[ Era is startled by the sudden weight behind her - so much so that she's dizzy with panic until it hits her that Carbuncle would never let something happen, and neither would Felih. Her summon helps her settle back down, nuzzling against her collarbone. If it could Era knows it would be purring right now, especially as she sets a quivering hand to stroke along a patch of its back.
It doesn't take long for her to sink back into a hazy doze of not-quite-sleep but it's restful enough for now. Deep sleep doesn't come easily to her even on the best of days; body too keyed up and alert for any danger. ]
[Felih notes the way Era wakes with a panic, and he immediately goes over, ears low in apology as he gently rests a hand on her shoulder.]
Easy, easy- I'm sorry, I should've warned you. I'm leaving Rolanberry with you just to be cautious...
[Rolanberry is cuddling happily, giving a little yip of affirmation and purring as he curls up against Era once more, a content guard. He's big and warm, much like the fiery aether that fuels him, and he keeps more or less still once he's settled to keep from disturbing the ill Warrior too much.
Felih is cooking quietly in the meanwhile, still just humming softly as he works. As promised, he makes a fish soup, rich in flavor but light on the stomach. Fresh fish, vegetables, some herbs for both flavor and their medicinal properties. He's done his best to ensure the flavor isn't too strong, however- ill stomachs can be finicky. He lets it simmer, allowing all the nutrients to release into the broth, the flavors to meld together into harmony.
And while that settles, he starts organizing all the rubycress he's gathered into neat and tidy bundles for easy use later. It's all idle, things to keep him busy as he guards his employer.]
[ Era hums a placating note in response to her retainer's apology.
While Rolanberry is warm and a welcome weight once she's aware of it, he can't compare to her own Carbuncle in terms of comfort. Era is much like a child with a plush toy with how she cuddles Carbuncle close to her, exhaling softly (less shaky than a short while ago, before her dose of the medicine) against velvety fur. She hasn't summoned it in a while, so preoccupied with healing that there was no opportunity for her to.
If Era was a different person, a bit more focused on herself and less on others, she might view this illness as a blessing in disguise. It's forcing her to rest and take it easy for the first time in at least twelve moons, and were others to learn of her bout of Red Throat they might be less demanding.
She drifts in and out of her cozy, sleepy haze. The smell of food is simultaneously welcoming and nauseating (a relatively unheard of symptom for Era, whose title may well have been 'of the Iron Stomach' had she not been the Warrior of Light), but she knows enough that she'll be eating a portion of it regardless. ]
I've a notebook of the patients I'm treating. It is open on the desk.
[Felih just feels better knowing his own ball of aether is guarding Era, aware that when folk are ill, they need to be observed just a bit more carefully to ensure their condition doesn't worsen. He is more focused on cooking for now, however, making sure the soup is just right before he finally moves the pot off the fire, though he leaves the fire burning so as to prevent the room from becoming too cold. (Especially considering how the windows are still open to allow the air to circulate and air out.)
But he stands while the pot cools, and picks up the notebook in question, starting to flip through it carefully.]
All this...? Gods... it seems as if no matter how much we try, Red Throat continues to break out in the Brume... There must be a way to remedy this. If there is perhaps a reservoir that harbors the disease between outbreaks...
[He's musing aloud to himself, as he reads through her notes. He knows he will need to gather even more rubycress- but perhaps he can work with the Lord Commander and have a greenhouse built in the city, one where medicinal herbs and plants can be grown en masse for use in the city. His mind continues to spark with ideas he chains together, like numbers in his arcanima, and he finally speaks once more.]
This aside... Can you sit up? Though I know your appetite has suffered, you must eat if you are to recover...
I've spoken with Aymeric. He knew the need for improved living conditions, but not how dire it was. [ She has no head for politics, but her dear friend most certainly does. If there's anyone who might be able to bring about change to the Brume it will be the Lord Commander. ] Things will get better, Felih.
[ Not soon enough for those who have already died, drowned by their own blood. There are enough pages in her notebook with the note of deceased by the names, along with their ages. Mostly the young and the elderly, but it hit a fair number of people in between as well. Hopefully soon she will have no need for books dedicated to the dead and dying.
