Zi'da 52, 717
Mood Music
The older woman set the needle and thread aside for cleaning, wiping Caius down one sarding last time with antiseptic on a cloth. He whined, but otherwise held still, so fekking over it all by now. The doctor set out herbs and bandages, having already explained that the sewn area required cleaning and care to keep infection at bay, especially where Darcy had cauterized the deep hole in his shoulder,
"You'll stay here for the rest of to-trial, yes? Tomorrow morning, we'll check on it again before you head back to Andaris. Is there someone who can see you there? I want to make sure you keep well."
Sitting up, the young Gawyne nodded, reaching for his shirt with fingers that trembled from enduring an encore round of stitching and from the edge of exhaustion, "The infirmary on the Rynmere University's campus is available to me as a student. I assume I will have to take some significant time off of printing at the Rynmere Gazette, too, Miss Ambre?"
"I'd say yes, though I won't pretend to know what this printing you speak of entails. No heavy lifting, no sword play, no sudden movements, no straining for at least thirty trials, my Lord. Infection will set us back or kill you. Too much use will most likely leave you with more scar tissue and reduced function, so I highly recommend taking it as easy as possible."
Caius sneered in frustration, but made a noise of agreement and defeat, allowing de Relle first to do the necessary bandaging and fussing, then to assist him with his shirt, and finally to figure out some way to immobilize his right arm with a sling. It was with an obvious expression of displeasure and discomfort that the northern noble put up with it all, not having a choice if he wanted to keep the proper use of everything, so he grit his teeth and let the older woman do her job.
Finally finished, the healer held a hand out when the young Gawyne made to get up from the bed,
"Just stay and rest, my Lord. I'll have the Lady Venora return and someone bring some warm food to you. But, really, stay." Her voice was firm and Caius reluctantly set his feet back up on the bed and settled sitting up against the pillows, annoyed, restless.
"Thank you." He managed honestly, nodding as the woman gathered her dirty things separate from the clean ones and packed it all into her bag. Smiling at him, she made her way out of the room to first find Darcyanna and then make her way to the kitchens, leaving the northern noble alone with his thoughts for just a few bits too many.
❦