Servitude: The Hydrangea Chapters

Chp 5: The Proxy of Bone

"That's one of the strongest healing scribes I have... and it didn't do a thing." With a weary sway in Tessa's posture, Elek comes to her side for support, probing his mind to see if he can think of any solution.

"It's okay, Miss Tessa, please do not exhaust yourself. I am not in pain, and my condition isn't worsening. Perhaps it will resolve on its own?"

At this moment, they are unsure how to treat her. She just isn't human.

"This may be a solution for another day. Perhaps it's best if you stay here in Englias for the time being. If you need to head east, maybe Neterion and Natalia can take you with them on the next delivery to the Colonies to reduce the risk of this happening again." Elek suggests.

Tessa nods in agreement with Elek as she stands up.

"There's no way I'd let anyone in your condition go back out there, that's for sure. Hurting or not. So you're sticking around until we figure out how to get your hands back. No fuss about it."

Elek lets out what at first sounds like a scoff, but then it's mixed with a chuckle. He shakes his head, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips.

Once Tessa makes up her mind about something, there isn't much to sway her decisions. Even so, Elek has to agree. If Marlina is a sturdy Construct and a hekoska managed that much damage, he wouldn't let her back out there either, especially since she doesn't even know how to treat her injuries.

"There are a few rooms at the tavern, but maybe she should stay here in the infirmary so she can be monitored?" Elek suggests to Tessa.

Marlina shakes her head. "Please, don't waste a bed on me, Sir Elek. It would be better for someone who needs the rest. I would hate to impose. I may not have hands at the moment, but I'm sure I can find a way to help around here to earn my keep for now."

She's undoubtedly insistent. Those Construct workings might also influence her behavior in such a way.

Then, there's a creak as the door opens wider, and the woman Elek had addressed as Aurea steps into the room. Unbeknownst to Marlina, a chill fills the room with her presence. It isn't ominous; on the contrary, it brings relief from the heat outside.

"You are not expected to work in your condition." Her tone reveals her noble experience, showing that her word holds final authority. "The only work happening tonight will be fortifying the defenses in case any more hekoska come near. I will not demand that anyone injured stand and fight. I'd rather you be safe here. So please, do not push yourself. We don't want your condition to worsen." Aurea then looks at Tessa. "Tessa, I need your help to build the defenses, please."

Tessa nods and gives Elek a peck on the lips before following Aurea out the door. Elek turns and walks back to the other room, leaving Marlina alone.

Marlina has to admit that these people are certainly an interesting conglomerate.

Wondering where Elek went, she leaves the room slowly and follows to another door, peeking in. The room is a bedroom with a large bed to her left and wardrobes on opposite walls beside the bed. Mostly, it appears clean, but it seems to be only 'half' lived in.

Half of the bed appears used, while the other side is neatly made, with women's clothing draping over several spots on the side of the room with the used bed. There didn't appear to be any men's clothes scattered about on the cleaner half.

On the wall to Marlina's right hangs a continent map; she saw it every time she passed through an inn while traveling across Urush. To those familiar with anatomy, the continent's shape resembles human lungs. There are markings, notes, and symbols used as a self-made legend in many parts of the Everlasting Expanse. If Marlina had to guess, these people have explored a large part of the wastes, which is impressive considering their humanity.