He Sends His Regards [Aveline]

[Deleted]

Lilith had arrived to the castle that morning as she did every morning. Her magical bag that could hold almost an infinite amount of items was slung around her shoulder, all her healing items placed within, and a book on mundane healing with it, in addition to her regular day to day items; the book of the week, her sketching materials, etc. Her attire for the day was a deep blue gown, short sleeves with a light sweet heart neckline. The breast was accented with lovely gold tones, as was the lining of the outer skirt and there were small golden patterns in dots over the entirety of the gown. Her hair was braided from the tip top of her head all the way down, curving down her head favouring the right side in a french style on her head, but turning into more of a fishtail for the rest of her hair. The braid was tied off around her hips, the ends curling lightly at her thighs. Once she entered the wing of the castle she needed to be in, she was stopped by a servant with a letter for her. He wouldn't say who it was from, so cautiously Lilith took it to an empty room and sat at a table to open and read it. It was from Roland, which at first alarmed Lilith enough to close the letter without reading it, putting it in her bag to hide it while she slowed her heart. He was in the cells of this very castle. She should have no contact with him; not without permission. She knew that. Why was he trying to contact her? What possible reason could he have? 

Curiosity bested her, and she took the letter back out of her bag, opening it once more and reading it's contents. His intentions seemed perfectly pure to Lilith's relief. All he wanted was for her to go check on his wife and make sure she was healthy; that was easy enough, even without magic like he requested. The hard part would be getting the Helper Golem he requested her to bring to his estate. That would require access to his office, which had been locked off. Lilith put the letter away for the time being and did her job - that came before anything else. She left the room and headed towards the secret entrance she'd been taught about, doing her daily routine with her patient, taking about two hours before she left the room again, locking the door behind her as usual. From there she went to Roland's office, and with no surprise there as a guard near by "not" guarding the door. Apparently someone didn't want people knowing it was still being guarded. Lilith approached the guard and asked that he unlock it, for she needed a medical book, and a few more things of the like, from within to further research how she can better heal and do her job more flawlessly. For some reason he complied with no further questions, stunning her. She knew she was known as the Castle Healer at this point, or at least one of the better ones, but she didn't think she had that much pull in these situations... Subconsciously she had an idea as to why, but that wasn't important for now. Lilith entered the room, thanking the guard and asking him to leave her alone for the time being, as she would only be a moment. Quickly scanning the room she found a book on the bookshelf that vaguely looked like it could be medical, and pulled it off the shelf, making a mental note to give it back later. The Golem was easy to spot, big as it was. She did as the note told her too and it stood up and started following her. She left the room which the guard immediately locked, and started walking away with the Golem in tow before he asked questions. Should he report it back to Noku, she would happily explain herself later.

Once out of the castle, she followed the directions on the letter to where the Walker Mansion was, never having been there herself. She knew Lady Aveline would not be expecting her, but she hoped she wouldn't be too alarmed after their having tea not too long ago. Once arriving, Lilith took a deep breath and knocked on the heavy door as hard as her little hands could manage, knowing that the woman could be anywhere inside the large house and may not be able to hear her.

Dress

[Deleted]

The door creaked open a few mere seconds after Lilith drew her hand away from the door, a small golem on the other side. It stares up at Lilith with flat black and stony eyes, as if observing her, before pulling back and opening the door for the young woman to step through. As Lilith steps into the expansive foyer there’s a rush of footsteps down the stairs, a soft padding from light slippers as Aveline rushes down, clearly having heard the door open. She’s dressed lightly, clearly still dressed from bed in her heavy robe and pale blue nightdress, her hair having returned to it’s thick rows of braids. She stops halfway down, hands braced against the railing, excitement on her face for a flashing instant until she sees who it is.

Dread and fear flash across Aveline’s face and it’s clear that something has gone very wrong- the once even deep tone of her skin was ashen in the stark light, purpling around her right eye, where it was swollen. The bruising dipped to her shoulder where a bandage was wrapped before the robe hid the rest. Her head was wrapped in a bandage as were her hands, which were shaking now even against the railing. Even more troubling was the clear roundness of her stomach that the robe couldn’t disguise- her heavier winter dresses from the last time Lilith had seen her not long ago hid her pregnancy well.