To her retainer's question, Era does her best to sit up. It doesn't take long for her to realize the futility of this, with the weight of the blankets combined with Rolanberry's making it too difficult for her to push herself up. It's as though having laid down and rested opened a floodgate; her body taking advantage of the momentary respite to turn on her completely and force her to rest more thoroughly. The traitorous thing. ]
There's too much weight.
[ Both on her chest and in it. Though the weight atop of her has been comforting moreso than confining. Era's cheeks are flushed not with the telltale redness of a fever, but instead with the pink of embarrassment. The Warrior of Light, weaker than a pile of blankets. ]
[Felih still seems worried, but he knows that Aymeric is a dutiful man who should be well able to start remedying the issues in the city. After all, he wanted so badly to reduce the gap between the classes, to give both nobility and smallfolk a voice and make Ishgard safer and more livable for all. Still, he wonders if perhaps he could help with the efforts... it makes his heart ache to see such rampant suffering.
But he's distracted by Era's attempts to sit up, and he smiles and goes over to heave Rolanberry off of her.]
Up, Ro. Up- let Era sit. Ah... the blankets? Here.
[He pulls back all the heavy quilts and blankets before making a support for her back out of pillows and cushions, and helping her to sit up and lean back against them. It ought to help prevent her from straining her body too much just from trying to keep upright.]
There- is that better? I can adjust it as you need. So long as you're able to eat, I'll be satisfied.
[He does note the flush of fever, and sighs as he gently presses the back of his hand to her forehead, biting his lip nervously. Though he knows fever is simply a part of the disease running its course, he still doesn't like seeing people suffering from one- after all, how many folk have died from it before?]
[ Thinking of Aymeric actually brings to mind their planned meeting for the following day - he wanted to have another dinner (hopefully uninterrupted), though Era talked him down into a small, informal meal followed by a walk around The Pillars. They were going to brainstorm ideas of how to improve things for the Brume in the immediate future that might help reduce the spread and severity of the Red Throat outbreak.
Her thoughts are interrupted as Felih helps her sit up again, back cushioned by down-filled pillows. She shifts only slightly, adjusting the way her torso is angled so it's a little easier to breathe. While ill, Era is still determined to do what she can of her own accord. But she offers Felih a grateful smile. ]
This arrangement is fine.
[ While the touch isn't unexpected Era still flinches when his hand touches her face. His hand is so cold against her skin, but rather than pull away she finds herself leaning into the touch. ]
I've a meeting tomorrow eve with the Lord Commander. [ Era is tempted to meet with him anyway, regardless of her health. While she would take care not to pass on her illness she should like to inform her friend of the current situation herself, and they did have important matters to discuss. ] Perhaps we could arrange for it to take place here rather than Borel Manor.
[ She has absolutely no clue that it was probably going to be another totally-a-date-but-not-actually-a-date date, nor does it occur to her that it may be inappropriate to invite Aymeric to spend time with her in her rooms at the Fortemps'. But it's Aymeric. And neither Lord Edmont nor any of his staff would think to make any gossip, since Era's oblivious nature with regards to romantic endeavors and overtures is fairly well-known, as is the Lord Commander's gentlemanly and proper nature.
Having high status does have its perks occasionally (even if that's yet another thing Era is more or less oblivious to). ]
Felih?
[ What are your thoughts on this, oh loyal retainer-friend? ]
[Felih blinks a little, immediately concerned at the news of a meeting with the Lord Commander. Era is clearly ill, and she's in no state to be up and about, especially not in the Ishgardian cold talking politics with Ser Aymeric.]
There's... well, it's not that I object to you meeting with Ser Aymeric, but you're ill, and not only do you need to rest, but there's also the worry that the illness could pass to him. Red Throat spreads so unpredictably, my lady, and there's no telling if he will fall ill as well.
...and, well, I know the Lord Commander to be as stubborn as you are about his own well-being, which only adds another layer of concern altogether.
I would recommend postponing your meeting until you are well once more, or at the very least send your concerns to him via letter. It would not be difficult for me to ferry the letters between you both while you're recuperating. Or I could even send Vehr'to- it would leave me more dispensable for your care.
[Somehow, though, he's also got the feeling Ser Aymeric wouldn't be sitting still if he discovered Era had fallen ill. Goodness, these two are hopeless.]
[ And therein lies the problem - Aymeric had been so enthused about having dinner and discussion with her that were she to cancel without giving cause...
