David
A day head passed since Winrae had saved what she believed to be a young child or teenage aasimar from certain death. The poor thing was on the edge of death for most of the night, but thankfully the castle's healers had stabilized her long enough to allow just a bit of peaceful rest. There was something unsettling about the aasimar's injuries. She must have been a runaway slave, it would explain the poor health and chains around her wrists and ankles. Winrae had remained by her side all throughout the night, and right now she was sat in a chair beside the bed the injured girl lay in. The paladin's eyes were closed but she was very much awake. Rather than be left with nothing to do but worry about the poor thing, Winrae opted to spend her time praying instead. Ever since her encounter with Seymour and now finding this girl, the warmth of Kamara had returned to her, if only slightly.

Winrae's brow was furrowed heavily, and on occasion her mouth would move in tandem with the prayer she was saying in her mind. Her thoughts bounced between praying for the aasimar's health, begging for forgiveness for whatever she had done to cause Kamara to create so much distance and of course, praying for her sister Essme to change the path she was currently going down. The two didn't seem to be on speaking terms lately, but deep down Winrae missed her sister deeply. The two used to be as thick as thieves, but somewhere down the line something changed. The two deviated from one another, and somehow it was Winrae that was left alone, not Essme. She had that blasted tiefling, *Kameron* Or whatever his name was. A faint twitch could be seen on Winrae's face as she thought of the purple he-devil, but with a gentle inhale and exhale, her thoughts returned to focusing on Kamara and praying to her.

_ _
Every so often, the red-headed paladin would open her eyes to check on the aasimar laying in the bed before her. They had been given blankets to keep themselves warm, and their pet or companion khipy was allowed to remain with them, at least after Winrae argued it could stay there with her. On the table beside them was a glass of water, somehow constantly chilled in case the aasimar woke and needed a drink. Winrae had enchanted it to remain cool so long as there was liquid within the glass. The injured girl's clothes had yet to be changed, causing the smell of yesterday to linger slightly, though less so thanks to the warm and clean blankets and sheets around her. Winrae was dressed down quite a bit from yesterday, her shining golden armor having been put up in exchange for brown leather and cloth. It fit her form beautifully, revealing her shape in ways she didn't usually allow.

Winrae only hoped the girl would wake soon so questions could be answered. Whoever had done this to them would be brought to justice by Winrae's own hands if she had any say in it.
Jerry
For Ailbhe there was no possible way they would have not stayed by their companions' side, they would have fought every guard (and failed) to be as close to them as possible. Thankfully though the strange red haired woman seemed to have done that for them and the Khipey had strutted around like it owned the place, keeping a watchful eye as the healers had worked on their friend. Thankfully though eventually most of them had left and the winged creature had seized the opportunity to curl up beside the sleeping body, resting their head on the girl's stomach as they too appeared to sleep, satisfied that she seemed to be breathing easier then she had before despite still not waking up.

As for the girl in question, the small creature had barely given a token struggle when first brought to the castle. At best their murmurs were incomprehensible and their movements weak twitches, something the healers had put down to the fever they spent most of the time trying to break. It was not easy considering the restraints on their wrists, ankles and neck seemed to block or even hurt the little thing when healing magic was attempted on them. However since so little was known it had been decided not to remove the restraints lest the girl knew some foul magic and had good reason to be under such restraints, instead treating them with poultices and potions for the time being.

** **
Thankfully for both the girl's watcher and companion though it appeared whatever concoction they had given to help her sleep was beginning to wear off, her dreamless slumber slowly wearing off as sensations began to creep back into her consciousness. Not quite awake yet as her breathing began to deepen, the blankets rising and falling a little more as her mind finally began to turn once more. She felt... Warm... Which was an odd feeling. Not burning like she last remembered, just pleasantly warm, when was the last time she had felt that? She couldn't recall at any rate, not in the confused jumble of thoughts that were slowly turning in her brain. Eyes still closed, her hands twitched under the... Blankets? Was she... In a bed? How was that possible? The last thing she thought she could recall was lying in the dirt under the outcropping, though there was that weird image of gold and wings... Wait was that a dream or not? Was she dead? And if she was, why did it still hurt if she wasn't in Infernum? After all there was no way Infernum would have a bed for her... At least not a nice one.

Confused and sleepy the girl cracked open her eye, the pale white orb blinking sleepily as it stared at the ceiling. It was made of stone, which didn't exactly bode well... She didn't like the last stone room she was in much. Blinking slowly she slowly took in the fact she indeed was in a bed, somewhere. Weakly she tried to push herself to sit up somewhat, grunting softly as she found her body lacked the strength to actually do it. That was bad, if she couldn't move she couldn't run, that meant she was trapped wherever she was despite the fact that they had not chained her further, perhaps they knew they didn't need to with her current condition.

** **
Her breathing quickened a little as she lay staring at the ceiling, only now beginning to register the featherweight on her stomach. Ailbhe, she knew that weight like the back of her hand and she was glad he was there. However it brought another problem to her mind, how was he there? Familiars were already dead usually so they were bound to the item in the real world, so if she was dead how was he here? And if this was Infernum why did it seem so... Pleasant?

"Ailbhe... How... You here?" She rasped quietly to herself, not registering the other presence in the room just yet in her sleep addled state. "Are... We... Dead?"
David
Opening her eyes once more to check on the girl, Winrae was surprised to see they were actually stirring from their slumber. The first thing Win noticed was the girl's eye, its paleness and causing the paladin to widen her eyes quite a bit. Quietly, Winrae watched the girl attempt to sit up and gain her bearings once more, a pitiful feeling growing in the aasimar's stomach. She'd speak, but there was a slight worry she'd scare the poor thing. It was clear waking up in a strange place had rattled the girl, her breathing and panicked expression dead giveaways to how scared she truly was. Watching the little creature that had guided Winrae so valiantly, the paladin soon realized just how close the two really were. Rather than worry for herself, the stranger worried for her companion first. It showed compassion, something Winrae admired.

