. She had drawn him flying near a cliff, but it could easily be her pushing him off.

Sure enough, when they made to leave, Jessie jumped up and threw her arms around Sylis’s neck. It was only a second, Lana poking a dagger into Jessie’s back.

“Remember what I told ya? Good behavior will set ya free,” Lana hissed in her ear. Jessie quickly let go of Sy and gave him a doe eyed look as though she hadn’t done anything. Then no sooner had they left, Sylis relayed what he heard her say to him: “Legend has it that the White Phoenix is always born in twins. You will meet yours soon.”

“Maybe your mother might know something,” Lana said in an attempt to shut the Wizard up.

“Ah! I bet she would!” Sylis said enthusiastically, “After all, if I have a twin, who better to know about it than her?”

Indeed...

Sylis then grabbed Lana’s hand and together they began to run through the alleys and up onto the roof tops of the market. Any thought about Jessie’s prophecy was soon forgotten and the adrenaline took over in their fun.

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XIV: Sylis

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SYLIS

“Quicker!” Sylis instructed. Lana punched his hands as fast as she could, her enthusiasm for the fighting lesson non existent. Her muscles ached, her knuckles burned, and her forehead was beaded in sweat. This was not how she expected her return from the Hags to be like. In fact, it felt more like a punishment when she had made a concerted effort to not run head strong into the fight. Apparently being polymorphed into a cat was just another sign of her weakness.

As she finished her set, Lana shook her arms out before bracing herself on her knees. She was tired of training for the day. It had been the fourth day in a row that Sylis had pushed her in his new endeavour to make her a better rogue. Considering they were stuck on the flying airship, it was really the only thing to do besides walking around, eating food, and sleeping.

“Come on. One more set,” Sylis ordered. Lana ran her tongue across her taut lips. Many thoughts flitted across the surface of her mind. She was annoyed with the incessant training, yet part of her sore body reveled in becoming stronger. Lana wished Sylis wouldn’t work her so hard, but there was something exciting about seeing him without his shirt on, on the ship deck, shining in his own perspiration as he worked with her. Yet she missed Rin and his sweet nature. It had been eleven days since she last saw the Halfling.

Eleven days!?

The day after Rin returned home from Faela’s healing ward, Lana returned to the Bringers of Hope guild. She was reluctant, but with the promise of seeing Rin soon and his kiss upon her lips, Lana met with Rasuvius and handed him the bill from Faela. It was agreed that Lana’s earnings would go to paying back her debt. He then asked her to gather the other guild members of her group for he had their next mission ready.

Lana knocked apprehensively on Sylis’s door. The fight they’d had still stung, yet a mixture of guilt worked in as she thought about what she had done. Why did she drag Rin into her mess? What would happen if Sylis found out about Rin and her?

You can do this, she coached herself.

Why? Why not run away with Rin?

Because Sylis will always be able to find you.

That thought made Lana freeze with dread. Sylis’s Dean could scry her whenever. He did it once already. The Elf had shown Lana to Sy before they ever met. And one day Sylis would be able to scry her. A feeling of trapped lined her stomach.

The door opened up to the wizard standing there. His platinum blonde hair was freshly cut and his icy blue eyes pierced her own. Sylis gave a surprised look to see Lana. She smiled back, though her eyes were filled with worry.

“Hey,” she whispered.

“Hey,” Sylis parroted back. After a few awkward moments, the wizard gently took Lana into his arms, hugging her.

“I’m sorry,” she said fighting back the tears. Lana was sorry for being angry with him, afraid of him, and betraying him. She meant it, though at the same time she knew she wasn’t about to right her wrongs. Her temper was thin, Sylis would alway be able to find her, and Lana wasn’t about to stop seeing Rin.

Lana should have felt worse, especially when he whispered back, “Me too baby girl.” Instead gratitude filled her and she couldn’t deny that Sylis loved her. In a way she knew she did, even if it wasn’t in the same way.

They had only a few minutes to reconnect, each taking turns to say how their week went. Sylis had gone to see his mother and Dean. Lana told him mostly of her time about Jessie, handing him the picture she drew for him and telling Sylis the truth about her. This lead to her revealing her past- or at least why she was sent to the asylum.