“M-Miss Lilith.” The young woman tries to clearly compose herself, drawing the robe tightly across her stomach to hide it in vain as she descends the rest of the stairs with deliberate slowness. “It’s, ah-” she crosses the floor to her, clearly holding herself together with as much dignity as she can as she smiles up to Lilith. “What can I- what a surprise! How can I help you?”

[Deleted]

Lilith stared at the golem in surprise as it opened the door. How many of these things did Roland own? She stepped inside hearing footsteps almost immediately after, the golem she’d brought following close behind. Lilith looked up to see Aveline stop halfway down the stairs, seeing the excitement on her fast immediately fall away; Lilith took no offence. If her husband was in jail, she’d have that same look every time her front door opened as well. Upon looking closer Lilith’s eyes widened, her mouth falling open slightly and her eyebrows furrowed.

She didn’t say anything as Aveline got closer, asking how she could help her, but still remained silent. She was using her magic to feel for her injuries without actually using magic on her as Roland had requested. There were wounds left and right, and they clearly weren’t from the pregnancy that Lilith couldn’t believe she didn’t notice last time she was with her. Once all her injuries were registered in Lilith’s brain she turned her worried lilac eyes up to meet the smaller womans.

I-I’m sorry for the intrusion Lady Aveline… But your husband sent me. He wanted me to check on you and make sure you were healthy; and if not, to help however I could… Though I highly doubt he was expecting me to come across you like this… Lilith shook her head, a breath she hadn’t been aware she was holding slipped out. What on earth happened to you? She spoke quietly, nothing but pure worry for Aveline in her voice. Please tell me you’ll let me help.. I promise not to use magic- he requested that I don’t… She assured her, just wanting to start healing her, but knew she couldn’t. She didn’t know what caused this, but she knew for sure it wasn’t caused by falling down the stairs.

[Deleted]

“I fainted. And fell.” The words leave Aveline easily and simply, a clear air of finality to them. Her eyes shoot to the doors that close behind Lilith, still gripping the robe tightly before she looks back up to Lilith. “I-” her shoulders sink a little, brows furrowed in frustration. “I’ve done all I can for them. I don’t know what else can be done. I don’t want magic, in case…” she pulls the robe tighter.

Her eyes flicker back up to Lilith, a sudden panic seizing her. If Roland sent her, then maybe- “You can’t tell him about this. He can’t know, he’s in enough pain and doesn’t need to hear that I was stupid and clumsy enough to fall.” there’s a bitter bite in those last words that quickly fail when she speaks again. “Please.”

Aveline takes a step back, pulling the robe up over her bandaged shoulder. “Ah- I can get you tea if you like? Or something to eat? I can change as well, I- well. I’m not adjusting well to the…” her hand falls over her stomach. “I was still in bed.”

[Roland]

The waist high golem that Lilith had brought along with her suddenly raised its hand in response to Aveline's words and wanders off to the kitchen retrieving tea and bringing the brew the pot before bringing it over to a table. Then it goes still.

[Deleted]

Lilith nodded as the words came out of her mouth. She hadn’t expected her to tell the truth. Seeing as Lilith had used that very excuse before, she knew to leave it alone for now. I promise, no magic. Will you let me look at them though? It doesn’t have to be right away. She spoke calmly, trying to sooth Aveline. She knew getting upset wouldn’t help anything.

As Aveline stammered Lilith nodded or shook her head along, depending on what was being said. Of course, I won’t say anything to Roland. You have my word Aveline. She looked her directly in the eyes, trying to get her promise through to her. Before anything else, please, just breathe. Calm down if at all possible. I’m not here to question anything or make you tell me anything you wouldn’t tell anyone else. All I’m here for is to make sure you’re okay. Alright? Just… relax… Lilith relaxed her own shoulders, letting Aveline know that Lilith was here as a friend, no one to be afraid of.

I would love tea… and if you want to change, I won’t stop you, but that looks comfortable to me, I’m a little jealous. Lilith jested lightly, a small innocent reassuring smile on her face to try and further calm Aveline down. Hearing motions behind her, Lilith turned to watch the Golem she’d brought with her, activate and head off somewhere she didn’t know, but she assumed it knew what it was doing.