Finally hearing the girl speak for the first time in her cracked voice, Winrae finally opened her own mouth to respond. It was clear the girl had not realized she wasn't alone, or else she would have reacted to Winrae's presence much sooner. Speaking calmly so as not to scare her, Win had a thousand questions in her mind she wished to ask. For now instead, she'd offer answers. "You are not dead, thankfully. The healers made sure of that." Winrae's deep and dominant voice was hard to make the inflection sound friendly. It was something that she had struggled with, even as a child. When your voice is as deep as Winrae's on top of being as tall and strong as she was, friends were hard to come by that weren't simply scared into friendship. Essme was one of those exceptions, a sentiment Winrae always appreciated in her sister.

_ _
"What is your name?" Not one to beat around the bush, Winrae wished to know more of this strange girl. Who she was, where she was from, why she was chained up, who had held her captive, and more. Rather than bombard the little thing with inquiries however, Winrae opted to take it one step at a time. Overloading her could very well worsen her already poor health. It was much to Winrae's dismay, as she was a very impatient woman. Sitting up in her chair, the paladin leaned over to get more on the girl's level, what with her being so tall even sitting down. Now, they were at eye level, and Winrae could see much better into the girl's eyes. They were strange, not like any the paladin had ever seen before. Was she a chromancer? Or was it an injury or curse of some kind? They were strange for an aasimar...

The girl could now see Winrae's eyes fully as well. There were no pupils to be found, simply glowing white orbs that filled the entirety of her eye sockets. They glowed dimly, and if the girl looked close enough they almost seemed like white flames dancing within the aasimar's head. Beautiful, but terrifying all the same. "I am Winrae Kaliyah." Offering a faint smile to show she meant no harm, Winrae waited patiently- well, externally patiently, for an answer from the strange girl before her.
Jerry
The little creature was still in the middle of her confused musings when she heard a voice beside her, her body freezing completely for a moment in shock as her breath caught in her throat. The voice had come from the left, her literal blind side. She was _not_ as alone as she had first thought, her girl's eyes blown wide as she swallowed thickly. The voice seemed almost familiar despite her inability to place it, she could have sworn she had heard it but try as she might she could not remember where. However, whoever it was was likely whoever had bought her here was likely her new owner, or was in their employ - and neither bode well given her current condition.

Wincing in pain she managed to turn enough to see the owner of the voice, one that was much closer than she had originally thought. Her body almost jumped at the proximity as she quickly took in the woman's appearance in a mixture of awe and fear. Not only was she _big_ , but she was also an Aasimar? She had never seen another of her kind before and no one had ever mentioned just how tall they actually were, the reality was startling to say the least as her one good eye stared at the woman's two. They were so... Alien... Compared to her own. The dancing light captivating as she found herself unable to look away for a few moments, her face frozen in surprise before she lowered her gaze quickly.

What had she said again? Right - something about healers and asking her name. That didn't bode well, having healers work on her meant that she would owe them even more if they were one of those masters that let slaves try to pay themselves off. Granted she was not about to assume she would be so lucky to end up with one of them, faintly she wondered just what kind of master she would have now... What they might expect her to do. First though the woman had asked her name, Winrae she had called herself right?

** **
"M-My name is... Sabriel... Sabriel Damaris... Mistress.." She rasped quietly, sure they had given her their name, but they had not said whether she was allowed to use it and she knew from experience there could be some very..*Painful* Differences between being told a name and being told they could use a name. Keeping her head bowed she took the opportunity to glance around the strange room she had found herself in. It looked a lot like the infirmary at the temple, was this another temple she had found herself in? Part of her really hoped not, but she couldn't trust her luck enough to assume it would be any different to the last temple she had been held in. It seemed cleaner though, and warmer - which she supposed was something better.

One thing though in particular however caught her attention, the slightest intake of breath escaping her as she noticed the glass of water placed near the bed. The girl tongue instinctively darted out to moisten her chapped lips as she gulped, the dryness of her throat and mouth only becoming more pronounced to her as she wondered if the woman might leave the glass there when she was done. If she was lucky there might even be some left in it, besides a few hasty gulps near the river she couldn't remember the last time she had actually had clean water to drink. Maybe, just maybe, her luck was starting to turn.

Ailbhe meanwhile had finally stirred from their own slumber, the Khipey yawning sleepily as he registered the fact that its companion was indeed finally awake! With a small yip they quickly stood and made their way up to where the girl's head was, giving her cheek an excited lick as they began to purr softly to show their relief.
David
The surprise on the girl's face wasn't surprising to Winrae in the slightest. If she was blind in one eye as the paladin suspected, Win's presence likely scared her quite a bit. Allowing the girl to calm herself, hearing her finally speak her name caused Winrae to sit up straight and offer a nod in greeting. The 'mistress' term was not one the paladin enjoyed in the slightest. In fact, it caused a frown to appear on her face. "I- please, Winrae is just fine. I am no mistress of yours." Sabriel. What a beautiful name, one that was perfect for an aasimar in Win's eyes. Watching silently as Sabriel took in her surroundings, the glass of water quickly became her only focus. Slowly, Winrae stood and made her way around the bed to the same side as the table, her hand extending outward to pick up the glass of water. Rather than drink it however, she instead attempted to pass it to Sabriel.

It was enchanted to remain cool and fresh no matter how long it sat out. Winrae had done this to ensure Sabriel would have a drink whether she was there or not, one that would be sure to feel good on her likely sore throat. Sabriel would also come to find that should she take a drink, it would magically refill itself full once more. "Here. The healers said to be sure you drink lots of water, as you're suffering from dehydration." Once again, those dozens of questions gnawed at the paladin's mind, and soon enough another escaped and fell from her lips. "I understand if it is uncomfortable to speak of, but why were you shackled?" Winrae's assumption was relatively solid. Sabriel was likely a slave, her health and physical state enough to solidify her thoughts. Though, there was always the chance that she was an escaped criminal, though this possibility was more than unlikely. It was almost impossible.