“I wish I had the courage to kill my father, that bastard,” Sylis had commented. The words made Lana flinch a little. When she had killed her mother, Emma, it was no easy decision. Of course she would have rathered Emma had lived, but she was dying. For six years Lana’s mother’s lungs slowly deteriorated to the point she was bedridden and barely able to breathe. It was an act of mercy that put Lana in the asylum. There was no bravery or courage behind it. Just love.

Soon Lana resumed gathering the other member of her’s and Sy’s group; Shard. When the three of them joined their guild leader in the conference room, they were joined by another group. Lana had seen them around the guild. There were the two half orcs, Brugg and Don. Don was a druid and wore an elk skull like a mask. Brugg wore furs and was from a tribe that followed the ways of the bear. There was a man, who wore knight like armor, named Chance. And the woman who wore a dire wolf headdress, named Hey You.

All seven were instructed that on the morning they would leave to destroy the Hags that have been behind a lot of the misfortune in Sharn. Lana shuddered as she remembered the Demon from three weeks ago. Her heart then dropped when she heard that it would be a week long trek on their airship.

Two weeks away from Rin? She had thought then. It still weighed upon her mind, even with their success against the Hags. Lana anxiously awaited the remaining three days to reunite with Rin.

*Thmmp*

Lana lost her balance as Sylis suddenly brought his hand around and hit her in the shoulder. He quickly used his other hand to keep her from falling. Lana looked up at Sylis as she got her bearings again. Sylis was always a step ahead and her annoyance with him reignited.

“Hey, you’re going to get better baby girl,” Sylis said, seeming to read her thoughts.

“How do ya even know any of this?” Lana asked, “I mean, you’re a Wizard aren’t ya?”

Sylis beamed a smug smile. “My mom’s a particularly well trained Rogue. She taught me what she knew to give me an edge.” When Lana didn’t comprehend, Sylis added, “You know? Spell casters tend to only be as good as their spell. I happen to have the Rogue arts as part of my skills too. Enemies will have to try harder to take me out because I know how to read a fight and utilize stealth to my advantage. And since you’re rather quick, I figured I’d teach you what I know. You’ll be kicking me around soon enough.

“Now remember,” Sylis went on, walking around Lana, examining her posture, “you always want to anticipate a fight. It’s when you put your guard down that you open yourself up for attack,” he then lashed out a fist at Lana’s shoulder, she barely flinching out of the way.

The Wizard smiled, “Now that’s more like it!” He then wrapped Lana in his arms and kissed her forehead. “I love you. Let’s go get some lunch,” he said. A grin worked across Lana’s lips. She moved out of the wizard’s arms and took his hand in hers. Though she missed Rin, she was happy that she had Sylis. And with him, she was going to become someone great.

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XIII: Rin pt. 2

Previous Entry

✻  ✻  ✻  ✻  ✻

Don’t you dare tell him! Lana scolded herself

Lana moved away from Rin to avoid her tongue slipping. The love she felt for the Halfling made her heart pound as every part of her wanted to speak. She went back to the table to finish her toast and drink. Anything to keep her mouth occupied until her mind cleared.

When the food was finished, but her mind still fixated, she began to place the nic nacs she had gotten Rin throughout his home as though she lived there. The Halfling didn’t mind this and watched Lana go about hanging pictures and the pennant she had acquired during the week.

Once everything was hung, Lana picked up the jar of salve and looked at Rin.

“Want me to get your back?”

The Halfling jumped up out of his spot, a bit too eagerly. A laugh escaped Lana as she instructed him to lay down on his bed so he was comfortable. She carefully pulled the dressings off, exposing the raw wounds that remained.

You need to see the depths of his suffering, Faela’s voice echoed. Gently Lana applied the salve to the wounds, working it into the deep gashes. A few times Rin winced, but for the most part, he showed no signs of discomfort. In fact, Lana had almost forgotten how hurt the Halfling was. His spirits were higher than what she would have thought a beaten man would have been.

The salve began to turn into a fine, gossamer like layer of skin. “Whoa,” Lana said in amazement, “This stuff works fast! Can you feel it?”

Rin turned his head, wincing in pain, before putting a smile on and simply saying, “Yep.” A twinge of guilt pierced through Lana. “Almost done,” she said, trying to be quick without causing any more pain. Once the final wound on his back was covered and turned into the fine, protective film, Lana encouraged Rin to roll over.

