Fever's Grip

[shanara]

Merriss gently examined Shana as the cleric lay shivering, tossing fitfully, in the bed at the Regal Griffon. He turned to the tall barbarian standing at his side looking on with quiet concern.

“It’s just a fever, lad. She’ll be fine once it breaks.” He pressed a small vial into Torgeir’s hand. “When she next wakes, see she drinks this and give her small amounts of water. And don’t let her try to get up too soon once it does break. She’ll need to get her strength back or she will just have a relapse.”

Torgeir nodded, his hazel eyes never leaving her face. “Thank you. I will see to her.”

He watched Merriss leave then settled on the chair in the corner of the room.

[Panros]

Torgeir yawned as he sat uncomfortably in a small stool with his back against the wall. He forced his dreary gaze up and across the dimly lightened room to the bed where Shana lay. He took comfort in the fact that she was for the moment peacefully asleep, no longer tossing about under the covers. With another yawn, Torgeir compelled his weary body to rise. After a few steps he was at the bedstead looking over the young cleric. As he thought, the blankets were moved a bit off of her, most likely caused by an earlier fit. He reached down and pulled the bedding over her. Then, after a moment, reached for a towel hanging on the bedpost. After wiping the sweat from her forehead the large barbarian straightened and brought a hand to his mouth as he let out another yawn. Torgeir hung the towel back on the post and soon found his way back in his seat. He forced his eyes open wanting stay awake all night and look after her. His head dropped to his chest and soon found sleep.

[Panros]

Everything about the day was looking better as the sun broke through the rain clouds. Sunlight shone on the many small pools of water that were scattered throughout the drying path, causing them to glisten gold. The tall grass sparkled, the drops of water covering them reflecting the bright sun. Dozens of birds swooped down from the sky and began pecking at the soft earth hoping to catch and make a quick meal of a worm. The air was fresh and Torgeir inhaled deeply, letting the clean air refresh his lungs. He had spent the day with Davaeorn, Son’ya, Kain, and Beloril clearing hills far from Isinhold of mountain ogres and giants and he was glad to be close to the village.

He smiled as he saw the eastern most gate of the small village and sheathed his greatsword, Foecleaver, into the touch leather holster on his back. He then took a long and thick white ribbon and began to tie the hilt of his blade to the holster, making sure that it was tight enough so the weapon wouldn’t slip out but loose enough that he need only pull on a loop to undo it. The large barbarian chuckled as he did this, somehow, his peacebond would find its way into a large bow and he believed that Deliana was behind it.

So caught up in thought was he that he didn’t even notice he was feet from the gate of Isinhold. Torgeir lowered his adamantine linked hood, crafted just for him by his friend Mynian and nodded to the guard on duty. He would like to get something to eat and possibly bathe, but his first priority was to check on another good friend of his. He smiled as he thought of the red haired maiden and did so every time he remembered her. He hoped to look into her deep blue eyes today, eyes that would hopefully be full of life. After a quick nod to Waric, Torgeir entered the Regal Griffon Inn and headed upstairs to check on Shana.

[shanara]

Shana’s eyes slowly fluttered open. As her gaze traveled about the room, it took a moment for the haze of sleep to lift. The fever had hit her swift and hard but broke just as quickly and the sleep that followed was deep and restful.

Throwing back the covers, she sat on the edge of the bed staring puzzled at the small chair in the corner of the room. Had he really been with her or was it just one of the fever induced dreams that had gripped her? Some bringing her peace as she fought against the fever, while others fulfillments of her strongest desires they seemed almost real. Still others so terrifying, her mind only left strong traces of unease to fill her when she tried to recall them.

With a small shrug, she stood carefully testing the strength of her legs. Satisfied her legs wouldn’t buckle under her, Shana gathered her things. She was in desperate need of fresh air and a bath. She would be sure Kale was compensated before she left the inn. With a small giggle, she wondered briefly just how long she had been sick.

Recalling just what had brought the fever on quieted her laugh, but she was soon smiling brightly. It was a new day and she was healthy again. She would put her worries behind her and begin anew for the Morninglord.

With that happy thought, she opened the door of the room and stepped out into the hall.