ELIZABETH
this is me saying that i would set myself on fire
As everything slowed and the world came back into focus, Elizabeth became aware of the water lapping the edge of the borrowed robes, soaking through to her sweater and the leggings underneath. She could smell the fire and salt and copper. The sound of gentle waves and rustling leaves and scuffing boots. It began to register, and she found the courage to look more fully at her hand and the burn that had vanished, another shaking breath of relief releasing the built tension.
Elizabeth shook her head at Maea's words, using her other hand to wipe the tears from her eyes. "It's okay. Accidents happen - " She'd turned to stand, pulling together what faculties she could to smile and reassure, but the efforts fell away in a tumble of shock as she saw the bright red blood splattered across pale skin.
Her feet stumbled faster to get purchase under her as she rushed forward. "Oh gods, Maea, are you okay? You didn't have to do that." A flicker of guilt mixed with appreciation for the Ancient's bloodbane, but there was concern more than anything as she took in the severity of the wounds.
"Hold on, I think I have some bandages in my bag." She still used her burned hand sparingly despite the healing, inexplicably worried that the pain might return or the magic might wear off, but Elizabeth gestured for Maea to remain where she was while she rushed to her satchel. It contained her usual writing supplies and a couple books, but she also carried with her basic first aide and snacks in case of emergencies when she was traveling. Bypassing the trail mix, she reached the roll of gauze, hastily gathering it so she could return to Maea.
The adrenaline had returned. Although not as fierce, it made her breaths come quick and her eyes catalog everything with an analytical sweep. "Here. Let me see." Elizabeth offered her open hands halfway between them, forcing her voice to be calm and gentle. She hadn't missed the haunted look on Maea's face and she didn't want to startle or overstep, but the bleeding needed to be stopped, and they had a lot to discuss about everything that had just transpired.
Elizabeth shook her head at Maea's words, using her other hand to wipe the tears from her eyes. "It's okay. Accidents happen - " She'd turned to stand, pulling together what faculties she could to smile and reassure, but the efforts fell away in a tumble of shock as she saw the bright red blood splattered across pale skin.
Her feet stumbled faster to get purchase under her as she rushed forward. "Oh gods, Maea, are you okay? You didn't have to do that." A flicker of guilt mixed with appreciation for the Ancient's bloodbane, but there was concern more than anything as she took in the severity of the wounds.
"Hold on, I think I have some bandages in my bag." She still used her burned hand sparingly despite the healing, inexplicably worried that the pain might return or the magic might wear off, but Elizabeth gestured for Maea to remain where she was while she rushed to her satchel. It contained her usual writing supplies and a couple books, but she also carried with her basic first aide and snacks in case of emergencies when she was traveling. Bypassing the trail mix, she reached the roll of gauze, hastily gathering it so she could return to Maea.
The adrenaline had returned. Although not as fierce, it made her breaths come quick and her eyes catalog everything with an analytical sweep. "Here. Let me see." Elizabeth offered her open hands halfway between them, forcing her voice to be calm and gentle. She hadn't missed the haunted look on Maea's face and she didn't want to startle or overstep, but the bleeding needed to be stopped, and they had a lot to discuss about everything that had just transpired.
to bring light to all of the dark places within you
