Hot Mess Academic

“Well, we’ll be going on a beach trip with a few other students once we can arrange it, so hopefully I can get something out of her.” Dorothea shook her head.  And then she grinned.  “And yes, I’m aware you’ve been spending your time with Seteth.  Certainly an… interesting choice.”

“If you want my advice? There’s people you play coy with, and then there’s people who wouldn’t know you were flirting if you got on your knee with a ring.”

Manuela sighed deeply, shaking her head. “I’m afraid Ingrid falls in the later category. You might just need to come right out and tell her.”

Dorothea couldn’t help but giggle at that. She knew Manuela enough to know she was just playing coy.

“Mm, well one or two seem to think it’s that knight who went on a mission with the lions a while back, though he only visits you in the clinic. Who in the world could it be?”

“Hmm, perhaps sweet apple blend.” She smiled and tapped her lips.  “And yes, there have been rumors swirling that you’re settling down.”

Manuela’s face took on a coy smile. She didn’t answer right away, choosing instead to get the kettle heated.

“Not gossip, but truth.  I haven’t had a chance to talk to you since the staff appreciation dinner.”

@hotmessacademic

“Ah, Manuela!  Do you have the time to enjoy a cup of tea with me?”

“Are you sure it’s fair comparing me to the legendary captain of the knights?” he said as she lifted the blindfold.  He carefully sat up, and on instinct tried to flex the arm.  Nothing.

Still.  “Thank you.  For this, and for putting up with my silly pride.”

“Not at all. You were the one who made the comparison. Remember?” she purred, a wicked little gleam in her eye.

“And I’d be willing to bet that same amount of money that I’m in better shape than any of them, anyway.”

“Funny you should say so. Because Jeralt said that same thing when I did his exam a few weeks ago, and...well. I’ll take that silver now. Coins or bars, I’m not picky~”

“I didn’t think it was worth the trouble.  And I’ve been living my life quite fine without it.”

“I went to a couple when I was first injured, and they did help a bit.  If I hadn’t, I don’t think I’d be able to move it at all.” Despite being numbed, he could still tell she was working, and he flinched.

“But you stopped. Not a big fan of doctors, perhaps?”

“I’ve… been through much worse than a few stitches,” he mumbled, although the tone in his voice was more revealing of his mood than his words.  He was just a tiny bit jittery.

“My sister wanted me to go to healers for it,” he said, keeping his eyes closed even though he wore the blindfold.

It wasn’t hard to tell he was nervous. Nervous, and trying to hide it. Manuela had dealt with a lot of patients like that.

“…this is maybe the third time I’ve actually come to the clinic to see you, Manuela,” he said, accepting the blindfold from her.  He’d been tempted to say he didn’t need it, but maybe it was for the better.  “I’m unsure exactly what you can do for nerve damage, either way.”

“How much I can do for you depends on your willingness to try. Wounds like your arm aren’t something that will heal in a week, or a month, or a year -- and very seldom will heal entirely. But sometimes, they can improve.”

Manuela rubbed the numbing agent into his arm, waiting a few minutes until she tapped him and he didn’t respond.

He let out a sigh before following instructions.  He’d come over here for help, and there was no getting out of this.

“Fine, fine,” he said.  “And I wasn’t being dramatic.  My arm was damaged from attempting to use a Heroes Relic without a Crest.”

“Oh I’m aware,” Manuela said easily, assembling everything she needed on a tray, which was placed on the bedside table. “The Sword of the Creator, no less. I must say that was very brave of you.”

He winced just at the thought.

“I have a feeling the ones you’ve seen like this weren’t exactly like it.” He attempted to take his arm back.  “One might call this retribution from the goddess herself.”

“If it’s divine retribution, it won’t heal. Simple as that. But until we’ve exhausted our options, I intend to treat you as if you will heal.”

Manuela motioned towards a bed.

“Now, lay down, and get cozy. I’ll need to get things ready -- a numbing agent and a blindfold, first and foremost. People always do better with stitches when they can’t see me working.”

He did try, to his credit, but it didn’t get that far.

“I’m afraid not,” he said, letting it just hang down by his side again.  “It’s not a simple injury, Manuela.  Which is the main reason I’ve never bothered trying to have it treated after the initial recovery.”

“I’m aware it’s not a simple injury. But I’ve seen wounds that mimic the symptoms before. The fact you have some movement in it at all is a good sign.”

She frowned. “However, that also means it’s going to be more painful. I’ll have to give you some exercises for it. In time, you may regain some mobility. I’m not promising a miracle, bear in mind, but it’ll be good for your arm, regardless.”

He winced as he tried to move it.  It may have been useless, but it still could hurt.

“It’s not as if I don’t wash it,” he said.  “And I did come here, didn’t I?”

“On the order of a friend or superior, no doubt,” Manuela tittered, leaning closer. She took his arm carefully, inspecting the wound.

“You weren’t kidding, were you? You took quite a hit. Normally, I’d advise stitches, but your condition is...unique.”

Manuela let go of him, raising her hand a few inches and extending it.