The concern she'd heard in Malkier's voice came as more of a shock than anything. He fluttered toward her like a concerned friend, and while Deryn had only known him just a short time, there was something comforting in the fact that he cared enough to demand an answer as to why she hadn't said something to him about her shoulder wound earlier.<b>"You left after the attack and I was not bothered enough to say anything at the time. As I stated, I will dress it when I've the chance."</b>But of course, he ignored her and went about trying to help the wound himself.<br/><br/>Before Deryn could fight the others off, she was surrounded by individuals capable of healing even in the mos deadly of illnesses. There was nothing she could do but stay seated and watch as they poked and prodded the lines running from the bite down her arm and up toward her neck. The sensation of worry creeped into the back of her mind, and a sickly sweat started on her brow as she grew concerned with their whispers and questions and theories as to what it was that affected her so. Glancing up at Malkier with her hazel eyes, Deryn couldn't help the fear that lingered there. She hoped that he could see it; she hoped that he understood that she hadn't wanted to worry anyone.<br/><br/>Answers finally came, and Deryn listened in awe as the fae that touched her spoke about 'carriers' and 'mutations'. Surely, this wasn't that serious, was it? The looks on everyone's faces told her it was, however, and Deryn swallowed hard and hoped that it really could be removed from her body for good. Finally, the process of removing it was over, and Malkier approached her quickly while the others scattered. There were quieted whispers, hushed voices that spoke of what Deryn had brought to them. How would they combat this? Had it already spread? Surely if a weak human girl such as Deryn could carrier, warriors stronger and more hearty than her could potentially be infected too.<br/><br/>Malkier's question had Deryn pausing with consideration for just a moment before she raised a hand to cover her mouth and yawned loudly. Exhaustion of the purest form slammed into her, and Deryn wondered if she'd really slept at all during her journey.<b>"I am quite tuckered out."</b>She replied, a lazy smile curling her lips upward.<b>"But aside from exhaustion, my shoulder feels well and I have no additional complaints. You do not have to hover over me, Sir."</b>Deryn tacked on the formality just because she thought it was entertaining to do so.<br/><br/><b>"Stop with your concerns. I was not badly wounded. Had I been, I would have taken care of it myself or said something sooner. I was, and still am, fine. You might think me young, but I can handle myself, wounded or otherwise. I would have assumed you to know this already, but it seems your observational skills are lacking."</b>She teased him slightly, but Deryn didn't realize how serious of a wound she'd had. Perhaps if she had known how bad it was, she really might have asked for Malkier's help at the shrine, but to Deryn, she was just dealing with an infected wound that could be healed with basic salves and poultices. To everyone else, she had been dealing with something entirely more malicious.<br/><br/>Deryn stood and smoothed out her pants before motioning for Malkier to move along with her.<b>"I am in need of an escort, I am afraid." </b>She frowned, looking around her and spotting Imperellis across the fire.<b>"While I am tired, I do not know where I am to sleep tonight."</b>It was an honest predicament, hopefully one that Malkier could help her fix. As they walked together, Deryn chuckled at his question about her further plans.<b>"Do you think that I am one who would shy away from an adventure such as this? Running away to Albion is the last thing I would like to do."</b>Deryn wrapped herself tighter around her gear, an unconscious comforting gesture for her own benefit than anyone else's.<b>"The Prince needs to be warned. I plan on continuing to travel through Teutonia." </b>Briefly pausing, Deryn tilted her head to look up at Malkier, a sinister grin on her face.<b>"And you're coming with me."<br/>
</b><br/>Tag:<a class="username" data-user-id="92" data-username="@Malkier" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/92/">@Malkier</a>