_ _
Winrae's eyes darted to the beast upon Sabriel's body, a faint smile on her face as it happily welcomed its master back to the land of the living. The paladin was never one for pets. She did have a phoenix, though it was less of a pet and more a working companion, one that she only brought with her on missions and assignments. Bren was allowed to freely fly around the castle, though he typically remained outdoors at Winrae's behest. "I am afraid I cannot offer much in the way of food due to your dehydration. Although, broth is a worthy alternative until your healthy enough to try something more solid." Winrae's eyes darted from Ailbhe to Sabriel, the flames within dancing gently. "The healers will return soon to check on you. I'm sure you waking up is more than a good sign."

While Winrae's question still awaited an answer, there was always the possibility Sabriel was not comfortable to speak about it yet. In fact, Winrae almost knew she'd likely refuse to speak on it until a later date. It was best in this situation to keep the conversation moving if that were the case, so as not to frighten the poor girl any more than she already was. Looking back to Sabriel's companion, Winrae nodded her head in its direction. "I'd offer your friend something to eat but if my suspicions are correct, its a familiar yes?" Winrae leaned in slightly to inspect the khipey, her expression changing to one of curiosity. "How curious. I've never known a familiar to be so- affectionate."
Jerry
Her eyes flicked up as the other woman spoke, catching the Aasimar's frown as she refuted the term. That was less than a good sign, if they weren't her new master then she perhaps may be another servant, but one higher up in the chain of command. Still they seemed nice enough, for now anyway. Unfortunately Sabriel had too many experiences with those that had hidden their true intentions only to turn on her later, so for now her guard was still up. However she would remain silent as she watched the woman get up and move around, noting that indeed she was very tall. However her heart dropped a little as she noted they were heading towards the water, a little saddened that perhaps they may not get any after all - however it was a selfish thought and she pushed it away.

However much to her surprise, the woman didn't drink it and instead offered it to her. This was not what she was used to, or expecting as her surprise was plain on her face. The girl looking from the offered glass to the woman and back again, blinking as she slowly reached out for it. Her movements slow and shaky as she reached out, almost missing the glass with her hands as she struggled with her depth perception. Fearful in case it was a trap or prank of some kind, however as her hands clapped around it and nothing happened her brow instead furrowed in confusion as she brought the container close to herself. Maybe it was drugged? It wouldn't be the first time after all.

** **
She didn't drink straight away despite her thirst, instead looking up a little as the woman spoke. Blinking as she slowly processed everything that was being said to her, it was a lot to take in after all. Dehydration was something she was unfortunately familiar with and she was more than well aware that it was something that would need to be fixed before she could eat anything solid, both from her training and personal experiences. However the reminder of her shackles was a harsh one and she subconsciously moved a hand to rub the skin under one of her wrist ones, only to realise the metal was no longer in place. Her eyes widening in surprise she looked down and noted that in fact the shackles were gone, why she did not know but it was strange to not feel the heavy weights on her body anymore - almost as if she was missing an item of clothing she was supposed to wear. 

If it were possible she would have started crying there and then, her fingers brushing over the dark almost diamond shaped scarring on her wrist as she recalled the way they had welded the metal together. She didn't know if that meant she was still free or not, but to see the visual reminder of her time locked away missing was almost freeing in itself. The woman's last question finally drew her attention to the little Khipey by her side as she smiled fondly at the little creature, holding the glass towards him to drink from as she answered softly.

"Ailbhe... Has been with me as long as I can remember... He's family." She said while the creature took a few laps of the water before nudging the glass back towards her, he knew she wouldn't drink until he had after all. Finally she took a sip of the cool water, doing her best to try to be slow as she felt the liquid begin to soothe her throat and mouth. Closing her eyes appreciatively as she savored the feeling she steeled herself to answer the woman's other question, one she didn't want to think about.

** **
"They... Had them on me so I couldn't... Heal myself... Or try to escape.." She said quietly as she looked down at the glass, her body almost trembling as she forced herself to continue. "Also because... It made it easier when they wanted to... Make me do... Things.."
David
The silence between the two as Sabriel slowly contemplated taking a drink was making Winrae all the more anxious to know about the little one. The paladin was surprised to see Sabriel allow her companion to drink first, their compassion slightly confusing to Winrae. After all, she had gone through a lot worse than she'd likely ever share with Winrae. Watching Ailbhe and Sabriel interact with one another left a faint smile on the paladin's face, one that quickly faded as Sabriel's did the same. Her words of what had happened as vague as they were told Winrae everything she needed to know. The glow in her eyes grew exponentially, so much so the faint embers flickered into entire flames. There was clear rage in Winrae's demeanor, but she tried her best to calm it as much as she could.

With a deep and sharp inhale and exhale, Winrae closed her eyes, the flames fading down slightly. Rather than ask more about what had happened, the she-angel instead opted to focus in on the positive. "Stop you from healing yourself? You're a healer?" Looking over to the chair she had been sitting in on the opposite side of the bed, Winrae began to levitate over to the side she was now on before setting it down, then sitting herself. "Biomancy, I presume?" Perhaps shifting the conversation to something positive would make future conversations about the more heinous things that had happened a bit easier to have.

_ _
"How skilled are you if you don't mind me asking?" Thinking back to the shackles, Winrae had remembered they hadn't been thrown out just yet. Thankfully so, as she'd have to cast a few identification spells to understand the enchantments upon them. Perhaps it would lead Winrae to exactly who had done this to Sabriel. It didn't take a professor from the Order to understand what they had been doing to the poor girl. The doors to the infirmary opened and an older woman walked in, a tray in her hands. It was obvious she was heading to Winrae Sabriel all with a bright smile upon her wrinkled face.