The Halfling kept his jaw clenched as he relaxed on his back. Lana continued to cover the wounds, taking great care to not hurt Rin. Once she was done applying the ointment, she couldn’t help but notice a stiffness to the Halfling. He seemed to be lost in thought, avoiding her eye contact.

With a smirk, Lana laid down next to her friend. “Hey. Ya okay?”

Rin looked at Lana, as though he hadn’t realized she was there. “Yes yes! Rin okay. Rin very happy.”

“Do I really make ya that happy?”

The Halfling took a big gulp, turning a deep shade of red, and nodded. His innocence was endearing, but toward her, it seemed silly.

“It’s okay Rin, you’re certainly not the first,” Lana replied nonchalantly. Thoughts began to pour through her head. She ran a finger idly across Rin’s chest as she thought about everything the Halfling had done for her. Her resolve to hold her tongue slipped away. Lana didn’t want to torment him with wonder any more.

“However...” Lana began, carefully choosing her words, “You’re the first that I could say I love.”

As the words left her mouth, she immediately regretted it. Admitting to it threw in new complications. Was she willing to dump Sylis? By what she just said, and what she felt was coming, she had just confirmed the wizard’s biggest fear! Maybe it’ll be our secret, her thoughts entertained, but Lana couldn’t expect Rin to agree to that. She had already treated him like an afterthought, why would he agree to be quiet?

But I really do love him...

What about the debt? That was the other thing. She still had to work for the guild to pay for Rin’s treatment. If Sylis found out, or if she told him, they’d likely still have to work together. Lana couldn’t go burning bridges if she wanted support. Within the two weeks she had worked for the guild, the only reason she still lived was because Sylis was watching her back.

Lana took deep breathes trying to keep herself from thinking. Rin placed a hand on hers that rested upon his chest. “Is Lana sure? Rin don’t want... to come between...”

Lana shook her head slowly, “I’m afraid it’s too late for that... I just don’t know what I’m to do with Sylis...”

The Halfling pulled Lana in close, kissing her forehead the same way Sylis did. “No need to feel scared. Rin love Lana no matter what.”

Damn you Rin, were Lana’s final thoughts as the night overtook them.

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XII: Rin pt. 1

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RIN

I’m clean... I’m finally free.

Lana kept running her hand over the satin dress, smoothing the edges, and taking in the moment. What Rin had done for her was greater than anything she could ever imagine. For the first time, Lana felt a sense of worth. She had felt a portion of it weeks ago when the Halfling shared a cup of tea with her. Rin didn’t treat Lana like an object meant for one use. To him, Lana was more. She was someone who felt pain and needed healing.

However, Lana was use to people not caring beyond what the surface showed. It caught her off guard that Rin would take the time to extend such gentle care. He had barely woken a few hours ago from his week long coma. It was enough for Lana when his first words were, “Rin heard Lana when dreaming. Rin has nothing to forgive Lana for.” She had hugged him dearly, grateful for his forgiveness.

Faela then sent them home with a large jar of salve and a bill for Lana’s guild. All she wanted to do was continue to take care of Rin, but the Halfling seemed to sense the pain that lingered deep beneath her skin. How could she ever forgive herself for what Barut had done to him? Women like you deserve to be punished! continued to haunt her thoughts.

They had barely made it through Rin’s front door, Lana asking what he was hungry for, when he pointed to a chair.

“Sit,” the Halfling instructed. Lana gave a soft smile and listened. “Now close your eyes,” he insisted. Lana gave him a suspicious look, but did as she was told. Rin took her hands in his and a moment later, a mug, almost too hot to the touch, was placed in her grasp. Surprised by the trick, Lana opened her eyes. She gave the drink a sniff and knew it to be taze.

“Shall we toast your return home then?” Lana asked. Rin beamed brighter, nodding. However, he took the cup from her hands and placed it on the table next to his. He then covered her eyes with his hands. Lana kept them closed and felt Rin’s hands return to hers. Another moment passed and something warm once more was in her grasp. She looked down and found a thick slice of toasted raisin bread, with a layer of butter melting on top.

“Here’s your toast!” Rin said, like a puppy trying to please.

“Wha- how’d ya do that?” Lana asked, half laughing. She knew Rin hadn’t moved away from her, nor had time to prepare anything.

“Rin believe in magic between him and Lana,” he replied. Lana picked her cup back up, shaking her head some.

