The morning saw Coatleque in no better shape than the previous night. The bruise on her jaw only grew into a larger, purple welt that she was sure looked worse than it felt. No mirror was handy to confirm however, not that she would have wanted to see it. She sat up and cupped her face in her hands before rubbing her eyes.
"Di'ja sleep good on yer fluffy-ass f***in' rug?" came the voice of Morn from across the room. She slowly stopped rubbing her face and glared at him. "Do I look like I did?"
"Nope." He snickered.
"F**k, at least you got a rug. Don't say we never did nothin' for you." his companion shot back.
It was mid-morning by then. Jameson had been seeing other associates or clients for some time already. Coatleque had insisted they get this over with. Vandol held her back with little effort and insisted they wait their turn.
"I feel like we should get some sorta extra tip or some shit."
"Seriously, compensating for our f**kin' pain and suffering."
Coatleque shot them another glare.
"Yes... your pain."
"Not just that, but now we're a day behind. Man, babysitting mouthy bitches is a pain."
"You could always make her leave." Coatleque replied snidely.
"Damn, Tash. She just blew you up!"
"What, she wasn't talkin' about you?"
The two mercenaries continued to talk up their own bravado while Coatleque sat quietly. She pulled the tunic down as far as she could, still feeling uncomfortably exposed for these circumstances, then tried to comb out her knotting hair with her fingers. Even in this state she should attempt to look her best for Jameson.
Eventually Mister North finally arrived only to be swarmed by the pair upon entering the lobby. He glanced briefly at Coatleque and gave a slight bow without commenting on her current appearance before addressing the others and leaving to inquire if the Master was ready to see them. No sooner did he leave then another man exited and smoothed his coat while eyeing the assembled. He gave a sniff and wrinkled his nose before walking off stiffly.
"Snooty ass f**k" Morn commented after him.
"They all is."
"Don't I know it." he replied, eyeing his prisoner.
"Know your betters, fool." she shot back, feeling somewhat emboldened now that they were about to gain audience.
Attention shifted back to Jameson's office door as Mister North let himself back out. He cleared his throat.
"Milord will see you now."
"Awesome."
"Heard that?"
"Finally..."
Morn yanked Coalteque to her feet roughly by the chain of the manacles across her wrists. She almost tripped over him in the process but managed to keep her balance as she was dragged and then pushed through the door. Vandol and Tash followed close behind, with Mister North after them. He closed the door and stood off to the side quietly, adjusting his jacket and resting a hand just inside its front. Just inside the door were the two mercenaries with Coatleque in the middle, shoved roughly to the front. Jameson remained seated behind his desk and watched with a staid expression and narrowed eyes.
"Hey boss."
"So, we had a little problem."
"We figger you needed ta see this."
Jameson exhaled slowly through his nose, patiently. He spoke in a controlled and careful tone.
"What. Is this."
"Was hopin' you could say" Vandol continued. "I figger she can have her say, then we'll answer whatever shit she decides not to say." Coatleque said nothing. She glanced at Jameson once then bowed her head. Whatever boldness she felt before had since fled now that they were here.
"Oh now she's quiet?" Tash laughed.
Jameson stood slowly. Even his movements were measured. Dressed in an oddly casual manner for him, he approached her. One hand extended and he lifted her chin with a crook of his finger, appraising it. She winced slightly but otherwise made no resistance, allowing him to turn her head one way than the other. He showed no reaction to the sight of her, though his head tilted slightly.
"I offered to help them." She protested. "They decided to do this instead."
Jameson shot a glance to Vandol who just shrugged.
"Yeah, no, that was me." Tash admitted with a nod.
"Partial truth, I guess. She can still talk though."
"By all means, you explain it first, and then I shall clarify." Coatleque's confidence resurfaced slightly.
Jameson's hand lowered, as did her gaze to the floor once more.
"Truth. Now."
