Cult of the Lamb : The Man in the Forest

Chapter 14: The Springs

After eating, Merida spent a relaxing day with Kenedra. The cat insisted that she take it easy despite her healed wounds, and Merida wasn't particularly eager to resume her training anyway. They retired early in the evening, and fell asleep quickly in Kenedra's bed. Sometime in the middle of the night, Merida woke up with the need to use the restroom. She carefully slipped out of bed and left to the bathroom connected to the hallway. Once finished, she stepped out and paused when she noticed a flickering light beneath Narinder's door. She tilted her head in confusion, it had to be three in the morning or later. She contemplated it for a moment. As far as she knew, Narinder hadn't come out of his room all day. It was worrisome, especially considering Nykka's near attack on him. Deciding it was a good idea to check on him, she knocked on his door. She could hear movement on the other side proving that he was awake. She waited, and the door eventually opened. Narinder stood there looking disheveled. His eyes were raw and watery, and his fur was unkempt in a way that suggested he had at least attempted to sleep. Further proof of this was his outfit which once again consisted of his trousers and the same necklace. He didn't even try to mask his misery with a pleasant expression.

"Why are you awake...?" His voice was low and hoarse.

"I... had to pee, and I noticed the light in your room so I thought I'd check on you."

"Go back to bed, Merida." He sighed and stepped back to close the door. She quickly moved into the doorway so he wouldn't be able to shut her out.

"No, you look like shit. What's wrong?" Narinder rolled his eyes and abandoned his efforts to close the door. He returned to his writing desk, sat down, and picked up a nearly empty glass of wine. Merida watched him then stepped into the room, closing the door behind her. The bedroom looked basically the same as it had earlier, the only differences were the closed curtains, lit candles, and the pleasant aroma of incense wafting from a golden burner. Narinder had returned to writing, apparently deciding that ignoring her was easier than trying to make her leave. "So... you're drinking, huh?" She asked as she sat on the edge of the bed. "You're sure that's a good idea?"

"Seeing as I was alone, yes. There would be no harm in it." He muttered, not looking at her as he spoke.

"You know you can talk to me right? You have to talk to someone."

"I handled my problems on my own for seventeen years. I can manage." There was a bite to his tone that caused Merida a bit of discomfort. She got the sense that she was intruding on him, more so than the last time they spoke on delicate matters.

"You didn't mind talking to me before..."

"I did mind." He snapped in frustration. His anger fizzled as soon as it arrived and he sighed, "And this is different."

"It isn't, not really."

"Why are you so intent on talking about it?" Narinder glared, shifting in his seat to finally look at her. "Why must you be so damn intrusive? This is my burden to bear, not yours. There is no reason for you to blatantly disregard my right to privacy."

"Kenedra is already upset, she's worried about you. You can't just shut yourself in your room."

"I will be fine tomorrow, and I will discuss it with her then." He said before finishing off his wine. Merida watched him as he stood and crossed the room to fetch a fresh bottle. As he filled his glass, she decided to just go for it.

"Has she hit you before?" Narinder paused for only a moment, corked the wine, and set the bottle back on his shelf. He turned to look at her appraisingly, delicately swirling his wine as he did.

"I'll talk to Kenedra tomorrow." He said finally. Merida crossed her arms, dissatisfied with the answer.

"You flinched before she finished raising her hand." Merida insisted, "Narinder, she shouldn't hit you." He shook his head, sipped his wine. She frowned, "It's abusive." The word seemed to carry more weight than Merida realized. It hung heavily in the air, filling the room with a deep sense of unease. For what felt like hours, she looked at him and he at her. Neither speaking as the impactful word made its dreadful rounds as if the room had become an echo chamber. Finally, the silence was broken as Narinder made his verdict regarding her concern.