Servitude: The Hydrangea Chapters

Chp 5: The Proxy of Bone

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 is 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, 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 is undoubtedly insistent. Perhaps those Construct workings might also influence her behavior in such a way.

Then, there is a creak as the infirmary 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 warmth 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 quickly kisses Elek 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 slowly approaches the door and peeks in. The room is a bedroom with a large bed to her left and wardrobes on the walls beside the bed. This is likely the room that Elek and Tessa share. 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 resembled human lungs. There are markings, brief notes, and symbols used for a self-made legend in many areas of the Everlasting Expanse. If Marlina had to guess, these people have explored a significant portion of the wastes, which is impressive given their humanity.

Across from Marlina, another door is slightly ajar, allowing her to see Elek moving back and forth in the gap. Unease washes over her when she spots Elek carrying what seems to be a large, dirty bone. Does he handle dead bodies? It only confirms what was inside that coffin he had worried about earlier. Marlina's curiosity gets the better of her, and she quietly approaches to peek inside as well. Compared to the infirmary and the bedroom, the walls have at least a dozen large cabinets carved into them. A single table in the center of the room displays an almost complete skeleton arranged neatly on top.

When Marlina leans too heavily on the door, not realizing how close it is, the creak catches Elek's attention. "Marlina, excuse me. Please wait in the infirmary; I must put these remains away in case tremors from the hekoska cause them to fall and become damaged." Though he is speaking to her, her gaze is fixed on the skeleton on the table.