Oath [BL; Book 2]

35

Xiao hurried to see as Belliol had shouted his name with full panic, up the stairs and into the room he saw Verr Goldet who was more than concerned as she tried to console a person curled in the corner of the room. "It's alright to be afraid, fear is nothing more than a bad dream." There was a tray of untouched food resting on the bed, Belliol moved aside as Xiao went further in to assess the situation. The golden hair lay along a trembling body. "Look, help is here. There is no need to hold onto such frightening things is there?" Still the head tucked away in the arms did not raise. Curled up to the point of practically becoming a ball, Aether was hidden away in the corner of the room.

Light steps over to Verr Goldet he gave a nod showing he could handle the rest. She returned the gesture and stood dusting herself off. Leaving with Belliol they waited outside closing the door to give them privacy. Alas, Xiao found himself in a position he never thought he would find himself. Kneeling down slowly so as to not frighten him more, he touched Aether's hand.

"Traveler?" Speaking as calmly as he could he waited for a response but recieved none, "......" he understood more than he wanted to admit and now sat down simply holding Aether's hand. "Take as long as you need." He made sure Aether acknowledged that as he felt his hand gently squeeze his own. "I will be here should you need me."

He was true to his word staying there the entire time. Xiao's patience wasn't at all tested as he had mastered such a skill long ago. Discipline taught him more than enough. It was several hours before he felt Aether's hand loosen its grasp on his own and now he knew he had tired himself out to the point of exhaustion. Xiao carefully began to untangle this curled being only to reveal someone who had cried too many tears. His cheeks were puffy and his eyes swollen and red under. His hands were extremely cold as was his body when Xiao picked him up laying him in bed.

Tucked warmly he got another blanket to ensure he was warm. Now he needed information, all of it. However, leaving the room was no option so he opened the door not seeing Belliol and crossed his arms. "Come."

"Yes, Yaksha." She was there in the sound of a heart beat, on one knee she was ready to serve his every whim.

"Tell me what happened."

"Of course." Raising she explained, "The woman, Verr Goldet, had heard some commotion from this room. She paid it no mind as she knew it belonged to the esteemed Adeptus. However, she was reminded that Traveler would be staying in the room for some time, so she made a light meal and came to offer it only to find him curled in the corner." Short and to the point, "She is unsure how long he had been like this, she came to seek help when he wouldn't budge."

"Hm.."

"It is unhealthy behavior, I was unsure how to get your attention but shouting your name as I did." He gave a nod understanding and thought for a moment.

Deciding quickly he said, "Take care of any creatures that lurk near the area. I will... watch over him for tonight. He is still unstable, should he have an outburst, I can better handle it being close by."

"Of course." She bowed politely and left to do as she was tasked. Looking over at Aether Xiao narrowed his eyes.

Going over he was as silent as the wind. "There must be a cure." Golden eyes gazed upon this beautiful face now stained with tears. "There must be." Hands clenched into fists, a sort of bother in his chest he couldn't explain. Something angered him, but he couldn't feel what was the cause.

Whether it was his self blame, or the fact that he had to watch Aether suffer this way, he couldn't sit idling by. However, in these harsh moments it was all he could do to ensure Aether was alright. Sitting on the bed he watched him before lowering himself to the floor and crossing his arms. Closing his eyes he decided to meditate. Even if he couldn't do much to help him, he wanted to stay by his side.