Work Text:
Long ago, there lived someone who only wished for peace and joy all around him. Being surrounded by nature's embrace made this ideal easier to reach, but there were still a few obstacles. Some were related to the inevitable cycle of life or survival of the forest’s creatures. The others were unfortunate events which took everyone by surprise. However, this day seemed different from the moment it started.
Our Friend, who guards this forest, is not so ordinary as he may appear. Yes, his garments are a mixture of brown and green patches worked out of thin materials as light as feathers, perfect for rapid movement. However, these clothes are all veiled by a cloak which adds an earthly touch as it is covered in moss and small mushroom sprouts. They seem quite ordinary for someone living in the forest. Friend here hides a dark and restless power underneath this warm and cozy exterior. This power is only used in extreme cases of danger as it takes a toll not only on his appearance, but also his overall body constitution.
After foraging for medicinal herbs and other components for ointments, our little Friend was doing their check on the forest's well-being. The plan is to check certain areas each day for any traces of rot, a few treated patches of grass for any improvements, as well as the few animals' well-being.
Suddenly, the ground shook as an echoed thud made its presence known in the air. Friend's ears perked up and rushed over to the scene. Perhaps not the smartest move, but as a forest watcher — in actions only — he felt obligated to see what has happened. The problem was that it crashed close to his current abode, this old and rusted house with a tower. When he had reached the source, his eyes widened. A huge crater was created by this thing, but it surprisingly landed at the edge of the forest, looking a lot like an incident which had to occur. Clearly not out of malicious intent, but a calculated move. Friend could feel it in his gut which has never been wrong before — whatever created this crater may be a danger to the forest.
After the fog cleared out, Friend could clearly see the cause. It was somebody, not something. Now that complicated his course of action. If it were a thing, an object of sorts, he could have dissected it and figured out some sort of origin or what brought it here. Of course, with the help of his power, but a risk worth taking to find who might be behind this attack. It was not excluded that he could dissect this person for the same purposes, but it somehow conflicted with his newly formed interest in this person. “Why did they crash here? How did they manage to avoid the forest altogether? What are they planning?” is part of the train of questions forming in his mind. This spiralling, in any case, took his mind away from actually checking the person in the crater.
This short shift of attention made the Friend miss the twitching of this person's body as it came back to consciousness. When they managed to sit up, that was the moment the spiralling stopped and his mind started looking for a hiding spot. You don't know what this person is capable of after surviving such a crash, not even if they're human. It's way better to observe and find the best course of action.
-//-//- Now a quick shift of perspective -//-//-
The landing was not as gracious as it was planned beforehand, but it seems like it managed to avoid any significant damage to the surroundings. Apart from a couple rocks that managed to dent in the chest plate and the shredded undergarments of what used to be a powerful Order, the rest seemed intact. Or at the very least, attached to where they were meant to be.
It was rough, sure, but after a few more minutes on the crumbling ground, our Knight mustered the strength to sit up straight and examine the surroundings. It was a fraction of a second when they noticed this swift figure move towards the forest. He didn't think much of it as it could've been an animal… a very swift… animal. Knight crawled out of the crater and admired his work of art for a few moments before turning to look around some more. He felt this pair of eyes following his every move from afar. That wasn't just an animal it seems he thought.
As he noticed the “shack”, he stumbled towards it in hopes of finding something to patch himself up and get rid of these horrible pains. Perhaps even settle for a while to rest. If that “animal” were to approach, he would be at a disadvantage not only because he is wounded, but also because his only weapon was a dagger. His sword was lost somewhere around here. He gently opened the door, as gentle as someone close to passing out could, and looked around. To his surprise, this so-called shack did not seem like a shack at all. While the exterior seems like it needs a great deal of repairs, the interior is well-kept. Clean, organised and warm? Not really the description of an abandoned construction. It is quite small because everything looks small around him. He stumbles some more, looking inside different cabinets and finally finding some spare cloth strings. He looks some more and finds this colorless solution with a red plus sign on it. It doesn’t smell poisonous, so he took that as well.
He then sits down in the only corner which is not filled with things and with trembling hands starts removing his chest plate layers, the arm bracers and elbow cobs. He was covered in bruises, but only one place was pulsing with pain… the left side of his body had a deep gash. Possibly because of a sharp stone from the landing. Doesn't matter really. He winced as he poured some of the colorless substance on the wound and then carefully patched it with the cloth. He exhaled in relief before his body became heavy on the steady ground. The Knight tried to resist the sensation, but the adrenaline ran out and everything turned dark.
