There had been a scuffle, a fight. A knife had found his belly, something he was not equipped to fix himself. Hours of walking, feeling fainter with every step. As his mind was tracking back through the memories, his eyes searched her face, almost confused about something. Momentarily, his mind blacked out as soon as the shop door was opened, only to find himself on a table. Kieran remembered every stitch she had put into his skin.

He looked down, gently poking at the sutures. They were small, and expertly done. The noble remembered he had every intent on leaving the shop. Why, then, was he still laying before the healer? His confused gaze lifted to examine the room. In the terms of size, it wasn't all that spacious, but it wasn't terribly small either. It was sparsely decorated with only two pictures. One had two children, in which he recognized the little girl, the other was an adult male. Somehow, he had made it from the shop, to personal living quarters. This was not where he meant to go… Did he get out, only to be taken into someone else's home and she was on house call?

"Teu, how… Where?" Kieran's voice felt hoarse as he struggled to absorb everything. It was obvious he was in no shape to attempt to help that poor village. With a defeated sigh, Kieran glared at his balled up fists. "Call the authorities… They need help. Everything rested on me, and I've failed them." The death of an entire village could not rest upon his shoulders. Everyone was trying to avoid being forced to leave their homes and relocating, many of them would rather die of starvation rather than leaving. All he could thinking of was how his attempts paled in comparison to his siblings. His brother would have rallied troops to track down the looters, where his sister would go to use her words to send assistance in any fashion she could wrestle from greedy nobles.

And what did he do? Volunteer to gather the resources and deliver them personally. Tears welled in his eyes as he imagined what they would say to him. "I've failed them…" 'And made a mockery of myself.' This time, all attempts to extract himself from the bed were refused. Kieran lifted his teary blue eyes up to Teu. "What am I going to do, Teu? I can't face them as I am. But I'm their last hope…"

The feeling of a broad smile made Teu feel self-conscious. She pressed her lips tightly together to hide the elation she was feeling that the man was awake. Teu pulled her hand away from him and folded them carefully on her lap. Fingers interlaced in an effort to contain herself. Emerald green orbs followed the noble’s hand as he poked his sutures. She managed to not reprimand him for touching the injury site. It was clear that he was attempting to piece together all that had happened along the way. He was confused, and the fever had done little to help the situation on top of his physical injury.

A blush tinted her pale cheeks as Kieran began to take in the surroundings. Her room was little to speak of. The only personal flairs were that of her deceased husband’s portrait and that of her children. She could not afford to decorate the way her previous homes had been. His hoarse voice cracked under the weight of his words as he attempted to communicate. Her hand reached out quickly for the glass of water Alairia had brought earlier that had yet to be touched. “Here. Drink some of this to help,” she instructed. There was something greatly upsetting Kieran and there was little she could do to help soothe him.

“We can get in contact with the authorities. I have good contacts now. What town is this? I can help, just please don’t worry too much.” Teu knew that her words would not get through to him. From what she could already tell of the gentleman he took his duties quite seriously. “We will get them help, Kieran. Please don’t stress. You didn’t fail anyone…you were stabbed! You were injured and overwhelmed. This will get fixed. I can help.” Teu smiled softly and lightly touched his hand in another effort to reassure him though she doubted it would work. He hardly knew her.

Her emotions quickly switched to anger as she thought about the bandits that had caused the anguish. Holding it in was not easy for her. Being a healer did not mean that she was incapable to combat especially after being the Chosen for the Lord Raktor. In her dutiful work she had learned another side for herself. Shadows began to boil deep within calling out for those that had injured the man that lay in her bed.

As Kieran looked up at her with such despair upon his face, this time she did not hold back. Teu leaned forward and hugged him to her in an effort to comfort. “You did what you could. Trust me. We will be able to fix this.” For a split second as her head was next to his, her green eyes turned black with the malice. Quickly it disappeared as she gave him a gentle squeeze before pulling away. She did not blush this time as she felt that it had been a proper way to reassure a patient.

“Dae,” she called softly. The child was in the room quickly as he had felt her call more than heard it. “I need you to contact Jon. Tell him that he has something to handle.” His gray eyes widened as rarely did Teu call upon her tokens in when people owed her. Dae nodded and ran out the door to do as he was told.

The offered water was greatly appreciated as it soothed and cooled his dry throat. "Waldon. The town is Waldon." He had promised one of his cousins that he would protect the place, as her friend resided there. That meant little in the grand scheme of things, except the friend was adamant on dying with the town. Teu's smile was friendly, the tone of her promise comforting.