“Well Rin, here’s to us always having magic and to our victories of late,” Lana toasted. She took a sip of the taze, savoring the warmth and spices that danced across her tongue. She followed it up with a buttery bite of the raisin bread. Whatever Rin did to make the wine and toast, it was heavenly.

However, the moment was short lived as Lana realized she was enjoying herself too much. Rin was the one who got hurt. He was the one still recovering and there she was being treated.

Women like you deserve to be punished!

Lana bit her tongue, denying herself any self pity. She had cried plenty during the week and it was time to be strong for Rin.

Yet as soon as that bout of guilt had washed through her, a warmth began to stretch from her core to the tips of her fingers and toes. She felt oddly content. Lana knew it to be the food.

Women like you deserve to be punished!

She swallowed nervously, warring within herself as she tried to hide her thoughts behind a smile. Rin saw past it though.

The Halfling stood up and took Lana’s hands. He helped her to her feet before guiding her to the bathroom. Lana would have been apprehensive, but she was past caring about her welfare.

Women like you deserve to be punished!

Lana was placed on a stool as Rin prepared a bath. She forced herself to keep smiling, stewing in self loathing. As the tub filled with steaming water, Rin helped Lana undress. He used the same care he had shown the first time they bathed together. It wasn't him just trying to get close to her. It was genuine respect for her person.

Rin hummed a song, helping Lana into the bath. Soon she was sitting with her knees tucked to her chest. The hot water felt rather nice and before she knew it, Rin was washing her back with a soft brush lathered in soap. Lana rested her head on her knees as the Halfling carefully cleaned her. As he did this, humming his tune all the while, her thoughts began to drift.

She found herself in a sort of haze as the memory of her attack came to view. Barut loomed over her, reminding her relentlessly of how she deserved to be punished. I know! she wanted to yell. She hadn’t asked Rin to make her food or clean her up. For a moment, Lana found herself drowning in the memory of Barut.

Then the Halfling poured a cup of hot water over her head, waking her from her thoughts. As his hands massaged her scalp, working the soap in, she could feel Barut slip away. Rin again poured hot water over her to rinse the suds out. As it cascaded down her face, the memory of her attack began to erase from under her skin. Before she knew it, she was stepping from the tub, leaving behind the hurt, shame, and guilt. As Rin dried and dressed her in a pearl white, satin dress, it was the first time in a week Lana felt free.

He’s gone?

She twirled about, completely lost for words yet invigorated with a sense of worth. Never had she felt so unconditionally loved. “This is so beautiful!” was all Lana managed to say before giving Rin a hug.

It was in that moment that Lana knew she was irrevocably his.

✻  ✻  ✻  ✻  ✻

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XI: The Week

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THE WEEK

✻  ✻  Day One  ✻  ✻

The healer, Faela, immediately spotted the three as they walked through the church doors. She quickly rushed over.

“What in the heavens happened!?”

“He’s been hurt-” Lana began.

“I can see that!”

“Can you help him? I-I don’t have any money, but please, can you at least help him?” Lana begged. The Healer led them over to an empty bed. Shard placed Rin onto it, Faela disappearing a moment before returning with a handful of nurses. They began to draw the curtains to give his portion of the ward a sense of privacy.

Shard took his leave as Lana was sat down in a chair. A nurse began to clean her face as Faela called out orders. Lana kept moving to better see what they were doing to Rin. She watched as they removed the tattered clothes from his body.

“What’s his name?” Faela asked.

“Rin.”

The Healer began to mutter his name over and over. “He’s too hot,” she commented. Faela turned to her table of ingredients as nurses poured over the Halfling, cleaning his wounds and placing cold clothes on his head.

“What happened to the two of you?” Lana’s nurse asked. She explained that they had been kidnapped and beaten, her eyes continuing to watch her friend. She hadn’t a clue how long either of them had been gone. Lana was then asked who had abducted them when she watched Faela administer a potion to Rin. A moment later he began to convulse.

“What’s wrong!?” Lana cried out, “Is he okay!?” She began to stand to go help him but was met with resistance. Her nurse tried to keep her situated, but the urgent voice of Faela’s commands had Lana’s heart racing. She tried to get to Rin. She had to help him! He deserved to live over her!

“Get her out of here!” Faela ordered over Lana’s commotion. It took all three nurses to carry the screaming girl out of the ward.

