Arthur's Point of View

Temple

“I need to see Aydalia.” I finally spoke when Austin let go and wiped his cheeks.

Cassidy smiled. “Ah’m sure Ayda and Alwin would like that a lot.”

“If I may,” Drewes cut in. “We were also on our way to see her.” He then gracefully gestured to Arceana. “The Priestess went out of her way to escort us here to see those who passed.” His eyes darted to the room. “Friends, family, and soldiers alike.” The Elf then looked at me. “Would you permit us to show you the way?”

Arceana gave a small nod. “I have my own tasks to perform here.” Her gaze drifted to me. “I hope you got what you needed.”

I didn’t reply. “…”

Luthi Leiflan clasped her hands together overly dramatically. “Yes, well, shall we?” She gestured down the hall.

Patting Cassidy’s arm and Austin’s head, I followed the two Elves. “What do you two want?” I asked when we were out of earshot. “I’m in no mood for games.”

“We will get our chance, Sir Arthur.” Drewes said in a more serious manner. “But not for games.” We turned a corner, and he gestured to a door. “However, I think you have something you want to do.”

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Eyeing the two Elves who gave me soft smiles made me wary. Yet, they seemed honest and meaningful enough. There wasn’t any ill intent, from what I could tell. Then again, I’ve been burned by Elves before. Regardless, ignoring them for the moment, I moved between the two before knocking on the door.

Ayda opened the door with puffy red eyes. “Arthur?” She seemed surprised.

I nodded. “Yeah, Ayda. It’s me. I’d like to see how she’s doing if at all possible.”

Moving to the side, she gestured to the bed where Aydalia was covered in bandages. “The doctors said she’ll pull through. Thanks to help from the healers,” She turned back to me. “And you.”

“The burns?”

My question made her pause before a few sobs escaped her lips as she tried to gather herself. “She’ll never be the same!” Ayda wiped her cheeks as she broke down again. “The wounds were coated with Demonic Magic, which is notoriously difficult to heal.” Her shoulders shook.

Doing the right thing sucks. It’s something tedious or usually something you don’t want to do. Thus, I opened my arms and gave the Elf a comforting hug. It wasn’t all bad. Her arms tucked into herself as I held her while she shook.

“How long have you been awake, Ayda?” I felt her body sagging in my arms.

“Since… Since it happened.” Separating from me, Ayda finally saw the Leiflans. “Duke! Duchess!” Her voice was shaky.

The young Elf moved to greet them, but Drewes held up his hand. “Please, none of that, Lady Farro. We are close friends with your mother and father.”

Nodding rapidly to hide her tears, Luthi grabbed her hands to comfort her. “You do need some rest, young one.”

“My mom needs me.” Ayda removed her hands shyly from the Duchess. “I can’t leave her alone. Alwin is-“

Drewes gestured to me. “We would like to visit her if you would allow it.” He said with a sad smile. “I give you my word we will watch over her and make sure someone is with her before we leave. You should rest.”

Turning to me, the young Elf seemed so lost. “You’ll watch over her?” I nodded, and she let out a shaky laugh. “Of course, you will. You’re the one who saved her life.” Grabbing my hand, she gave me a small smile and gestured for me to lower myself. “Thank you for saving my mom, Arthur.” Giving me a small peck on the cheek, Ayda staggered off.

Entering the room, I heard the other two follow me along with the door closing. Ignoring them for the moment and whatever they might want, my eyes studied Aydalia. Her form was completely covered in bandages that were giving off a magic signature of sorts. Almost like they were pulsating. Yet, the small parts I could see of her around her mouth, nose, and eyes were all dark red burns.

“Arthur.” Drewes began.

Holding up a hand to stop him as I stood at the foot of her bed, my hands found the metal rail as I hunched over. “Whatever it is you want from me, now is not the time.” I told them.

“This may be the only time we get. You are, after all, a busy man.” The Duke shot back.