Chapter Text
Aether was groggy and stiff. He blinked and looked around, confused about his surroundings. He was in a small hut. It smelled leafy, as if someone had picked a lot of herbs. Birds squawked and chirped nearby. He was lying on a small cot, and there was something cool pressing down on his head, like a damp cloth. He was so incredibly weak, he could barely move his head. He managed to turn to the right ever so slightly and saw a familiar face. Paimon had fallen asleep on a chair next to him. She was snoring ever so slightly.
Where was he? How did he get there? Aether searched his mind for the last thing he remembered, but ended up drawing a blank.
“While Collei and I really enjoy your company, I’d appreciate it if you’d stop passing out in the forest.” Someone appeared in his line of vision. Tall ears, green streak of hair, sarcastic… it was Tighnari. “You’re in Ghandarva Ville. Do you remember what happened?”
Finally, memories of passing out next to the withering came flooding back to Aether.
“Felt sick. Came across the withering,” Aether whispered.
Tighnari pulled up a chair next to him. “The withering has been taken care of. I believe that is what caused you to faint. Your body, already weak from fever, was unable to handle the withering on top of it. As for your illness, you have what’s known as blue beetle fever; a disease transmitted through the bites of the blue-belly beetle.” Tighnari pointed to the three marks on his forearm.
Aether rasped, “I think I owe you two favors now, since it’s the second time you’ve had to save me in the forest.”
“Nah, it’s just part of my job. If I had every patient who needed treatment here doing favors for me, I’d be living like a king. How are you feeling?”
“Weak. Head doesn’t hurt as much though, and the stinging on my arm has gone.”
“I gave you a painkiller. If your pain comes back just let me know and I’ll give you another dose. As far as your other symptoms, you will probably feel pretty weak for the next couple of days.” Tighnari grabbed Aether’s wrist and was silent for a couple of seconds while he felt for his pulse. “You’re heart rate has returned to normal. That’s a good sign.” He placed the back of his hand on Aether’s cheek. “You’re fever has come down considerably, although you still have a bit of a temperature.”
“How long was I out for?” Aether asked.
“About a day,” Tighnari answered. He gestured towards Paimon. “She’s been really worried about you. Hasn’t left your side at all. Collei is out preparing her some food for when she wakes up.”
Aether looked back over at Paimon. His heart swelled with gratitude and love for his traveling companion. He couldn’t imagine having to search for his sister alone, and deal with everything they’ve gone through without such a good friend by his side. “I am very glad she was with me. I don’t know if I would’ve made it as far without her,” he said.
“Be sure to tell her that,” Tighnari gave a soft smile, then his expression turned serious. “You almost died, Aether. Blue beetle fever can be quite deadly without the appropriate treatment. I’m very glad I found you when I did.”
Aether was silent for a moment.
“Yeah, I can definitely say that this whole experience sucks,” Aether said.
Tighnari was silent for a moment. His gaze was full of thought. “Aether, blue beetle fever not really a common illness in Sumeru, and it’s usually quite mild. Typically, only outlanders like you get severe cases. That’s because most residents of Sumeru have been vaccinated, so they don’t get nearly as sick. Once you’re recovered, you’ll be immune from this disease, although I’m assuming you haven’t had any of the vaccines for the other diseases in Sumeru, have you?”
Aether frowned. There were many things in this world that he was unfamiliar with. “Vaccine? What is that?”
“Ah, I guess that’s my answer. A vaccine is an injection that will help you develop immunity towards certain diseases. It contains a dead form of the disease that can’t get you sick, but it can ‘teach’ your body how to fight it off. I have vaccines here in Ghandarva Ville that we offer to the locals. Once you’re recovered, we can get you some so you don’t get so severely ill with a different illness again.”
Aether blinked, trying to comprehend all this. His mind was working slower than normal.
“It’s alright, Aether,” Tighnari patted him on the shoulder. “Just focus on recovering for now and we can talk about it later.”
Beside him, Paimon shifted, and opened her eyes. She looked up, and saw Aether looking back at her. Surprised, Paimon engulfed him in as big a hug as she could manage with her tiny arms.
“Paimon thought she lost you,” Paimon sniffed, burying her head into Aether arms.
“I’m okay Paimon. I’m not going anywhere, I promise,” Aether lifted a heavy hand to hug her back.
Aether suddenly realized how sleepy he was, and his eyes started to drift closed.
Tighnari’s voice rung in his ears just before he fell back asleep. “Rest for now Traveller. We will be here when you wake up.”