*"Ah! She's awake, how wonderful."* Winrae turned to look at the older woman, a nurse of course. Upon the tray was a small bowl but the smell made it obvious it was a broth of some kind. It smelled like chicken. *"I hope Winrae here has given you a warm welcome into Alynthi."* The nurse smiled so brightly her eyes closed with wrinkles only opening as she set the tray upon the bed in front of Sabriel. The broth was empty of any noodles, meat or vegetables, but the taste of a salt and chicken were in the air. Looking to Sabriel, Winrae helped the nurse lock the tray in on the bed so that the bowl wouldn't spill before taking her seat once more. With a smile once more, the nurse bid her farewells and once again left the two aasimar to themselves. "Well, someone must have heard me mention broth, hm?" Winrae chuckled slightly.
Jerry
As the silence stretched on after her explanation, the girl managed to sneak a peek from the corner of her eye, uncertain of what the Aasimar's reaction would be. After all she knew what she was - *Slut... Whore... Breeding Bitch...* They had told her over and over again all the things she was and why that meant that it's all she ever could be, a thing for people to use. A disgusting creature that no one could ever love, or even like. Maybe they had been wrong? Or lying? She supposed there may have been a chance so she risked a glimpse from the corner of her eye to look at the woman, visibly flinching as she saw the rage in their eyes.

"I'm sorry.." She murmured as her body trembled, wings weakly rising as they tried to protect her body from the blows that were sure to come. Screwing her eyes shut as she waited for the inevitable, however none came. Instead she heard the woman's sharp intake of breath as she... Was she calming herself? That was... Strange. Why would she be calming herself? Normally people just laid into her until they felt, well in all honesty she didn't know what they felt that made them stop, though she assumed it was them getting tired usually. However this person, Winrae, was instead asking more questions rather than striking her.

Still wary she kept her face down as she nodded, humming affirmatively as her wings relaxed a little, their scruffy feathers obviously not in their best shape as they lay against the bed. She had been told the magic she used was Biomancy at any rate, granted that was when she was still little - or rather little'er she supposed. Maybe that's why they had not struck them, did they want her as a healer? It was certainly a more attractive prospect than the alternative at any rate.

** **
"I was told... I was good for my age... Though that was a long time ago.." She managed to rasp quietly as she took another sip of the water, her eyes glazing over a little as she cast her mind back before they dragged her underground. Her face screwed up a little as she tried to recall exactly what they had said about her magic all those years ago. "I think... They said I was a competent healer... Though I also knew a little Abjuration... And Evocation... But I wasn't very good with either of those."

As the nurse entered the girl's discomfort was almost palpable, her skin paling further as her eyes widened fearfully at the sight of the older woman. Her mind went back to all the nurses and clerics and healers that had taken their turns with her, sure this woman wasn't one of them. But the memories were not what one could call pleasant. The girl was almost visibly shrinking as her nose twitched at the smell of something she had not had in a very long time... A hot meal. Offering the smallest of 'thank you's' and 'sorry's' as the pair fiddled with the bed and tray the girl couldn't help but lick her lips again as her stomach grumbled loudly, demanding to be satiated with whatever smell was making her mouth water.

Yet even as the woman left, the girl made no move to eat as she stayed almost ramrod still while she stared at the broth. With only the slightest of facts sticking in her mind, _Alynthi_ , that was a long way from her home... But how had she ended up here? She still wasn't sure of whatever magic had freed her after all, and why it had seen it fit to place here in the woods.

** **
"I... Umm... Guess so... Maam.." She said softly in response to the woman's joke, uncertain of exactly how to take it. Most scenarios that had involved anything approaching decent food over the years had ended badly for her, and most of them involved some kind of joking or mocking tone. Had she planned this in some way? Bringing in the food just after she had woken up, after all the Aasimar had already shown she knew some magic - waking her up or ordering food wasn't out of the realm of what she may have been capable of.

"I... Umm..." She began softly as she stared at the food for a moment, mentally deciding it didn't particularly matter what happened to her if she was allowed to eat it after all - probably anyway. She was next to starving and gladly would have eaten out of a pig's trough if offered, something actually warm and cooked would be a blessing - besides it wasn't like they couldn't do much worse then had already been done to her. Looking up towards Winrae she kept her eyes averted as some of the mess of hair tumbled in front of her face as she continued, the lightest dusting of pink appearing on her cheeks as she did so. 

"What would I uhh... Have to _do_ for um... This.."
David
Winrae's eyes widened with pity as Sabriel began to tremble and hide from the paladin's rage. There was clear trauma trapped within the poor thing's heart and mind, trauma Winrae couldn't even begin to understand or contemplate. Of course it enraged her, but she'd have to try her best not to show it physically. The last thing she wanted was to cause Sabriel to believe she was still in whatever horrific place she was once in. No, she was safe here. Winrae would be sure of it. Once the nurse had left the room, leaving the two alone entirely, Winrae leaned in a bit, her head at level with Sabriel's in an attempt to show they were equals. "You don't have to apologize. My anger is not for you, but those who would-" Winrae stopped herself for a moment to ensure she said the right thing before continuing, "-I am not angry with you, I promise."

"You and I seem to have quite a bit in common, Sabriel. I too utilize abjuration and evocation, though funnily enough my weakest school is biomancy." Offering a bright smile, it quickly disappeared with Sabriel's words. Was she implying that Winrae was- *Oh gods.* "Sabriel, no." Winrae shook her head vigorously, a serious but gentle look upon her face. The paladin wished to reach out and take the girl's hand, but if the thoughts in Win's head were as true as she believed them to be, touch was the last thing Sabriel needed right now. Regardless, Winrae rest a hand on the bed next to Sabriel, her voice calm and protective almost. "I can swear to you that no one will ever touch you like that again as long as I'm around. Never again." Shaking her head, Winrae then looked to the bowl of broth and gestured to it. "That is yours, no strings attached. You will want for nothing with me."

_ _
A ray of protectiveness washed over Winrae, a feeling she couldn't quite explain. It was strange. The only other person she felt this protective over was her sister Essme, and it was only when her sibling popped into her head did a pang of guilt soon follow. Shaking it off, Winrae helped Sabriel bring the tray and bowl closer and ensured it wouldn't spill and burn either of them. It was looking like the mental road to recovery would be a bit longer, but if that was the case Winrae would be there. There was still that rage ever present boiling in the paladin's heart for whomever harmed Sabriel, but instead of focusing on that, Winrae moved the conversation on yet again to not let the bad linger any longer than it needed to. "Say, do you have any nicknames? Perhaps Sabbie or Bri?"

