Her ears twitched at the distinct clinking of metal on stone. A white feeling overtook her as she realized that multiple people were on their way to her. She turned in the bed, her eyes falling on the door just in time to watch three shadows enter. Rising from her bed, she kept it between herself and the men, as the blanket slipped uselessly to the floor

She was less tense when she recognized one of them. It was the first knight, the one who looked deep into her eyes. He was out of his armor, dressed in a smart, military uniform. It was dark in color, almost black, except where the torchlight revealed a hidden blue deep inside. He had sharp black hair that caused his grey eyes to turn silver as they glowed gently in the light. His lean figure filled the uniform perfectly, and for a moment she was stunned by his beauty, highlighted by his advanced age.

He gave her a soft smile, saying, “It’s alright, I’ve just come to check on you,” and stayed where she first spotted him, about a step or two from the bed, her only barrier." She opened her mouth to say something but it fell closed without a sound. “It’s okay. Take your time.” slowly, she climbed over her bed. Sitting on it she pulled up the blanket and wrapped it around her. She looked up at them, over to the other knight in full plate armor, and then to the other man slightly behind him.

He was dressed in similar colors as the others. The same deep blue that fell into black. He was assisted by a white silver staff, a beautiful piece that seemed to be carved out of marble. His hair, snowy white, was sparse and thinning, revealing a gleaming bald patch at the crown. His face held the gentle creases of age, warm and amiable, contrasting with the vibrant green eyes that gleamed with a youthful spark.

She found her gaze fixed on the wizard with a staff. His presence quickened her heart as she choked on a memory too recent to overlook. Even as the knight took a knee and hunched over a little to keep at her eye level she trembled under the wizard's shadow.

Good morning,” The knight called. “Are you feeling alright?”

Her gaze flicked to the knight momentarily before being drawn back to the man in the robe. "B-better," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I see," the Knight responded, casting a glance towards the robed figure. "This is Varra Sol, a member of the Gray Tower. You might remember him, he was the one who managed to save you. I asked him to come so he can look over you." Her eyes widened at the word save, she couldn't believe it. He, saved her?

The man in question, Varra Sol, advanced, offering her a bow, "Young lady, as Sir Varis has introduced, I am Varra Sol. If you can please allow me, I shall take a proper look at you?" His words were kind, his tone gentle. He smiled and approached slowly and yet, she could only shutter at his approach.

As Varra Sol neared, she swallowed a chill, her heartbeat quickening. Gripped by a wave of sudden unease, she pulled the blanket over her tighter, her hands shaking. "I..." she sputtered. As Varra Sol extended his hand towards her, she recoiled instinctively. Her own hand shot up in a swift defensive motion, knocking his away. She retreated further into the blanket, trembling on the bed.

"Young lady?" Varra Sol asked, his voice filled with sorrow and confusion. A hand fell on his shoulder.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

“Step back for now.” the knight, Varis, said. He pulled him away gently.

Varra Sol looked back at Varis, “But I-”

Varis shook his head. “It's okay for now, let's leave her be. For now can you please leave it to me.”

“Of course.” The mage relented. Stepping behind Varis the knight sat on the bed next to the girl.

"I-I'm sorry," she stammered. "I don't know why..."

"It's alright," Varis comforted her, his voice soft, his hand gently patting her back. Despite her initial flinch, his calming presence seemed to still her shivering. "Take your time."

An uneasy silence blanketed the tent, the tension dissipating as Ravina's breaths began to steady.

"I'm okay," she finally whispered, her voice faint but composed. “Thank you.”

Varis gave a nod. He looked at the other knight, "Fetch Elysia, and bring a warm drink." With a rigid salute, the other knight exited the tent.

"I don't understand," admitted Varra Sol, the confusion evident in his voice.

Varis shook his head. He signaled Ravina with his eyes, “I'll tell you later for now, for now return to the medical tent and finish up there..”

Varra Sol hummed in confusion before shrugging. "Very well," he said, exiting the tent. With each rhythmic tap of his staff marking his departure, a corresponding hitch caught Ravina's breath, despite how she tried to keep her breath even.

Varis turned back to Ravina. The girl was still hugging her knees close, her eyes glazed over. He put a hand on her back, patting it slightly. The large hand was rather warm and for a while they remained seated on the bed in silence.

The other knight was the first to return. With a simple “Excuse me,” he entered into the tent with a wooden bowl and mug in hand. The bowl was used mainly for soup but as they were not in an area where they could cook a large meal it was just filled with shreds of dried meat. The mug itself was steaming with hot liquid. Hot water was the best he could do, warmed by the mages magic. The knight felt a little nervous as he brought the meal in.

Walking up to the girl he gave Varis a look. The other man nodded and took the mug in his hand. He placed the mug in her lap, guiding her hands over the warm tin. Once she had a good grip of it with both hands he let go, taking the bowl and dismissing the knight with a nod.

The girl just stared at the waters, enjoying the warmth in her freezing hands. “Take a sip.” Varis offered, guiding her hands to bring the cup to her lips. She took a few cautious sips, the warm liquid spreading through her entire body.

"T-Thank you," Ravina managed.

Varis simply nodded in response, placing the bowl of food before her. She looked at it over her water. She hesitated, but eventually took a hand off of the cup and picked up a piece of meat. He held a peace in her fingers. It was browned but still had a bit of red to it. It wasn't spiced with anything and had no smell. When she did manage to push it into her mouth she wasn't able to taste it. Still, she chewed slowly and eventually managed to swallow it.

After that she reached for another piece, then another. It was only after the first bite that she realized how hungry she was. Watching her eat the bland meal with such vigor was unexpected, but the knight said nothing. Watching over her like a silent sentinel. It was only when her hands felt the bottom of the bowl that she found it empty. Her eyes fell to the bowl then at the sharp grey eyes of the man holding it.

"Sorry," she muttered, her face growing warm when she looked over at him. “I just…” she didn't know what to say so instead she brought the mug up with both hands and finished off the warm water.

"Don't worry about it," he reassured her, taking the now-empty plate and mug and setting them on the ground.

"I... I really don't know what happened," she confessed, struggling to articulate her thoughts.

"Don't worry about it, Varra Sol will understand," he reassured her once more. However, that's not what she meant.

Still, she didn't have the words. So relented with a simple "sorry."

Now that she was watered and fed she felt sleep’s pull. Her eyes grew heavy and she felt more than a little comfortable next to the man beside her.