She and the Lord Commander are so very much alike. It's why they initially weren't quite so impressed with each other, and now why they're so close. She sends him regular letters detailing her latest adventures (perhaps excluding some of the more harrowing aspects, given how prone to fretting her friend is) and he responds in kind, informing her of current events in Ishgard. They both know she has no head for politics, but they enjoy the correspondence nonetheless.
Era lets out a rattling sigh, lips curved downward in a frown. Considering how tired she is, she would be fine communicating via letter or Linkpearl. Aymeric, however, would want to know why she was not able to meet with him in person. And Era is both a terrible liar and someone who dislikes lying to her friends. ]
I cannot say I'm ill. [ Aymeric would lose his mind. ] He will wish to visit regardless...
[ And she can't say that she's out on a quest, because it would be far too easy to confirm with Edmont that she isn't. ]
And his concern would reach Lord Edmont's ears.
[ Era sinks back into the cushions, shutting her eyes and focusing on her breathing instead of her worries. Her lungs rattle with every inhale, but that isn't unfamiliar to her at this point. ]
There's nothing to be done for it now. [ It can be dealt with later. ] Shall we eat?
[Felih sighs again, knowing full well now the Lord Commander and Era were about each other, and shakes his head gently.]
You two are both hopeless- too concerned about others to worry about your own health. The Lord Commander would take Red Throat if it meant staying at your side. Very well... let's set that aside for now. I would rather see you fed and starting to gather strength.
[With that, he carefully sets a tray over her lap, upon which a filled bowl of the stew is set, along with some water, and some fresh fruit juice- something Felih no doubt went off to make himself, considering his fondness for the fresh treat. There is a small roll of bread with the soup as well, fresh-baked by the Fortemps kitchen.]
Go on ahead- let me know if there is aught you desire.
[And he begins to eat as well, at her beside, his own meal resting on her bedside table. Rolanberry is fussily nosing at Felih's arm, trying to get to his share of food, and Felih has to laugh and sigh, offering him a piece of bread to appease the greedy carbuncle.]
[ Well excuse you Felih!! They are not hopeless!! Gosh. At least Aymeric isn't. Though she doesn't understand why he saw fit to add 'if it meant staying at your side', but supposes it must be because they're the best of friends. Clearly! ]
It is difficult enough to attempt to live up to my title without the added difficulty of fearing for my own health. [ Perhaps the fever has made her a bit loose-tongued, but she isn't about to take her words back. They're the truth - how can she be the hero Eorzea needs if she is too fearful of her own death to push forward? ] I would, however, fear the wrath of Lucia should our dear Lord Commander fall ill.
[ And it goes without saying that if Aymeric fell ill Era would drop everything to care for him. But that's yet another matter entirely, and right now she has warm food on her lap begging to be eaten even if she can feel a bout of nausea already from the smell alone.
She split the roll in half, dipping it briefly into the stew and letting the excess drip out before placing it to the side for Carbuncle. While normally Era never feeds it food (she is stingy, and Carbuncles don't need it), at the moment it's quite prudent to ensure it receives aether from food rather than from herself given how low her reserves are at the moment.
Swallowing thickly, Era takes a small spoonful of the stew and begins eating slowly. It's a struggle, with her hands traitorously shaky and her throat fighting against her every step of the way. She pauses regularly to drink some water and juice, right up until a particularly bad upsurgence of nausea strikes her and she immediately finishes her meal, lest what she already ate come back up.
She's managed about a third of the bowl in all. A pittance compared to what a normal person might eat in a meal, let alone the Warrior of Light and her near infamous appetite. ]
Thank you for the meal, Felih. I shall attempt more later.
[You are both absolutely hopeless and Felih knows because he's had to watch you two both dance around each other for years. He sees you and your shenanigans, Miss Era!!! And Aymeric, too!
Still, he sighs and gently pats her on the shoulder comfortingly as she speaks.]
'Tis true that you are a powerful person, precious and beloved by many- looked to by more. But it is crucial that you rest- you are still human, after all. You need rest and recovery, you get ill and hurt, just like any mortal. The Lord Commander would not fault you for taking time to recover, nor would anyone else here.
