Thread: ᴏɴᴇ ʜᴏᴍᴇ ʟᴏsᴛ, ᴀɴᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴡᴏʀᴛʜ ғɪɢʜᴛɪɴɢ ғᴏʀ [ ɢᴇᴍ x ᴡᴏʟᴢᴇʀᴇx ]

Elenial should have known better than to watch the battle carry out. She should have known to protect herself. Yet, could not find it in her to look away -- She had always known Korm at his core, despite his half-ling blood, was a fighter. After all, he had been fighting for survival since he was born . He was fully capable of fending for himself. Many a night spent in their secret grove consisted of her simply watching in awe as he practiced through the motions. There had even been instances where he went out of his way to make sure she knew how to defend herself. Magic was powerful, but that didn't mean it would always be enough to save her. The scene unfolding before her now, however, was similar to that which played out in her nightmares. She found herself transported, flashing back to the day her world fell apart. The unabashed brutality played out from behind her eyes, and for a moment, she could not tell if it was Korm or an imprint of the past before her. It's Korm. Her mind reassured her as the panic ravaged her body, desperately attempting to separate him from the nameless beasts that plagued her memories. It was to no avail, however. Her entire frame quaked, breathing heavily labored as every fiber of her being urged her to run and hide, but just like the invasion, she was frozen. Her dull eyes glazed over as she continued falling deeper and deeper within herself -- Phoenix. Phoenix, you're safe, darlin'. A gentle voice cooed, a warm hand rubbing smooth circles into her back. Eli's breath hitch, latching onto Frida's voice and allowing her to pull her back. She turned to look at Frida, slowly beginning to nod as she gathered herself. Suddenly, Frida's serene expression morphed into that of alarm. Look out--! Realizing whom she was trying to warn, Eli's head shot in the direction just in time to see the blade rip into Korm's muscles. Her eyes widened in sheer horror at the blood beginning to paint his side. Despite her panic only moment's prior, her first and only instinct in that moment was to run to him -- She needed to help him! Korm--! Her anguished cry was cut off by the roar that ripped from his chest. It tore through her entire being, blaring harshly against her ear drums. Her hands quickly moved to cover her ears, eyes shutting so tightly that all she could see was pure white. Eli hunched over, shrinking into herself as if attempting to hide -- To protect herself from an nonexistent danger. In her head, however, the danger was very much real. His second battle-cry had her whimpering, nearly falling to her knees before Frida reached up to cradle her face. The shrill ringing in her ears made it near impossible to understand her, but Eli knew she was attempting to coax her back. It's over now. I promise you're safe. The sight that greeted her when she finally opened her eyes was blurred and warped from the tears gathered in her eyes. Eli reached up, placing both her quivering hands atop the half-dwarf's own before mustering a small, but grateful smile. She pulled away, straightening up and taking in her surrounding. The marketplace was completely barren, townsfolk and vendors cautiously beginning to return to the scene. Jack and his five men were nowhere to be seen, the only traces of them remained in a tooth or two on the stone and the burnt pieces of clothing scattered upon the ground. It was then her eyes fell on the men, zeroing in instantly on Korm's hand that pressed against his wound. The memory hit her all at once and she found herself rushing over to him without a second thought, seeming to forget the fear her struck in her only moments ago. Eli caught only the end of Korm's warning, noting the way Agnar's face darkened. He gave a curt nod, his amber eyes sliding down to the wound at the orc's side. We will worry about that later, for now, let's get you fixed up. I am going to go report this to Mayor Roman. Then turning to the rest of them motioned, You all head home and bring him along. Clean his wounds. It is the least we can do for you. We will finish our discussion later. You have our deepest gratitude. He stuck out a hand, taking Korm's free one in a hearty shake. -- The situation was...awkward -- The two sitting beside one another in complete silence as the remaining of the troupe busied themselves around their cozy home. A fire burned gently from its spot on the hearth, winds from the ocean making even the summer evenings cold. Frida insisted on making tea to calm everyone's nerves. Meanwhile, Milo had retired to his room after a near second of taking in the suffocating atmosphere between the two. Only Kai remained, sitting at Eli's feet and watching her slow, but precise movements intently. The dark elf worked without skipping a single beat, her face void of anything other than clear concentration. The scene shared between the two was deeply nostalgic, the act of tending to him coming to her naturally even with the passage of time. Her hands had been shaky at first, taking in gash and doing her best to keep herself grounded. However, the moment she fell into it, there was no hesitation -- All feelings of resentment completely waived with the task at hand. Words of gratitude laid trapped in her throat, so desperately trying to break free. But, held back by guilt of her words days prior. Would her gratitude mean anything when her words a day prior left a cut much deeper? After cleaning his wound, she moved back to survey her work before looking down to Kai. His eyes had yet to move from Korm's form, sparkling with clear interest. Eli couldn't help chuckling quietly at the sight. ...I believe he has taken a liking to you. She stated gently without moving her gaze. Her finger pointed to the roll of bandage on the coffee table and Kai stretched from his spot, just barely able to grab it before finally handing it to her. It is rare of him to warm up so quickly to strangers. As if on cue, the silent boy pulled tenderly at Korm's pants. He says 'thank you'... She swallowed, daring to look him in the eyes for the first time since he stepped foot in their home. Her lips parted, We say thank you. She imparted almost silently, gaze immediately falling back to her task at hand. Beginning to wrap the bandage around his wide-set form, she was forced to lean in a bit. Even the slightest of proximity seemed send her into a state of high alert...but, not out of fear. It was something far deeper. Something that had once made being close to him turn her into a mess of giddy nerves. Even now, Eli could feel those sentiments pooling in her stomach....But, she did not want to feel like that. She should not feel like that. Not anymore. Not for him. Once the bandage was secured snug around his chest, she pulled away. Perhaps, a bit too quickly for either of their liking. Eli immediately down-turned her face, hoping to hide the darkening flush that painted her ebony skin. Just then, Frida burst in, the atmosphere immediately turning light as she hummed an old dwarven tune. Milo, also sensing the change, decided to join in on the gathering as well. He acknowledged Korm simply by staring at him, a curious look on his face as his eyes flitted back and forth between his form and Eli's. Frida couldn't help doing the same, her gaze much more wary of the stranger in their home. In all honesty, she was torn. Anyone who went out of his way to beat up a bunch of thugs on their accord had to have his heart in the right place. But, she also wept for her dark elf sister. His presence obviously left her conflicted and she couldn't exactly blame her. There were more pressing matters at hand, however. So, Korm was it? Let me reintroduce myself. I'm Frida, the angel at your feet is Kai, and that punk over in the arm chair is Milo. Milo opened his mouth, ready to protest when she cut him off. Her arms folded across her chest, face melting into something darker. Care to tell us who those men were? Last edited Jan 23, 2019