Her hug, though, shocked him. She smelled so strongly of herbs and clerical concoctions that Kieran forgot who she was, or where they were. Instead, his mind chose to latch on to a more stable memory. He was transferred back about six years ago, when his brother had injured Kieran during a spar. One of the younger maids, about his age, was Kieran's personal maid on his mothers orders.

As per usual, Kieran caught Teu and pulled her into a slow kiss. Her lips were just as soft, and alluring as Alicia's.  However, there was an intoxicating chill that passed between them, similar to a sparking tingle. Surprised, Kieran pulled back, realizing soon after that it was not Alicia in his grasp, but Teu. Instantly, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Sorry, I… Don't know what came over me." As he attempted to recover from the lapse of judgement, a young child was called into the room and given instructions.

The boy looked very much like Teu. Slowly, his eyes turned to the portraits. It was Dae with Kieran's healing child assistant. Kieran picked up both pictures, studying them intrusively. Had he kissed a married woman? Hastily he returned them, not wanting to be on the bad side of that man.  "I'm really sorry, Teu. I'm not stable, not myself. What happened to make moving me here necessary?" They might as well have small talk while they wait for the authorities. Kieran finished the water, and was not-so-subtly staring at her food. When was the last time he had eaten?

Him taking the water was a good sign. She smiled to herself while he took the drink and he seemed calmed a little by it. “Waldon,” she repeated softly. It was a smaller village, but not one that was unheard of. There had been much strife surrounding the village and its people. Teu had sent some supplies their way when she could but it was never certain if it had reached them. If it was as bad as Kieran was saying then it was most likely her supplies had not made it to their destination. Her brows furrowed together as the entire concept began to sink deeper in her chest. No wonder he was this upset.

Hugging the patient had not been expected on her side, but as she pulled away Kieran caught her. Shock made her flinch though she did not fight his touch. He kissed her. Teu could feel her heart beating rapidly in her chest and knew that he had to hear it. Heat rose upon on her cheeks and her ears. The man was gentle in his kiss, and Teu felt herself respond. Hand lifted to lightly rest on his chest just as her frost came to the surface. This brought them both back to their senses and pull away from one another. The healer shook her head as he apologized. Green eyes avoided his gaze.

Dae came as he was called and given instructions. As he left the room, Teu stood up from the bed to stand in the doorway. Out of the corner of her eye she saw that Kieran had picked up the portraits of the children as well as her deceased husband. Guilt made her stomach drop. Lightly, her fingers traced the curves of the ring that hung around her neck on a chain. Her head leaned back against the doorframe though she tilted her head to look back at the man still struggling to heal. “You have no need to apologize. It happens to healers from time to time when patients are in a haze.” Teu downplayed the action between them though it hurt to say the words. She felt as if she were betraying the memory of Dasor even when he had long been dead. Not only was it a betrayal to Dasor, but a taking advantage of an injured man that she had quite quickly taken a fancy to. Once he was well enough he would be gone from her life.

Teu swallowed the saddening thought down and put on a fake smile in an effort to reassure Kieran. “Truly, do not worry about it. We needed to move you because as you tried to leave my shop you collapsed from the blood loss. You didn’t make it to the door. Instead of having you rest on an uncomfortable table, we brought you to my room. The shop has become busy and you needed the quiet.” The half-elf moved away from the door frame as she heard the outer door open. She kept her gaze away from Kieran as much as she could in hopes to not betray her true feelings.

“Jon.” She smiled brightly up at a fully armored man that carried his helmet under tucked her his arm. “I have a town of Waldon that needs aid. They have been attacked on several occasions and the newest one has been recent.” Her brunette head nodded over her shoulder towards the injured man in her bed. “He was taking supplies as well as coin and was attacked. I have sent supplies before as well and now I am fairly certain that nothing has made it there. Please…do something. I have stores that can be taken, but these bandits must be handled.” She reached out and lightly touched the soldier’s arm to make her plea even more meaningful. Teu watched as Jon’s eyes went from her to the young man in the bed and finally a nod of his head. The healer knew that Jon would do as asked since she had taken to tending to his soldiers without asking for more than a small fee. Teu would go out of her way to help those that needed it, and had not asked much in return. “Man of few words, but is full of compassion!” She smiled brightly again and gave him a small bow.

“I can reassure you that Waldon will be well taken care of. Once I have the time, I will leave myself and tend to any injuries there,” she said to Kieran as Jon left without an actual word. “Here, eat this.” Teu took the tray of food and placed it next to him for easy reach. It was hard for her to resist biting her lower lip from nerves as she continued to put on a brave face.

