#earthrunes

"For Ray? I would gladly do that, but would it not put him at further risk among his brethren?"

"Oh, hardly... " Piffles. "A friendly punch or two!"

"One could argue he's already at risk...but mmm " Delores says "Perhaps it would increase it. yes. " A sigh "I am feeling very grateful to him though"

"As am I. Oh, August, Shalimar and Vashti both caused such chaos, to keep Paler's henchmen occupied. It sounded as if they had great fun doing it, as well."

Emma hums a little as Cora strokes, and... is the Liam glowing?

Gentle touches, soothing his brow....

Only for a moment, and it fades... but his breathing is less labored, steadier, and his face less swollen.

He's still unconscious, but it seems more a sleep...

"Oh, love, you look better yet. Thank you, Emmaline."

Delores looks relieved "He really does look more like his hold self again, thank goodness"

"Piffle. Pas rien. Oof." She sits down in her chair.

"Is there anything you need, Emmaline? August and I would be glad to offer it to you. Or do you need rest, only?"

"Dross?" Delores adds

"Oh, I'm sure a gallon of that beet soup would be enough?"

Pleading eyes and hopeful smile.

"Dross and food for the worthy healer, if you would, please, Delores?"

"Maybe five gallons..."

"Right away, my liege" She bows then the boggan gives the Possum Pooka quick hug and moves off

Coradel is back to looking at August's face, still stroking with the cloth. "When I saw him...oh, Emmaline, I nearly ruined it all."

"Oh, cher, if you need?" She tugs on an ear.

A wan smile. "He...what Paler did...I don't know if Ray told you. He was...what's the word? Like the Christ figure in the church. On a cross?"

The smile has faded to something more nauseated by the time she gets to the end of the sentence.

She makes the sign of the cross and nods.

"Sick beyond medicine. Probably needed chicken soup..."

"He...there were marks, on the back of his head..." Her forehead bears delicate lines of worry. "Will he...his mind, will he...?"

Speaking of soup, the smell of it approaches

Emma shrugs. "We can know perfectly."

Coradel notes the scent, but is focused on August, brushing her fingers through his hair, so very gently.

A sigh. "Paler knew you, August. He knew you well enough to know to do that to you. But...he is gone. Permanently."

the door opens, and rich creamy soup with glamour infused is in Delores' hands on a tray

"Oh, Mercy buckets!"

A nod of gratitude to both Delores and Emmaline. "Thank you, Delores. Eat, Emmaline, and rest. I think August will need more of your aid before this is done."

"And oh, at least 15.6 visits from his lady fair..."

The tray is set down near the pooka "here, hope you like."

"And you're welcome, Baroness" the Steward says "I think the healer's advice is good too. "

Coradel nods, and then rests her red-tressed head on a less-bruised part of August's chest, her fingers still stroking his hair. Her hair trails in tendrils across the pale silver scarring where he carved her name into himself. "We will make you well, August," she murmurs. "I promise."

Bruises, lashes, cuts... present and past, nothing seems to wipe away that name

The soup is creamy, recharging.

Sleeeepy yawn when the bowl is empty.

Delores takes it then says "Baroness, should I set up a more comfortable chair for you here to wait for a time?"

Delores may offer, but it seems the Baroness has already slipped off to sleep, listening to her trueheart's steady pulse and the soft chirping of their songbird.

A smile at the boggan, and a finger held to her lips.

"Ah.. well, yes" Delores nods "I best go inform the regent she is definitely on duty" she whispers this, smiles to Emma, and slips out

And the healer putters a bit, tending her patients (plural.)

August might have moved, as if to put his hand over her.. or maybe not.

But he seems to be much better now in more ways than one

*****************************
The final butcher's bill comes to:
Four broken ribs with subsequent big-boot sized bruising
A battered skull; not broken, thankfully, but almost certainly a concussion; blunt force trauma
A few loose teeth, but he'll keep them
A broken nose
Related lacerations and contutions

August sleeps for several days, tended by healer and Balefire.
*****************************

A vase of lilies and marigolds appears at his bedstand - suns and moons.

Coradel rarely leaves his side, and then only under protest.

And she has to protest more than a little, as Magnus or Sparrow take turns fussing at her to come out.