The Monarch

The Walk

He was troubled as he slept, not like the usual peaceful. His shirt had been put back on and his hands at his hands curled in a half created fist.

"Hm?" Bridgette looks worried and grabs his hands gently, whispering softly "Alek... shhh... Alek it's alright..."

Alek's hand twitches as his eyes flit open. Seeing her he sighs and closes his eyes again. "You're okay... good."

"Alek I'm worried about you!" Her ears are lowered and her eyes fill with concern, her hand still holding to his.

"Hmm... me too." He says, turning his head to the river.

"Alek look at me and tell me what's wrong!" Bridgette roughly turns his head to face her.

Alek stares into her eyes, his face blank. "Timber came last night. I couldn't even hold my sword."

Bridgette pulls her hands away, her mouth open as if to speak. She shuts it and looks down as if ashamed, her eyes still concerned.

Alek looks back to the river. "I'm sorry."

"Why are you sorry...?" Bridgette whispers in a soft voice.

"I'm unable to protect you in this state." He says his voice monotonous.

A: (That is a beautiful word)

L: (Agreed)

"I can protect myself." Bridgette says, forcing herself to match his tone. "I'm sick of you worrying so much. It's making your wounds worse and causing you to go insane!"

He turns to face her. "My lady, I know you can, but there is always going to be some point... like last night where there would have been nothing for you to do. I am there for that reason." He takes one of her hands. "We aren't safe here in the wilderness. We need to go."

She pulls her hand away and grabs her arm, nodding once and looking away from him.

Alek sighs, holding his breath and sitting up, hurting less than the day before.

"Will you be okay?" She glances at him from the corner of her eye.

He nods. "I'll be fine." He stands, his legs shaking slightly.

Bridgette stands and wraps his arm around her, helping carry his weight "I'm helping you."

"My sword." Was all he said, pointing back to the tree.

"Oh... Why did you drop it?" She rushes over to grab it and brings it back to him.

Alek sheaths it, taking an unsteady step. "I couldn't hold it." He was emotionless in every action, every word.

Bridgette's heart sinks at his mood and she looks down nodding. She helps him again and begins walking, upset he isn't in his usual mood.

Alek keeps his head forward, trying to keep as much of his own weight to himself. He bared any pain he felt.

Bridgette would glance at him, worried and concerned. Yet she stayed silent. After a long while of walking Bridgette sighs and drops down with Alek "We need to rest... maybe if we're lucky a cart will come by and pick us up." She smiles at him, her heart fluttering with hope.

Alek nods, his side numb at this point.

She looks down and sighs. She says nothing and her ears lower, noticing his difference.

Alek feels light headed, his vision blurring. He holds a hand to his head.

"Whats wrong?" She looks at him concerned.

"I..." he starts, feeling suddenly sick. He stops speaking, holding a hand over his mouth, just in case.

Bridgette's eyes widen and she looks for some way to help. "O-oh no! Alek we shouldn't have worked you so hard!" She places a hand to his forehead.

He shakes his head. "I... I'm fine..." he blinks his eyes, trying to clear his vision.

"Liar!" She grabs his hand and looks towards the path, realizing she can't do this on her own. She cries out "HELP! SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!"

Alek swallows, standing up. "We have to get you back..." he takes a step before falling back over. He curses.

"STOP IT!" She is full on crying now, tears streaming down her face as she looks at him, sitting him down then sitting beside him. "Just stop! Please! I want you to be okay!" She cries and looks back at the path "PLEASE HELP!"

*******

A/N:  L, this kinda reminds me of earlier this week when you were sick and continued to deny it... and I was all worried and you were like, "You can worry when I puke."

....

And then you puked. XD

L/N: Wow, heck yeah it does. XD Quite the parallel.