Perhaps the king would wish to some sort of investigation. If there were slave operations somewhere in Alynthi of this severity, they'd need to be quelled quickly. Once Sabriel got settled Winrae would have to see him about all this.
Jerry
The pit in her gut only deepened as the woman lowered her head, the girl shrinking a little despite the well meaning attempt at reassurance. After all any attempt to get close to her level previously had usually meant some sort of threat or premonition to activities she would rather not think about, and she didn't want someone to do that to her at Winrae's size while angry, experience had taught her it was always best to placate the big ones if she wanted to stay in one piece. 

However it seemed that perhaps her fears may not have been warranted, the woman promising the anger was not directed at her, and the knot in her gut loosened. Just a little, just enough for the girl to look up with such a mess of emotions on her face it was hard to say what was the most dominant one. Fear, hope, distrust and confusion all managed to find their way there as she blinked slowly - trying to process if this was a genuine statement. Perhaps it was, or perhaps the woman didn't really know what she was yet - should she tell her? Her teachers and mother had always said being honest was the best policy, and she wasn't a liar, at least not intentionally. However, was it really lying if she never said anything in the first place? She supposed it probably was, and would likely get her in trouble if she did it.

However the woman had spoken several times as the girl thought, her eyes almost glazed as she debated the merits within herself. The most recent part stuck in her mind as she blinked her way out of her state, lowering her gaze once more as she stared at the bowl as her stomach made its audible demands. She barely registered the hand beside her as a few small tears began to fall from her single working eye, silently crying as she gulped several times. She couldn't lie, not to someone this nice to other people - even if it meant what she feared would pass she just didn't have it in her. 

"They... Used to call me Sabbie.."

** **
The creature by her side had not missed the hand however, the Khipey making its way over as it gave it an appreciative lick before rubbing its fuzzy face on it affectionately. After all this lady had treated both of them well so far and he was as thankful as a Khipey could be for it. The creature only looking up as their companion began to speak again, though perhaps trying to speak would be a more accurate term, the girl swallowing as she struggled to push past her own tears.

"You... D-don't have to be nice to me ma'am... I'm just a.." She began softly, pausing to sniffle a little as her posture began to slouch somewhat, almost bowing as she managed to continue. She _had_ to do this though, she couldn't lie and bear the anger later, no matter how nice it felt for someone to show her actual care.

"I'm just a... Whore... Homewrecker... A..A... Slut... A..._parasite_.." She whispered softly as she looked away from everything, the woman, the food - everything. It would all be taken away anyway once they knew, her kindness would vanish as would the food, the bed, everything would go. No matter how much her heart yearned for it she knew that any punishments dealt out would be worse the longer she waited.

"I'm... Sorry if I... Deceived you... But you should not... I'm... Not worth it... I didn't mean to trick you.."

