Night Watch I: Eliza, Ward of Andrew

*Andrew’s POV*

I sat and tried to be patient, not exactly my strong suit. Well, there were things to be grateful for: Eliza had forgiven me and Tom (of course it had been Tom, he was a soft-hearted bloke) had gotten me out of those cursed bonds so I could visit the toilet. I was even able to walk on my own, he had only accompanied me, even waited outside the outhouse! When I had promised to stay put, he had even let me sit back down without restraints. Apparently, they had gone through several sets since I had been there, the last set being the blasted locking shackles. So, improvements had been made, certainly.

Most importantly, of course, was that Eliza had been healed! Her splint had been gone when she had visited, and when she turned to leave, both her wings had looked incredible! Like mine after a molt! Well, except, of course, she had more mammalian-type wings… I would pay the Healers whatever they asked, everything I had, it was worth it. I just wanted Eliza to have a good start, regardless of whether she had any interest in me as more than a friend. I would be her ally.

My thoughts were interrupted by the sight of Eliza approaching, followed by Alice and Patti. Oh hells, I must look a mess! I tried to give my most approachable-I-am-recovered-from-my-concussion-you-can-release-me smile. When Alice started laughing, I gathered I must have failed miserably, and sighed, defeated. Would I ever get to take Eliza shopping?

“Cheer up, kiddo. We can see you’re well off enough to go. If you pass out again, Eliza’s agreed she’ll carry you back here and have you drink more of Melora’s shit-water.” That was actually feces?!? Alice carried on smoothly “At least it tastes like shit, or so I’ve heard. Don’t tend to get concussions, m’self, because I have no desire to have to drink it, eh?” He looked at Patti, grinning. Patti snorted at him.

“Don’t be a bastard, Alice.” Had I missed something? I decided to play it cool, I didn’t know Alice or Patti very well, and I desperately wanted out of there. Alice chuckled again, glancing at me. I knew other people thought he was creepy, but I got a very cheery vibe, oddly. I knew Dani and Ash a lot better, maybe I’d ask them about Alice some other time. I knew the arts of Conjuration were significantly different from the rest of Healing… “Eliza, you can give Andrew back his weapons. You’re both free to go after you’ve paid your balance, as we discussed.”

Eliza reached in her pocket and gave Patti a few coins. However much that was exactly from our winnings, it wasn’t possible that it could have covered Eliza’s healing alone, much less that and treatment for my concussion. “But, I thought-“

Patti turned her gaze on me as she closed her palm on the coins, and I stopped talking. “Payment was been refused for all of Eliza’s healing, as it is our choice and right to do, as Healers. The matter is not up for discussion, Second Officer Andrew, though thank you for offering. A discounted rate was given for the treatment of your concussion, again, as it is our choice and right. The only item provided at full price is personal and confidential, and was sold to Watchman Eliza, not you, Second Officer Andrew, and it is not your concern. Payment has been rendered in full and our business is concluded. Is that understood, young man?” Whoa.

“Yes, yes, of course, Great Healer. I cannot thank you enough for your generosity, for everyone’s kindness.” It was a struggle to sit still, I was so excited!I would be able to get all sorts of things for Eliza!I noticed Alice nodding at Patti, looking like the cat that ate the canary. Patti looked pleased. Healers sure are odd, though nice enough…

Eliza gave me back Juliet’s dagger, my throwing knives, and Snakebite in her scabbard. I briefly contemplated feigning that I wasn’t able to buckle my own scabbard, just so I could feel Eliza’s arms around my waist, but decided it wouldn’t be right with Snakebite.I heard Alice chuckle again in the middle of a conversation with Patti, then heard Patti thump him on the arm as I housed the last throwing knife in my vest.

I saw Eliza’s hand was resting protectively on the pommel of my sword. I realized I would have it in no other’s hands. Hopefully, while you were there, Little Johnny Rickfield you would stay, and Dennis Westower would have no need to awaken.

Eliza gestured me toward the main entrance of the tent, and we made it only a few feet, when Melora came barreling at us both, shooing us towards the back and shushing us to be quiet. Eliza and I glanced at each other, baffled. "Gods help me, Second Officer, for doing this, my daughter may never speak to me again! But I pity you so, I simply cannot allow you, as a Healer, to go out into the fray after a concussion!”

I looked at her clearly very conflicted countenance. “The fray?” As soon as I said it, I realized what must have happened and groaned. Not again… The Healers would never be the first to reveal who was in the Healer’s Tent, but as Eliza had carried me here, word must have spread. It wasn’t impossible a Night Watchman had told one of their daughters, either.Ugh.

“Second Officer, there are dozens of women and girls at the front and back entrances, waiting to throw themselves upon you! You’ve had a head injury and simply can’t be allowed to run at this juncture, the risk is too great. Yet never fear, as it happens, we have two back exits. One leads into the tunnel system, do you know it?” The tunnel system! Used for siege, extremely bad weather, war. As an Officer, I had it memorized, but had only been in a few times.

“Yes! We actually need to visit the blacksmith for Eliza! Can you let us into the tunnels, and send message to the smithy that we will be coming up that way?” Melora nodded.

“David!” It was funny, David was older than Melora, but he came running when Melora called like he feared for his balls. It was weird seeing such a dignified, refined guy let such an uppity woman boss him around, but I knew they were friends.

“Yes, darling?” David crossed his arms, smirking at her.

“Don’t be a rectum, I need assistance in a timely fashion! Please make haste to the blacksmith’s place of business at once, and bid them open the door to the tunnels, as these two young folk will shortly arrive. It’s a matter of medical importance, David, that the Second Officer not be assaulted by that gaggle of girls, due to his recent head trauma, don’t you agree, oh-he-who-did-nothing-to-heal-the-Second-Officer-would-you-like-to-help-now-hmmmm?” Melora smiled sweetly.

David smiled a dazzling smile. “I’d be delighted, Melora.” Wow, so charming. I mean, I really have only ever wanted to have sex with women, but I bet if I had a smile like that, Eliza might think of me differently. I glanced at her, and saw she had noticed his smile too, as she watched him walk off. That darkened my mood. I wanted to get the fuck out of that motherfucking tent and never see David again, that handsome, old, silver fox. Fuck that bastard! Dammit. Fuck everything in the whole Forest. Except Eliza. Dammit. Shit. Hmph!

Eliza poked my arm. “You ok?”

Uhhh… “Yeah, sorry. Sometimes I just feel badly about, um, inconveniencing others.” I looked at Melora. “Thank you so much, both you and David, for your help.”

Melora gave me a knowing look and a little grin. Shit, she knew, too. I tried to ask her not to spill the beans with my eyes. Her grin widened. “Absolutely, Second Officer. Follow me.”

I could just hear Patti and Alice debating as we made our way to the tunnel entrance. Alice was vehemently certain of something happening. “I tell you, forget fifty silver, I’d put down fifty gold on less than 24 hours! ”Patti was less certain. “Gold, Alice, gold?”

Notes

into the tunnels!

getting excited (sad but excited) to see Motley Crue on Tuesday!