PTE

ILA'

ows across the room. The injured stranger lay on my makeshift b

ding all too well the fear and confusion he must have felt waking up in

haven's healer hut for the first time-confused and in great pain, with Elder Willow tend

g at the bleeding wound on his leg. It was a big gash on his pale skin, seemingly caused by hitting something sharp as he fell

eluctance, I could see the weakness creeping into his body. With a resign

reluctantly, r

caught my attention first, its ominous hues of purple and blue hinting at underlying internal trauma. As I worked, I noted another troubling sight-a series of scratches etched angrily

. With gentle precision, I cleansed each wound with warm water, using a fresh cloth to ens

atitude in his eyes as he surrendered to my care, h

in to promote healing and prevent infection. In the midst of applying the salve thoroughly to cover the stranger's injured ar

gainst his forehead, a feeble attempt to coax back the elusive fragments of his past. Then, as if struck by a bolt of lightning, a gasp escaped his lips, his features con

concern, I reached out and touched his hand, which was clenched tightly ag

his gaze drifted upwards to the ceiling. I couldn't help but speculate that if he possessed more streng

e as I realized the futility of expecting coheren

e laced with sincerity. "I was being stupid.

my instructions without resistance, an

n with a cloth. As I ensured that all of his wounds had been treated, a sudden real

realization. "You did tell me your name b

s widening in surprise as a flicke

efore adding, "That fang pendant you have, it's the most stunning blue I've ever

loth strips. With practiced hands, I began to wrap the wound on his legs, applying just

ost in thought. His lips curl into a small smile as he repeats the name to himself, sav

in my smile as I speak. "Well then, Orion, I'll h

ons evident in his slightly scrunched face, he didn't really voice any compla

attention, prompting me to perk up. I responded

ssed his gratitude, his words carrying a since

g the bandage around his upper torso. I made sure it was enough to be proper support to his wound but not too tight to