Arthur's Point of View

Dwardew

Watching Elincia as she kneeled before me, I finally gave in. Stopping my energy output, my wounds reopened. Not to a horrendous extent. More like cuts appearing on each of my limbs. Using her magic, some wrappings appeared and quickly stopped the bleeding. The bandages quickly became red, but the Priestess quickly tightened around the wounds, and the bleeding came to a stop.

“Do you want to rest?” Elincia asked me softly. “I know you said you were tired.”

My eyes moved to her as I tried to keep my wits about me. “Are Ventari and Turiel already here?”

She nodded. “They are, but I doubt they would care to return once you have rested.”

With a small shake of my head, I hissed as I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes. “Let them in. This won’t take long.”

“Are you-“

“Yes.” I heard her moving to the door, but I quickly added. “Elincia,” Her footsteps halted. “Thank you.”

A content hum came from her lips. “You are most welcome.” The door opened, and I heard Elincia call out to them. “Arthur will see you now, but please mind your volume. He is trying to rest.”

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It sounded like a larger group than I had expected entered the room. “Sir Arthur?” Ventari called out.

My eyes lazily opened, half lidded. “I see there are far more of you than I actually asked for.”

“Are you okay?” My student asked as he moved to my side and looked me over.

I lifted one of my arms. “Trying not to die again, I figured it’d be a good idea to start recovering my energy.” My chest started to feel heavy, and a rasp entered my breathing. “It’s gonna be a long night.”

“It’s barely morning.” Kheri commented playfully, and my eyes met hers.

A chuckle came to my lips as I started to cough a little. “I have no doubt I’m going to be asleep for quite some time.” My eyes moved from her to Prince Vitar. “I figured you’d be with your General trying to get things organized.”

The young prince gave a small bow. “The General can handle such things without me, and I have a few guards to look after him. He’s still injured. Losing an eye might not mean much for someone like you, but he still needs time to adjust.”

Tilting my head slightly to Ventari, I spoke. “I was unaware the Dwarven General lost one of his eyes.”

Ventari smiled. “He is alive, which is more than some others can say. General Dwar is sturdy and will recover shortly. Besides, you have your own concerns, do you not?”

“I honestly thought he was dead at one point. Not many could survive a blow against Tor or being thrown into a house which collapses on top of them.” I replied. “Sturdy indeed.”

“He has a few fractures, but that won’t stop him. Dwar wants to be an example to his fellow Dwarves.” Lady Turiel informed me.

“A good man and a better leader. I should take from his example.” My statement got many to look concerned at that.

Lady Turiel quickly stepped forward and put a hand to her chest. “That is not what I meant at all! You have earned your rest as your wounds were far more grievous than anyone else!” She stated. “We know you are tired! Please do not feel burdened at all!”

‘Come home, John.’

I felt my face twitch at that as I tried to ignore it. “Righ-“

‘Happy Birthday, John!’

“Arthur?” Typhon called out to me. “Are you okay?”

My eyes closed again. “I’ll be fine. Ventari, and Lady Turiel, I’ve heard that you two are entering into an alliance.” There was a pause, and I opened my eyes to see the two women surprised. “What?”

Ventari was the one who replied. “Noth-Nothing.” She let out, surprised. “We just assumed this was going to be about our leaving to the Northern Forests. That, and what would be happening with your reward that you were promised.”

“I plan on discussing my reward afterward.” My response got them to look at each other. “But at this moment, I am far more interested in this alliance your kingdoms are proposing.”