Elmarian walked with his eyes closed into slits. His head pounding mercilessly with each unsteady step. His breathing coming in laboured gasps he could not have spoken even if he had tried. His eyes burned as if fire had been poured into them. The only comfort from the merciless agony was the shade the hood and the mage's hand offered him. Elmarian didn't so much as offer a single word of complaint however, for that was not his way. He had been taught not to utter a word unless spoken to. The countless beatings had taught him much, but it was not this that made him hold his tongue. It was something deeper, something from his upbringing sparkling through the empty night of his mind.<br/><br/>Elmarian was glad however to stop when they reached the coach and he leaned against it as they made a bed for him inside. He didn't say a word, didn't make a sound. Simply allowed them to guide him back into the comfortable dark. The very thing  he despised so much, was no his lifeline. The only place he felt free of the pain. He closed his eyes as he lay down on the blanket. Too tired to even utter a thank you. His eyes closed completely once more.<br/><br/>He felt the blankets fall over him. Felt her light hands brush the bruised skin as she covered him. Pushing away the cold that had made him numb. He opened his eyes at her words. Nodding as he accepted the food. Slowly, mechanically, he ate the bread. Then the sliced roast and only occasionally took a drink from the flask of cider. Every motion was mechanical. Lacking any semblance of grace. Elmarian only allowed a faint moan to escape his lips as the white hot knives of pain sliced into him. His body trembled and shook bringing him further away from reason and speech. His eyes closed completely and his body lay down limp and still in Peels strong grip as Katie worked.<br/><br/>Their words washed over him. His mind numb and blank from the pain and agony of his injuries as she worked. He only slowly began to register her words. He shook his head a few minutes after her words sank in. Slowly he attempted to speak. His words broken and slurred,<span style="color: #FFBF80">"No... no food... water... just... water."</span><br/><br/>He let his eyes closed again once he'd drank and she began to speak of clothing. He had not worn clothing since he could remember, he wasn't sure he would know how to put it on. He must have fallen asleep because the next thing he knew her soft voice woke him. Her words trickling in like ice melting. Slowly and steadily making sense in his muddled fuzzy thoughts.<span style="color: #FFBF80">"I..."</span>He trailed off looking at the clothing and frowned,<span style="color: #FFBF80">"I have never worn clothing lady, I do not know how to put these garments on."</span>he said offering a small smile of apology and gratitude to her.