[Deleted]

Aveline doesn’t react as the golem jolts back to life and moves, watching it go. She looks back up to Lilith, smiling quietly. “I wish they were people, sometimes. It’s… it’s quiet here.” She nods again thankfully, bringing her hand up to her mouth. There’s a brief wave of nausea that quickly passes but Aveline does sway on the spot, eyes sliding shut for a moment.

“Ah-” she looks up to Lilith, then back to the golem. She did want company, desperately. And there were places that hurt that she couldn’t reach, but… she chews on her lip, clearly deliberating before she nods. “I- I’d like that. For you to look. But ah- we should go upstairs for that. I have- I have my medicines there.” she looks to the golem, swallowing before she speaks.

“Please bring that tea up to my room for us.” Aveline gathers her robes up again, turning to go up the stairs. “Ah, follow me. Have you been here before?”

[Deleted]

Lilith nodded I can imagine that… You could eventually invite Lady Yuki, I’m sure she’d love to see you again; and of course, I will come if you ask. Lilith suggested, of course for the distant future. She imagined Aveline didn’t want people seeing her as she was. She watched as the nausea hit her, preparing to catch her were she to fall, but lowering her hands when that wasn’t the case.

When Aveline agreed, Lilith smiled sweetly nodding her head. She didn’t speak yet, not wanting to overwhelm her. She had plenty of supplies in her bag, but if she was more comfortable moving upstairs where her own things where, Lilith wouldn’t complain. As they ascended the stairs she spoke again. No I’m afraid I haven’t I only really saw your husband a select few times after he hired me, so I was never close enough to him to be invited here. But it really is beautiful. Perfect for a family. She spoke carefully and softly, trying not to step on any boundaries.

[Deleted]

“Oh, that’ll be lovely.” Aveline sighs in relief, starting to ascend the stairs. “But I’m glad he thought of you. He always had nothing but good things to say about you.”

“I think so too.” Aveline laughs weakly as they reach the top landing, thinking back to the mention of family. “I thought this would be easier, but… mages. No offence, Miss Lilith.” she smiles back to her, a bit easier now. “But there’s not one trace of magic in my family. And it’s… quite the strain, to bear that for the first time. You know how strong Ro- Lord Walker is.” she corrects herself quickly, she wasn’t sure how Lilith would feel about her speaking so informally about her husband. “But this little one will be a mage for certain, when he grows up.”

Aveline presses forward down the hall to the master bedroom, pushing the door open. She regrets it however the moment she opens the door- the bed is in a disarray and the closets are flung open, her medicines and bandages littering the desk. Roland’s familiar dark cloak lays askew on the bed- it’s unclear if she was wearing it or clutching it as she slept, but she quickly rushes to the bed to tidy it. “Forgive me for the- for the mess.” She looks back to Lilith, her face red and the cloak in her arms, clinging to formality to keep herself together. “Ah- I’m afraid I don’t quite know how this works. What do you need me to do?”

[Deleted]

Lilith smiled, Well he was a great mentor; he saved my life. Had he not taught me how to use my magic properly, I would have ended up killing myself from using it. I have him to thank to this day. She was sure hearing good things about Roland would help.

Hearing about mages gave Lilith the understanding she needed as to why - or at least she assumed why- Aveline didn’t want magic. No offence taken. It’s a strange thing, magic. Even for those who have it. Though I understand why it’s even stranger for you… but strange isn’t bad, not unless you make it out to be. She reassured her, wondering if someone had told her otherwise. You don’t have to be formal if it’s not natural. He’s your husband, first names are a given. In fact I’ve been horrible informal since I got here, and I apologize. I’m still learning the proper etiquette. Lilith’s roots were that of an orphanage until she was old enough to take care of herself, and she’d been a commoner her entire life; sometimes falling back into those mannerisms were too easy.

I’m sure he’ll love having someone to teach his magic too, once they’re older. She said, trying to bring a light side to it. As the door opened, Lilith took in the mess but didn’t concern herself with it- or she wouldn’t have, had Aveline not thrown herself into the room to conceal it. Please, don’t worry about it. Aveline, you are in a very upsetting situation. I hate to bring it up, but its the truth; no one could possibly expect you to be perfect right now. This room is fine. Everything is fine. If I was in your situation, well… You seem to be doing a lot better than I would be. You’re strong. And I truly believe that. Lilith huffed, wanting to get it through to her that Aveline didn’t have to uphold any expectations with her around. She was a hurt pregnant woman with her husband in a cell; of course there was a mess.

