Dove in a Rusted Cage

chapter 1 - staple

Lights, bright florescent lights greeted Catalina when she came to. It was no longer cold and calloused, it was warm and smelt of metal and car oil. Muffled machinery thumped in the background as Cat opened her eyes. She was in a foreign place, presumably the factory. Her train of thought was decimated, however, when the door opened, a large, strong man entered.

Karl Heisenberg.

Catalinas favorite of the four lords, a dominant figure in the many public meetings called by the various lords. They were normally discussing the production of necessities that were sold around the quaint town, or sometimes they would talk about the prosecuted villagers: the thief's and felons ect. But she loved him because of his personality, broad and outspoken. Dominating the conversation along with Lady Dimitrescu, another favorite of hers, even if they often butt heads. Shes an elegant countess and her three daughters are quite talented; however they drank blood, and allot of it. New maids would come every week and never return from the castle.
All maids, but one. Enya, a firey woman, literally - some say she has the ability to hoan fire. However, she's well protected, and quite hot-headed but a perfect fit for the lady herself. Enya is often seen with her beloved, at least from what Cat has seen, whether its at the public meetings or them having a lunch date at the local bakery 'Fleur de Fraise'. They always seemed so happy, Catalina yearned for that kind of happiness.

Catalina was once again snapped from her thoughts when Heisenberg began to speak.

"You were hurt pretty bad, you're lucky I was out there." Karl said, grabbing something from a sterile looking cabinet.
The something was a staple gun, a medical one at least.

"Why did you save me then?" Catalina asked, her brows furrowing. She was just a normal villager, maybe a little resilient and kind but that was all.

"I couldn't let those damn dogs kill such a beautiful lady, you're welcome by the way."
He smirked, speaking in a tone that made her smile. Cat's face grew a little red, she hadn't been so close to him before.

"Well.. Thank you, my lord.. I don't think I could ever repay you enough." Cat said, looking down at her legs finally. The sight was anything but pretty, and she assumed the same about her back.

"I'm Catalina Floarea.. I own a general shop in the village." Cat introduced, following Heisenberg with her eyes.

"You must know who I am, I've seen you at Miranda's meeting's." He spoke lightly, loading the gun.

"You're gonna need this." Karl handed her a rag, it was white and a little dirty but probably okay to bite. Catalina chomped down on the cloth, preparing for the immense pain.

Heisenberg held the largest gash on her back closed, pulling the trigger once he was positioned well. It was quick, but painful. Catalina screamed, her voice breaking in short-lived agony. The cloth muffling her cry well enough, but it still echoed through the room. Tears began prickling in her eyes as more staples began sealing the gash close. The pain subsided quickly, but left an aching.

"Atta girl, all done." He said playfully, moving to examine her legs, the tender flesh was sliced deep, and incredibly infected. Honestly, Heisenberg was surprised she could even walk.

"It's pretty bad, huh?" Cat humoured, as a small smile grew on her. Karl chuckled softly, moving to grab some disinfectant, scissors and bandages. He placed the items on the table, and began unraveling the bandages. Karl began spraying down her legs, the cuts bubbling as the disinfectant cleaned the wounds. He soon started winding the cloth around her leg, snuggly holding the flesh together. He have the other leg the same treatment, patting her thigh when he finished.

He stepped back, looking over her before coming to a conclusion. "You'll need to stay here, at least until your legs and back are all healed." He assessed, turning to grab some crutches. "I'll set up the guest room."

He handed her the crutches, helping her up to use them. "Thank you, Heisenberg. If there's anyway I can repay you, please let me know." She affirmed once more, moving to follow him. Karl set her up in an old workshop, it was empty though, no more tools in their specific spots. A small cot was set up in the far right corner, where the work table ended.

"It's great thank you Karl." Cat said, moving to give him a hug. Her love language was touch, giving people hugs or squeezes of gratitude. He thanked her, before walking out for her to go to sleep.

She changed into some clothes he left out, old shorts and a very baggy shirt. After all of that, she felt oh so tired, moving to lay on the thin cot. It wasn't the most comfortable, but she was grateful. It didn't take long for her to drift off, falling into a deep slumber.

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