-//-//-//-//-//-//-//-//
Our Friend managed to find a thick tree to hide before the person could notice his presence, watching them from afar as they emerged from the crater. The person appeared to be injured from the crash. Injured, but alive. It took everything in Friend's body to not rush over and help out. Normally he would jump to any occasion to help a wounded animal… this time he had to resist.
It wasn't too long before the tall figure noticed his dwelling in the proximity. They stumbled towards it and quite forcefully opened the door and went inside. Friend's first thought was he should teach them the manners of entering somebody's house. That was not the point at the moment and he rushed to his house, muttering prayers in hopes this person wouldn't trash his organised items.
Friend didn't go inside as he noticed the person looking around from the window. He settled at the window to watch as discreetly as possible. He was surprised how gentle this tall person was with his belongings… checking the labels and closing the cabinets after opening them. Then he picked up one of his healing potions. Friend has a labeling system which is too complicated to explain at this very moment, but he will come to it soon enough. What is to be remembered is that a vial of colorless liquid is of great use for whatever wound he may have.
The figure sits down in his contemplation corner and starts undressing. Not.. that kind of undressing, you weirdo. They just took off their armor and lifted their undershirt up to have easier access to the wound. As they patch up the wound, the Friend notices how heavy his eyelids looked. Soon enough, they pass out.
Could have been from the crash or their whole body wishing for a moment of rest. It didn't matter to the owner of this house. Friend tiptoes inside and takes a better look at this person. 'Handsome' he mumbles, before catching his mind slipping again. He slowly approaches the man, his ears perked up in case he hears any movement shift and glances down and his afflicted expression before going to one of the cabinets to find a stronger potion. Friend grabs a few more things to properly take care of the wound and kneels down in front of the man. He unravels the cloth and dabs a cotton ball imbued with the potion on the wound, careful to watch the man's face too. His pointy ears start to burn as the shallow breaths of his visitor reach them. 'He seems pretty out of it… good enough for me' Friend thought as he wrapped a new cloth around the wound.
Then Friend gathers the used supplies and gets back up. But before putting them back, he unclips his cloak and uses it as a blanket for the treated man. As he steps away, he wonders what ointments he could make with the new supply of herbs.
-//-//-//-//-//-//-//-//
“You were ADVISED to fall back! This is not your fight, oh so brave Knight” chuckles the beast.
“It seems like you underestimate my determination, wretched beast..”
“Oh, please, spare me of your courteous monologue. All your allies have abandoned you! Do you THINK you can defeat me alone?”
“As a Knight, it is my duty to protect these lands until my dying breath. I will NOT fall back!” the Knight declares, as he grips his sword tighter.
“Then you leave me no choice.”
Knight's moments before the crash start playing out in his mind as if he were watching a theatre play of his own demise.
He should have gone with the rest of his Order.
He should have obeyed The. Order. Then perhaps he wouldn't have landed in this other realm, devoid of humans.
His duty was to defend and obey, but what did that cost him? His fallen friends? His life? His land?
-//-//-//-//-//-//-//-//
That's when he opened his eyes along a sharp gasp for air. His body tensed before the sharp pain from the sudden move inevitably made him slump back into place. He looked around and now noticed the moss blanket on top of him. “Cozy” he thought while staring at it. It was quite thick. A layer of linen, followed by a layer of moss with mushrooms and daisies.
Wait a moment. Knight did not have this on when he passed out. The creature he caught a glimpse of must've come back while he was out. Soon after that thought, he heard the soft creaking of the door and a person entered the house. A person? In this kind of place? That cannot be right.
He glared at this figure until they noticed he was awake and started talking.
“Oh! You're awake… Well, this is awkward. I didn't think you would be up so soon. It usually takes up to-”
“What are you?” Knight cuts him off.
“Okay, rude. Who do you think I am? You're in my-”
“Stop avoiding the question and answer clearly. What and who are you?”
“First of all, you're welcome, for taking care of that bloody wound of yours. You could've been in way more serious trouble if I didn't take care of it properly. Second of all, you're on the floor of my house. I'm not telling just anyone who I am so that should be enough of an answer for you.”
Knight continued glaring up and down at this “person” in front of him. He didn't seem the fighting type or some kind of merchant. Those ragged clothes surely don't point him towards any profession of goodness… unless.
“You're a witch.” Knight stated.
“A.. A WITCH?! WHAT MAKES YOU THINK SUCH A RIDICULOUS THING??”
“Look around yourself, Witch. You have a bunch of herbs hanging in this shack and liquids in vials. What else would you be?”
“That's-”
“What? Your black cat caught your tongue?”
