Nightshift 41: Outside the Institute - North

[windstwilight]

[from here]The wall came up quicker than she'd expected, and Senna was glad for that. She found the footholds quickly, and then paused on the top, willing to help any of the others if they needed help. She leaned a hand down loosely for anyone to take if they wanted, bracing her feet on the top. "Everybody cool

Comments

[notmyfather]

Valyn clamored over the wall on Keman's tail - no pun intended - and slid awkwardly down to the other side. His heavy jacket protected him from most of the uncomfortable grating of the stone.

He had to sit and catch his breath, one hand over his midsection and the other splayed out behind him. It had been a while since he'd exerted himself quite so much.

"Ancestors!" he exclaimed, fear still holding him. "I can't believe we made it!"

[notmyfather]

"I don't know." Valyn sighed and leaned back against the wall, still needing a moment before he could stand. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt so terrified of something so immediate. If Keman hadn't grabbed him, he fancied he'd still be standing there in shocked terror.

"Keman..." he managed, hauling himself up and grabbing the dragon's wrist. He knew Keman was hurt, and he'd see to that in a moment, but...

"Keman, I...that is I just wanted to say..." The words were there. Right there, and he knew he could get them out if he tried. It was just so damn hard! His face was a tightened mask of frustration and desperation as he struggled with his conditioning, gripping Keman's wrist tightly.

[notmyfather]

"I'm not hurt but I feel like I'm going to be sick!" Valyn snapped, though not at Keman. Ancestors, why was he so damaged? Normal people didn't have this much trouble. Of course, normal people weren't mage lashed mercilessly if they showed any hint of emotion.

"Keman...you're...I want you to know...." Damn it all to the hells of demons and back!

"Keman, you're a very dear friend to me and I'm grateful for you!"

There. It was the best he could do. And the best he'd ever done in his short life. Once the words were out - stilted and awkward as they had been - it was like a weight had lifted off of the elven lord's shoulders.

He'd finally done it. He'd managed to tell someone how he felt.

[notmyfather]

Valyn returned the embrace, rather thankful that Keman hadn't tried to say anything. He let out another sigh, clapped his friend on the back, and pulled away.

As much as he wanted to revel in the fact that he'd finally proved himself better than his conditioning, this wasn't the time or the place.

"Now, let me have a look at your leg," he went on, seeming back to his normal self. "The last thing we need is blood disease killing it before morning. I'm not pushing you around in a wheelchair - and I'm certainly not dragging you over the wall tomorrow night!"

[notmyfather]

"And I'm not giving you my trousers."

It could have been a joke, but with Valyn it was hard to tell.

"We need to clean it," he agreed, frowning some at the wound. It wasn't serious on its own, but if dirt or filth got into the blood...

"Perhaps we can find a stream. Do you need a shoulder?"