Though, Lucia's protectiveness if legendary, so mayhaps we shouldn't risk sending the Commander back ill... [He cracks a wry smile then, eating a bit more of his meal before he notes the way Era barely eats, and his ears lower in deep concern.]
...my lady, you have hardly eaten. You cannot truly be sated with just that...? Is something wrong? Do you need help?
Weapons are not meant to fall ill or get hurt. [ She frowns at the tray on her lap. It's.
Hard.
Very hard, most days, to think of herself as person like everyone else. She doesn't think she's above them - far from it, in fact - but all she's ever known in her life has been being a tool for one cause or another. The Warrior of Light is Hydaelyn's blade. Until the world is safe from the encroaching darkness she is not a person.
That doesn't mean she hasn't improved her mindset over the years. The incident that caused Felih to be all but forced onto her as a retainer was quite the wake-up call to her allies - no longer do they ask favours and make demands of her nonstop. They know her to be fallible now, even if Era does not allow it of herself. And Aymeric and Edmont have always treated her first and foremost as a woman who happens to be a warrior, not the other way around. ]
As awful as it would be for Aymeric to learn the truth of my condition it would be preferable for Lord Edmont worrying himself over me.
[ But if Aymeric were to fall ill then Edmont would worry that he might lose another child, and it would be all Era's fault. Perhaps if she told Aymeric she was ill and requested he not visit her... Aymeric might acquiesce reluctantly, as she so rarely asks things of him. ]
Perhaps I'll inform him, and extract a promise from him that he not allow Edmont to find out, nor that he visit me.
[ Yes. That should work. Right? Everything will be fine and even if Aymeric worries a little bit it's better than Edmont's fretting.
But back on the topic of food -- ]
I did say my appetite had suffered. [ Maybe that's a bit of an understatement, but. Well. It's not a lie. ] If we keep it warm with fire shards I can eat small amounts at more frequent intervals. I know the importance of it, though my stomach is keen to fight with me as of late.
[ Now please take the tray away, Felih, because she is going to have another awful coughing fit and she'd rather not get stew all over everything. Or cough all over you. ]
[Felih immediately tenses then, tail bristling and lashing before he reaches out to very gently take her hand and squeeze it. His heart aches for her, and his growing concerns never truly seem to die down, especially not in regards to his friend, who works herself far too hard. She hardly gets to rest, and is always pushed further and further beyond her limits...]
You're not merely a weapon, my lady. Do not say such miserable things... You're a human being. You need rest and recovery as much as any other, no matter how strong you may be.
As for Lord Edmont... my lady, we reside in his home, he cannot avoid discovering your state for long. The best thing to do to put him at ease is to reassure him you are resting and receiving treatment- I will ensure you are never without the rubycress draught.
[Still, he's more and more concerned about her lack of appetite, but he does move her tray of food aside, setting some fire shards around the bowl as she instructs to keep the food warm for the time being.]
If your stomach is trying to fight you, there are potent remedies for it. A drink of fermented ginger is a common and easy fix, and will allow you to eat with less struggle- I could easily go procure some for you.
[ Her body language speaks of how much she wishes she weren't - of how tired she is of having so many burdens to carry. She doesn't loathe her title, really. It's more that she's simply resigned herself to her fate. That for all the lives she's taken and all the lives she's failed to save she must do her best to make up for it however she can.
...And get out of her with your logic, Felih. She doesn't want any of it. Don't make her tell Edmont. Don't tell him.
Her eyes well up with frustrated tears she doesn't allow to fall. ]
He doesn't need to know that it's the Red Throat that has struck me down. Just that I am ill and don't wish for company.
[ Era watches Felih follow her suggestion and can't help but grimace at his suggestion. She's not overly fond of either fermented drinks or ginger, so it's not the most appealing solution. ]
Warrior of Light you may be, but the Warrior of Light is no god. You are human, my lady. Please, do not let the world run you so ragged as to forget that.
[Still, his ears fall low to see her in such low spirits as well, and he only hopes he can find a way to cheer her. But mayhaps it is not him who will be able to do that- some comforts can only be drawn by true family, the closest of friends, or even lovers. Edmont or Aymeric would have better luck, he reasons.]
Alright... I will do my best to be discreet about it. Still, I feel uneasy being untruthful to the man. He is a good soul.
