Kate was happy he did not recoil or get mad. She hid her anger as he said he was thirsty and hungry. His eyes revealed in more pain than his words. It was a rare talent that males possessed the ability to use magic to self-heal. This ability caused him greater pain as her healing usually diminished pain.<br/><br/>The student gave his hand a squeeze as she stood up. " Forgive me for hurting you. I will return with a meal and hot toddy."<br/><br/>Kate placed the hood over her head and rushed to the chow line. She filled two plates to the brim and pored two hot toddies. Spirits were rarely used in camp, but Alistair survived his first battle. The red-hair fox-human smuggled a bottle of apple brandy made at her father's manor. The mage student removed it from the sleeve in her robe. The regular soldiers were forbidden any strong drinks. She would see to it Alistair was spoiled. He was her patient and she would not neglect him.<br/><br/>When Mage student Kate, she set the food down on the stool; then made a privacy curtain out of a quilt folded at the end of her charge's cot. She then removed her hood and spoke softly after he ate his fill, "My name is Lady Katheryn Lyons. Please call me Katie or Kate. I know your father well; he is always at my father's side.  Papa and Captain Artemus will not allow me to see you; until you have been knighted. I am sure you will have your own squire after this battle. Take this plate of venisen stew, mashed potatos, and apple pie. If your still humgry, have this other plate. Eat your fill; you need your strength."<br/><br/>The mage hands him an opened bottle of brandy, " Take as much brandy as you like. From the way you look, I am sure, whom you fought is in worse condition."<br/><br/>Kate remained quiet as he ate. She handed him a sweet herb, "Alistair, this is pepermint; it will settle your stomach. Can you rest?  I will stay with you want.   I know this was your first major engagement; I can tell your a bundle of nerves. No shame in going to pieces; Jonn, my brother was not the same after his first battle, and he broke down. I am sorry they teach you how to fight and expect you hide your emotions afterward.  I do not mind if you need a hug or just want to hold my hand. I am a good listener if you just want to talk. Feel free to cry or yell. I never gossip. You can trust me."<br/><br/>Katie scooted the stool closer to the cot and allowed him to touch her, "Your no less a man, Alistair."