Luminescence ✺ Arthur Pendragon

The Fires of Prairene [2]

Arwen moved through the halls of the inn, carrying the chest she'd gotten from the merchant's room in her hands towards her own room. After Edmund had managed to find the key that opened it, she was met with a multitude of papers and books she knew would take some time to get through.

So instead of doing that right away, she'd taken the time to check on all of the sick patients and their states, along with Sir Alvin's progress before getting some dinner and retiring to her room to focus on the merchant's belongings once again. Since they managed to find nothing else of importance in his room, she was hoping the chest might provide some answers. Even if she wasn't yet sure what she was looking for.

"Here, let me help you with that." A voice spoke up behind her, making Arwen pause just long enough for a man to fall into step next to her, his hands quickly working on taking the chest from her own hold as he began to carry it for her.

"Oh, thank you. You didn't have to do that." Arwen said, a small tinge of surprise in her voice as she looked up at him curiously. She didn't remember seeing him during her time in the town and when interacting with its people. But it was easy to miss or forget a face when so many wanted to introduce themselves and speak with her.

"Nonsense. I feel it is my duty to help a lady in need." The flirtatious smile on his face made Arwen laugh in amusement. Although, while she wouldn't say it out loud, she'd also never deny that fact that he was quite handsome too. So, his confidence didn't come as too much of a surprise.

"Well, either way. Thank you." Arwen still repeated her words, a grateful smile on her face as she led him through the halls towards her rooms for the night.

"I must be honest; I wasn't expecting to see people in the inn." The man spoke again, making her curious eyes turn to him. He paused for a moment to shake the dark hair which had fallen in his face before continuing. "Not many fancy a town riddled with disease."

The statement had Arwen raising an eyebrow at him. "You yourself are staying." She pointed out. From the way he spoke, it seemed he wasn't a member of the staff at the inn or even a local, making her curious what it was that made him stick around with all that was happening.

"Yes, imagine my surprise when I came and found out about all of this. Alas, it was too late to head out again." He said honestly, making Arwen understand why she didn't recognize him from anywhere. Because he hadn't yet been around in the first place. "I'm leaving first thing in the morning. And I wouldn't be opposed to company?"

At the suggestion a small laugh slipped past Arwen's lips as she came to a stop in front of the door of her room. "I'm afraid my duties are here. I'm the physician that King Uther has sent." She revealed honestly, watching the surprise pass over the stranger's face.

"Ah, yes. Everyone's been talking about you since my arrival; the famed physician." He nodded his head. Just one visit to the inn's kitchens had him hearing all about the woman. Although, he'd been expecting someone... different. "But they didn't mention how beautiful you are."

Arwen chuckled at the shameless flirtation. "Perhaps because it is not paramount to my role." She pointed out.

"Oh, I'd say it is indeed paramount." He made his stance known and clear.

Arwen couldn't help but shake her head in amusement before reaching over. Taking the chest back from his hands, she started to work on unlocking the door to her room. "This is where we part." She announced.

"I can help you the rest of the way." The man offered.

"It's quite alright." Arwen reassured him with a knowing smile.