The three exchanged glances. Tash only laughed at Coatleque as her gaze fell back to the floor. It was Vandol who finally started to explain.
"Bitch all mouthy all night long but now she wants ta shut the f**k up. Anyways, look, I can make this long story short. So me an' Tash was on the job, yanno? We hit the Silver f**king Bazaar. One of the girl's hideaways, supposedly. An' lo an' f**kin' behold, mincin' outta the desert in a f**kin' black evening gown is this one."
He bumped Coatleque's shoulder with his elbow then, causing her to stumble forward another step.
"So she's all 'Tell me why you're after whatserfart.', an' 'I can help you.', 'We can be friends and allies.'"
His voice went high with his re-enactment as he tried to mimic her voice, poorly. Coatleque rolled her eyes but still would not look up.
"Don't forget the threesome." Tash chimed in.
"Oh, right. Well, she surmised that me an Tash was involved. Which we AIN'T, okay? I mean, we WAS, but Tash is a... anyways, so she's all 'Well I always wanted to have a threesome.' But me, yanno, I'm a f**king professional, boss. And even if I WAS into her, which I ain't, it'd be a no. On the job, yanno? So she's all 'I may or may not be sleeping with your boss, so you should let me help you.'"
At his last impression Coatleque closed her eyes and hung her head. Jameson took a step backwards and crossed his arms. His light amber eyes strayed to the fraying sleeves of his overcoat. A slight tension could be seen in his jaw just then. "The longer this story lasts, the less your payment will be. To the point, Morn."
"... Sorry. Yeah, so basically she threatened ta warn this c**t that we was comin' for her if we didn't let her join us. So... yanno. Tash decked her."
Both of them shrugged at Jameson who flicked his gaze to Coatleque, a small twitch to his upper lip. "Is this true?"
"And by that point we was like, 'We gotta warn the boss man.' So instead'a writin', we thought there was a chance you might not want this girl dead, so we brought her in person" Vandol continued.
"And she was tryin' to pay us to make sure she don't get hurt."
"Oh, yeah, we took twenny-five thou from 'er. Rich."
"She started out sayin' it was a bonus like you gave it the okay, but we smelled fish. I got it with 'er dress an 'er ear thingies."
"Tash, did you crunch her ear-thingies? Or they in one piece?"
"... Buried 'em. But I can get 'em."
"Yeah, a'ight. So anyway, yeah boss. I mean, if she's worth keepn' alive, that's for you to decide. Me an' Tash can go either way. But we figgered you needed to hear 'bout this shit in person."
There was a moment of silence before Coatleque finally spoke up to her defense. "... I was not really going to warn her. I threatened it when they would not listen to my offer." Her words came out more earnestly than she intended. Jameson made no move.
"So you meant to... simply join them in their hunt for Deneith?"
She nodded slowly, not daring to look at him. "To make up for my previous failure."
"But threatened them that you would warn her, because they did not listen to you?"
All she could do was stare at the carpet. "Yes."
"... Why not come to me, Coatleque? I hired them."
"... I know. I wanted to show you I was not as useless as you thought. The extra gil was dependent on them not hurting her. That is all."
His arms remained crossed, but his hand's grip seemed to tighten on each arm from the wrinkles that formed in his sleeves.
"You did not trust that I left what instructions I would with the people I hired?"
"I trust you. I don't trust Roen." She replied. "She will not go willingly."
"That it is up to them to deal with that. They know they are to bring her in alive. You said she has set forth plans for my own life. You do not expect me to be gentle... do you?"
"I... no."
"You did not want to see her hurt."
"Neither would I you."
"Then what would you have done, Coatleque?"
The two mercenaries exchanged glances again then looked at Coatleque with confused expressions. They were having their own trouble making sense of the whole thing. They knew enough to keep quiet though. Jameson reached out and lifted her chin once more with the crook of his fingers. He had taken to no longer wearing gloves around her "What would you have done if she raised her sword? Against them? You?"
