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Hihan awoke with his head violently pounding with every beat of his heart. His skin was uncomfortably damp with sweat, yet his body shivered relentlessly. He found that his robes had been haphazardly taken off, the fabric draping off of his shoulders. He could only imagine that he’d stripped them off while asleep. He so badly wanted to peel off his clothing, but the effort of doing so seemed like an impossible feat in his current state. His tongue felt like sandpaper in his mouth, making a horrible scraping sound against the roof of his mouth as he tried to salvage any moisture that could be found.
He was in his room, laying in his futon, but had no recollection of laying down the previous evening. From what he could tell with his limited vision, his room was dim with the blinds closed. The darkness was a slight relief. Even though he was mostly blind, light still had effects on his vision, including worsening migraines.
After a few long moments of laying in silence, Hihan began to sit up and gain his bearings, even though his body screamed and ached for him to stop moving. It took an embarrassing amount of effort, but he managed to sit upright, albeit with his back slouched and shoulders hunched. He whined in pain, rubbing his temples in a futile attempt to ease his migraine. He could feel his veins pulsing under his clammy skin.
He had to do something . Try to get some water, firstly. Or anything to drink for that matter. Maybe call in a herbalist from the Ditis faction? But that would mean leaving his quarters, an idea that he didn’t want to entertain. The very thought of having to stand made his body ache even more.
Hihan coughed. It shook his body, making him think that his lungs were ready to give out. He could feel the phlegm lodged in his throat, yet he was unable to force it out through coughing. He thought of just going back to sleep. Surely his illness would pass after resting for a few days, but what would become of his work?
“Lord Hantei?”
A large wave of relief and warmth pooled into Hihan’s stomach. Yes, Ghaba…of course he would be attentive to me. How lucky I am…I do wonder why he’s here, though…
“Ghaba..?” he managed to croak, but his voice was barely audible.
Ghaba briskly made his way to Hihan’s side, a small tray with a cup and teapot in his hands. He settled next to the bedding, placing the tray aside and turning his full attention to Hihan.
“My Lord, please rest. I seem to have misjudged the weather while we were in Eden yesterday afternoon. It was quite cold and I’m afraid you’ve gotten sick. I should have been more considerate, it is my fault.
I brought you back to your quarters when you mentioned feeling unwell, but I’m afraid your condition has worsened since yesterday. I left yesterday since You insisted that you would be fine, but I returned when I noticed that you were late to your appointed time at the Court. My apologies for being here unannounced.”
Hihan nodded along. It did make sense. The weather on Talvan wasn’t exactly what humans were used to in the mortal realm. Much colder and windier. Ascended human gods were more prone to falling sick because of the colder weather. Even so, Hihan hadn’t fallen ill in years. In fact, he hadn’t felt so sick in such a long time that it was almost an alien feeling.
How many times must I remind you that you may call me by my first name? We are partners, yes? You do not need to be formal. There is no need for panic nor apology. Even formal mortal gods are prone to mortal-like sickness. Lady Livia has fallen ill in the past, and I’m sure you also have experience with Lady Arvi getting sick. Please, do not blame yourself.
So badly he wanted to ease Ghaba’s mind, assure him that he was okay. But Hihan’s body continued to betray him. His throat was so sore and dry that he was forced to shake his head in response.
“…it is okay…” he managed through heavy breaths. His throat made a strange groaning noise every time he breathed in, as if his lungs were begging him to rest once more.
Ghaba’s face softened slightly. He placed his hand on Hihan’s damp forehead.
“It seems like your fever has worsened. I’ve already had Quince gather medicinal herbs for you. I’ll be able to make some medicine and leave you to rest. Is there anything else you need?”
Please, don’t leave me by myself. My every muscle is betraying me. My throat is terribly dry, I need water. Could you hold me, please? Perhaps you have some herbs that could help me? Your voice is so soothing, can you please read to me? Please, make this ceaseless pain end. Anything you do will suffice, I just beg of you to make this pain just a little more bearable.
Every needy thought rushed through his mind. Dizzying, pounding pain prevented him from communicating any of these thoughts in a coherent way.
“…stay, please..?” He asked, reaching out to tug on Ghaba’s robes.
“Of course,” Ghaba smiled. He took Hihan’s hand and pressed a soft kiss against his palm “If My Lord lord needs me to stay, I will stay for as long as he needs.”
Ghaba didn’t hesitate to respond despite his better judgment. Surely he was in for an earful when Deitra realized that he disappeared without notice, especially to take care of Hihan. Ghaba was prone to occupying himself with matters unrelated to his official duties, but he always reminded others when that was the case. But he didn’t mind if it was Hihan who needed him. Deitra could scold him for hours for all he cared.