Well, we can start slow if you like. I know there are some injuries on your back that will require me too see, but until you’re comfortable, we can start with your legs, face or shoulders. I promise no magic, however I have sense that tell me where your injuries are when I concentrate, just to clarify how I knew that. Lilith took her bag off of her shoulder and lowered it to the ground. If needed she would pull her supplies out, but only if Aveline didn’t already have what was needed.

[Deleted]

Aveline nods, looking down at the cloak gripped tightly in her arms. “No, you’re-” she lets out a shaking breath, her shoulders slumping. She needed to let go. Roland sent her here, she was a friend. It would be okay. She just needed to let go a little. “You’re right. And you’re fine, don’t worry.” her eyes open a little, exhaustion crossing the small smile on her face. “It’s just- I’m trying to keep it together, for Roland. Don’t worry about how you sound, I won’t tell anyone.”

She pauses, lifting her fingertips to the robe on her shoulders before she sighs and pushes her robe off, letting it drop to the ground. The bruising is dark along her skin, purpling down her back and disappearing under the shifting silk of her nightdress. She suddenly feels quite cold and she’s uncertain if it’s from the weather or her anxiety, but she makes up her mind to just sit at the edge of the bed, clutching Roland’s cloak like it’s his hand to hold.

“I- I don’t mind where you start.” Aveline lifts one of her bandaged hands to Lilith- they’re very well done, despite having clearly been done without help. They’re clean and neat- this hasn’t been the first time that she’s had to bandage herself, clearly. “The magic is just-” she sighs, her brows pinching again. “It’s the baby. Mostly the- mostly the baby has been the thing that’s made me sick. I was afraid that if magic was used to fix me then it would… then it would take away the thing that’s making me sick.” she smiles again, clearly pained. “Well, we can’t have that, now can we?”

[Deleted]

Lilith let out a breath she hadn’t been aware she was holding as Aveline let out hers, nodding her head. When Aveline was able to speak, Lilith smiled. Don’t worry; I get the feeling he would be so proud of you for being as strong as you are. But I think he would also agree, you’re allowed to take a beat and just… breathe. Lilith took a deep breath herself, relaxing her shoulders.

She watched as Aveline took the robe off of her shoulders, revealing the wounds Lilith had already visualized in her own mind. Without moving, she scanned over them, disassociating them from the person they were inflicted upon. It helped her take to her patient more calmly, as though they weren’t there at all. Lilith didn’t comment on how Aveline held Rolands coat- she had no right to. Plus, it was understandable on various levels.

She looked at her hands as they were lifted, listening carefully as Aveline spoke. Anything she said could prove to be important, so she had to register it all. As the magic aversion was explained, Lilith nodded, finally understanding why they were so nervous. Your worry is perfectly reasonable. However, Magic can be manipulated to heal only certain parts of your body. For example, I could focus my attention to your hands, and it would only heal your hands. But of course I will honour your wishes; i don’t care how I heal you, I just want to heal you. She explained, hoping to give some insight, not knowing that the baby would be far more complicated than that. Lilith took her hands in her own, unwrapping the well done bandages and assessing what was underneath. After a moment, she released her hands and grabbed her back, pulling out new wrappings and a bottle of a clear paste. This is a mixture of lunar flowers, Mermaid Tears, and local anesthetic. It will ease whatever pain is there, including muscle pain, heal any burns, and help close the wounds. After explaining, Lilith opened the jar, and picked a small amount up on her fingers, softly rubbing it into Avelines hands, before rewrapping them in new bandages. After they were done, Lilith picked up the jar and more pads and bandage tape, and moved to Avelines back, intending to do the same there.

[Deleted]

Pride was the very last thing Aveline was feeling as she watched Lilith take her hand with a gaze like a hawk. She watched the elf carefully, her newly-exposed limbs relaxed but buzzing with internal tension, ready to move at any second. “I would…” her voice fades, thinking the offer over. Try for magic in places, spare the child. But there was still a part of her that took comfort in the steady ache of this pain- until Roland was freed she hadn’t served her penance. So Aveline shakes her head, shifting to sit upright as Lilith unwinds the bandages around her hand.

