The Demonica

Sorrow+Pain=Power

October 1697, France Six months since James's Passing, Jethro's POV

It was a dark and dreary day, more rain was very likely. it rained a lot since Master James passed. I set the tea set on a tray to bring to Erika, she hadn't moved from their bedroom since the funeral. in fact, she still wore the same clothes from that day, she was almost statuesque. she never moved I began to worry two months into her retreat. 

I carried the tray of food up to her room and gently knocked on the door 

"Miss Erika, I've brought you breakfast" I spoke gently 

"Go away Jethro, I'm not hungry" was her response from the other side 

I turned the knob and entered the dark room lighting a candle despite it being broad daylight outside, and I set the food on the bedside table taking a seat on the side of the bed next to her. She laid on Master James's side clutching his pillow her back turned to me. I could hear the soft whimpers coming from her throat, It always pained me to see her so distressed 

"Erika, my dear you have to eat something less you shrivel up," I said softly placing a hand on her shoulder 

She didn't dare move, nor did she look at me, I didn't blame her nor did I wish to, after all this wasn't her fault

"I told you, Jethro, I'm not hungry" she spoke again her voice dry 

I clicked my tongue and shook my head, "Erika you know I temper myself to be forgiving and mindful of the situation, but you haven't gone out of this room in six months much less have you eaten anything in the last 4, please I'm begging you. Eat" 

She sighed and turned to face me, her white hair was tangled in a bun and her clothes were in desperate need of a wash and iron, But her eyes were what startled me, the once sparkling indigo was faded and lifeless, they held no light nor any happiness in them. dull and mournful were they. the black bags under them indicated that no rest was taken and the hollow of her cheeks told me she despite her efforts was starving.

I shot her a small smile "There now that's a start"

She looked at me and frowned her eyebrows knitted in sadness "How did you do it?" she asked after moments of silence 

"Do what?" I asked 

"cope, after seeing what I saw... I mean you- you took care of him your entire life. how did you cope with it?" she asked her voice cracking 

I sighed and held my hand out for her, she took it and I helped her sit up, "I didn't fully learn to cope, much like you I was broken and I didn't know what to do, But" 

"But?" 

"But then I thought about you, and I thought about how Master James would scold me dearly for not looking after you,"

"Jethro really, I'm not that important," She said 

"Oh but I beg to differ, you see when Master James first met you that night, he swore to me he would love and care for you no matter what, he wanted nothing more than for you to be happy, even at his expense or discomfort," I said 

she looked at me and tilted her head to the side in question

"He even told me that should he perish, I should never leave your side, that I should protect you in his absence" 

"But why?" she asked 

"Because He loves you, and by extension so do I, You've been ever kind to me and I have never been more grateful than I am now, and because of your kindness and generosity but as to attest to my Master's final wish, I will follow you to the end of every earth, And I will protect you, care for you and help you in any way you see fit," I said gripping her hand gently