“This is a huge misunderstanding. I'm not a Witch.” The Friend sighs exasperated. “Would a Witch nurse you back to health in their own home?!”
“Possibly. Maybe you bewitched me to the floor and I cannot leave until I make a deal with you. I'm telling you now, whatever you do, I won't cooperate.”
“Why would I- Listen, you hunk of a man!” Friend now pointing his finger at Knight, ears burning red. “I am not a Witch. I just make healing ointments and potions. Which, by the way, helped you with that wound! And don't you think it is kind of rude to enter somebody's house so violently and then use some of their things??”
Knight paused for a second. The “animal” he saw as he was recovering from the crash in the crater. The pair of eyes which followed him around as he got into this house. It was no animal… it was this.. this person.
“So you were the one watching me.” his voice lowering as he starts getting up.
“Shit. Hey! Don't- Don't get up, you'll open your-!”
“I'm fine, Witch.” Knight said, holding his right hand over the wound. “Now, you will tell me what exactly you want from me.”
“Listen, we can do this in a different manner altogether!-”
“Like me grabbing you by the throat until you pass out, if you don't shut your trap.”
Friend gulped in fear as he stared directly into Knight’s eyes. Just because you showed kindness once, doesn't guarantee kindness back, now does it? Even if his side was wounded, he still has more physical strength than the Friend.
He shouldn't have angered him.
He shouldn't have said he was watching. Maybe then this situation would have been avoided.
Friend's mind started spiralling. He broke eye contact as a flood of scenarios rushed through his mind where his head would be lying beside his body. Severed.
Was this the feeling of your own life flashing before your own eyes? His body felt way heavier than it should be. His eyes were fixed upon the floor, his body now numbing one part at a time. Friend didn't have such an experience before. This is all new to him. This new kind of fear which sprouts from the deepest point of his black soul.
“Are you really just going to stand in front of me speechless after being so vocal?” the Knight scowled.
-//-//-//-//-//-//-//-//
He was met with more silence. And.. something else? Knight's eyes widened in disbelief as he started to notice the small water droplets visible in between the long strands of black hair. He was.. crying?
Knight's mind went blank… only a soft scoff passed through. Why would this person cry? Sure, he was threatening, but his intention wasn't aimed for tears. Everybody he knew would take it as a sharp form of advice… They would suck it up and do better. He hadn’t seen tears even in the eyes of people who were dying on the battlefield…This was new.
“F-fuck. When did these start?..” Friend muttered, bewildered of his body's reaction, trying desperately to wipe them away with his sleeves.
“Why are you crying?”
“Why am I- It's.. it's because of what you said!” Friend looked up before going back to wiping tears and sniffling.
“Did my words wound your heart this deeply? I’m.. Apologies.” Knight added.
“Heh.. like those simple words could fix this.” he laughed bitterly.
Friend’s sleeves were now damp from all the tears and the area below their eyes started to redden. Involuntarily, Knight grabbed his wrists gently (yes, he’s actually being gentle this time) before he could rub some more.
“You will hurt yourself if you continue. It seems I have caused you a lot of turmoil and I apologize for the other incidents too. I was focused on my own person.” Knight uttered sincerely.
Friend looked at his eyes again. A few tears still raced down his face, but he was restrained. He could not believe he reacted so embarrassingly to somebody threatening him.
“I... I never had somebody say that to my face before. I've only read about such threats in books, but that genuinely made me feel terrified for my life..”
“It wasn't my intention. I'll be more careful with my words from now on.”
“Wait. You plan to stay here? Why?”
“Well, I don't know how I got here, except for the crater outside. Everything else is a bit hazy. Unless you don't want me?..” Knight clarified.
“NO- I mean.. no, it's fine! I've never had human company in a long time since this area is actually pretty secluded and unfit, you could say, to form at the very least a village so..”
Friend came back to his talkative nature which could only make Knight exhale with relief and smile. Friend noticed it too. For a moment, he forgot what he was ranting about. How can such a gentle expression be part of somebody with such a cold tone?
“You can let me go now. I promise I won't rub my eyes anymore.” Friend said, still looking at Knight's face.
“Ah, yes, of course. I forgot I was holding them.” Knight stuttered.
“You have quite the grip, I'll give you that, heh”
Knight wanted to mention how the grip was an essential element in learning swordsmanship and how it may affect your effectiveness and ultimately hurt yourself if you do it the wrong way. However this train of thought was interrupted by a small running tear on Friend's cheek.
“Hold still for a moment, please.” Knight said as he cupped Friend's left side of the face and gently swiped the remaining tear off.