Aveline’s delicate hands were battered with winding healing scratches and scrapes at her knuckles. Her palms and fingers were soft though, clearly showing that she was not accustomed to getting into a scuffle. Her nails had clearly been filed down very short recently, but a few showed signs of recent breakage. She watches Lilith apply the paste before she speaks. “I will… for now, I’d prefer this remedy instead of magic.” her eyes flicker up to Lilith’s. “I- I don’t doubt your abilities, Miss Lilith. I would just… for now, this will do.”

Aveline turns, putting her back to Lilith and sliding her arms through the delicate straps of the nightgown she wore, exposing the breadth of bruising on her back. The fabric pooled to her hips and she clutched Roland’s cloak to her chest- despite them both being women she craved some semblance of modesty. “Tell me of-” she looks down to the cloak in her arms, bandaged fingers curling tight in the fabric. “Do you have someone, Miss Lilith?”

[Deleted]

❊ BACK TO NEVERLAND ❊

Lilith was very careful, using the the most gentle touch she could. She could tell Aveline wasn’t exactly frail, but this type of damage didn’t come often to her. She promised she wouldn’t ask, but Lilith couldn’t help but wonder what could have happened to her. It obviously wasn’t from Roland, he was locked away, and had been since before Lilith had last seen Aveline. It had to be someone else- not that Lilith could assume aloud that it was from another person. When Aveline shakes her head, Lilith smiles softly, and when she speaks she nods her assurance. Of course, don’t worry. I simply wanted to try and explain it, I wouldn’t go against your wishes. I’ve trained myself with both mundane and magical healing, so you’ve nothing to fret about. Lilith gave a bright smile, happy she’d come such a long way. 

When Aveline turned, Lilith held her breath again, letting it out when she saw the extent of the bruising. Definitely not the stairs. When you fell, can you promise me you didn’t land at all on your stomach? That nothing hit it on the way down? Lilith asked, unable to contain the question. I’m only double checking because I want to be 100% sure there’s no reason to assume it would have caused harm to your child. Her tone was still soft, as it always was, but worry was laced in strongly. Lilith spread the paste slowly on Avelines back, apologizing in her head for the cool temperature. When Aveline asked her if she had anyone, Lilith’s hands ceased to move to a moment as her heart began to pound in her chest. 

It wasn’t long before that Severine had asked her about the king… Now, Lilith knew Aveline was nothing like her mother, at least not at all that Lilith could tell. But for a brief moment, she was cautious. She’d given Severine the benefit of the doubt and she should not have. But everyone deserved that courtesy. Everyone. If by someone, you mean someone special… then yes. Lilith began spreading the paste again, her brain reminding her hands to move. Actually… I’m being courted now, though its recent- within this season. A small innocent smile spread on her face, though Aveline couldn’t see it, her tone had considerably changed, from soft and soothing, or dazed and sweet. He’s very sweet, very kind, and he works so hard to be good at his job, its very admirable. But so many people are afraid of him, he gets disheartened so easily. But he’s good at his job, if some people weren’t afraid of him, he wouldn’t have the respect he needs to do what he needs to do. Lilith skirted around the truth, not using his name. Noku had told her should could if she wished, but their courting hadn’t been formally announced yet, so she was still cautious about it. However, should Aveline catch on, Lilith wouldn’t have a problem confirming it… Seeing as her mother already knew, there wasn’t much of a worry there. 

WORDS:512 TAGS: @tag NOTES:

SHIN OF GS + ADOX

[Deleted]

“I was careful.” Very careful. “The baby is fine.” she would be able to tell if something was wrong. She was beginning to feel the first flutters of movement, after all. Aveline hunches forward further, collecting the cloak tighter to her chest.

As Lilith begins to speak again Aveline lets out a quiet sigh, thankful for the change in subject. It wasn’t a surprise that Lilith was being courted, as lovely as she was. As Lilith described him, she could feel a snort of laughter escape her lips, indelicate for a lady. “Ah- I’m sorry. He sounds like Roland, so I understand that.” She looks over her shoulder to smile at Lilith. “Do I know him? I understand if you must keep these things secret.”