And please, do try to eat. You know I'll fuss if you don't. [He's joking a bit now, cracking a smile.]
[ Era agrees that she is no god, though disagrees with the rest. From the moment she first woke in this world she has been the Mothercrystal's blade. And it's difficult to forget something Era hasn't properly learned in the first place - though she's gotten better at treating herself as human for the better part of the last year, even if she's relapsed some thanks to the illness. ]
It is not being untruthful. I am truly ill, and don't wish for his company. We cannot risk his health, Felih. His age puts him at greater risk... [ whereas she, Felih, and even Aymeric would be far more likely to brush off the Red Throat with no lasting effects. ]
You'll fuss even if I do. [ she offers the smallest of smiles in return. ] I'll try again in another bell.
[ It'll give her time for what she did eat to digest enough that if she does vomit afterwards it'd just be blood and not sustenance! See how smart she is? Super smart! ]
That is true... and I would not see him ill, as well. Then I shall be cautious and ensure he keeps his distance until you too, are recovered.
...and don't tease. You know I can't help it- your health is important to me, my lady. But so long as you promise to try and eat some more later... then I'll be content.
Is there aught else I can provide...? I suppose you must need rest more than anything else, during your recovery...
I should recover soon enough, provided there is no sudden and desperate need of me to slay a Primal. [ It's supposed to be a joke, but. Well. It's also a legitimate concern. ]
Just continue as you are and all will be fine. [ She pauses, then adds: ] Though pray wake me at regular intervals to eat.
[Felih sighs, still ever the worrywart, but gently smiles and nods. He only hopes she will recover soon- and he will dutifully attend to her until then.]
Yes, of course, my lady. I'll ensure all is well... do rest for now. You will need a lot of it in the coming days. I'll ensure no one else comes to disturb your rest until you've recovered.
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valoirs
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It doesn't take long for her to sink back into a hazy doze of not-quite-sleep but it's restful enough for now. Deep sleep doesn't come easily to her even on the best of days; body too keyed up and alert for any danger. ]
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Easy, easy- I'm sorry, I should've warned you. I'm leaving Rolanberry with you just to be cautious...
[Rolanberry is cuddling happily, giving a little yip of affirmation and purring as he curls up against Era once more, a content guard. He's big and warm, much like the fiery aether that fuels him, and he keeps more or less still once he's settled to keep from disturbing the ill Warrior too much.
Felih is cooking quietly in the meanwhile, still just humming softly as he works. As promised, he makes a fish soup, rich in flavor but light on the stomach. Fresh fish, vegetables, some herbs for both flavor and their medicinal properties. He's done his best to ensure the flavor isn't too strong, however- ill stomachs can be finicky. He lets it simmer, allowing all the nutrients to release into the broth, the flavors to meld together into harmony.
And while that settles, he starts organizing all the rubycress he's gathered into neat and tidy bundles for easy use later. It's all idle, things to keep him busy as he guards his employer.]
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While Rolanberry is warm and a welcome weight once she's aware of it, he can't compare to her own Carbuncle in terms of comfort. Era is much like a child with a plush toy with how she cuddles Carbuncle close to her, exhaling softly (less shaky than a short while ago, before her dose of the medicine) against velvety fur. She hasn't summoned it in a while, so preoccupied with healing that there was no opportunity for her to.
If Era was a different person, a bit more focused on herself and less on others, she might view this illness as a blessing in disguise. It's forcing her to rest and take it easy for the first time in at least twelve moons, and were others to learn of her bout of Red Throat they might be less demanding.
She drifts in and out of her cozy, sleepy haze. The smell of food is simultaneously welcoming and nauseating (a relatively unheard of symptom for Era, whose title may well have been 'of the Iron Stomach' had she not been the Warrior of Light), but she knows enough that she'll be eating a portion of it regardless. ]
I've a notebook of the patients I'm treating. It is open on the desk.
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But he stands while the pot cools, and picks up the notebook in question, starting to flip through it carefully.]
All this...? Gods... it seems as if no matter how much we try, Red Throat continues to break out in the Brume... There must be a way to remedy this. If there is perhaps a reservoir that harbors the disease between outbreaks...
