Aleister woke up in a feverish state several times throughout the next week, unable to stay conscious for more than a few minutes at a time. The pounding of his head along with the blurriness of his vision compounded with the sickness in his stomach and made being awake less than enjoyable.

It took over a week, but he eventually maintained conciousness for longer than several minutes. There was still the occasional headache, but it was manageable. Especially thanks to the medicine provided to him by the mysterious woman.

Mitre and a few villagers came to visit several days later to celebrate his birthday. This included Delilah’s parents. They tried to reassure him that her death wasn't his fault, how she was in a better place now, and she would be happy he was still alive.

Aleister said nothing as he lay still in bed. Not because he had nothing to say, but because everything he thought of would have only made the situation even worse. The only person who would know how Delilah truly felt right now would have been Delilah herself. But she was dead. They soon left as another figure walked past the creaking door.

“I see that you’re still awake,” said the mysterious woman, walking up to his bedside with platter with a bowl of medicine and various herbs.

Aleister sat up and grabbed the tray from her hands. He downed the medical bowl in one gulp and then shoveled all the herbs into his mouth. A process only fished once he drowned everything out with water and holding back his vomit. An annoying but necessary process that meant he still had consumed no proper food since he woke up. She left as quickly as she came, not giving Aleister the time to ask anymore questions.

He stayed bedridden for several more weeks. The experience reminded him of his tenure as a slave. It wasn’t just the horrible food or lack of food in this case, but being stuck in one place, not being able to talk to anyone or being unable to do anything. Being...powerless.

Time continued to march on, and Aleister could finally feel his legs again.

Not willing to stay still any longer, he pulled the sheets off and stood up. Or well tried to stand. The second he stopped using the bed as support, he found he wasn’t able to support himself.

“What did you expect to happen? Its been over a month since you've stood up?” the black raven said, perching on where he just lay.

“I have to admit, that was not my best moment.”

His fall echoed out and caused Gilmore to rush into the room.

In a panicked voice, he asked, “Are you alright?”

“Never been better,” Aleister said. “Just give me a second.”

He stood back up and stayed still, making sure to use the bed as support this time.

“Who gave you permission to get out of bed?” asked the ethereal figure in a disapproving tone as they entered behind Gilmore. Aleister didn’t respond. “Hmm, no answer? Well then, since you decided you could walk on your own, come. Walk to me. You only have five-seconds or else I’ll make sure you never walk again.”

Aleister wasn’t quite sure how to respond. She sounded serious, but there was also a tone of superiority and mockery. Also, with all the effort she put into making sure he recovered, the chance she broke his legs was low. But of course, how was he supposed to know how anyone thinks, especially eccentric and lofty characters that even Gilmore showed respect to.

“I apologize. I made a mistake and it will not happen again.”

“Hm? Say that a bit louder,” the mysterious figure said with a smirk. “I didn’t quite catch that.”

Aleister smiled and sweetened his voice. “I’m sorry. I apologize for my actions. It will not happen again.”

The mysterious figure flipped their hair and before leaving said, “Your words and apology mean absolutely nothing to me. And no need for the false pretenses, I know very well that you will make stupid mistakes repeatedly. At least you know how to suck up to your superiors. That will get you further than most.”

Gilmore gave him a worried smile before following the figure out of the room. This left Aleister standing awkwardly over the bed. "Are you ok?"

“I'm fine. What a character she is though."

"You don't even have the slightest of ideas."