Thus she screwed up her face as she waited, waited for the shouting, the violence. The punishment for her deception of the she-angel, all of it. For it was sure to come and she would certainly deserve it, but the fear of it remained as tears freely fell without a sound from the girl.
Lois
```Sabriel then promptly passed out crying due to lack of energy, leaving Winrae to be shoved out of the room by upset nurses as they sought to help them.

They never even got to try the broth..```
David
**From Findara to Alynthi,**

**It wasn't the first time Henryk was invited to do some rounds assisting the weary and needy within the royal castle— his mentor's skills were renown in the upper class circles, through nepotism, and of course merit, has shown that he too had skills to match or perhaps even exceed his mentor's.**

**He was brought in for the same purpose of looking at soldiers and others in these royal halls— it wasn't the first time he had been inside these walls, in fact, he once remembered serving as a combat medic along the Alynthi boarders, providing his care to soldiers during a attack from the neighbouring nation. He remembered waking up here, having saved an Alynthi infantrymen from death, using his last healing salve to save the soldier. That simple act had been the price to his salvation— for was he not a generous, and, albeit, reckless soul, he would not have lived.**

**And now he was here, making money from the guard barracks because healers were far and few— not many seem to cherish the Medicinal Arts. Fortunately, Dr. Henryk was here. He had been performing his rounds, before eventually coming across and individual that caught his eye.**

**The doctor, with a nurse not too far behind, stopped to look upon this individual. To his eye, they seemed worse for ware.**

"Who are they?" **The doctor asked in a cold tone, steely grey eyes examining the figure of this girl, attempting to eyeball any visible injuries he can treat. Though, expectantly, he was waiting for the nurse to give him full details on this individual's situation. There could be underlying issues he may not be seeing, after all.**

**He stood near the foot of her bed. His slender figure stood in a lax stance. He had this chilly atmosphere around him, with these almost dead eyes. He had gaunt facial features, cheeks sunken in slightly, with pale skin. One might assume he doesn't take care of himself properly, despite being a doctor. Though others find him to be the apple to thine eye.**

**He wore leathered boots, with checkered slacks. A white dress shirt covered his upper body with a sleeveless dress vest which was coloured a navy blue.**

**His attention was on her now. That cold gaze would cut into her like a scalpel.**
Lisa
_The nurse almost walked into the good doctor before she looked between the doctor and the small figure that lay in the bed, she could understand why perhaps he had shown interest in the little Aasimar that was now looking up with wide eyes, afraid they had don't something wrong **Again** . They were a far cry from the soldiers and guards and most nobles that he would have seen so far at any rate, so it was most likely an interest due to the fact they were outside the norm. _

"This is Sabriel sir, Winrae found them out in the woods a few weeks ago more dead then alive. Suffering from extreme dehydration and malnourishment as well as the fever from an infection in their leg, they have been making good progress on their physical recovery - their mind though, they have some way to go." _She said quietly, trying to not let the little one hear her has she spoke. They were liable to worry over even small things, oversensitive to even the smallest of changes in ones demeanor. Not that she could blame them entirely, not if what they had told them was true at any rate._

"They have severe burn scarring on their neck, wrists and ankles from the shackles they were wearing when Winrae brought them in. Horrible things had been fused together with some kind of fire or heating magic, likely when they were awake. They also had deep gashes around their left ankle that were the source of the infection, something about the chain getting stuck when they were running from a bear I believe." 

"We have just started them on some simple solids, though occasionally they have trouble keeping them down - nerves I believe. Please be as gentle as you can with them, they get upset rather easily. As far as we can tell they were a slave to some rather... Unpleasant, people for quite some time so their mind isnt... All there."
Charles
_The creature in question meanwhile had sat up rather quickly at the strange voice, backing up towards the head of the bed with a worried glance between the two. The nurse she knew, they were a nice person and usually didn't complain about their... Accidents. The stranger though was another matter entirely, he looked cold and somewhat intimidating and in a way disapproving._ 

_Their arms tightened around the book they held in their arms, shielding their chest with it as they quickly looked away, their legs pressing together under the sheets while their ragged wings closed around them a litle. Sure they wouldn't do much in the way of actually protecting them, but the habit was obviously there as a protective mechanism as their eyes flicked between the mans cold gaze and the floor to the side._ 

_The difference in their looks could not be more apparent, though both were obviously quite slender for differing reasons. They had medium length white hair, roughly chopped by a nurse to remove the worst of the matting and knots when she had been brought in. They painfully short that was obvious, especially for an Aasimar, she couldn't even have been five feet tall standing. However they seemed to have almost genderless doll like features, offset only by the heavy scarring around their left eye that was replaced with a white marble prosthetic - the other completely white as it glowed slightly._
David
**The Doctor looked to the nurse and gave a short nod, before looking back towards Sabriel.** "I'll perform an assessment." **He'd simply say, taking a few paces closer to the girl. Henryk would slowly get lower, bringing himself to eye level with Sabriel— then a little lower as he had gotten onto a knee to give the young one a sense he was making himself smaller, to appear less intimidating. Those cooled eyes still stabbed like daggers as he was observing her— constantly looking for each hidden detail about her.**

"Hello." **He would simply say.** "I am Henryk, a Doctor." **He'd briefly tell the girl, giving himself an introduction.** "What's your name?" **He'd then ask— giving the girl basic courtesy. Yes, he _just_ heard her name, but, he wanted her to say it. To give her the power to speak and not have anyone else speak on her behalf.**

**He recognized the marks. Slaver's lost property it appears. The people who're saved from places like Dasvaz typically had these sorts of markings. The permanent reminder of chains having once been bounded to their flesh. The burns scars he could fix— he had tinctures that could make burned skin heal anew. The gashes and infection was also something he could handle— this all wasn't beyond Henryk's skill set. He learned School of Healing Alchemy for a reason.**

**He would then observe the prosthetic of theirs. The faux eye which sat in their eye socket. The morbid part of him wanted to attempt an eye transplant— to give this child new vision, but, he refrained from showing that macabre side of him. It wasn't necessary to reveal that side of him to someone so vulnerable.**

**He continued to eyeball her, and remained knelt for her. He knew he came off as a person that was intimidating— even if he appeared to be just human. Right now, being the cunning and _scary_ doctor wasn't necessary. He would attempt to appeal to her. No, he is no expert at Enchantments, but, he understood basic emotions. He had empathy— he certainly did feel empathetic for this poor creature.**

**He waited on her introduction. He was to treat her like a princess— especially since this isn't his clinic.**
Charles
_They looked up as the nurse nodded encouragingly before moving off, their brow creased with worry as they backed away from the side of the bed this doctor had knelt beside, still keeping the book between them as they gulped. Unable to meet his piercing gaze as the kept theirs on the bedsheets between them, that kind of gaze they knew all too well, the kind that would peel back all their layers, see things they didn't want to be seen. The kind that just saw her as a **Thing** To be used._ 