[He's musing aloud to himself, as he reads through her notes. He knows he will need to gather even more rubycress- but perhaps he can work with the Lord Commander and have a greenhouse built in the city, one where medicinal herbs and plants can be grown en masse for use in the city. His mind continues to spark with ideas he chains together, like numbers in his arcanima, and he finally speaks once more.]
This aside... Can you sit up? Though I know your appetite has suffered, you must eat if you are to recover...
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[ Not soon enough for those who have already died, drowned by their own blood. There are enough pages in her notebook with the note of deceased by the names, along with their ages. Mostly the young and the elderly, but it hit a fair number of people in between as well. Hopefully soon she will have no need for books dedicated to the dead and dying.
To her retainer's question, Era does her best to sit up. It doesn't take long for her to realize the futility of this, with the weight of the blankets combined with Rolanberry's making it too difficult for her to push herself up. It's as though having laid down and rested opened a floodgate; her body taking advantage of the momentary respite to turn on her completely and force her to rest more thoroughly. The traitorous thing. ]
There's too much weight.
[ Both on her chest and in it. Though the weight atop of her has been comforting moreso than confining. Era's cheeks are flushed not with the telltale redness of a fever, but instead with the pink of embarrassment. The Warrior of Light, weaker than a pile of blankets. ]
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But he's distracted by Era's attempts to sit up, and he smiles and goes over to heave Rolanberry off of her.]
Up, Ro. Up- let Era sit. Ah... the blankets? Here.
[He pulls back all the heavy quilts and blankets before making a support for her back out of pillows and cushions, and helping her to sit up and lean back against them. It ought to help prevent her from straining her body too much just from trying to keep upright.]
There- is that better? I can adjust it as you need. So long as you're able to eat, I'll be satisfied.
[He does note the flush of fever, and sighs as he gently presses the back of his hand to her forehead, biting his lip nervously. Though he knows fever is simply a part of the disease running its course, he still doesn't like seeing people suffering from one- after all, how many folk have died from it before?]
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Her thoughts are interrupted as Felih helps her sit up again, back cushioned by down-filled pillows. She shifts only slightly, adjusting the way her torso is angled so it's a little easier to breathe. While ill, Era is still determined to do what she can of her own accord. But she offers Felih a grateful smile. ]
This arrangement is fine.
[ While the touch isn't unexpected Era still flinches when his hand touches her face. His hand is so cold against her skin, but rather than pull away she finds herself leaning into the touch. ]
I've a meeting tomorrow eve with the Lord Commander. [ Era is tempted to meet with him anyway, regardless of her health. While she would take care not to pass on her illness she should like to inform her friend of the current situation herself, and they did have important matters to discuss. ] Perhaps we could arrange for it to take place here rather than Borel Manor.
[ She has absolutely no clue that it was probably going to be another totally-a-date-but-not-actually-a-date date, nor does it occur to her that it may be inappropriate to invite Aymeric to spend time with her in her rooms at the Fortemps'. But it's Aymeric. And neither Lord Edmont nor any of his staff would think to make any gossip, since Era's oblivious nature with regards to romantic endeavors and overtures is fairly well-known, as is the Lord Commander's gentlemanly and proper nature.
Having high status does have its perks occasionally (even if that's yet another thing Era is more or less oblivious to). ]
Felih?
[ What are your thoughts on this, oh loyal retainer-friend? ]
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There's... well, it's not that I object to you meeting with Ser Aymeric, but you're ill, and not only do you need to rest, but there's also the worry that the illness could pass to him. Red Throat spreads so unpredictably, my lady, and there's no telling if he will fall ill as well.
...and, well, I know the Lord Commander to be as stubborn as you are about his own well-being, which only adds another layer of concern altogether.
I would recommend postponing your meeting until you are well once more, or at the very least send your concerns to him via letter. It would not be difficult for me to ferry the letters between you both while you're recuperating. Or I could even send Vehr'to- it would leave me more dispensable for your care.
[Somehow, though, he's also got the feeling Ser Aymeric wouldn't be sitting still if he discovered Era had fallen ill. Goodness, these two are hopeless.]
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She and the Lord Commander are so very much alike. It's why they initially weren't quite so impressed with each other, and now why they're so close. She sends him regular letters detailing her latest adventures (perhaps excluding some of the more harrowing aspects, given how prone to fretting her friend is) and he responds in kind, informing her of current events in Ishgard. They both know she has no head for politics, but they enjoy the correspondence nonetheless.