She almost heaved then and there. What would she have done? Till now the question was only an afterthought. She had pleaded with Roen before not to lead them down this path, but seemed once again the choice was being made for her. As much as she loathed the idea, duty compelled her to act. She still would not meet his gaze through her response. "... I would have responded in kind. I only wanted to give her the chance. I offered to help by luring her into the open."
Jameson leaned in towards her then, his voice low, stern, commanding rather than questioning. "Why. Did you not come to me."
She turned her head away from him and closed her eyes now. Her true shame had finally come to light. For as much trust as he had been willing to place in her, she had placed so little in him. "You were already displeased with me. I wanted to surprise you." she whispered.
"And of all the things to threaten them, you chose betrayal against me." He continued. The accusation forced her gaze finally.
"I did not mean it, James! I had nothing else to use as leverage! I thought the chance at more coin would be enough as it were, I swear!"
"You let her walk time and again. Even after she spoke of assassins against me. And now you go behind my back, and threaten those I hired to bring her in. Your friend. One you have stayed loyal to all this time."
For the first time since they had arrived, Coatleque was now genuinely afraid of what he may do. Her eyes went wide with fear as she stared at him imploringly. "I wanted to show I could do it... please, you must believe me..." The mercenaries behind her exchanged curious glances as if they were only waiting for the word to 'remove her' from the room.
"I want to trust you, Coatleque. I would have their intestines pulled through their throats for laying a hand on you."
To that the silent snickering behind her stopped as both of them almost stepped back towards the door.
"But you told them you would betray me." He continued.
"I lied!"
Her hands raised to cover her mouth as quickly as the words escaped. The entire world seemed to freeze in place at the realization of what she said. Of what she implied. There was an indignant snort behind her. "Ain't the first time, prolly ain't the last." Jameson's tone did not waver regardless. Still leaning in towards her she could tell the true extent of his anger but by the hiss of his voice.
"Of all the lies. That one comes too easily."
Tash could no longer keep quiet. "This bitch was goin' on about how she didn't want her hurt because she's such a gooood frieeeend." Vandol merely nodded along with her. "All the signs was pointin' to a f**kin' retarded attempt at sabotage."
"Do not... insult her further. Not in my presence." Jameson hissed without looking over at the woman. She immediately backed off with her hands raised. Coatleque's face once again lowered to stare at the floor. She had begun to shiver, though out of fear or lack of clothing was anyone's guess by then. "... I was not going to stop you either way. It was merely incentive." she said quietly.
Her face was lifted again, gently, by his hand as she cradled her jaw and turned the swollen side towards him.
"North."
"Milord?"
"You will tend to Lady Crofte's injuries."
"Of course, sir." Mister North replied with a bow.
"Morn. You will take her with you when she is ready. She will lure Deneith out."
The two mercenaries exchanged glances before mumbling a response. "Yeah, boss."
Coatleque also blinked and slowly turned to look him in the eyes again.
"And you will bring her in. I want a full report. If she resists, take whatever measures necessary. I only need her alive." He continued. She nodded slowly as their eyes remained locked. "Do not fail me, Coatleque."
"I will not."
His head tilted, thumb softly grazing over her bruised jaw.
"I have let her roam too long, waiting for justice to be delivered. She has grown bold in that time. She knows not of this new hunt. I doubt she will exercise more caution than before." His gaze grew more stern, commanding even. "Nor certain changes in alliances."
Another slow nod. "She will not anticipate it being me."
"No. She will not."
Vandol made a gesture to Tash as if to unlock something to which Coatleque held out her hands to the side. Her head did not turn from the man in front of her as the manacles were removed. Not till his hand dropped from her face. "Let North tend to you, then coordinate with Morn and Holbrook. I expect Deneith to be brought before the fortnight."
"As you say, my love." Her words were quiet, yet confident. Turning, she did not look at her former captors before leaving the room.