Despite the picture of that man, there was no mistaking her response. Her hand had rested gently on his bare chest, both of their hearts raced. Yet, both if them were now avoiding one another's gaze. Some piece of information was missing. Teu brushed it off as a common occurrence, which he questioned. Yet, how many were resistant to magic as he was that a simple spell could not fix the ailment? She repositioned herself at the door, and the noble couldn't help but wonder if she was hiding something from him. To change from reassuringly grasping his hand to standing at the door spoke volumes.

Someone entered the dwelling, boots clicking against the wooden floor seemed to echo through the room. He was greeted by his name, Jon, and the situation laid out before him. Before he left, Kieran spoke up. ”Tell them Kieran sent you!” Would that be enough to keep their faith in him regardless of his failure? Only time would tell. The platter of food was put closer to him, but food was suddenly the last thing on his mind. Teu intended on going there herself. Kieran threw the blanket off and stood up. Yes, there was a light dizziness about him, but he waited a moment for it to dissipate before moving.

A few silent steps, and his hand was placed on her shoulder. He stood barely a few inches taller than her. Those icy blue orbs intently stared down at her vibrant green gaze. ”I'm going too. By the time you're ready, I'll be strong enough. Trust me. I am not going to abandon them while others help on my behalf.” There was an inkling of an idea that she was more than she seemed, and he didn't truly worry about her so much. She looked like she was capable of taking care of herself. Still, he had made a promise and he was going to keep it. ”You won't change my mind. It's either you let me tag along, or worry that I may pass out somewhere behind you anyway.”

It was a gamble, but he wasn't going to back down from this. Yet, the possibility of him passing out at that point of time was slim to none. He had always been a faster healer compared to some. A thousand questions burned at the tip of his tongue, waiting to fill the space between them. Who is the man in the photo, why is she avoiding his gaze, did she truly began feeling a connection with him? As young as she appeared, it would not surprise him to see that another girl developed a crush, but this one was different. She had an air of command about her, respect and discipline. Something resonated deep within when he touched her, and Kieran wanted to know what it was. ”What are you?” he mused aloud, very unintentionally. Realizing it was spoken he back pedaled. ”Everytime we touch, there is a chill. That kiss, my hand on your shoulder… I know you heal with some ice magic, but what is causing the magic to flare like that?”

A silence lingered in the air as she stood in the doorway waiting for Jon to appear. Her fingers fidgeted together as if they were trying to tear up an invisible piece of paper. Teu had little capability of holding in her emotions. She was an open book, and the only way she could hide was to literally face a different direction until control could be maintained. Her lower lip was chewed upon again as she waited, and was inwardly relieved at the appearance of her soldier contact. Jon had lifted a brow at her in curiosity and intrigue that Teu was taking such a forward position on a small village. He knew that it was a matter that was in need of addressing, so this would not be an inconvenience for the soldiers. When the armored man started to leave he waved his hand in the air a couple times in acknowledgement that he heard Kieran.

“Jon is a good man. He is noble and tends to help those in need. You can trust he will handle this swiftly and thoroughly. I will go soon and make sure that supplies are placed in the hands of those necessary. Though these soldiers are good people, they can hardly tell the different between a fever remedy and a laxative.” She laughed shortly at her own joke though it had been an issue before. Teu had held her laughter in as long as possible when tending one of the rookies in Jon’s ranks. “Eat the food to gather up your strength.” The healer turned away in another effort to keep from Kieran seeing the blush on her face. Keeping a brave face was not working in the least.

As she moved away Kieran was quickly to stand up and throw the blanket away from him. Teu let out a slight gasp at his sudden movements. Instinctually she reached out steady him, but he already was putting a hand on her shoulder. He was taller and looked into her eyes intently. Teu clenched her mouth tightly shut and breathed steadily in hopes to keeping her cheeks a normal color. Heat began to flood the tips of her pointed ears as emotions began to flood up. “That won’t be necessary…” Her words were cut off as he declared that his mind could not be changed. He was stubborn in more ways than one. Teu pursed her lips and frowned up at him as she wanted to argue in return. The stance he was taking on it left her with little choice. “Fine.” The response was short and had a mix of annoyance and resignation to it. Teu did not want him to push himself to the point of injury again.

Breaking eye contact was what she wanted more than anything at that point. His blue eyes were boring into her further than anyone had in a long time. Her chest felt as if it were about to explode. Mouth felt as if it were drying up with the nerves that were swimming around in her stomach. He was so close to her. Everything told her to move away from the touch he laid on her shoulder, yet she could not bring herself to pull away. When he asked the question her stomach dropped slightly and her lips pressed tightly together. “I…ummm…” Teu finally was able to break her eye contact with him in an effort to collect her thoughts. His gaze had been so intense that her thoughts flew out of her mind. “I’m a healer, you know that…obviously….you saw…it happened.” Her words were stumbled over as she attempted to put some sort of answer together.