Friend was caught off guard by the gesture, but he eventually relaxed his face in that big, rough hand.
“Is this your way of giving comfort? Quite intimate” the Friend teased.
“Don't twist my gesture’s meaning, you Witch.” he replied tenderly before hiding his facial expression under the same hand. Though he couldn't hide his red ears.
Friend couldn't believe he enjoyed teasing such an imposing person, to the point he too couldn't contain a smile.
-//-//-//-//-//-//-//-//
After the souls have cooled down, the Friend looked down at Knight's wound and noticed it soaking through the cloth.
“Shit! Your wound opened again! I told you not to get up” he said quickly before rushing to his cabinets to find his improvised medkit.
“I'm fine, little critter. Your ointments seem to take effect pretty nicely. This is just because the wound hasn't closed yet.”
“Well then- I don't want blood seeping into my floorboards! Sit back down and wait till I find this last thing.”
“I can stand perfectly fine…” as he was about to finish the sentence, Knight's vision became hazy for a moment. “What the hell?” he whispered as he caught the corner of a table for support.
The Friend took a glance at him and sighed. “I told you so. Sit. Down.” He plopped everything on the floor next to them and manually made him sit down.
“What even was that?” Knight asked perplexed.
“I'm guessing your body is adjusting to other means of treatment or adjusting to your new environment all at once. Hold your shirt up, please.” Friend uttered as he tried to maintain his composure at the sight in front of his very eyes for the 5th time.
“I could've done this myself too, you know? I've done it plenty of times”
“Yeah, well, I wouldn't trust a patient to treat their wounds and risk infection. It might still sting a little.” Friend added as he started dabbing another cotton ball on the wound. “You woke up after just a day of being unconscious. Normally it would take at least 2 depending on your constitution, given how much you could have bled out. Another cause of why your body is adjusting perhaps.”
A whole day? Knight couldn't believe what he was hearing. How could he have been unconscious for a whole day?? And this person has been replacing his bandages for that whole time. Unbelievable. If this person had ill intentions, not only wouldn't he have woken up, but he probably would've been dissected.
A sheer panic crossed through his body at that thought. Friend perceived the sudden tensing of muscles and looked at Knight's face with a confused look, before returning to bandaging him up.
“Say.. do you have a knack for medicine in a more open manner as well?” Knight mustered the courage to say.
Friend stopped his work.
“Why? Would you like to feel how it is to have the flesh in the middle of your chest cut open and feel your insides being shifted?” he replied with a flat tone.
“N-no, sir.”
“That's what I thought.” He ended that conversation as he knotted the bandage ends together. “You'll have to sit the rest of today so the wound can recover. I'll go make some food. Don't you dare move or I will be dissecting you.” he adds while arranging the moss cloak over Knight again.
“Noted.. By the way, I still haven't caught your name. I wouldn't like to address you with hey you every time I want to ask you something. Please?”
“You can call me Friend. I wasn't really given a name, or at least don't remember it, so Friend is good enough right?”
“Yes! Thank you, Friend. For all this.” Knight replies and he's met with a nod from Friend as he goes upstairs.
Some minutes passed by and Knight could hear the cackling and sizzling of food prep from upstairs. Soon enough a trail of aroma filled the whole house in a pleasing way. Knight could not remember the last time he had a meal which smelled that good. A few more minutes later, Friend emerges with a plate of cooked mutton, potatoes with bread and a new set of clothes.
From the patched shirt and pants, Friend changed into something more fitting for an assassination job. A dark brown cloak is covering a striped shirt, iron arm and knee bracers as well as a utility belt. That one looks to have a few smaller vials, a pouch and a small dagger attached to it. However, this is what I could tell you since Knight is focused more on the food in front of him rather than the person holding the food.
“The whole house was filled with the smell. Now that I see it, my appetite only grew further.” said Knight still eyeing the plate.
“All yours, big man. I got my portion upstairs for later.” Friend replied, grabbing a chair and turning it into a small table in front of Knight. “Enjoy.”
“Where are you going this late? Why don't you eat with me?”
“Since I've been taking care of you for two days technically, I haven't been efficiently doing my job. That is looking after the forest.” Friend responds, tightening his arm bracers. “They're some quick check ups so they shouldn't take too long. You can eat comfortably.”
“Be careful out there.”
“Relax, I have patrolled every inch of this forest. I'll be all good and back like you didn't even feel like I left.” Friend added while grabbing his bow and arrows from beside the door.
The poor thing didn't know what awaited him under the moon's gaze.