She sat down on the side of the bed in one of the guest rooms while Mister North tended to her bruises. Still feeling quite exposed, she pulled the hempen tunic down as far as she could and stared at the wall in front of her. "How is your hip, Mister North?" She eventually broke the awkward silence while attempting to reclaim any semblance of her station.
"Comparatively? Not that terrible of an issue, Miss." He smiled gently yet exasperatedly. "Look up please."
She complied, now focusing on the ceiling as he applied ointment to the bruise. She winced at the momentary sting but kept her eyes focused on the surroundings. "I am glad to see you returned. I pray things were not in too sorry a state for you."
He bunched up a handkerchief and cleaned the abrasion as best he could. "I confess, I was expecting a somewhat more lax homecoming. I suggest Miss try to take ease, however. I suppose some things are unavoidable."
"They are. No matter how hard I try to. Mister North? Am I... doing the right thing?"
"I am no fit judge, Miss. But I have faith that you are." he spoke as he continued to tend her.
She nodded. "Thank you. It is wrong for me to doubt myself, but... thank you."
"You appear to have avoided altogether dislocation. Fortunate, as I doubt you would have cared for any sort of bizarre headgear."
She stifled a laugh at his attempt to make light of the situation, probably to his benefit at that moment.
"That should take care of... the more long-term worries." He said as he stood back up and retrieved a book he had left on the nightstand temporarily. "Now, if miss would simply breathe in and out..." With a few quick scans of one of the pages, the restorative aether was applied and her swelling already decreased noticeably.
"If possible, I would advise avoiding more strenuous activity of the area in question. Soft foods, for now. I will postpone the lamb."
"A pity, that. I shall look forward to it once we return then. Is there a spare dress available? I should like to change."
"I will have one provided, Miss. For now, I suggest rest, for optimal mental and physical convalescence."
She canted her head towards the door, the sound of more demanding guests travelling up the stairs now. "Very well. I shall consider that a doctor's order. You may want to deal with the remaining guests. Thank you again, Mister North. I shall remain here for the nonze."
"... Yes. Of course. By your leave, Miss." With that, she was left alone once more to her thoughts.
"Di'ja sleep good on yer fluffy-ass f***in' rug?" came the voice of Morn from across the room. She slowly stopped rubbing her face and glared at him. "Do I look like I did?"
"Nope." He snickered.
"F**k, at least you got a rug. Don't say we never did nothin' for you." his companion shot back.
It was mid-morning by then. Jameson had been seeing other associates or clients for some time already. Coatleque had insisted they get this over with. Vandol held her back with little effort and insisted they wait their turn.
"I feel like we should get some sorta extra tip or some shit."
"Seriously, compensating for our f**kin' pain and suffering."
Coatleque shot them another glare.
"Yes... your pain."
"Not just that, but now we're a day behind. Man, babysitting mouthy bitches is a pain."
"You could always make her leave." Coatleque replied snidely.
"Damn, Tash. She just blew you up!"
"What, she wasn't talkin' about you?"
The two mercenaries continued to talk up their own bravado while Coatleque sat quietly. She pulled the tunic down as far as she could, still feeling uncomfortably exposed for these circumstances, then tried to comb out her knotting hair with her fingers. Even in this state she should attempt to look her best for Jameson.
Eventually Mister North finally arrived only to be swarmed by the pair upon entering the lobby. He glanced briefly at Coatleque and gave a slight bow without commenting on her current appearance before addressing the others and leaving to inquire if the Master was ready to see them. No sooner did he leave then another man exited and smoothed his coat while eyeing the assembled. He gave a sniff and wrinkled his nose before walking off stiffly.
"Snooty ass f**k" Morn commented after him.
"They all is."
"Don't I know it." he replied, eyeing his prisoner.
"Know your betters, fool." she shot back, feeling somewhat emboldened now that they were about to gain audience.
Attention shifted back to Jameson's office door as Mister North let himself back out. He cleared his throat.
