She's Alright, I Guess

II: Bright

Janai's eyes widened at her sister's indifference toward the General. Janai tried to keep the human alive, despite how frustrating this human obviously was. Even though the General hadn't cooperated, Janai's mind kept clawing back to the moment the General's callosed hands pulled her from imminent death.

When Janai's sister demanded Trial by Light, Janai understood the consequences of such a harsh judgement. The General could survive, as long as she was pure of heart, but the idea that humans were not pure plagued the Knight's mind.

The General bowed away from the brilliant, white light, squeezing her eyes shut. Janai kneeled beside her, bracing the woman and enforcing the need for the General to look into the light.

Janai backed away once the General forced her eyes to the light before collapsing in agony. Her sister, despite her hatred for humankind, seemed surprised at this discovery.

A pure-hearted human, one not singed or tainted by dark magic. Janai was somehow not surprised at such a discovery, but her sister agreed to let the human General survive.

Janai grasped the General, who all but collapsed into her, silently sobbing. Janai escorted her though the grand archway, but turned instead to the direction of her own private chambers.

"What are we doing?" Kazi asked.

"We can't just put her back in the ring,  her eyes are too sensitive. I'm taking her to my bed chambers, where we can tend to her.

"Why not take her to the med bay? Would it not be better?" Kazi questioned.

"It would be, but it is not an option for the human." Janai squeezed the General closer to her.

Kazi nodded in understanding. "Okay, I will get rags, water, and herbs." They disappeared down another corridor.

. . .

Janai ushered the human gently into the room, letting her fall on to the bed.

Kazi returned with the supplies, which Janai accepted gratefully. The woman flinched uncomfortably when the cool, wet rag was rested on her burning eyelids, but she soon sighed with relief.

The General reached out her hands, grasping for stability. Janai quickly grasped her hand, squeezing it reassuringly.

. . .