Clipped Wings

Chapter 3: A Hero

"Oh, young travelers. How could I ever repay you both?" An elderly woman cried as she tightly hugged young Marni in her arms. Marni, now treated and bandaged by Alfyn simply sobbed as she apologized over and over to her grandmother. Her two friends, the other young girl and boy, stood next to them with guilty pouts playing at their lips after the very stern talking to they had received. Alfyn smiled as he shook his head.

"No need to pay us anything. The kiddos are all okay and that's all the pay we need." He smiled. H'aanit beside him nodded silently as she watched the woman frantically pull at her worn belt.

"No, I must repay your immense kindness in some way. I...I don't have much, but perhaps this will do..." The woman pulled out a small pouch filled with gold coins and reached towards Alfyn.

Alfyn tenderly put his hands on hers and moved the coin pouch back towards her. A warm, genuine smile playing at his lips.

"There's no need to do this, ma'am. Please keep this for yourself and Marni. I'm sure you'll put it to better use another day."

The woman smiled tenderly at Alfyn as she put her pouch away and bowed her head toward H'aanit. Tears welling in her eyes as she looked up at them with the utmost sincerity.

"Thank you. Both of you must be angels, sent to us from above. May Alfric light your paths wherever they may take you, young travelers."

Alfyn chuckled as he turned his back towards the inn before his gaze landed on H'aanit's cut arm.

"Now if you'll excuse us, I have another patient waiting on me." He said as his eyes stayed focused on H'annit's wound. H'aanit and Linde also turned to walk towards the direction of the inn. Just as the 3 began walking away, the voice of young Marni resonated loudly through the quiet evening air.

"MISTER! Y-YOU'RE MY HERO!"

___

A hero, huh...

The room was silent as Alfyn wrapped bandages around H'aanit's cut. His satchel was sprawled out on the table with various ointments, herbs and medicinal materials scattered everywhere. H'aanit sat in a chair next to him as he worked on her arm. Linde had fallen asleep at the corner of the room. Alfyn's eyes narrowed as his fingers lined the bandages over her in layers. Luckily, the wound wasn't too deep and with proper care, it wouldn't even leave a bad scar. But still...

"I'm sorry." Alfyn whispered as he cast his eyes on the bandages. His fingers brushing against her surprisingly soft skin.

"Wouldst thou apologize for the actions of a beast?" H'aanit responded in a puzzled tone as she watched him finish wrapping the last bandage layer.

"No, but...it was my fault to begin with that got you hurt." He mumbled as he stared at the bandages. "I should've been more...." He closed his eyes as he let out a sigh. He shook his head solemnly.

"Nevermind. Just...sorry."

H'aanit watched as he stood up and began packing up his supplies and noticed the difference from his usual demeanor. Back then, he would often tell her about how important it was to smile when treating someone and would always make sure he never left an injured patient with a frown, no matter how serious their case was. The many times he had treated her injuries and even Linde's in the past, he would always wear a smile. A warm, welcoming smile. One that without words conveyed a message of hope and faith. But now, the man that stood before her was as fragile as a twig that could be snapped in two at a moment's notice.

H'aanit frowned. She wanted to help him. She wanted to be able to help someone who had helped her so many times in the past. Afterall, she was not one to leave her debts unpaid. Even if she could ease just some of the burden he had placed upon himself, she would be content; but...how...?