Healing Mika (Aymelek and Mika)
Dec 16, 2013 22:52:44 GMT -4
Post by Empress Aymelek on Dec 16, 2013 22:52:44 GMT -4
AYMELEK: After the night in the tent with Mika freshly wounded, the next several days had been tenuous. They stopped frequently, at Aymelek's word. She listened to no protests from the Emperor, and while there might have been a few grumbles from him, their party knew none of what was going on between the imperial pair. The weather was easing off from the cold, they would be home within the hour. Aymelek feared the journey while injured had taken its toll on Mika though she knew him to be a strong, healthy man, it was concerning. She was wearing the silks of her home land again,the cloak draped over the back of her horse. Her body rolling with the movement of the beast she tipped her nose up and breathed in. The dark hair lifted in a dance around her face, as if it too anticipated home. "I smell the desert, it's as if the spices from the caravan carry on the wind, and the oils sold in the market place heated to the point of giving off their perfume to drift beneath my nostrils...." She laughed and opened her eyes to look at her husband. She had been hawkish in watching over him during their trip back. "Are you sad to be returning to Nerida, Mika?"
MIKA: Mika had grown quiet on the journey south - though he did grumble now and then about stopping so often. Truth be told, he was tired, and he was feeling the injury more than he felt he should. So he made sure to actually rest as much as he could as they made their way along the road, out of the north and over the border. He was doing better, as they progressed. He could at least sit up straight now without too much difficulty. He could smell the south, just as Aymelek could, as they passed through it toward the desert. "It will be good to rest somewhere other than the the back of a horse and the hard ground." Though that was partially his own fault for choosing to travel the way that he did. He thought for a moment and said, "I will always miss the north. It is as much a part of me as the desert is of you. But I am not unhappy to be returning." There, that was fairly diplomatic, wasn't it? But it was also sincere. This was part of his new life, and he embraced it. He gave Aymelek a small, tired smile. "Forgive me... I am also worn from this trip, and I will be happy when it is over," he admitted.
AYMELEK: "Soon. Soon we will be there." Aymelek had sent a messenger ahead to announce their arrival and to have preparations begin so the Emperor could be taken directly to his chambers. Aymelek had specific instructions about a bath, medicines and bandages that were to be waiting for them. "What am I forgiving you for, Mika?" She smiled warmly. "For grumbling? For being tired and injured and trying to push through no matter what? For being brave?" She laughed and looked ahead, her dark eyes gleaming in hunger for her first view of the sands. "If you wish, we can spend a part of every year in the north. Whenever you choose, it would please me to let the north become part of me as well..." It was not unheard of. Royals the world over migrated during various seasons to various parts of their Kingdom. It was a genuine offer.
MIKA: "I would like that," he admitted. "I think it's important, if we're to present ourselves as rulers of north and south, as well. It would be good to have a presence up there, even if it's only part of the year." He sighed, then winced. Breathing and exhaling deeply were still not in the cards for him, but he was doing better. He felt better, truly, and if he saw even a slight worried look cross Aymelek's face, he lifted an eyebrow and quickly assured, "I'm fine. And it would be good for you to be part of the north. For it to be part of you," he said with another small smile. "It would be good to invite some of those we met south, as well, once or twice a year. For some of the festivals, maybe. Something for them to take part in as-- as guests," he finished lamely, but he did mean it. For them to see the way of life down here, to enjoy it, to embrace that they were now joined - and welcomed - to this part of the world. "Perhaps in spring," he added. It would be easier for those in the north to travel after the thaw.
AYMELEK: : It was too much for him to speak right now. Aymelek drew her horse closer and leaned to look at his wound, then studied his face, but she said no more during the journey. Soon, the outskirts of Nerida were reached. More guards from the Palace joined them and surrounded them. In order to not be overtaken by those who wished to bid them good luck and blessings, they had to ride fast and furious through the streets of Nerida. Once the gates of the city were reached, Aymelek looked over at Mika once more. She knew this would be rough, but necessary. Immediately the entire party went into a fast run. The sound of the horses hooves on the stone streets of Nerida heralded their approach to the Palace. Weaving through the streets expertly, laying low on their horses, they entered the Palace gates unscathed. Aymelek was assisted down by one of the guards, then she was at Mika's horse. When he dismounted, she put her arm around him gently, "Just a short walk, then I bathe you, dress the wound, and put you to bed. Then we can talk better...until you sleep." He might be the big bad Emperor but he was going to fall on his face if he didn't get real rest soon. They walked together into the Palace and towards their chambers.