"I... It's Sabriel... Sir." _They said quietly, their voice light and slightly raspy, possibly from the burn mark on her throat - or perhaps from overuse over time. Whatever the doctor decided would be up to him, regardless it still held the same near genderless quality of their appearance. Something he would be able to appreciate more now he was closer to the figure, despite them half trying to hide from his gaze._

_Up close their features were perhaps even more strange, androgynous for the most part yet extremely soft and delicate features, their skin unblemished besides the aforementioned scarring. From how pale they were it was obvious they had not seen the sun for some time, now though he was close he could see the traces of black scarring around the fake eye as well, a sign of necrotic damage to the area._
David
"Sabriel." **He'd repeat her name to himself, nodding and giving a smile— a shallow one, but, something to try showing a sort of empathetic emotion to her.** "It's a lovely name, Ms. Sabriel." **Henryk would then tell her. He'd let out a push of air from his nostrils, shoulders slumping a bit as he would continue on with business.** "Tell me— do you feel any discomfort or irritation? I would like to perform a top-to-bottom examination of you, so I may see the extent of what I'm dealing with." **He'd briefly explain.** "The magical healers did good work, but, I'm here to help you get out of the infirmary sooner, so, would you indulge me, Ms. Sabriel?" **He kept those cool eyes on her, but they were a little softer now that he was talking to her. He was mostly concerned with speeding up her recovery. He can already see most of the heavy lifting is done, but, he can see that some more work can be done, especially in terms of assisting her out of this bed eventually.**

**From what he saw already, he could likely heal the skin— though scars _will_ remain. He can at least make them more manageable, he has the concoction necessary to heal back burnt skin, though, it won't be a comfortable process. The throat situation he can remedy too— he'd have to get a closer look at her throat however to access if it's purely a dehydration issue, if there is tissue damage, or something else. Even the area which experienced necrotic damage, around the eye, can be given life. Though replacing the eye is a different story all together.**

**He also thought of how he could speed her recovery up. She likely experienced muscle atrophy from malnourishment. He had a concoction for that too, but, it'd have to be a daily dosage for an extended period of time— he will also most certainly not reveal how he made this concoction as it'd certainly unnerve any who ask.**

**Yes, he'll be able to get her out of this infirmary in no time, given she gives _him_ the time of day.**

**He waited on her consent.**
Jerry
_They would flash the smallest smile they could manage in return, an anxious and strained affair as they regarded the stranger still with fear and mistrust. Blinking silently as he continued, wondering why people seemed to like her name so much, was it just something people said to be polite? No one had said that at home, not that she remembered anyway, perhaps it was just a foreign name to those in this country. Which she supposed could sound nice to those unused to it, but maybe that was a case of the grass being greener on the other side... Or something like that._

_At his first question they shook their heads, immediately followed by one of the burns beginning to itch like it had been bitten by a mosquito. They had enough self control to not scratch it in front of the doctor but the twinge of discomfort on their face was obvious as they glanced down at their hands for a moment, it was irritating to say the least but they had been through far worse without complaint, there was no need to bother a doctor with it as it would eventually pass._

_His second question, or rather request, was a very different matter._

_She gulped as she curled up her legs somewhat, trying to make herself smaller as she gulped. A full examination? She had been through one or two of those so far, and only with one of the healers. An older woman who had also been the only one she had allowed to help bathe her the few times she had agreed to it, and while they had given her their reassurances, she was far from willing to trust anyone else to see her... Especially a strange man._ 

_But he was also trying to help, at least the nurses seemed to trust him to._

** **
_She found herself unable to meet his eyes as they looked away, pulling at their sleeves as if they could somehow cover more of themselves as a hint of colour warmed their cheeks. Pressing their legs tighter they managed to rasp out a tiny response, almost a plea as they kept their gaze away from him._

"Please... Can... Can I umm... Keep the g-gown on... Sir..?"
David
"Of course you may." **Henryk responded in a rather simple way. He'd rise to his feet and begin looking her over— removing the blanketing that covered her to get a better look at what he was dealing with.**

". . . Yes, I think I'll be able to relieve you." **He nodded to himself, seeing as it was evident first and foremost that the burns were dealt with.** "Ms. Sabriel, I am going to give you a few injections. In nature, one cannot heal burns easily— especially in your case, the best you could hope for is scarring. _However_ I do have a tincture that'll make the scarification process faster, and reduce the irritation you're feeling." **He'd explain as he set his doctor's bag nearby. He'd open and begin to pull out some vials and needles.** "You're going to feel hungrier from this as a side effect. I hope that's OK." **He would show the vial. It was this murky pink liquid which he'd settle down nearby.**

". . . _Next,_ your atrophy. Naturally, in order to promote muscle growth, you must eat and you must move. This can take _months_ however this tincture I have here. . ." **He would reveal a white vial for her to behold.** ". . . Will promote muscle hypertrophy and assist in your recovery. This you'll have to take daily until you've ran out. I'll be asking the nurses to give you this in the morning." **He would neglect to tell her what this is made of. It's better that way.** 

**He'd take out his third vial.** "This'll promote bone health. Rather explanatory, it increases the amount of calcium you produce and will strengthen your bones. That includes the bones in your wings too." **Again, neglecting to tell Sabriel what this is made of.**

". . . I believe these three will be enough to promote a swift recovery." **He allowed them to be laid out for Sabriel to look over. Each vial had a name to them. "Salamander's Regrowth", "Bull's Strength", and "Parathyroid Extract". He collected the Salamander's Regrowth first, before looking upon Sabriel.**

"Before I begin. Do you consent to this, Ms Sabriel?"
Jerry
_They make a small noise as the blanket is removed, pulling their legs up to themselves slightly as they trembled a little. Swallowing thickly as they tried to remind themselves this man was not the same as the ones they had been used too, that is what the nurses said about the other male healers that had seen to them at any rate. So if they were willing to leave them alone with the stranger then hopefully that meant that he too would not act in the way they feared._

"I am grateful for them... To just be removed.." _They say softly as they look down at their wrists, the flash of the heavy iron shackles overlaying in their mind as they shook their head to clear the image._ "And I do not mind... I am used to... That feeling."

_They would watch and nod as he displayed the vials and explain their purpose, only understanding some of the words used in the explanations. The healing they were used to usually involved salves and potions, as well as magic of course. They had also only been young when they stopped learning, before they could introduced to some of the more advanced non-magical healing techniques and terminology. They were however obviously curious, slowly letting the book sit in their lap as they leant forward to examine the vials._

"They have been helping me with moving around and things like that... Though I still need help walking and... Other things.." _They say quietly as they tilt their head at the bone vial, ignoring the fact that they had essentially said the same thing twice. _ "You do not need to worry about my wings though... I do not use them to do much, so they do not need to be... Strong."

_For a moment they stared at the vials and equipment curiously, still struggling to process exactly why he would be going to all this trouble for, after all they were strangers... But perhaps he was like themselves, wanting to help because it was right._

