Nostrum: Tales of Valor

Desolate Steed

Cronn rests against a mattress in the infirmary, with three nurses tending to him. One scrubs at abrasions on his arms and legs with a warm, wet sponge, whilst another administers medication for his head. The third, who had assisted Briar and himself in finding Belial prior, replaces buckets of filthy solution with fresh ones at his feet and sorts out utensils on a small platter. Each of which is clearly designed for stitching up open wounds. He winces as the first nurse places a sponge against his cheek. The sting of alcohol against tender tissue remains persistent long after she moves on to another area. Cronn looks about the other beds, wondering why most remain empty in a time like this, but fearing the answer.

"Thank you, Cronn." The nurse at his feet says with a shy, uncertain smile.

"For what?"

"For saving us from what would have otherwise been certain death." The two nurses helping her nod in agreement. Each sharing in the small smile.

"There's no need for that." Cronn looks towards the nurse who has been tending wounds and stops her as she attempts to remove a stained undershirt from him. "Please, tend another patient."

With a nod, she spins in place and briskly walks towards another Nostrum; Bucket and sponge in hand. The one who had been hand feeding him dissolved medications finishes up her work as well and proceeds to do as the other had. Leaving Cronn with only the third, who has threaded a string through the eye of a curved needle.

"Are you ready?"

"As I'll ever be." Cronn assures, offering her his left arm, where a large gash had been made in his bicep.

"Do you mind if I ask you a question?"

The words come with a sharp pain as she twists the needle beneath his skin. Cronn winces again and grabs a bottle of alcohol from his bedside stand, which the first nurse left behind. Popping the cork, he takes a long swig and lets his head fall back.

"Please, ask."

"You say you knew of Belial's condition prior to all of this. You knew he was infected and would surely turn eventually."

"Indeed."

"So... why didn't you stop him when you knew you could? What would possess you to keep him sedated with that brew or even the sedatives? Knowing his transformation would surely be so fatal?"

"Are you suggesting you could kill a friend so easily?"

"No, never." She shakes her head as she ties off the stitches and clips the needle free with a pair of scissors. "I guess, all I'm trying to ask is; What was your plan of action?"

"I don't know." Cronn states, blandly. His eyes turn to the sheets as he takes another swig, not yet feeling the full weight of all that was lost. "Briar... Briar was the one with a plan. He wanted to see Belial overcome this but... neither of us knew his intentions. Nor how obscured he was mentally. Not until it was too late... that is."

"Suppression can certainly do some unexpected things."

Cronn gives a silent laugh, allowing a small amount of air to escape his nostrils as he drops his head down even further.

"I'm not so sure suppression was the root of it."

"Nostrum Cronn." A familiar voice calls out, accompanied by the sound of firm shoes.

Looking towards the ward's entrance, he spots Achlys. Who is followed closely behind by two of The Keep's servants. As she approaches his bed, she waves them off. Sending them to check on two others and giving the pair some privacy. Reaching the bedside, she looks over at the nurse and smiles faintly.