Era lets out a rattling sigh, lips curved downward in a frown. Considering how tired she is, she would be fine communicating via letter or Linkpearl. Aymeric, however, would want to know why she was not able to meet with him in person. And Era is both a terrible liar and someone who dislikes lying to her friends. ]
I cannot say I'm ill. [ Aymeric would lose his mind. ] He will wish to visit regardless...
[ And she can't say that she's out on a quest, because it would be far too easy to confirm with Edmont that she isn't. ]
And his concern would reach Lord Edmont's ears.
[ Era sinks back into the cushions, shutting her eyes and focusing on her breathing instead of her worries. Her lungs rattle with every inhale, but that isn't unfamiliar to her at this point. ]
There's nothing to be done for it now. [ It can be dealt with later. ] Shall we eat?
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You two are both hopeless- too concerned about others to worry about your own health. The Lord Commander would take Red Throat if it meant staying at your side. Very well... let's set that aside for now. I would rather see you fed and starting to gather strength.
[With that, he carefully sets a tray over her lap, upon which a filled bowl of the stew is set, along with some water, and some fresh fruit juice- something Felih no doubt went off to make himself, considering his fondness for the fresh treat. There is a small roll of bread with the soup as well, fresh-baked by the Fortemps kitchen.]
Go on ahead- let me know if there is aught you desire.
[And he begins to eat as well, at her beside, his own meal resting on her bedside table. Rolanberry is fussily nosing at Felih's arm, trying to get to his share of food, and Felih has to laugh and sigh, offering him a piece of bread to appease the greedy carbuncle.]
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It is difficult enough to attempt to live up to my title without the added difficulty of fearing for my own health. [ Perhaps the fever has made her a bit loose-tongued, but she isn't about to take her words back. They're the truth - how can she be the hero Eorzea needs if she is too fearful of her own death to push forward? ] I would, however, fear the wrath of Lucia should our dear Lord Commander fall ill.
[ And it goes without saying that if Aymeric fell ill Era would drop everything to care for him. But that's yet another matter entirely, and right now she has warm food on her lap begging to be eaten even if she can feel a bout of nausea already from the smell alone.
She split the roll in half, dipping it briefly into the stew and letting the excess drip out before placing it to the side for Carbuncle. While normally Era never feeds it food (she is stingy, and Carbuncles don't need it), at the moment it's quite prudent to ensure it receives aether from food rather than from herself given how low her reserves are at the moment.
Swallowing thickly, Era takes a small spoonful of the stew and begins eating slowly. It's a struggle, with her hands traitorously shaky and her throat fighting against her every step of the way. She pauses regularly to drink some water and juice, right up until a particularly bad upsurgence of nausea strikes her and she immediately finishes her meal, lest what she already ate come back up.
She's managed about a third of the bowl in all. A pittance compared to what a normal person might eat in a meal, let alone the Warrior of Light and her near infamous appetite. ]
Thank you for the meal, Felih. I shall attempt more later.
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Still, he sighs and gently pats her on the shoulder comfortingly as she speaks.]
'Tis true that you are a powerful person, precious and beloved by many- looked to by more. But it is crucial that you rest- you are still human, after all. You need rest and recovery, you get ill and hurt, just like any mortal. The Lord Commander would not fault you for taking time to recover, nor would anyone else here.
Though, Lucia's protectiveness if legendary, so mayhaps we shouldn't risk sending the Commander back ill... [He cracks a wry smile then, eating a bit more of his meal before he notes the way Era barely eats, and his ears lower in deep concern.]
...my lady, you have hardly eaten. You cannot truly be sated with just that...? Is something wrong? Do you need help?
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Hard.
Very hard, most days, to think of herself as person like everyone else. She doesn't think she's above them - far from it, in fact - but all she's ever known in her life has been being a tool for one cause or another. The Warrior of Light is Hydaelyn's blade. Until the world is safe from the encroaching darkness she is not a person.
That doesn't mean she hasn't improved her mindset over the years. The incident that caused Felih to be all but forced onto her as a retainer was quite the wake-up call to her allies - no longer do they ask favours and make demands of her nonstop. They know her to be fallible now, even if Era does not allow it of herself. And Aymeric and Edmont have always treated her first and foremost as a woman who happens to be a warrior, not the other way around. ]
As awful as it would be for Aymeric to learn the truth of my condition it would be preferable for Lord Edmont worrying himself over me.