MIKA: Mika briefly protested the idea of rushing through the city - they should at least let the people greet them, but-- Maybe Aymelek had a point. And when it came time to go, he had no problem with the hurried pace and he kept a stoic face for the ride. He slid off his horse with a quiet groan. "Whatever you say," he breathed. He actually meant it, too. He felt a little bit dizzy and it was definitely time to do what needed doing, in a more civilized setting than the back of a horse or on the ground. So he followed Aymelek, as quickly as he could manage, and said nothing to anyone and he couldn't help but breathe one more sigh of relief when the doors closed, and theyw ere somewhere private, and he could rest. His guard had been up since they crossed the border on the way north.
AYMELEK: She turned and put her hands to his waist the moment the doors closed. Concern flashed over her features, as she stood a moment, letting him regain his balance. She was small, petite, but sturdy, and provided him a good support as she walked him to the tub that was steaming with fragrant water. "Is there to be retribution for this? You are the Emperor, someone shot you, it is unforgivable..." she was helping him off with the layers of clothing, slowing as she came to the bandaged area. Slowly she peeled it way and studied the wound. it was angry. It needed attention, the kind she could not give on the road. "You must bathe, I will clean this..." She knew he would do it, so it was more talking herself through it than anything. She helped him sit and kneeled to remove his boots, then assisted him with his pants and undergarments, pointedly not looking at anything ...manly..and then helped him ease into the hot water, a cushion lined the bottom of the tub, as well as the back so he could recline. She lowered to the side of the tub, gently raising a sponge to squeeze the heated water over his chest and tenderly over the wound. "The water is infused with healing herbs. It will cleanse the wound and you, so you will be able to heal and rest better..." She studied his face, a small cloth used to wash over his eyes, nose and mouth, behind his ears, and around his neck. Her voice was low, her Susain accent thicker due to worry, but she was smiling now and again, trying to disperse the look of strain on Mika's face. "Soon you will be sleeping soundly, the pain will ease. You will have a big meal upon awakening and we will re dress the wound again. You have nothing important to perform until you are well again." She would see to that.
MIKA: : "I'm alright," he insisted again, but it was more strained. "No," he said when she asked about retribution. "They rode under no banner, they were not wearing the colors of anyone I know. Who would we go after?" He shrugged and shuffled along to the tube with her. He stopped so he could get undressed. "There are bandits everywhere, and they do not care if a man is an emperor or a merchant - he is a man that might have something they want." He shrugged and, once he was fully undressed he accepted her help to slide into the tub. He sighed and just lolled his head back while Aymelek carefully washed him. He kept his eyes closed. "The pain will ease, maybe... The sleep." He bobbed his head to the side a bit. "That's a different matter. But I'm sure that this will help." He opened his eyes when she was finished washing his face. "Not a big meal, please. Something easy." He looked at her, somewhat pleading. A big meal sounded lovely, but... after so much traveling, and having done the last part of it in a less-than-perfect state of health... he wanted small, and simple. "I'll have frequent meals if you prefer, but... small ones, please." At least until his system had recovered.
AYMELEK: She inclined her dark head to him. "Of course, as you wish. Something light. Fruits and broths, some bread." She would ensure he had what he wanted. His back was washed thoroughly, his arms, his chest and abdomen. She lathered his hair and then poured a pitcher of warm water over his head to rinse it clean. "I will see to the bed, we will dress your wound there, then you can sleep..." She turned down his bed, fluffed the numerous pillows and ensured all was clean and fresh. It was what a servant would have done, but neither of them had any wish for a servant to see the Emperor in such a state. It would not bode well if rumors started that the Sovereign was injured. It left things unsettled and vulnerable. She returned to him, lowering to kneel and dry his hair with a thick towel, then she stood and helped him step out wrapping him in another. "Walk slowly, your gait was unsteady on the way in..."
