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Flins liked to wander the lands around the Ratniki bases and help out where he could. Sometimes he ran into travellers who needed directions, other times he killed monsters alongside his comrades.
This time, he found a campsite with known thugs having a meeting there. He heard of this gang, they terrorized merchants and often stole from the Ratniki. It was safe to say, Flins wasn't fond of them.
He silently approached, lingering in the shadows. They didn't notice a thing.
“I've mapped the route," One of them, a short stocky man, said. “This should be a piece of cake."
“I can't believe we managed to beat that guy too." Said a young woman, “He was nowhere near as scary as we thought."
Flins crept closer, and realized there was a slumped figure on the ground not too far from them. The ground had sword marks, blood had been spilled. There was a confrontation.
Then he got closer, and realized that the blond figure was Varka. He was still, blood flowing sluggishly from a gash on his side. His coat was off and tossed to the side, his armor looked to be half torn. They ransacked his clothing, presumably, as his belongings were on the table.
Flins didn't hesitate any longer and made his move. With inhuman speed, he sliced through the gang, and they fell without even realizing they'd been attacked.
Flins put his lantern on his belt and instantly crouched to Varka's side. The blond was quiet, his chest unmoving. His skin was pale, like a corpse. Panic set in, and he reached to press his fingers against Varka's neck.
But before he could, Varka sat straight up and headbutted him. The two fell backwards, Flins merely stunned while Varka was holding his forehead, groaning.
“I thought the camp was-" Varka groaned again “was too quiet. Turns out it was you."
“I was worried that they killed you." Flins said, “Please, tell me what's going on."
Varka shook his head, sitting up pressing a hand onto his wound. “Was playing dead, hoping they'd spout information I was looking for. Ran into them by accident though and they got me not at my best.”
Flins wondered what he meant, before catching the scent of wine on Varka's breath. "That wound looks quite bad, let me help you return to the Favonius camp."
Varka simply nodded and leaned against Flins as he stood up. His breath hitched every time he made progress. If Varka was showing pain, then it had to be worse than it looked.
As they walked, Varka started to visibly struggle. It started with half hidden pained expressions and shallow breaths, before it was Flins who was keeping him upright.
“Varka, we're nearly there, can you hold on just a little bit for me?" Flins asked, his hold on Varka growing tighter.
Varka glanced at him with half lidded eyes and heavy breaths, “Dizzy…I think I…” He paused to swallow, "I lost too much blood.”
"Just a little longer and we can get you treatment.”
The blond tried his best to smile like he normally does, but it obviously was forced through pain and lightheadedness. Varka took a few more deep breaths as they walked.
The moment they walked past the front entrance, Varka went limp, nearly dragging Flins down with him. After regaining some balance, Flins lowered Varka to the ground and laid him on his back.
He had passed out, but was still breathing. Multiple Favonius guards surrounded them, one bringing emergency medical supplies. Flins stepped back to give them space, and watched from the side. Logically, Varka should be fine, but Flins still felt scared.
What if this is what Varka finally succumbs to? He'd been more tired recently, drinking more, and keeping to himself outside of his duties. Nobody can be strong forever, and Varka seemed to be nearing his limit after dealing with Rerir.
Flins just hoped that this wasn't his breaking point, and that Varka would be up the next day, joking around and smiling.
After some time, Varka was moved to their tents to rest.
“How is he?" Flins asked once the guards finished cleaning up their supplies.
“Not a very serious injury, but it would be if left untreated." The guard said, “He should heal fine, he just needs some rest."
“I see, can I see him?"
“Yes! Of course, feel free to look."
Flins ducked into the tent. The bed was propped up with extra cushioning and blankets. Varka had been changed into softer and cleaner clothes. He could see the bandage peaking out from underneath his shirt. He was breathing a lot deeper and slower now, some color back to his cheeks.
Flins set his lantern down nearby and retreated to it, keeping watch over Varka as he slept. This way he could be comfortable, and he wouldn't bother his sleeping friend.
A few hours go on and Flins is still in his lantern, his awareness dull and hazy. He took this chance to rest, letting his thoughts wander and the outside world slowly melted away.
His fae sleep was interrupted however, as Varka sat straight up, and instantly doubled over in pain.
At this, Flins materialized and caught Varka before he could fall sideways. “Steady there." He said and guided Varka back down.
“Looks like I made it after all." Varka glanced at Flins, he seemed to be in better spirits, but the eternal exhaustion still haunted his eyes.
“Something's been bothering me the past month." Flins admitted, Varka tilting his head. “You're running yourself ragged, I can tell you're not yourself."
Varka's eyes widened, and he slowly looked away towards the roof of the tent. He chuckled softly, “Looks like I can't hide nothin’ from you." He sighed, “Don't worry too much, jus’ in a little ditch, I'll crawl out of this soon."
“You talk like this happened before."
“I tend to be moody around this time of year," Varka said, “Nothing's really wrong per se, life's just been tiring.”
"Can you not relinquish some duties to your squad?”
"They're already doing enough for me already, I couldn't possibly ask them for more.”
"But it's clear you're in need of a break, you cannot be at a hundred percent if you, yourself, are running on nothing.”
"Wise words.” Varka remarked before letting out a more genuine laugh."I oughta hang around you some more, and maybe you can get this thought through my thick skull better.”
"Do you mean to say you doubt me?”
"I…well…I don't know.”
“I will repeat my words to you as many times as you need." Flins' hand gently covered Varka's, “Do you need me to tell you again?"
“You might have to."