ANOTHER OUTLAW (2)

Marshall woke up from a strange gut feeling that someone was watching him. As he opened his eyes, he found Gi Elysia standing next to his bed with an additional pillow and a concerned expression.

"Your shoulder must hurt a lot," she mentioned quietly. "You were frowning in your sleep."

The disciple could have sworn his face had been relaxed as he slept, but perhaps he had scowled without realizing. Marshall shook his head, suppressing a yawn. "It's fine, my demonic energy is slowly healing it."

"Does it mean your demonic energy has already fully recovered after the fight?"

"Not yet... It's most likely going to take all night."

Now that Marshall had freed Wyn and figured out their next steps, he finally felt sleepy enough to make up for the nights he stayed up practicing proper control over demons.

The bed was warm and the plans for the next day were set as well. At the moment, there was nothing else weighing on his mind. Even the thoughts of Lord Chioni stealing his body were distant and meaningless.

Gi Elysia gently lifted the duvet to place the pillow she had brought next to the disciple. "You can hug this if it hurts too much."

"Pfft," he scoffed softly, but accepted the thoughtful gesture anyway. "Thanks. I will."

She observed Marshall for a moment longer before nudging the pillow a bit closer as she tucked the duvet around him a bit tighter.

"Alright, I'll go now. Rest well," Gi Elysia whispered before leaving.

❄ ❄ ❄

Gi Elysia's absence in the morning went by unnoticed by Sun Hayden, as she often left before sunrise to gather herbs. On the other hand, Wyn, being a light sleeper, had heard her leaving in the middle of the night. 

She returned just before noon with a basket of various goods wrapped in thin cloths. That made her time of absence round up to eight hours. It was too much time for one to spend looking for herbs or walking to a nearby town to purchase some.

"It's a beautiful day outside!" Gi Elysia announced as she entered the main hall, the smell of wind following her in. "The weather's perfect for the mission!"

Wyn bowed his head lightly in greeting, meanwhile Sun Hayden rushed forth, peeking in the basket, "Did you bring peppermint like I asked?"

"Hey, hey, hey, don't mess up the order!" she tugged the eager yellow sleeves away from the neatly organized bundles. "I brought a variety of stuff, peppermint is included, don't worry."

As if recalling something, Gi Elysia glanced around the hall. "Where's Marshall? Shouldn't we depart to the cavern soon?"

Sun Hayden pointed towards the second floor, still eyeing the basket, "Sleeping in. It didn't look like he was going to wake anytime soon."

The blond disciple straightened, musing, "Actually, maybe we shouldn't him up so he can sleep off the wound on his shoulder. Nothing would change if we delayed the plans a day, right?"

Gi Elysia nodded in agreement. "That sounds like a good idea. He's been training like crazy without a break. I'll brew us some tea," she said with delight, walking to the kitchen.

Wyn watched her leave, then waited a short while before following into the kitchen.

She picked up the ceramic teapots and picked a bundle out of the basket, unwrapping it with deft movements.

It appeared she did not hear Wyn enter. As she turned around and their eyes met, the peppermint leaves in her hand let out a surprised crunch.

"Ah, Young Lord Chioni," Gi Elysia bowed her head lightly, "I did not hear you enter."

She quickly scattered the broken leaves into the teapot with a nervous flick before reaching for the bucket to fetch the water from the well.

"You do not have to speak formally to me. We are not inside the Chastity Tower," Wyn mentioned, casting a brief glance at the six remaining bundles in the basket. Including the peppermint bundle in her hands, there were seven in total. 

Gi Elysia chuckled awkwardly, nervously tapping her finger on the bucket. "I see. Then shall I call you Chioni Wyn?"

"Feel free to do so," Wyn took a step closer, extending his arm to take the bucket. "Allow me."

"Much appreciated," Gi Elysia handed it over and watched Wyn walk through the side door.

When he returned, the basket had been emptied of all the bundles, the goods stocked away in the cabinets.

"Thank you," she said as Wyn set the bucket down with a nod.

As the snow deity straightened, he noticed Gi Elysia clutching her chest, waiting for him to move aside.

Wyn lingered around, waiting for her to brew the tea. Judging from her shifty demeanor, she was either uncomfortable due to the difference in their ranks or hiding something.

Once the tea was ready, she left the kitchen with a tea tray for Sun Hayden. Wyn went to check something, subtly opening the cabinets to count the herb bundles.

One, two, three, four, five, six...

Just as he thought, one of the bundles was missing. Wyn cast a glance around in case the peppermint bundle had been left out, but that was not the case.

To be sure, he checked the newly stored bundles. Chamomile, linden, echinacea, ginger powder, lemon balm, and peppermint was there too. 

Wyn looked in the direction of the main hall. What was stored in the bundle Gi Elysia secretly took to herself? 

➳ ➳ ➳

A sudden cold washed over Marshall. Someone must have lifted the duvet, but his eyes were glued shut, refusing to open.

He could distantly feel the pillow slipping from his arms. It cost too much energy to move, so he allowed it to happen. Then the duvet covered him anew.

As the warmth returned, he forgot about the odd moment, falling back into his dreamless sleep.