"Milord will see you now."
"Awesome."
"Heard that?"
"Finally..."
Morn yanked Coalteque to her feet roughly by the chain of the manacles across her wrists. She almost tripped over him in the process but managed to keep her balance as she was dragged and then pushed through the door. Vandol and Tash followed close behind, with Mister North after them. He closed the door and stood off to the side quietly, adjusting his jacket and resting a hand just inside its front. Just inside the door were the two mercenaries with Coatleque in the middle, shoved roughly to the front. Jameson remained seated behind his desk and watched with a staid expression and narrowed eyes.
"Hey boss."
"So, we had a little problem."
"We figger you needed ta see this."
Jameson exhaled slowly through his nose, patiently. He spoke in a controlled and careful tone.
"What. Is this."
"Was hopin' you could say" Vandol continued. "I figger she can have her say, then we'll answer whatever shit she decides not to say." Coatleque said nothing. She glanced at Jameson once then bowed her head. Whatever boldness she felt before had since fled now that they were here.
"Oh now she's quiet?" Tash laughed.
Jameson stood slowly. Even his movements were measured. Dressed in an oddly casual manner for him, he approached her. One hand extended and he lifted her chin with a crook of his finger, appraising it. She winced slightly but otherwise made no resistance, allowing him to turn her head one way than the other. He showed no reaction to the sight of her, though his head tilted slightly.
"I offered to help them." She protested. "They decided to do this instead."
Jameson shot a glance to Vandol who just shrugged.
"Yeah, no, that was me." Tash admitted with a nod.
"Partial truth, I guess. She can still talk though."
"By all means, you explain it first, and then I shall clarify." Coatleque's confidence resurfaced slightly.
Jameson's hand lowered, as did her gaze to the floor once more.
"Truth. Now."
The three exchanged glances. Tash only laughed at Coatleque as her gaze fell back to the floor. It was Vandol who finally started to explain.
"Bitch all mouthy all night long but now she wants ta shut the f**k up. Anyways, look, I can make this long story short. So me an' Tash was on the job, yanno? We hit the Silver f**king Bazaar. One of the girl's hideaways, supposedly. An' lo an' f**kin' behold, mincin' outta the desert in a f**kin' black evening gown is this one."
He bumped Coatleque's shoulder with his elbow then, causing her to stumble forward another step.
"So she's all 'Tell me why you're after whatserfart.', an' 'I can help you.', 'We can be friends and allies.'"
His voice went high with his re-enactment as he tried to mimic her voice, poorly. Coatleque rolled her eyes but still would not look up.
"Don't forget the threesome." Tash chimed in.
"Oh, right. Well, she surmised that me an Tash was involved. Which we AIN'T, okay? I mean, we WAS, but Tash is a... anyways, so she's all 'Well I always wanted to have a threesome.' But me, yanno, I'm a f**king professional, boss. And even if I WAS into her, which I ain't, it'd be a no. On the job, yanno? So she's all 'I may or may not be sleeping with your boss, so you should let me help you.'"
At his last impression Coatleque closed her eyes and hung her head. Jameson took a step backwards and crossed his arms. His light amber eyes strayed to the fraying sleeves of his overcoat. A slight tension could be seen in his jaw just then. "The longer this story lasts, the less your payment will be. To the point, Morn."
"... Sorry. Yeah, so basically she threatened ta warn this c**t that we was comin' for her if we didn't let her join us. So... yanno. Tash decked her."
Both of them shrugged at Jameson who flicked his gaze to Coatleque, a small twitch to his upper lip. "Is this true?"
"And by that point we was like, 'We gotta warn the boss man.' So instead'a writin', we thought there was a chance you might not want this girl dead, so we brought her in person" Vandol continued.
"And she was tryin' to pay us to make sure she don't get hurt."
"Oh, yeah, we took twenny-five thou from 'er. Rich."
