[ P ] You better run away

do not press this,
I am relentless.

When she began rummaging through her things, unpacking what she needed, he only listened. The smell of herbs filled the air. When she leaned over him, he shut his eyes. His body stiffened as soon as she started to touch him and soon his breathing changed, but otherwise he gave no other outward sign of his discomfort. Mentally, he checked out. It was part of his military training, to venture into another headspace to avoid feeling the worst of the pain.

Eat it. He'd blink slowly as he opened his eyes. She placed something in front of him and he'd comply, knowing he'd feel better. She was speaking again. His weary gaze lifted as she suggested he see a doctor, claiming that she had been capable of was patchwork. "I'm sure its fine." Slowly, he got to his feet, his body stiff.

For the first time, he took a moment to actually look at her. She was shorter than himself, her body lean and in shape. Her coat was a mix of cool and earthy tones, the merle pattern exotic. With mismatched eyes, their vibrant shades were captivating with their warmth. Nalik noticed how she too looked a bit disheveled, as if she had been jostled around or involved in the conflict. "Thank you," He paused for a brief moment. "Illaria." Her named rolled off his tongue, deep baritones were full of the warmth and bite of whiskey.

@Illaria

talk like this.

template by bean

He had always been the easiest soldier to patch up. He’d never bothered to argue with her nor snap at her in pain. And today was no different, so she wasn’t surprised when he didn’t hesitate to eat the go ginger before standing up and validating her work. She shook her head and decided not to argue with him about seeing a doctor.

She felt him staring at her, and she looked at him. He was taller than her but only by about 8 or so inches it seemed. She took in his muscled form, and the graying on his muzzle indicating he was a seasoned soldier. She took in his Smokey gray form, noting where it turned darker near his back, shoulders, and Neck. And the whispers of white through it all. He was incredibly handsome and she had no doubt that he was heartbreakingly breathtaking when he was in his prime if he was this handsome now, she’d barley looked at him before.All the previous encounters she’d been focused on her work, not who she was working on. She ran her eyes along all the scars he’d collected before she met his own gaze. His dark green gaze met with her own green and blue orbs.

She found him attractive and suddenly felt embarrassed at her disheveled appearance. She wasn’t normally so dirty. She was pulled out of her embarrassing thoughts when he thanked her. But before she could respond he said her name.

The way he said her name sent a shiver down her spine and she felt a blush creeping up her neck like she was a young girl again. She shifted on her paws to regain herself. But it rang in her head like a song.

“You’re Welcome, Nalik” She practically whispered. Her gaze soft upon him. “Send for me, if you ever need me” she offered. She would come if he called upon her, now that he had her name. She knew in a few short days she’d be at the college for a bit. “I should be at the college of Eòlas in a few days, and should you need me after I leave the college. Someone there will know where to find me” She spoke smoothly. Trying to keep a professional mind instead of whatever that had been earlier.

@Nalik

do not press this,
I am relentless.

When she caught him staring, she didn't object. Instead, she did the same. He'd be scrutinized before. His weight didn't shift uncomfortably, his gaze didn't stray from her face. He stood waiting, almost patiently. So when embarrassment turned her cheeks pink, he didn't miss it. A ghost of a smirk passed across his mouth. She fidgeted beneath his gaze.

His name rolled off her tongue so softly she might as well whisper. Her offer to be at his beck and call as a low hum vibrating in his throat, the sound appreciative for more than one reason. But he remained silent otherwise. She went to explain her travel plans, as if it should mean something to him. "I'm sure I'll be fine." She wasn't the only nurse in Rionnach. Though he might be tempted to call upon her if only to watch her squirm.

"You should be getting home. It'll be dark soon and the city will still be dangerous." He'd dismiss her. But he didn't immediately turn away from her, he waited for her to walk away. He'd make sure she started in the direction of someplace that wasn't where protestors might still linger. With the coming war, they would need all the medical professionals they could get. This wouldn't be the last time she stitched him up, he was certain of that.

@Illaria

talk like this.

template by bean

She blushed a bit at his dismissal. But alas she had nowhere to stay while she was there. It had been a rash decision and she was only thinking about those who might need her medical assistance. So she’d rushed here without a second thought or a plan. So when she’d gotten here it hadn’t dawned on her where she’d sleep until just then. But she was used to roughing it. It was part of being a travel nurse. And she was accustomed to sleeping wherever she could get a spot. Even if it meant sleeping under the stars in a new place.

So she promptly laid down and tucked her bag of herbs in tight against her frame and looked up at Nalik. “I’ll be alright. Have a good Evening Nalik. And remember to get some proper rest, nurses orders” she gave him a gentle grin.

@Nalik

(So sorry it took so long and it’s so short T.T )

do not press this,
I am relentless.

In his experience, when someone was dismissed, they walked away, they left the immediate vicinity. Not her. She curled up at his feet and bid him goodnight. Emerald eyes narrowed as irritation flashed. Did she think she was being funny? A smile toyed with her lips, but she didn't laugh, inside she chided him, wanting to be sure he rested. He would ignore her.

"Are you joking?" He asked, his voice sharper. With a huff and shake of his head, he started to walk away from her, deciding he had neither the energy or patience to deal with her. "Go home." A low growl vibrated his words.

Still, his gaze cut to hers, waiting. He fully expected her to leave. She was delaying him. Hadn't she been going on about his getting rest? Yet here she was preventing just that. Her disobedience irked him, mostly because he hadn't considered that she might be homeless within the mainlands.

@Illaria

talk like this.

template by bean

Illaria didn’t flinch away when his tone got sharp as he asked her if she was joking. In fact she took it with stride. Her face remained calm as she looked at him. She heard his huff of annoyance as he shook his head at her before he turned to leave. And then he told her to go home. And her eyes narrowed a bit. The only drop of her calm exterior. But she pushed aside the feelings he caused. And reminded herself it had been a long day. And he’d suffered and that was why he was acting out.

She watched him turn back to her. But she ignored him. Staying up only to turn around, so that she was facing the water. Then laying back down with her bag beneath her. Her own small dismissal. She laid her head down and closed her eyes. Willing herself to relax into the earth for the night. The air was still chilled from winter. But she ignored it, pulling her frame into a ball to conserve her heat.

@Nalik

do not press this,
I am relentless.

His greying muzzle wrinkled in annoyance and she turned her back on him. Why was he even wasting the time? Maybe it was because she had patched him up before and he probably hadn't even ushered a thank you. Whatever the reason, his patience would come to a swift end. Pivoting on his paws, he walked away from her without another word. If she wanted to risk her out skin by sleeping out on the streets in the wake of a violent protest, that was her own choice. Headed home, he pushed her from his mind, allowing his thoughts to quiet so that by the time he fell into bed, he drifted off into an easy sleep.

exit

@Illaria

talk like this.

template by bean

I.E.S
Let’em Wonder..

She didn’t watch him leave. But she listened until his steps faded away from her. And when he was finally gone she let out a breath she hadn’t even realized she’d been holding. She couldn’t believe she’d let him affect her that way. She silently began scolding herself.

Eventually she fell into a cold shivering sleep.

~Exit Via sleep~

speech here
@Nalik

How we got this Far

code by claerie