chivalread | INBOX ↣ FELLDEN

[ He gives her another look over. Not because he doesn’t trust her, but rather because he knows how all of them can be. “I’m fine, just a little further” may as well be the class motto for the Blue Lions, after all, but he’s pleased to see that she doesn’t seem to be any worse for wear. Weary, perhaps, but they all are. It’s been a harrowing few days. ]

When you put it like that, how can I refuse?

[ Swinging his legs over the edge of the bed, he sets his book atop the pile of tomes on his bedside table. ]

Where do you want me?

Where you are is fine. Here--

[ And she extends her hand, letting the healing spell kick in without a word, working to ease some of that tightness and the ache that's been making him move so gingerly. ]

Really, you know if you're in any pain at all, you can always talk to me.

[ Except again, the Blue Lions are a bunch of determinators who hate admitting when they need help for multiple reasons. ]

[ As much as he’d like to put on a tough front, pretend that the wound slowly healing under the bandages around his middle doesn’t twinge and bother him when he moves too quickly or breathes too deeply, that sort of acting has never been his strong suit. The instant Mercedes’ all-too familiar healing spell seeps into his skin, warming away the ache, he lets out a little sigh of relief. ]

I know that, but I don’t want to be a burden.

[ It’s his own fault that he’s hurt like this, which would be one thing, but he also caused Mercedes and Dimitri to be hurt as well. They can tell him it’s fine all they like, but there’s a part of him that might never be able to let that go. ]

How’s your shoulder?

As good as new!

[ To prove her point, she gives her shoulder a solid pat once she's done tending to Ashe's wound. ]

Just like it never happened, really. Except for the tears in my sleeve, so I'll still need to sew them...

[ But then Mercedes leans closer, giving Ashe a solemn frown. ]

You do know I'd never consider you a burden, don't you?

I'm glad to hear it.

[ Some tension that has nothing to do with his wound eases out of him, a worry he didn't realize he'd been harboring now let go.

But then Mercedes is really close. Ashe's eyes go wide in confusion, and he leans back a smidge. ]

I... I know. I'm sorry. I guess the last few days have me feeling kind of... doubtful. Like maybe I'm not cut out for knighthood after all.

[ Upon realizing that she's probably invading his personal space (in no part due to the fact that he's definitely inching back a bit), Mercedes also leans back. She's still frowning, though there's a tinge of something pensive to her expression now. ]

... Ashe, if you don't mind my asking... what do you think a knight is?

[ He doesn’t know what to make of the look on her face, and for a second he wonders if perhaps he’s said something wrong. ]

Um. Someone brave and kind, who always does what’s right no matter what. A defender of the weak.

[ There’s no room for cowardice there, he thinks. The knights in his stories would have never run with their tails between their legs to hide in a shed. ]

Oh, Ashe...

[ There's something soft and sad in Mercedes' gaze as she listens, looks him over. Why can't he see it? After everything, the times they'd fought together, surely he must realize it--!

So she rests a hand on his shoulder, carefully shaking her head. ]

Didn't you act to shield me against the debris when the Fury attacked? Despite your... problems with ghosts, didn't you work with us to help bring it down? You didn't hesitate at all when it came to helping people, Ashe.

Mercedes…

[ It’s so very easy to look back on those moments and remember only the fear, all-encompassing as it had been. He hadn’t acted out of bravery to shield her, only concern, and it felt more like desperation that guided him to nock an arrow to his bow and fire at the thing in the dark.

But Mercedes offers him a new perspective on the matter. No matter what, he’d helped, and he’d done so without succumbing to the very real urge to run and hide yet again. ]

Do you really think I was brave back there? I sure didn’t feel like I was.

Of course I do! Truthfully, I think that the bravest moments are when we're so scared we can hardly think straight but we act anyway.

[ And he certainly had done that, shielding Mercedes, stumbling through the darkness with injuries to help them in the fight... regardless of what he thinks, she knows better. ]

You were amazing, Ashe.

[ That’s a good point, and one that he ought to keep in mind. It’s easy to write a story, to make the hero fearless and strong, but real life is so very different. How many of the people in his tales had been shaking in their boots when the time came to act? Probably a lot more of them than the stories would suggest. ]

… Thank you, Mercedes. I really am sorry you landed in that mess in the first place, but… I’m glad we all came out of it okay.

We work well together, after all.

[ She says it softly, calmly. It's the truth, as far as she's concerned. ]

We'll be prepared for any future encounters, I'm sure of it. But when they happen... please try to keep in mind that none of us are truly feeling fearless when we fight.

Thanks.

[ He said that already, but it probably bears repeating. ]

I needed that. And thank you for the healing, too. I feel better already.

Of course! Then, should we get started on finding some food for you and complete your state?

[ Before Ashe can properly answer, his stomach does it for him, giving a loud growl that has him starting a little. ]

… I think that’s a yes.

... Goodness! Then I think it's about time we get you out of here.

[ His poor stomach. ]

Yes, please.

[ He’s so embarrassed! Betrayed by his own stomach!! ]

Besides, I think I’ve been cooped up enough as it is.

I'd have to agree. Your room was actually the last place I would have thought to look to find you. You're usually so active and out and about.

Yeah, I guess all the commotion wore me out worse than I thought it would.

[ Amazing what spending actual days in a row being terrified will do to a person. ]

It looks like you fared a lot better than I did.

INBOX ↣ FELLDEN

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