nearing the afternoon.
In the main hall of the manor. The sun was still shining strong through the glass windows, glittering along the marble floor.
Small crates were being ferried back and forth from one end of the room to another. Some were empty, and others were filled with all manner of trinkets and potions; most of them were failed experiments rather than usable wares.
As the shuffling of feet and the rattling of metal upon glass filled the air, no words mixed into the boring task of Rubern and Eral.
Growing weary of the servant-type atmosphere, or his boredom was getting the better of him. The healer was now mixing his thoughts into the monotonous drone of left to right, his mind feeling like the pot in which he brewed his concoctions.
Eral: Time doesn't fly when you are working. Still. Thanks for the help, Rubern! (He paused for a moment when no reply came.) How are you holding up?
As they continued to walk back and forth, Eral waited for an answer to fall between them as they ferried the crates. He decided to take another poke at the quietness of the lad.
Eral: Final few! I'd say you have moved more than me. It beats being in that room alone, wouldn't you say? (Smiling at Rubern, trying to break the ice.)
Finally, a reply shot back, one that reflected the coldness of the face of the young boy.
Rubern: You don't have to cheer me up. It's not your job to be my babysitter. Also, shouldn't you be with Amelia? (Dropping the small crate next to the pile.)
As soon as he finished, the boy sat down, furling his arms around his legs, just under his knees. Looking at the stairs, looking in the direction of Amelia's room.
Eral: No, no, it isn't. But you could have stayed in your room. Instead, you chose to come with me when I asked for help. I believe you wanted to be away from the loneliness, or do you like manual labour? I'm always on the lookout for help. She has Hyrne and Louvan watching over her, and we aren't that far away.
No answer came from Rubern; he kept his eyes locked on the room past the stairs.
Eral: It's not your fault for what happened to Amelia. You helped save her. So, don't beat yourself up about it.
Rubern: (Gripping his legs tighter,) I couldn't carry her here. Hyrne brought her here. I was weak. I am weak.
An answer came without hesitation.
Eral: Yes, you are weak, for good reason. (He saw the boy put his head into his knees.)
The healer moved closer to Rubern and sat on one of the crates, only half an arm length between them.
Eral: Because you are a child, in time, you will grow, and so will your strength. (He poked his finger into the boy's chest.)
Rubern: Stop poking me. Cut it out, Eral! (childishly slapping the finger of the healer away.)
Eral: This... this here. Your heart is the strongest thing about you. You chose to protect your sister, and you fought with all your might to save her. (He moved his finger and poked at the legs of the boy.) These little twigs one day will be strong; keep your heart strong, and it will pass to your legs, arms, and head. I used to be small and feeble, like you. Now look at me! (He stood and moved his hands from his head down to his waist in a flowing motion.)
Rubern: Well, you are not small; maybe you are feeble when you have too much to drink and Louvan has to sober you up.
(The words from the young soul hit him in the gut.)
Eral: I thought we would not speak of that, my dear Rubern. Oh well, then this ex-adventurer might think twice about teaching you magic when you come of age and the way of the sword. (Folding his arms and slyly looking away.)
Rubern: Will you really teach me magic? (pausing.) The sword (questioning look), I thought you were only a healer.
Eral: I am, but a long time ago I used to be an adventurer, so don't give me those eyes. Maybe, maybe not. As long as you forget what you just said and keep a strong heart,
Rubern: Really! Oh, you mean when you are feeble when you are drunk?
Eral: A lifetime ago, and yeah, that, erase it from your mind, young future assistant (sighing).
Both of them were smiling now.
Eral: All good things come with time, strength, and knowledge, and even now we are waiting for your sister to...
Before he could finish, a voice rang from above the balcony.
Louvan: ERAL! She's coming around! (The figure appeared and vanished like a fading shout.)
Eral turned, looked to the balcony where the voice came from, and saw the black blur of a maid's uniform fading past the wooden railing. He turned to Rubern.
Eral: Come on, now. Amelia will need you more than ever. Cherish her. (Looking back, I might even show you how fire magic works later, winking.)
The boy wiped his face of all tears from before.
Rubern: Thank you, Eral. I will be strong for Amelia and my father! (sounding determined.)
Both of them moved away from the pile of crates they stacked next to the healers room. Eral placed his hand on the back of Rubern, guiding him up the stairs.
Eral: Don't tell your father about the fire magic; he will kill me with my own healing potions.
(Both of them chuckled at the thought.)
Rubern: I won't, and... thank you, Eral.