[ But if Aymeric were to fall ill then Edmont would worry that he might lose another child, and it would be all Era's fault. Perhaps if she told Aymeric she was ill and requested he not visit her... Aymeric might acquiesce reluctantly, as she so rarely asks things of him. ]
Perhaps I'll inform him, and extract a promise from him that he not allow Edmont to find out, nor that he visit me.
[ Yes. That should work. Right? Everything will be fine and even if Aymeric worries a little bit it's better than Edmont's fretting.
But back on the topic of food -- ]
I did say my appetite had suffered. [ Maybe that's a bit of an understatement, but. Well. It's not a lie. ] If we keep it warm with fire shards I can eat small amounts at more frequent intervals. I know the importance of it, though my stomach is keen to fight with me as of late.
[ Now please take the tray away, Felih, because she is going to have another awful coughing fit and she'd rather not get stew all over everything. Or cough all over you. ]
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You're not merely a weapon, my lady. Do not say such miserable things... You're a human being. You need rest and recovery as much as any other, no matter how strong you may be.
As for Lord Edmont... my lady, we reside in his home, he cannot avoid discovering your state for long. The best thing to do to put him at ease is to reassure him you are resting and receiving treatment- I will ensure you are never without the rubycress draught.
[Still, he's more and more concerned about her lack of appetite, but he does move her tray of food aside, setting some fire shards around the bowl as she instructs to keep the food warm for the time being.]
If your stomach is trying to fight you, there are potent remedies for it. A drink of fermented ginger is a common and easy fix, and will allow you to eat with less struggle- I could easily go procure some for you.
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[ Her body language speaks of how much she wishes she weren't - of how tired she is of having so many burdens to carry. She doesn't loathe her title, really. It's more that she's simply resigned herself to her fate. That for all the lives she's taken and all the lives she's failed to save she must do her best to make up for it however she can.
...And get out of her with your logic, Felih. She doesn't want any of it. Don't make her tell Edmont. Don't tell him.
Her eyes well up with frustrated tears she doesn't allow to fall. ]
He doesn't need to know that it's the Red Throat that has struck me down. Just that I am ill and don't wish for company.
[ Era watches Felih follow her suggestion and can't help but grimace at his suggestion. She's not overly fond of either fermented drinks or ginger, so it's not the most appealing solution. ]
We shall try more frequent, smaller meals first.
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Warrior of Light you may be, but the Warrior of Light is no god. You are human, my lady. Please, do not let the world run you so ragged as to forget that.
[Still, his ears fall low to see her in such low spirits as well, and he only hopes he can find a way to cheer her. But mayhaps it is not him who will be able to do that- some comforts can only be drawn by true family, the closest of friends, or even lovers. Edmont or Aymeric would have better luck, he reasons.]
Alright... I will do my best to be discreet about it. Still, I feel uneasy being untruthful to the man. He is a good soul.
And please, do try to eat. You know I'll fuss if you don't. [He's joking a bit now, cracking a smile.]
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It is not being untruthful. I am truly ill, and don't wish for his company. We cannot risk his health, Felih. His age puts him at greater risk... [ whereas she, Felih, and even Aymeric would be far more likely to brush off the Red Throat with no lasting effects. ]
You'll fuss even if I do. [ she offers the smallest of smiles in return. ] I'll try again in another bell.
[ It'll give her time for what she did eat to digest enough that if she does vomit afterwards it'd just be blood and not sustenance! See how smart she is? Super smart! ]
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That is true... and I would not see him ill, as well. Then I shall be cautious and ensure he keeps his distance until you too, are recovered.
...and don't tease. You know I can't help it- your health is important to me, my lady. But so long as you promise to try and eat some more later... then I'll be content.
Is there aught else I can provide...? I suppose you must need rest more than anything else, during your recovery...
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Just continue as you are and all will be fine. [ She pauses, then adds: ] Though pray wake me at regular intervals to eat.
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Yes, of course, my lady. I'll ensure all is well... do rest for now. You will need a lot of it in the coming days. I'll ensure no one else comes to disturb your rest until you've recovered.