fine in the fire

Deimos Of all the things lingering amidst an infirmary (instruments, tools of the trade, a few vacant rooms, bandages, splints, stores of items he couldn’t name), a racing form wasn’t what he’d expected. A body managed to crash straight into his chest, and had he been smaller, less muscular and leaner, he might have been launched, sent backward, careening into whatever was behind him. But since his stature was of an impressive height and build, grounded, rooted into the surface, the other individual stumbled back, and he stayed solid, albeit a bit bewildered. His eyes focused on the smaller figure, mumbling his apologies “Sorry,” for the sudden intrusion and untimely disposition, hands reaching out to steady her if she required it. Only then did he realize who it was; recognition a part of his memories and collection of moments – especially those so keenly pinpointed and gnarled in his mind. LongNight and its stretch of immorality, the simmering iniquities, the hostile, acrimonious entanglements hadn’t quite seared into his form and mind until he witnessed Amalia’s death and resurrection. It’d been this woman, Vai, who’d performed the feats of enchantments and invocations to bring the baker back; so he was already indebted to her, whether she knew, understood, or comprehended the notion. “Hello. I am Deimos,” he responded in turn, offering his hand in greeting at the arched brow, his features removed from some of their stoic, nonchalant intervals, a little lighter, the tiny indentations of a bemused smile forming their way into his lips. He shook his head at her inquiry, before continuing. “No – I was burned, thought I should get it looked at.” The beast’s eyes dipped downwards, along the incline of his left shoulder, shrugging and then hissing at the pain. Then his gaze implored, as much as they ever could, for some meager assistance, or what to do next. Out of sight and out of mind Make everything alright So let the sky and sea collide Just not in our lifetime