Teu felt as she were going to cry from inward fluster. How was he able to throw her for such a curve? She lifted her hand and rested it on his arm that was still making the connection to her. “My magic is deeply tied to my emotions. And you made them come to the surface. I’m sorry if my frost hurt you in anyway.” A small smile was able to be brought forth. It was forced in an effort to calm the mood between them. She wasn’t sure if he was feeling as on edge as she was. It had been a long time since she had felt anything like this. “I have a rather complicated past. I try not to delve too deep into it. Simple enough I am a mother. A healer. A widow.” Her green eyes finally lifted to look over at the portrait of Dasor that had been noticed by Kieran. “I’m a woman trying to make her way.” Her gaze now was making a connection with his, though this time she was not afraid. Thumb lightly stroked his bare arm in a small circle. “That is who I am.”

Teu begrudgingly accepted the fact that he was going, whether she liked it or not. He couldn't blame her, for she was a healer, and probably worried about  his health since he was recently injured. A disarming smile graced his face as she accepted. "Knew you'd see it my way." Kieran waited patiently for her to answer his question, picking up on the little details. Her pressed lips, elevated heart rate and breathing, hesitant words. The healer was affected by his close proximity.

It was decided she was cute when she stumbled over the words, flustered as she was. There it was, the answer to the flares. Emotional magic revealed so much as it flared. Taking the situation into account, one could read the mental state and know the inner mechanics of the mind. "Your frost has not hurt me yet today, Teu." This time, it was his turn to have a soft, and reassuring voice. More questions than he had intended were answered as she glanced at the portraits, everything clicking into place now. That was the picture of her deceased husband, someone she keeps close to her even now.

Selfishly, the thought of her marital status making her available flitted through his thoughts. Of course, it wasn't helping that her thumb was caressing his skin. The hand on her shoulder moved to cup Teu's neck, his own thumb barely swiping across her cheek as his free hand reached up to tuck a stray hair back in place. "Brave, selfless, caring, strong." After stating the traits he has already seen within her, Kieran tried to pull her in for another kiss.

Somehow, in this moment, everything changed. Mamlak held an emerald that sparkled greater than the sun, and the noble wanted to make it his own. He had not any intentions of making a name for himself when he left home, nor binding himself to anything. Least of all was the desire to find someone to fall for. Kieran just prayed that he wasn't doing something foolish that would get them both hurt. This time, he would let her decide when to break.

An agitated ‘hm’ escaped her as he responded with his comment. He had won that round and she was not keen on that. Letting a newly healed patient go straight back into danger was not a pattern that a healer liked to allow. Least of all she wanted it be Kieran going back into danger. Teu could admit that much to herself, though she would not go much deeper into it. She frowned up at him as he smiled a rather charming smile that made her chest hurt. It was clear she was losing. If she did not get away from him quickly then there was going to be not ability for her to with the dissolving resolve.

Admitting that her magic was connected to her emotions had not been an easy thing to do. Teu was a strong independent woman, and stumbling over her own words was not a common occurrence. As he hovered over her there was a continued flush to her cheeks. Kieran already had an ability to send her into a fluster that only one other had been able to in the past. His portrait sat on her table side. She never thought another would enter her life that would make her feel that way. Dasor had been a special man with a special chance to her life. They had been Chosen together and fell into one another through tragedy. And now a man with piercing blue eyes looked down at her with a seriousness that sent a shiver down her spine. Much in her life had changed and she was more mature to understand what was happening. Could she accept it?

“Good…” she responded quietly. Why was she so embarrassed even with his gentle words? Teu knew she was stronger than that, but even so her knees were beginning to feel weak. Kieran was steady. His gaze did not waver even once as he examined her. The warmth of his hand against her cheek made her almost weep. It had been such a long time since someone had held her in a caring way. To be looked at the way that he was made her want to melt into the floor. “You don’t know me.” Her voice faltered minimally as he pulled her towards him. By the gods.

This time there was no misconceptions of the kiss. It was not a fever driven haze. He had made the decision to kiss her for knowing it was Teu. The kiss was not from being grateful for being healed. Breath caught in her chest as she rested her hand once more on his bare chest to respond in kind. Teu was not taken off guard. She moved to be closer to him in hopes of no space between them. No thoughts of her children came across her mind. No. All she could think about was how her hands had raised to hold on to his waist.