MIKA: Mika moved so that she could reach whatever part of him she tried to, though he was mindful of his wound. After she was done washing him, he gently gripped her arm before she got up. "Thank you," he said quietly. He meant it, and he knew she planned on taking care of the bed herself. He eased out of the tub - again with her help - and he made sure to wrap a towel around his waist as quickly as he could. "I'll walk slowly," he assured her - and he did. More of a tired shuffle really, and now and then he put his hand on the wall for a bit of support. "I don't mean to be such a burden," he said quietly as he finally reached the bed. He'd need to get dressed again, in something loose and comfortable, but... he wasn't quite in a hurry. Though perhaps he should be, given his wife's... flustered reactions whenever he was naked. He didn't want her to be uncomfortable around him, no matter what state he might be in.
AYMELEK: "My pleasure, Mika. You would do the same for me You have done so much for me..." He ensured she had every available comfort on their journey, he was mindful of her energy levels, her discomfort. "I saw each time you made exceptions or decisions based on me. We decided we could do this, so we should do it together." She smiled, her eyes trailing to his hand that reach for the wall for support. Her arm was around his waist, nudging him to lean into her, but he seemed averse to doing that. There was fresh clothes for him, loose pants and a loose shirt in a soft tan color. She helped him with the pants, pulling them up and then holding the towel so he could tie them. "Please lie down, I will dress the wound, then I will assist you in putting on the shirt..." Once he was semi dressed, the towel was put aside. She held to him while he eased to the bed. Then. Only then was there a visible relief in Aymelek's face and shoulders. She lowered to the bed, the basket with the dressing supplies on her lap and for a moment she stared at the basket. She was going to cry in relief. Mika made it home, he was in one piece, now she could help him. She could fix him here, where there were resources. She took a few moments blinking, taking deep breaths, then those large smoldering dark eyes lifted and with great care she put the balm on the wound that would both deaden the pain for a time and treat any infection that was brewing. Carefully clean gauze like material was placed over the wound itself, both front and back, him needing to lean forward onto her while she did the back. Finally she wrapped the entire thing with long strips of clean cloth, under his arm and over his shoulder to anchor the dressing well. While he was still sitting, she helped him with his shirt if he insisted,then eased him back to the pillows. "There. Now..." she nodded, her nostrils flaring with emotion. Her fingers brushed at his damp hair. "You will be better soon. Should I send message to your family to visit you in a few days? Tell me what you wish, Mika, then I will let you rest."
MIKA: He gave her a small, tired smile. He at least got the pants on and tied them as Aymelek held the towel. He eased into bed carefully so Aymelek could do what she needed to do. He looked out the window while she dressed the wound. He didn't make a sound, though he did flinch once or twice. Then it was into the shirt and he relaxed back against the pillows. He considered what to tell hsi family, then he nodded. "Two days," he said. Tht was about as long as his sister and mother could be held at bay, he was sure, especially if any rumor spread that he had been injured or sick or anything like that. He was sure someone would talk - it was only human nature. Or speculation would spread as to why they had rushed through the city rather than going at a leisurely pace to greet their people, to have a proper return to the city. But he also wasn't sure he could handle his family today, or even tomorrow. So, two days. That would hopefully be soon enough to placate the women in the family.
AYMELEK: "Very well, I will send the message once you sleep." She adjusted the covers, then reached for the small vial of liquid. She opened her mouth to indicate he should, and when he did, a drop on his tongue. "Just herbs to help you sleep easier..." She put the vial away, then leaned forward and pressed her mouth to his forehead. She whispered, "Sleep Mika, there are no worries now. Sleep." She sat with him until he did, holding to his hand, brushing a finger over his cheek bone, his wrist, the room becoming quiet and settled. There were sounds beyond the window, distant, of camels bells tinkling, of the fountain in the courtyard, the scent of flowers and spice, of cooking food. The evening would soon come, but Aymelek would only leave his side once he was asleep. While he remained awake, she remained sitting on the bedside, facing him.
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TAHYA SUSA!
TAHYA SUSA!