"She started out sayin' it was a bonus like you gave it the okay, but we smelled fish. I got it with 'er dress an 'er ear thingies."
"Tash, did you crunch her ear-thingies? Or they in one piece?"
"... Buried 'em. But I can get 'em."
"Yeah, a'ight. So anyway, yeah boss. I mean, if she's worth keepn' alive, that's for you to decide. Me an' Tash can go either way. But we figgered you needed to hear 'bout this shit in person."
There was a moment of silence before Coatleque finally spoke up to her defense. "... I was not really going to warn her. I threatened it when they would not listen to my offer." Her words came out more earnestly than she intended. Jameson made no move.
"So you meant to... simply join them in their hunt for Deneith?"
She nodded slowly, not daring to look at him. "To make up for my previous failure."
"But threatened them that you would warn her, because they did not listen to you?"
All she could do was stare at the carpet. "Yes."
"... Why not come to me, Coatleque? I hired them."
"... I know. I wanted to show you I was not as useless as you thought. The extra gil was dependent on them not hurting her. That is all."
His arms remained crossed, but his hand's grip seemed to tighten on each arm from the wrinkles that formed in his sleeves.
"You did not trust that I left what instructions I would with the people I hired?"
"I trust you. I don't trust Roen." She replied. "She will not go willingly."
"That it is up to them to deal with that. They know they are to bring her in alive. You said she has set forth plans for my own life. You do not expect me to be gentle... do you?"
"I... no."
"You did not want to see her hurt."
"Neither would I you."
"Then what would you have done, Coatleque?"
The two mercenaries exchanged glances again then looked at Coatleque with confused expressions. They were having their own trouble making sense of the whole thing. They knew enough to keep quiet though. Jameson reached out and lifted her chin once more with the crook of his fingers. He had taken to no longer wearing gloves around her "What would you have done if she raised her sword? Against them? You?"
She almost heaved then and there. What would she have done? Till now the question was only an afterthought. She had pleaded with Roen before not to lead them down this path, but seemed once again the choice was being made for her. As much as she loathed the idea, duty compelled her to act. She still would not meet his gaze through her response. "... I would have responded in kind. I only wanted to give her the chance. I offered to help by luring her into the open."
Jameson leaned in towards her then, his voice low, stern, commanding rather than questioning. "Why. Did you not come to me."
She turned her head away from him and closed her eyes now. Her true shame had finally come to light. For as much trust as he had been willing to place in her, she had placed so little in him. "You were already displeased with me. I wanted to surprise you." she whispered.
"And of all the things to threaten them, you chose betrayal against me." He continued. The accusation forced her gaze finally.
"I did not mean it, James! I had nothing else to use as leverage! I thought the chance at more coin would be enough as it were, I swear!"
"You let her walk time and again. Even after she spoke of assassins against me. And now you go behind my back, and threaten those I hired to bring her in. Your friend. One you have stayed loyal to all this time."
For the first time since they had arrived, Coatleque was now genuinely afraid of what he may do. Her eyes went wide with fear as she stared at him imploringly. "I wanted to show I could do it... please, you must believe me..." The mercenaries behind her exchanged curious glances as if they were only waiting for the word to 'remove her' from the room.
"I want to trust you, Coatleque. I would have their intestines pulled through their throats for laying a hand on you."
To that the silent snickering behind her stopped as both of them almost stepped back towards the door.
"But you told them you would betray me." He continued.
"I lied!"
Her hands raised to cover her mouth as quickly as the words escaped. The entire world seemed to freeze in place at the realization of what she said. Of what she implied. There was an indignant snort behind her. "Ain't the first time, prolly ain't the last." Jameson's tone did not waver regardless. Still leaning in towards her she could tell the true extent of his anger but by the hiss of his voice.
"Of all the lies. That one comes too easily."
Tash could no longer keep quiet. "This bitch was goin' on about how she didn't want her hurt because she's such a gooood frieeeend." Vandol merely nodded along with her. "All the signs was pointin' to a f**kin' retarded attempt at sabotage."