“I made you some tea, that could help, yes? I made sure not to add any sweeteners, I heard that you should avoid sugars when you’re sick, yes?”
Hihan nodded, a weary smile tugging on his lips.
Hihan thought that the sight of Ghaba holding a yunomi cup was a bit comical. The cups were already a bit small for human standards, so the cup was dwarfed by the size of Ghaba’s hands. He still handled the cup with care, making sure to hold it correctly, but his size made it seem like Ghaba could easily crush the cup if he really wanted to. Hihan chuckled to himself at the sight as he graciously took the cup that Ghaba offered.
“What’s caught your attention, hm?”
“It’s just that…your hands are so big and the cups are so small…” Hihan explained with some hesitation. He didn’t find the sight worth commenting on, especially given its humorous nature. “I find it amusing.”
“Well, I think these are cute! Small things are cute. But, I suppose most things are small to me…”
“Such as?” Hihan knew very well that most human-made objects were small in comparison to Ghaba, but he wanted to hear what Ghaba would say about it.
“Well, the other day, I had to visit Lady Livia to drop off a few items from Lady Bavishya. I hit my head against the door frame of her quarters about five times in that single visit! She even invited me to stay for her lunch, but the chairs there were too small as well. It’s a bit of a culture shock, having former humans up here now.”
”I think it’s just because native gods are large…Lady Livia is about average size, even though I tend to forget that she is regularly sized because of my height. I am considered big when it comes to human standards.”
“But you’re so small! I thought Lady Livia was smaller than usual…”
Hihan began to laugh, but it immediately turned into a coughing fit. Ghaba gently patted his back and Hihan felt immediately comforted once more. He had always been aware of how small he was compared to other gods. He found it intimidating at first. He used to find Ghaba intimidating. The thought of being afraid of the individual closest to him…ridiculous. Hihan found great comfort in the size of the native gods, being considered their equal despite his stature. Ghaba’s physique sometimes felt like a shield or blanket, something that protects from the harshness of the world.
“Sorry for speaking so much, you should drink now.”
Hihan nodded with a hum, bowing his head to show his gratitude.
Hihan couldn’t taste much of anything due to his congestion. The warm liquid soothed his throat, which made speaking and breathing just a bit more bearable. He didn’t feel like each breath was some grand feat anymore. Although, if it weren’t for the golden color of the liquid, Hihan would be convinced that he was merely drinking hot water and nothing more.
“I bought you some milk buns as well. I thought you might be hungry, it doesn’t look like you've gotten up since yesterday.”
“Thank you…”
The bread was soft and still warm. To his dismay, he could not taste its sweetness. He could only enjoy its doughy texture. It wasn't the worst thing, but it made Hihan feel a bit more miserable nonetheless. He normally loved milk bread, but he was disenchanted by the tastelessness.
“Are you alright? Is it not to your liking?”
“No, it’s good. I am just unable to taste it in my current state, I’m afraid…”
“Ah…I-I should have considered that…”
“It is really alright, Ghaba. I still enjoy it. I appreciate your consideration.”
There was a sudden knock at the entrance of the room. Hihan instinctively wanted to get up and answer, seeing it rude to not greet a guest, but Ghaba stopped him. Even without his intervention, Hihan was sure that his aching body would protest.
“Slow down, I believe it’s just Quince. I’ll get it for you.”
“Will he not be bothered? Is he expecting you?”
“Quince is sensible, he won’t mind. Don’t worry yourself with that,” Ghaba rubbed Hihan’s back reassuringly before making his way to the door, giving Hihan little time to interject.
Muffled chatter was all Hihan could hear of the exchange. Quince spoke in a sympathetic tone, probably wishing for Hihan to get better. Hihan couldn’t help but feel slight embarrassment at Quince’s presence. Hihan was a god ranked amongst the most powerful beings to ever exist. Being in such a miserable state in front of someone that looked up to him was less than desirable. He was glad Ghaba was there to speak on his behalf. To his relief, Quince left after the exchange, sparing Hihan further embarrassment.
Ghaba returned to the kitchen to prepare the medicine. The herbs were very similar to tea leaves. He placed the infuser vial into the cup that Hihan used and filled it with hot water.
“I must warn you, the medicine will be pungent. It may also make you drowsy, it usually puts Arvi to sleep.”
Hihan nodded. Even with his dulled sense of taste, he heeded Ghaba’s warning. This was medicine from the higher realm, after all. Surely it would be potent to gods, let alone humans. Hihan decided to hurriedly drink the medicine and get it over with. He wanted to spit the liquid back out as soon as it entered his mouth. Bitter. It was violently bitter. His face contorted into a scowl involuntarily. Taking medicine was just as unpleasant as he remembered.