The church was filled with Lana’s hysterics. She collapsed on the floor, sobbing and begging to be taken back to her friend. When a nurse was finally able to get a word in, she passed Lana a vial of medicine and told her to go home. “Get yourself cleaned up. Take care of yourself. That’s the best you can do for your friend right now.” The nurse then turned on her heels and left with the other two back into the ward.

Lana gripped the medicine, rocking a little as she collected herself. She eventually got to her feet and walked out of the church. Sylis was leaning against a pillar out front. His face softened a moment when he spotted Lana, but she wasn’t about to let him speak.

“I can’t deal with you right now,” she said, barely keeping her tone level, “And I’m not coming back with you either. So go find something to keep yourself busy with because I don’t know when I will want you near me again.”

Sylis took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “Alright,” he said gently, “I’m going to go report back to my Dean. See you when-” the Wizard wanted to say ‘when I get back,’ but quickly corrected himself, “See you when you’re ready.” Lana gave a shallow nod to acknowledge that she had heard.

Once he was gone, Lana went to the only place she knew she’d be alone; Rin’s. She entered the dim home and was barely there a minute before losing herself to her misery. Would she ever forgive Sylis? Would Rin live? Would either want her after all that had happened? They had every right to hate her.

Though Rin’s place was warm and inviting, Lana felt as though she was back on the stone floor of Barut’s prison.

✻  ✻  Day Two  ✻  ✻

When morning came Lana’s mind felt more clear, aside from the phantom sensation of cold molasses all over her face. Her head ached as did her whole body. She picked herself up off the floor and proceeded to do as she was instructed. Lana took her medicine and began to clean herself up.

Whatever was in the vial worked remarkably well. As she used her magics to wash off the sweat and blood, she watched as her wounds shrunk and the aches disappeared. However, even when she was clean, in the back of her mind she knew she wasn’t. Barut still lingered under her skin like a disease she’d never be cured of.

With great effort, Lana put aside her self pity and dressed so she could go find out the fate of Rin.

Approaching the church doors seemed to fill her boots with lead. The closer she got, the harder it became to lift her feet. She wondered if she’d be able to accept Rin’s death.

Faela came over to Lana and hugged her. For a moment she thought she knew what it meant, but soon the half Elf informed her that Rin was stable. Lana reminded Faela that she hadn’t any money to pay for her services to which the Healer told her not to worry. All she needed to do was return everyday to see to him.

Faela lead her over to the Halfling’s bed. There Rin laid, covered in bandages and poultices. He wasn’t awake, which was good. His face was puffy and dark purple patches were all over his body. Lana took comfort that she could see him breathing.

“I want you to help in cleaning his wounds. You need to see the depths of his suffering,” Faela informed her. As if I already didn’t know, Lana thought. However the Healer was right. As Lana worked with the nurses to clean and apply new ointment and dressings, she could see how severe some of the marks were. Her fingers ran along a few that went to the bone. Some she knew would always remain as a reminder of that awful day. Lana made it a point to keep her face impassive to mask her remorse.

“He spoke your name during the night,” Faela said as a new poultice was applied to one of the bone deep gashes.

“He did?”

“Yes. Spoke of Barut too. How you were the reason he was there.”

Lana’s lips quivered. Faela was the one who revived them after she, Sylis, and Shadar had tried to assassinate Barut. She knew what the Healer was wondering; was it her doings? Though Lana felt like it was, she denied such to Faela.

“No,” she squeaked out, “I never knew he would be kidnapped. I-I don’t even know how they got him.”

After the final bandage was applied, Faela washed her hands in the table basin and dried them on a towel before ushering Lana well away from the nurses and Rin. She gestured toward a chair and sat down next to her. Faela pondered a moment, something pressing on her mind that made Lana squirm inside.

"I have heard tales of devotion and love and betrayal. Never have I heard of devotion like this man shows to you,” Faela told her directly, “Never have I seen such wounds. I’ve agreed to take him as my charge. But you. Must. Agree. that when he is well enough to leave, you will never forget and never take for granted who you are to this man."

Faela suddenly was on her feet and walking away before Lana could answer. It wasn’t a choice she was given. In most instances, she would have been oppositional. Nobody told Lana what to do! But she sat there watching the Healer’s back vanish behind the curtain that separated Rin from the room. All that came to mind was how much she agreed.

Never again will I take him for granted.