Their lips met repeatedly as Teu allowed her heart beat frantically. Finally, Teu broke away from his lips as she had to catch her breath. Hands continued to cling to his sides, while her forehead rested against his chest. Her emotions ran high though this time she was in full control. There was no question of how she felt and did not endeavor to fight against it. Kieran seemed to be clear with what he had already begun to feel. She could not look up at him until Teu had gotten herself under control. “Umm….yea.” This time there was no ability to hold back a small laugh at her reaction. “I am not sure what to really say. Thank you? That’s awkward. And….it is awkward. I’m going to be quiet now.” She rested her head against his chest again to hide the blush. Kill me now.

She had a point, the noble did not know her. They had met merely hours ago, healer and patient, tending to a dire situation that meant life or death. While her life was not on the line, his was, and it was through her wisdom, knowledge, and skill that he would soon be on the mend. Yet the counter argument was far too easy. Teu knew nothing of him, his heritage, or anything beyond a name. Far too easily, Kieran could be a phenomenal actor, playing her for some ulterior motive. ”I want to,” he whispered.

Now that his mind was his, memories long since tucked away where they belonged, Kieran seemed to be drowning in new sensations. Where Teu had felt love before, the noble had not. Anything that happened before was just a game, but this… This was like a dance. As she gave and demanded, Kieran was returning in kind. He wanted to press her closer, but relaxed his grip as his wound flared with pain.

When the sweet, sorrowful parting happened, even Kieran needed to catch his breath. A hand rested gently against the back of her head as he held her. Teu regained her composure enough to attempt to comment on what had transpired between them. He blinked in surprise at the words, a soft chuckle following soon after. This emerald truly was something else, and it made her all the more desirable. ”Thank you, huh?” Kieran smiled as he rested his cheek against her head. ”It should be me thanking you.”

What can he say, or do? He couldn’t very well put proper names to what he was feeling. Lust is so often misconceived as love, yet to tell her flat out “I don’t want to hurt you” didn’t seem to be the right choice of words. Kieran figuratively jumped out on a limb regardless. ”Teu, I meant what I said. I want to know you. And I want to do it right.” No rushing, take time, allow themselves to learn each other. Of course, he was just waking up from a fevered sleep and is still recovering from anemia, but he had never been as sure as he was right now about someone. When someone resonates with oneself, then the chance should be taken, lest regret fills the remainder of time.

Her vision wavered when he answered quite simply to her statement. He wanted to know more about her despite the short time being in the other’s presence. Teu had had declarations before after healing young warriors in her shop, but nothing actually meant anything. They had been amusing and a little flattering. No heed had been made when it came to their words of flattery. As his warmth began to engulf her, Teu knew that his words were not only sincere but ones that she wanted to be real. This time the woman wanted to pursue something deeper. At this point, Teu needed him to be telling the truth because she was already in over her head.

Teu rested her forehead against his chest, which Kieran was gentle to pull her even closer. His warmth was balancing the chill that began to rise up in her. She breathed in slowly and out to make an effort to calm down her magic. With the new magic of Revaliir there was constant relearning how to maintain a level of control. Hands lifted from his waist to wrap her arms around him and release her reservations. She rested fully into him and closed her eyes to allow Kieran to hold her tight. The feel of his hand against the back of her head gently made the butterflies in her stomach continually do flips. Someone said they wanted to get to know her, be in her presence, and she felt the same.

All the elf woman wanted to do was hide after the words thank you had come out of her mouth. He replied with a small laugh and holding her as she hid her face again. Teu smiled against his chest as he rested his cheek upon her head. He was sweet and kind. Few saw the side of her that he was at that moment. The healer would only allow her confident side be seen by the outside world. There could be no doubt in her patients’ minds that she would be incapable of her skills. In her personal life…well her children knew that she had her flaws. To think she was allowing a new man in her life to see this side was mind blowing.

Finally, the blush subsided to allow the female elf to lift her eyes to his again. There was no holding back a bright smile that was upon her face. She was genuinely happy to be in his grasp and to hear those words from him. Tears of happiness were fought back. Though she knew how she felt, then was not the time to completely indulge. She was a single parent after all. Teu pulled back slightly and directed him to sit on the bed. “You need to eat, and gather your strength.” Legs pulled up beneath her as the healer made a small nest out of her fluffed blankets. When he finally took a seat, Teu sat closely with him even while he ate. “Tell me about yourself. You know more about me than I do you. I know your name. Tell me more. If this is going to happen…well maybe a proper introduction should happen. You know…without the fever and needles into your skin.” Her head dipped down to check on the stitches that were holding quite well despite his sudden movements.