He finished the entire cup after a few seconds, then immediately picked up the remainder of his pastry to combat the terrible taste of the medicine. The bitter taste didn’t linger for long afterward.
“Ah, Arvi always makes that face when she takes medicine as well. It’s quite adorable,” Ghaba chuckled quietly.
“I am glad you find my discomfort amusing,” Hihan frowned, although his tone didn’t carry the same frustration of his words.
“You make me sound cruel when you put it that way.”
“I am glad that I could help you realize.”
“At least I’m not malicious!” Ghaba raised his voice to a playful shout. “You can be very mean when you want to be, My Lord.”
“I merely base my judgments on the truth.”
“Ah, yes, My Lord and the God of Justice and Judgement, pointing out my cruelty because I dared to give him medicine.”
“That was not my argument,” Hihan giggled.
Hihan suddenly felt as though he were a younger man, still growing up in his village. Seasonal illnesses were not uncommon during cold months, and Hihan would fall ill. He had a bed just like his current one, would drink the same tea, would probably eat the same snack. How long had it been since then? Since he’d been tended to by someone close to him? Since he shared banter with someone else in the comfort of his bedroom?
This is a pleasant change of pace…
Hihan started a conversation on a different topic.
“My dear Ghaba. May I ask; how does one go about gaining these herbs? I remember when I lived in Eya, there were folktales about having to travel to the highest peaks of Tevla to retrieve medicine such as that one. Does it take such effort?”
“That’s an inspirational folktale, but we actually grow a lot of our medicinal herbs near the plains here. Nothing extraordinary at all. Although, if I had to, I would venture to the highest peaks of the Heavens to retrieve an elixir to cure your ailments,” he spoke with a feigned dramatic tone, gesturing upwards with his hands.
Hihan chuckled. He fully believed that Ghaba would actually do so if he had to. Such undying loyalty and dedication.
“I appreciate your excitement, but I much prefer you gardening safely.”
Ghaba followed up with a few words, but his voice was nothing but a strange blend of noises. It was a strange feeling, as though his body were still awake as his mind fell into sleep. Hihan fought against his drowsiness, his eyelids suddenly heavy. He only snapped back into full consciousness when his cup slipped from his hands, rolling off of the bed overs and onto the floor with a quiet thud .
”You’re still upset about the taste, hm?” Ghaba joked as he picked up the cup and placed it back onto the tray.
“My apologies, dear. That medicine’s effects seem to be acting quickly.”
“No trouble at all. You should rest…” Ghaba assisted Hihan in laying down, gently guiding him back into his futon. “Is there anything else you need?”
Hihan shook his head. He supposed that he didn’t need anything but rest for the time being. But an end to his needs meant that Ghaba would most likely leave. Instead, he reached out and tugged at Ghaba’s robe in an almost infantile manner.
“Hm?”
“Could you hold me? Please?”
“Of course, if it makes My Lord comfortable.”
Ghaba settled into Hihan’s bedding, making sure the smaller man had enough blankets to keep himself comfortable and warm. Ghaba took Hihan into his arms
Hihan completely trusted that Ghaba would stay put until he woke up. Ghaba always stayed when anybody needed him. No matter how long it took. Ghaba mostly enjoyed being left to his own mind, spending hours on end in his head. This was usually the case when Hihan would fall asleep and needed company. Fully awake the entire time, Ghaba would patiently wait for Hihan to awake.
“My Lord?”
Hihan was half asleep. A trail of saliva began streaking down his cheek onto Ghaba’s clothes, but he didn’t seem bothered by it at all.
“Mhm..?”
“I must say that I enjoy taking care of you. You’re such a strong soul, independent and capable, but being able to look after you while you’re vulnerable is quite an honor. I most often find my many moments with you to be my happiest…”
Hihan couldn’t hear much after that as sleep began to overtake his mind. Though Ghaba’s words were muffled, Hihan could feel the vibrations of his chest. The strong droning of Ghaba’s voice lulled hihan further into sleep.
“I love you,” Hihan quietly interrupted.
Ghaba paused for a few moments, then continued speaking with a lilt lacing his voice. Hihan let himself slip into sleep. Ghaba probably went on for minutes after, just thinking aloud to himself. Hihan wished that he could stay awake to talk to him more, but his body was too sore and the medicine was doing its part in lulling Hihan to sleep. There was no doubt in his mind that Ghaba would still be there when he awoke.