✻  ✻  Day Three  ✻  ✻

Lana returned the following morning to help with the redressing of Rin’s wounds. His face was beginning to look more normal, but his bright, muddy brown eyes remained closed.

Nurses were in a constant flow, one always remaining near by. Lana did her best to keep out of the way, but with how they bustled about, she found herself leaving for a little bit. All she wanted was to be alone with Rin.

Her opportunity came as night fell. Lana was sitting in a chair next to the bed, when the nurse told her she’d be around if there was anything she needed. Lana watched as she left.

The ward was rather silent at night. The whispers of Faela and nurses could be heard and sometimes other patients, but for the most part nothing stirred. The only noise Rin made was his steady inhales and exhales. It certainly was music to Lana. It meant another day toward wellness.

She knelt beside Rin’s bed, taking one of his hands in hers. “Rin, Rin, Rin...” Lana began. All day she had been hoping he’d finally wake up and had been thinking of the words she’d say to him. Lana had thought of many excuses to explain why she was the way she was. Reasons to try and make him see that she wasn’t worth his time. Over and over the words went in her head trying to push him away, but the circle would always complete with Lana knowing she owed it to Rin to stay.

She knelt there too long, and before Lana knew it, her emotions had bubbled over again. “I’m sorry,” she said in a whisper, “I’m really, really sorry what happened.” And that was all she managed to say.

✻  ✻  Day Four, Five, and Six  ✻  ✻

Rin continued to improve as days went on, but remained unconscious throughout. A quarter of his wounds had completely sealed while the bruises faded from purple to yellow/green. Lana also began to adventure farther from the church, so as to give her something to do over stewing in her thoughts.

The fourth day of Rin’s stay, Lana had walked the markets, just looking about. She spotted a girl selling flowers. There were a few dahlias and daisies in the mix and immediately thought they’d be something to brighten Rin’s room.

It then became a daily to do. At the end of each day, Lana would return and sit with Rin, regaling the Halfling with the day’s adventure. She’d also bring nic nacs back as gifts for him to wake up to. The first night was the flowers and her time at the market.

The fifth day Lana came across a group of performers. They wore brightly colored costumes and did all sorts of tricks. Some did aerial acts while others juggled. Her favorite were the hoop artists. Lana was mesmerized by the way they danced with the hoop, sending it around their body, up their arms, around their legs, flipping and crawling and all manners of stunts she would have thought impossible to do with an oversized ring.

Lana caught herself trying to reenact one of the moves as she told Rin about the performers. Quickly she remembered he couldn’t see or hear her. She sat back down, smoothing out the pennant she had acquired from the show.

At the end of the sixth day, Lana returned with hand drawn pictures. She hung them on the wall behind Rin’s bed, telling him all about her visit with Jessie.

“When I got there,” she began, “I found all the girls had been gathered into the community room. Up at the front, the girls were putting on a skit for the parents. Jessie was already on stage with another girl named Callie. Poor Callie began to see dragons again and started going off on an adventure.

“But I was rather impressed with Jessie. She was dolled up in a frilly kind of dress with matching boots and though she never talks, her expressions were great. She tried so hard to get Callie’s attention again.

“Then this other girl, Georji, she came out dressed up as a horse. She’s such a sweetheart and was the happiest horse around. Even when Jessie began to attack her,” Lana gave a soft chuckle at that. The moment before Jessie snapped, she had jumped up on Georji and gestured wildly like she was riding her very fast. It was rather comical.

“The play ended right quick as nurses swarmed the stage. I guess Jessie’s regressed some, but they allowed me to see her. I think a lot of the nurses were surprised I had come back.

“Jessie was very happy to see me. I was worried she might have been very mad, but she wasn’t. I told her about things of late and about ya. She even tried to draw a picture of ya, see--” Lana cut off as she realized what she said. She was placing the last picture up on the wall when the words slipped. It was like a knife in her stomach as she looked back down at Rin.

Lana sat on the bed next to the Halfling. She couldn’t help but wonder why she spent so much time telling him about her days. It seemed like forever ago when they were on the cruise. How his eyes would always be watching her, listening to everything she said. He was very good at that. Being so attentive, as though she were teaching him new and exciting things. But now she was the one watching him, hoping that the healing she saw his body working meant he would wake up.

With a sigh, Lana gave Rin’s hand a squeeze before wrapping her blanket about her body and curling up in the chair. Any day now, Lana told herself as she fell asleep.

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