Elincia's Point of View

Dwardew

“Is Arthur going to be okay?” Typhon asked me.

There was only one explanation I could think of. “I believe the poison that is injuring Arthur was the cause for all this blood. He may recover over and over, but the blood is still there. It is odd that blood evaporates from his body, but it would be even stranger if it did the same inside his body.”

Queen Ventari nodded slowly. “I suppose that would make the most sense.”

“Perhaps he just reached his limit, and this is his way of recovering?” Prince Vitar offered. “Kind of like removing the toxins from one’s body?” Many of us looked at him, and he shrugged.

“I know not Sir Arthur’s way of recovery, but it is unlike anything I have ever seen.” Lady Turiel stated and looked at me. “The Priestess and I have done everything we can. We can only hope that our assumptions are correct. Let us hope he wakes up refreshed and far better than he is now.”

“Will you help me monitor him?” I inquired as I moved to his side.

She gave me a curt nod. “If you would allow me.” Was her response.

“I’ll keep everyone else out.” Kheri stated. “Having a meeting that ends with Arthur collapsing is also we should keep from the public.”

Prince Vitar cut in. “I agree, but only until we know more. Hiding truths will not be easy to do in this state, and our people have a right to know about their hero’s condition.”

I quickly spoke. “Arthur is one of ours, and I would expect our privacy to be respected, young Prince.”

The room became quiet for a moment, but he nodded after a moment. “As you wish, Priestess.”

Rubbing my forehead as I looked at Arthur in his bed, his blood wasn’t evaporating. It coated his chest and parts of his arms. He seemed so fragile in this state. I’m guessing he used up quite a bit of his remaining energy to intimidate me earlier, and it worked. Truly a frightening man.

“I need to wash up,” Typhon stated as he headed for the door. “I will be back momentarily.”

Lady Turiel replied to him. “We will be here.” She moved to the other side of the bed before sitting down and watching me. “Elincia, he will recover.” The Druid tried to comfort me.

“Mmh.” I replied as I ran my fingers through his hair. “What did you see?” I mumbled out.

“…” I received no response.

A weak chuckle escaped my lips. “Elincia?” Lady Turiel’s voice cut in.

“Sorry.” There was a shakiness to my tone. “It’s just…” I trailed off for a moment before I sighed. “We just found out he was a king. Not to mention his age. I know he would rather not discuss these topics, but it always seems he takes drastic measures to ensure he never has to.”

“You believe he put himself in this position on purpose?” She questioned.

“No. He clearly hated that Demon, and after everything that has happened, I am positive he is exhausted. Last time I saw him like this was after The Gathering on the island…” My fingers caressed his cheek. “I was unconscious when he passed last time, but this is how he looked upon recovery. Part of me hopes I will be able to avoid witnessing such an event.”

The Druid seemed to pause at that. “He was missing an arm last time as well, was he not?”

I nodded. “Truly a mystery. Few can regrow their limbs, let alone parts of their skulls.”

Lady Turiel then said something that caught me by surprise. “Sir Arthur reminds me of a tree.”

My fingers froze as I tried to process what she had just said before I blinked and looked at her. “A tree?” I asked with no small amount of skepticism.

“Trees are a rather enduring plant and creature. They are alive, and despite having their limbs removed, most will continue to thrive.” She explained. “Even when they are cut down, some will regrow themselves from the stump.”

I continued to look at her for a moment longer. “But a tree?”

She gave me a small smirk and shrugged. “It is a reasonable explanation, is it not? It fits too.”

“A tree?” I repeated once more, and she merely nodded. “Then perhaps we should fetch a pail or pitcher to water him with and then throw him out in the desert. Make sure he gets plenty of sun.”

“You mock, but are you certain that it would not help?”

“Being a tree would help very few, Lady Turiel.”

“But it would help some. Maybe even Arthur.”

I stared at her for a moment. “I will inform Arthur you think he’s very treelike.”

She rolled her eyes. “Yes, please do. I doubt you will share the context though.”

“Do you think Arthur will care about the context when he is being compared to a tree?” I asked back.