"Do not... insult her further. Not in my presence." Jameson hissed without looking over at the woman. She immediately backed off with her hands raised. Coatleque's face once again lowered to stare at the floor. She had begun to shiver, though out of fear or lack of clothing was anyone's guess by then. "... I was not going to stop you either way. It was merely incentive." she said quietly.
Her face was lifted again, gently, by his hand as she cradled her jaw and turned the swollen side towards him.
"North."
"Milord?"
"You will tend to Lady Crofte's injuries."
"Of course, sir." Mister North replied with a bow.
"Morn. You will take her with you when she is ready. She will lure Deneith out."
The two mercenaries exchanged glances before mumbling a response. "Yeah, boss."
Coatleque also blinked and slowly turned to look him in the eyes again.
"And you will bring her in. I want a full report. If she resists, take whatever measures necessary. I only need her alive." He continued. She nodded slowly as their eyes remained locked. "Do not fail me, Coatleque."
"I will not."
His head tilted, thumb softly grazing over her bruised jaw.
"I have let her roam too long, waiting for justice to be delivered. She has grown bold in that time. She knows not of this new hunt. I doubt she will exercise more caution than before." His gaze grew more stern, commanding even. "Nor certain changes in alliances."
Another slow nod. "She will not anticipate it being me."
"No. She will not."
Vandol made a gesture to Tash as if to unlock something to which Coatleque held out her hands to the side. Her head did not turn from the man in front of her as the manacles were removed. Not till his hand dropped from her face. "Let North tend to you, then coordinate with Morn and Holbrook. I expect Deneith to be brought before the fortnight."
"As you say, my love." Her words were quiet, yet confident. Turning, she did not look at her former captors before leaving the room.
She sat down on the side of the bed in one of the guest rooms while Mister North tended to her bruises. Still feeling quite exposed, she pulled the hempen tunic down as far as she could and stared at the wall in front of her. "How is your hip, Mister North?" She eventually broke the awkward silence while attempting to reclaim any semblance of her station.
"Comparatively? Not that terrible of an issue, Miss." He smiled gently yet exasperatedly. "Look up please."
She complied, now focusing on the ceiling as he applied ointment to the bruise. She winced at the momentary sting but kept her eyes focused on the surroundings. "I am glad to see you returned. I pray things were not in too sorry a state for you."
He bunched up a handkerchief and cleaned the abrasion as best he could. "I confess, I was expecting a somewhat more lax homecoming. I suggest Miss try to take ease, however. I suppose some things are unavoidable."
"They are. No matter how hard I try to. Mister North? Am I... doing the right thing?"
"I am no fit judge, Miss. But I have faith that you are." he spoke as he continued to tend her.
She nodded. "Thank you. It is wrong for me to doubt myself, but... thank you."
"You appear to have avoided altogether dislocation. Fortunate, as I doubt you would have cared for any sort of bizarre headgear."
She stifled a laugh at his attempt to make light of the situation, probably to his benefit at that moment.
"That should take care of... the more long-term worries." He said as he stood back up and retrieved a book he had left on the nightstand temporarily. "Now, if miss would simply breathe in and out..." With a few quick scans of one of the pages, the restorative aether was applied and her swelling already decreased noticeably.
"If possible, I would advise avoiding more strenuous activity of the area in question. Soft foods, for now. I will postpone the lamb."
"A pity, that. I shall look forward to it once we return then. Is there a spare dress available? I should like to change."
"I will have one provided, Miss. For now, I suggest rest, for optimal mental and physical convalescence."
She canted her head towards the door, the sound of more demanding guests travelling up the stairs now. "Very well. I shall consider that a doctor's order. You may want to deal with the remaining guests. Thank you again, Mister North. I shall remain here for the nonze."
"... Yes. Of course. By your leave, Miss." With that, she was left alone once more to her thoughts.