"I... Consent.." _She said with a small nod._
David
**With that, he began the process.**

**He'd begin by preparing three separate injections per each vial he drew from. He'd set these nearby for him to collect in order to administer later. He would take out a leather strap and begin to wrap it around one of Sabriel's arms. He'd wrap it to give her a nice squeeze as this was to cause her veins to _pop_ out a bit so he'd know where to optimally inject.**

**After a few moments, he'd begin to see the veins on her arm. He pulled the strap away, before taking out some gauze to lubricate her skin— the gauze was cold, and felt slightly unpleasant, but it was necessary for him to do so.**

**Once she was prepared, he took the first needle. He'd start by utilizing the 'Salamander's Regrowth', bringing it to her arm.** "This will pinch." **He would forewarn, before pressing the needle into her skin, piercing her as he pushed in towards her vein.**

**Once in, he began injecting the liquid into her body, where it'd be swept by her bloodstream and circulated through her body. The effects were not immediate, as they were far more _subtle_ to say the least. Henryk knew she'd feel hungrier throughout the day, as this process of regeneration should take two-to-three days to fully heal her burns into scar tissue.**

**Next, the Parathyroid Extract. Similar process yet again, she would inject her, and the liquid would be swept by her bloodstream.**

**Then finally, the Bull's Strength. Henryk was giving the first injection, but, the nurses would have to continue injecting her 'till the vial was empty of the course of a few days. That vial he'll be leaving should last a three week period— long enough for Sabriel to make a full recovery. He'd suspect by the end of the first week she'll already be moving normally, perhaps even running.**

**His series of injections were complete as he bandaged her injection site. Once the Doctor was done, he would collect the used instruments into a separate sack— he'll be cleaning these later in his disinfectant.**

**Now that he was done, Henryk looked down to Sabriel, as he was now standing.** "There. All done. Your arm will feel sore, but, it should be fine by tomorrow. If you're feeling faint, don't be alarmed, but do let the nurses know." **He'd tell her.**

". . . Now. Any questions?" **The Doctor then asked her.**

**He'd visibly begin packing. It seems that he has concluded what he needed to do.**
Jerry
_She seemed to only turn away for the times his hands actually touched her, her eyes screwing shut as she struggled not to flinch away. It was of course nothing personal against the man but rather just the effect of her previous situation, her body used to expecting the worst when being touched by another. However it also seemed her natural curiosity quickly won out, the Aasimar looking down curiously as he inserted needle after needle to inject her. _

_In truth she barely registered the pinches he spoke of, they were so low on her senses they barely even registered as pain. Instead she observed the procedure quietly with her one good eye, blinking occasionally as the good doctor did his work. Wondering why the temple did not have this kind of thing when she was there, or if they did why they never used it._ 

_As her finished she would slowly take the arm back, looking over the bandaging appreciatively as she held it close to her body. He had done a very good job of balancing its tightness against the bodies comfort and she could appreciate the skill that it took to do so. Nodding as he explained the possible side effects, though she had not had this kind of medicine before she knew many potions caused a similar effect on the body when used._ 

_As he finished and repeated his instructions to inform the nurses if she felt faint she nodded, though whether she actually would was another question altogether. She knew such things were usually temporary and wouldn't want to bother them with something that would likely pass on its own, their time could eb spent better elsewhere after all_ 

_Shaking her head in rseponse to his last question she responded quietly, looking up at him slightly as she managed to rasp out an expression of thanks._

"T-thank you sir... If there... Is anything I can do to repay you... Please... Let me know.."
David
**He'd listen to what she'd have to say. It wasn't the first time someone said those exact same words, but, it was different hearing it from someone who was saved from slavery. Henryk almost felt guilty she'd say such a thing, but, all niceties are free in the word.**

**The Good Doctor, a normally a gentleman with a cold demeanour, would show her this saddened smile— nothing forced like earlier, this smile was genuine, and it was shed for Sabriel in this instance. He gazed upon her with both pity and appreciation that she'd still offer to repay him somehow. Thus, Henryk will tell her this. . .**

"If you wish to repay me. . . Then you'll promise to me that you'll live a long and fruitful life." **He'd simply tell her as he packed away his things. He tore his gaze from her, his smile dulled back to his usual neutral expression. He didn't want the girl to feel pressured to having to repay him— instead, he'll instil something else. He'd want to give her an appreciation for life, and to know people _can_ be kind without any ulterior motive. He could force her to become his ward, he could made her do despicable acts, however he chooses not too as he could see himself, when he was young, in that same position as she is now. And— he could remember the scars of battle. The days where he'd have to drag soldiers off the battlefield to medicate them, to perform miracles before the reaper called for then. He could remember the terror he felt— the sense of feeling the every fibre of your being tense up to the smell of gunpowder and crimson.**

**He didn't fully appreciate his own life, but, he wanted this individual to cherish the chance they've been given to redefine themself from slave to something else. Something _better_ he would hope.**

**As he went through this thought process, he would double back and think about how useful having a ward would be. Sigh. He's already said what he has said.**

**He'd softly chuckle to himself, at his own thoughts as he finished packing.**
Jerry
_She blinks curiously at his statement, her head tilted to the side as she processed it. It seemed an odd request for one to make as repayment, after all it was not entirely up to her if she did live a long and fruitful life. She could get eaten by a Roc, or the ceiling may collapse on her or any number of possibilities beyond her control could have an effect on her ability to carry out his request._ 

_However his smile was genuine, or at least she felt it was. So perhaps this was simply a way of making a request that would not cost her anything, a gift perhaps? She wasn't sure, the people of Alynthi were so very different to what she was used to after all and it was often confusing how many of them seemed to offer help without any expectation of something in return. It was in line with how she used to think but it was so strange being around those that felt the same, it had made it hard to trust them the first few weeks but she had been slowly beginning to accept that perhaps there was no other shoe that was going to drop._

"I will... Do my best sir... Thank you again.."
David
"Henryk." **The Doctor would simply state his name, finishing to gather his things before looking upon Sabriel.** "You may call me Henryk." **He'd tell her, shutting his bag of medical things™️ closed, pacing towards the foot of Sabbie's bed. He would look to the _supposed_ Aasimar, giving her this warmer expression than what he had initially coming to her.**

"It's about time I move along now. If you ever need medical assistance, my clinic is located in Findara. You can also pen me, if you so desire. For now, I believe this is farewell." **The Doctor would tell the girl, sighing a bit as he turned towards his side.** "If you have any issues, please talk to the nurses. For _your_ sake, not mine."

**Before he began walking, his face would turn to that of realization.** "Ah— before I leave..." **He'd dig into one of his side pouches, before pulling out _something_. It was a stick, with this wrapping which surrounded a sphere at the end of it. It was a lollipop.**

"A treat. You did good today. Now then." **He'd deposit it in Sab's lap.**

"Goodbye." **He would share her a final smile, before moving along— his medical care was needed for others after all.**

**So the Doctor left. His cold heart growing slightly warmer after this interaction.**