princess
Alby47
RemramMenzai & Phia
With the situation settled down and the group currently gathered were working out what to do next. This afforded Menzai the time needed to meditate; drawing in bits of magic from the surroundings to restore stamina. The pain eased and his breathing became stable allowing him to sit up without need of his right arm which was now resting in his lap.
All the while keeping his ears alert to listen to the surroundings even if his hearing was still partially deaf. If anything private was said by the two unknown fairies then he would tune them out, while his attention was focused around the humans and Phia.
Though badly injured, Menzai was simply grateful to see none have been hurt too much and it was in thanks, mostly due to the brothers.
He had much he wished to discuss, but now was not a good time. How Darius refused to look at him further indication and he could not blame them. For now he left things be; observing as Phia suggested they head back to the village, receiving an approving nod for how she was handling herself.
The group had departed for the village save for the two wolves and Phia who had approached Menzai in the midst of finishing up his meditating.
A slow exhale ending with his eyes opening to peer up at the waving fairy.” You have things weighing on your mind. Please, sit with me and I shall do my best to ease what I can. But only briefly for now.” He motioned towards the ground waiting.
In response to his invitation, Phia slowly lowered herself into the grass at his side into a kneeling position. “How are you feeling… Did I…” Her expression saddened as worry coursed through her. “Did I heal you well enough?” Her fingers wove an intricate dance of nervous energy as her eyes locked onto his. “I know your arm is missing…But perhaps we can find it in the Roc so we can put it back?”
Turning to face her, his usual stoic expression softer and skin previously deathly pale now having some color returned to it. Phia’s concerns were expected and heavy though he remained quiet, letting the frazzled fairy speak her mind first. When mentioning his arm, Menzai shook his head.” I am in pain, but alive. A feat only possible thanks to the humans and your immediate aid.” Shifting in place, the ripped sleeve barely hanging on by a few threads ruffled in an attempt to better hide the injured shoulder from view for her sake.
“ As for my arm…. It was my choice, Phia. So I ask that you not feel guilty for my sake. Time spent on wasted concerns would be better spent working on our individual weaknesses.” Falling silent to let Phia think on his words.
Phia pressed her hands in the grass as she leaned forward, “Menzai. I will carve through its innards relentlessly until I find it. I can do it.” She told him with intense determination. However her gaze softened the more she looked upon him. Gently, she moved forward to wrap her arms around him, “But first maybe we should get you home.”
Before breaking off the hug, she added with a smile out of his view, “And thank you so much for saving me, Menzai. I am forever grateful… And I am sorry for straying away and getting us into this mess. I will do better and make sure none of it is in vain.”
A small smile curved his lips at Phia’s determination and worry for him. It had always been him sitting where Phia was now. Happy to see her grow this much and going strong even after such a horrible incident.
The tired wolf sat there, allowing himself to be hugged, even thankful for the comfort. Again, Menzai shook his head.” No need. The Roc has rightfully earned my arm so it can have it. In exchange, I have glimpsed a new path.” Lifting his right arm to gently pet Phia on the head.” Keep what was said close to your heart and tell the brothers what was discussed here. That and your thanks will be enough for me.”
Phia stared at him and nodded as she replied, “I will respect your decision.” After a pause, she then said, “Those two fairies that fought at our side. I would like to help them find their family.“
At the mention of the two fairies, Menzai sat upright, his hand moving to rest upon his lap once more. His soft expression resuming the stoic neutral nature. ” If that is what you want then I shall work things out with the council.” He then leaned closer, his posture more serious.
“ Just let me say this. Whether they are indeed your family or not. Remember, it has been years since being separated. As such, until certain it is best to be careful around them.” Saying nothing else, not wishing to make Phia emotional or cause a misunderstanding, remembering how that woman reacted with such strong hostility along with that unpleasant stink of blood constantly following her understandably left Menzai cautious of them.
Phia tilted her head like a confused puppy, “Huh? My family?”
Her response had him raise a brow. * Has she not..* Observing her a second longer before shaking the thought away. ” Apologies. My mind is still disrupted though with how you tend to view your friends. The term is just as fitting.” A brief look of amusement etched his features.
There was a pause, then Phia giggled. She really needed to drop her habit of overthinking the words of others. “Oh, okay.” She slowly rose to her feet and reached a hand down toward Menzai. “ Let’s go home?” She softly asked.
Pleased to see his words had the effect he hoped for and shifted back into a comfortable pose.” A kind offer, but there is still a matter of import I must take care of.” Taking hold of her hand, however, making getting to his feet more feasible albeit a bit shaky. “But it will not take long and I will have Ulysses watching over me.” Turning his head over to the large wolf mentioned currently downing a big gulp from his flask. Phia glanced at Ulysses with an eyebrow raise. ” Go on ahead, I shall be following shortly.” A look of concern etched his face this time as he looked back to Phia.” Besides, knowing the situation at hand. Sonia will not be delighted to see the injured Dante and Darius again so soon.” Even now he pictured the ferocious female tearing into them after ending up in the healer’s hall practically every day since they arrived.
A worried sigh left his lips at such a gruesome image. ” They might serve better having you with them. Plus, the Gauravs are likely shaken up still from the attack. Seeing unknown guests might…unsettle them even more.”
“Understood. I will go make sure everything goes smoothly, Menzai… Please be careful not to push yourself hard. “ Phia pivoted on her heels to run after the others, only to slow her movement seconds later. She whirled around, running backward now as she called to him, “ Oh! And I’m really happy you’re okay… And I’m going to make you some dinner tonight!”
Relief filled his heart to see Phia energetic and accepting of his request. Watching her start to make her way after the departed group only to…run the same way only backwards away from him.
Left blinking, the unexpectedness understandably leaving him thrown off. ” Then I can say nothing but assure that I will be there with an empty stomach.”
He smiled.
