Night Watch I: Eliza, Ward of Andrew

*Andrew’s POV*

I looked mournfully at Melora as she gestured at me with the horrible mug of fetid brew. This would be at least the eighth one! I had been so well-behaved, drank them all, and not complained once. I let out a heavy sigh. “Melora, does Eliza hate me? Is she sending you with shit-water and laughing now that you’ve successfully convinced me to drink it?”

Melora frowned. “Oh, for pity’s sake! Second Officer Andrew, I’m not interested in your opinion regarding the palatability of the remedies I have prepared!” Her brows contracted over her nose. She rolled her eyes. “My daughter will skin me if I release you from this tent before she is permitted to come call upon you here- try her hand at courting you, however fruitless I tell her the effort will be! Give me one good reason why I should clear you to leave?”

“Hollis? She’s not even out of Training yet!” She was 15! Melora grinned, amused at my horrified expression.

“Ha! Not just Hollis, now that I categorically think about it. Ivy’s started to take note when she sees you moping about the Village too…” She raised her eyebrows saucily. “What blooming difference does it make, Second Officer?”

I frowned, but then my expression softened. They were just kids, looking for a hero. They didn’t know me, not really. “Tell them they’re a little young to be planning their bridal ceremonies yet.” I grinned. “But Melora, what I say to you is this: give me that shit-water. I feel fine, but I will drink it anyway, if it will make you happy.”

Melora nodded approvingly and put the hateful mug of foul piss in my freed hand. With a few gags, I got it down. This earned me another appreciative nod, and a “hmmph” that sounded like some measure of praise before she took the empty mug, secured my hand again, and headed off into the depths of the Healer’s tent.

Gods, before today, I hadn’t been here, at least not for myself, in so long. No wonder they were pissy with me. I hadn’t really been caring for myself, not even at home. They all knew Juliet had taught me how, first aid and battle medicine had been a hobby of hers she had enjoyed. Maybe they felt like I didn’t respect their knowledge, but nothing was farther from the truth. I had just wanted oblivion to take me.

Now… The balance had changed. I had to stay, to make sure, absolutely sure, that Eliza had a good life from now on. If she would still let me help, after what I had done…

“Andrew?” It was Eliza! With clothes on! I tried to jump off the bed to run to her, but the shackles stopped me. Fuck!

David started yelling at me this time. “Hold still dumbass, you’re chained to the bed by your hands! Gods! Don’t hit your fucking head, boy! Nick, you’re right, he’s of one fucking mind…” He, Nick, and Tom kept talking a ways away, I ignored them.

“Eliza! I swear it was an accident! I swear it on my honor as a Watchman, I swear it on my life!” Embarrassed, I started to cry. “I would never choose to shame you, I would never do such a thing, never! I swear on my love for my beloved partner-“ David, Nick, and Tom all took sharp, loud breaths or murmured expletives as I said ‘Juliet, may she’ “-rest in peace and forever hold a place in my heart, it was only my intent to disarm you, I never meant to unclothe you, and I beg your forgiveness. Eliza, I have failed you. I am so sorry, I am unworthy to be your warden.”

Eliza fidgeted uncomfortably for a second where she stood. Everything hung on her response, my very desire to continue on living. “Um, Andrew, that was a very fine speech. Do you remember being told you have a concussion?” I nodded. At least she didn’t look angry… “Andrew, you’ve given me a similar speech several times today. Each time is very moving, but I’m starting to get a bit fucking emotionally drained, frankly.” What? I felt my face get hot as the Healer peanut gallery tittered.

Eliza sat next to me on the bed. “It’s ok, I knocked you on the head pretty hard. And each time you give the speech, it gets more eloquent. This was the first time you swore on your love for your partner, Andrew.” Her bright green eyes searched mine. “You must really want me to believe you, and I do. Just don’t ever fucking do it again.”

We both grinned at each other. I had a feeling, this time I would remember. I would not need to give that speech again.

Notes

More visual aids!
David:

Ashley


Dani:


Tom:


Melora: