#avizon

Ihuka had heard the great clattering of something in a room, even if it was far away. He wasn’t sure if they had just fallen by themselves, but when his master came to his room, he knew it wasn’t just him that was worried. His feathers were fluffed to make him look bigger, his teeth were bared. “Search.” Had been his master’s order, and so he did, hurrying after the source of the noise to be sure the castle was safe.

He found a man stuffing a sack full of shiny things, expensive things. That wasn’t allowed! They belonged to his master! Ihuka silently flew up to the ceiling of the ball room, using his height to stay hidden until he was directly above the man. Then he swooped down, just as he would for a hunt. He grabbed the man by the arms and lifted him into the air.

He screamed loudly, and in a higher pitch than Ihuka had expected, making him accidentally drop him. He wasn’t far off the ground, so he fell with a thud. “What the fuck are you?” he cried, eyes wide with fear. He scrambled back and tried to get up to run away but Ihuka pounced again landing on his back, pinning him down. “Get off me!” he yelped. “No, no, no! I don’t have time for this- get off me, you oversized pigeon! Back! Sit! Oh, come on!” Ihuka was struggling to hold him, but his master soon appeared to see what he caught.

“Good bird,” he said with a smirk. “Very good bird.”

Ihuka beamed, but he had to focus on the wriggling man. He was strong, but Ihuka wouldn’t let him go.

Avizon watched him for a moment and remarked, “Are you finished, thief?”

The man stopped struggling, panting, and Ihuka slowly relaxed. A mistake. As soon as he did the man used a gush of energy to throw him off.

No, Ihuka was not going to lose him. With a yap, he jumped on him again and bit him on the back of his shoulder.

“Ow!” he yelped. “Ihuka, back!” Avizon ordered calmly. “I doubt he’ll be able to get far now.”

The man groaned and tried to crawl forward, toward the window. Avizon stepped on his back, pushing him down with one foot. "You're either a fool, or incredibly brave to dare come here. I haven't decided which yet," he murmured. Ihuka watched him and tilted his head, licking the blood off his lips. Human blood wasn’t the best. He much preferred the meat from rabbits and deer, even from the cattle his master gave him

“T.that… is rude,” the man slurred, “C.could have at least bought me a drink first...”

Avizon rolled his eyes, “Oh, you’re one of the brave jokers,” he mumbled. "I've made up my mind. You're a fool. Ihuka, go and get the antidote. I want this one alive.” Ihuka frowned, but did so. When he returned with a bottle which he was sure was it if his letters were right, he found his master had tied the stranger up. His hands were behind his back but tied to that his arms were crossed and kept together, his wrists at the opposite elbow. And his ankles were tied to his thighs. 

Avizon picked him up like he were a hay bale and dropped him onto a chaise. He took the bottle from Ihuka, checked it, and praised him. Praise always made him happy, it made him as giddy as the liquorice root he ate. He knelt and waited for Avizon to force the unconscious man to drink it. Ihuka was glad he'd brought a pipette now. It made things a little easier.

"Well then, now our guest isn't dying, I fully intend to go back to sleep. Go back to bed, Ihuka, it's safe now. You did very well, I am proud of you. You've earned a reward tomorrow."

"Thank you, master," he peeped.

_____

Avizon watched Ihuka leave and then turned his attention back to the thief. He was a pretty thing, he had to admit. With lush red hair and emerald green eyes that had stared so wildly at him. The white line of face paint beneath his eyes seemed to pull even more attention to them. He smirked, he wasn’t used to thieves being so bonnie-faced.

Avizon was able to see, now that he was still, that he had a small part of the top of his left ear missing as if it had been bitten or cut perhaps. That didn't stop him from wearing an earring in his ear lobe. Perhaps a piercing had been the cause of the injury. He had a scar on his freckle-covered cheek and small shaved lines in his eyebrow.

Speaking of injuries, he would have to treat the wound Ihuka had left. He went to collect some salves and turned the thief onto his side. He rolled his shirt up to apply it. He paused seeing a tattoo, and not just any. This was a magic tattoo, a rune of protection, invisibility. No wonder he'd struggled to locate him. To most magic users he'd have been untraceable, but he was more powerful. Still, this was an ancient rune. He hadn't seen this for a very long time. "The Northern Mountains… you are a very long way from home, thief," he mumbled.

The wound was small, and with the salve, it soon stopped the bleeding, acting almost like a seal. It would do. He wanted him alive, but that didn't mean he particularly cared about him. As long as the venom didn't kill him that would be enough.

So Avizon used his powers to lift him and carried him downstairs to the old dungeons. They'd been empty for a long time, but it seemed they still had their uses. He put the thief in a cleaner cell, leaving him on the old stale bed and untied his legs before leaving, locking the door behind him. He heard the thief groan, but he paid it no attention. He was going back to bed.

_______

Avizon woke early but he felt rested enough to go downstairs, check on his birds and serve them their breakfast. He ate his own meal and only then did he go to the dungeons.

It seemed he'd timed it well; the thief was only just starting to wake up.

"Ow…" he mumbled, still half asleep. "Shoulders… what…" "Wake up, thief," he called impatiently. The man yelped in alarm and tried to turn over, succeeding in falling off the bed with a painful thunk. "Ow…"

Avizon couldn't suppress a smirk. He watched the man turn onto his back and strain to sit up. He paused, seeing him standing there.

"Um… hello?" he gulped. "Don't suppose you feel like untying me? Not the most comfortable thing in the world."

"And why should I untie the man who tried to steal from me?" Avizon raised an eyebrow. "Do you even know where you are? Who I am?" The thief stood up with difficulty. "You don't have wings like those other things so I'll wager you're human- and very good at tying knots," he grunted trying to wiggle out of the bindings.

"Those 'things' happen to be cloudwalkers, and they deserve the respect of a human. Then again, you are from the Northern Mountains. Cloudwalkers aren't native to that land," he grumbled.

"H.How did you know that?" he gulped. "Your tattoo." "My… oh. Right. Magic people tend to know about magic things…"

Avizon struggled to hide his smile. It was strange seeing someone so naive near him. He appreciated the change, but this man needed to know who he was dealing with. He needed to fear him as everyone else did. He wasn’t used to talking to anyone any differently.

"An astounding deduction. What's your name, thief?"

"Ma always taught me not to share my name with people who could kill me, sorry," he answered warily. "Even if I untied you?" Avizon raised an eyebrow. He thought for a minute. "That's… fair."

Avizon opened the cell door, watching as the man stuck his chest up, raising his chin.

He grabbed him by the arm and turned him around, pinning him against the wall with a hand on the back of his neck. “Steady on!” he exclaimed, but Avizon ignored him. He kept his focus on the knots, unpicking them and unravelling some of the rope but not all of it. “Well?” Avizon said. “The name’s Flint Stirling, I’d call myself a master thief, but I’d feel a bit stupid considering you’ve caught me… Who are you then?”

Avizon smirked. He grabbed the two ends of the rope and pulled them tight in one hand, while the other reached around, grabbing Flint by the neck and jaw, pulling his head up close to his. Flint froze, but Avizon could practically hear him thinking, planning, scheming.

Avizon leaned in close to his ear, “I believe in the north they call this castle the Palace of Everblood, the place where the rivers flow red...” Avizon felt the man stiffen in his grip, felt him try to get his arms free, and he couldn’t help but get some satisfaction out of it. He felt him gulp in his hand. The bottled up panic.

He leaned in a little closer. “Ah, familiar with the name? I wonder what stories made it so far north.” Flint shuddered in his grip. “I am Avizon the Terrible, killer of Royals, destroyer of Kingdoms. And you had the gall to try to steal from me.” Flint gulped, “How silly of me,” he murmured, his breath hitching. Avizon saw him grit his teeth. “That a knife in your pocket or are you enjoying yourself, Mr Terrible?”

Avizon was unable to hold back a splutter. He had not expected for him to say that. Avizon couldn’t lie, he enjoyed holding him, having that control, but it had been becoming too intimate and now far too awkward. He shoved him away in disgust.

“It was liquorice root, thank you very much,“ he retorted. He couldn’t quite find his words. This one had courage, that was for sure. “This time, I will let you go free. Let it be known, Flint, that no unspeakable amount of money is worth even a drop of life. Don’t waste yours.”

He stepped back and allowed Flint to wiggle out of the rest of the ropes and cautiously walked past him to the door. “Tell me,” Avizon said, unable to resist the question. “What did you plan to steal from me last night?”

Flint hesitated at the doorway. “Anything I could get my hands on… Let’s just say I’m in a lot of… debt.”

Avizon inclined his head. “You might find work in the village.” Avizon hoped he took the hint that he wasn’t welcome to stay here. “Is there nothing I can do for you here? Please, there has to be something. I’m desperate-”

Avizon shook his head. “Go. Out the door, up the stairs and then left. Be grateful you’re leaving with your life.” Flint’s posture deflated. “Yeah… lucky me.”

Avizon frowned, but decided against arguing with him. He let him leave and assumed that would be the last he'd see of him. He sighed to himself. He was getting too soft.

He set to work on unloading the supplies and tending to Secret, brushing her coat, feeding her and getting her settled for the evening. He smiled at his birds once the work was done and let them do as they wished for a while until dinner. He'd hunted some rabbit along the way so their dinners were sorted. He didn't really feel like eating after killing that man. He'd deserved it for causing such pain, but Avizon still felt like a monster, he still felt out of control. He did wish he could give up his power, but he just didn't have the courage. He knew what he was with that power, but what would he be without it...

He sighed, thinking back to the time where he'd returned to this castle years ago after his wounds eventually healed, after he'd lost Ro and been found after weeks of torture. He'd kidnapped the king with ease, teleporting in, grabbing him from his bed, and teleporting out. It had been that simple. He'd forced him down on the stone altar despite his cowardly begging and pleading.

Oh, the riches and powers he had promised him, wealth beyond measure, the ability to pick any man in the land to replace Ro and Halve would make sure he was able to have him as he wished, fine steeds, castles and servants to command. As if Ro was some cheap toy! As if everything he'd suffered through was so quickly washed away. He'd stared him in the eyes and stabbed him clean through the heart, giving him the sacrifice he'd needed to be able to inherit the dark powers that had soon controlled him.

That had been the easy part, but the sacrifice he had to personally give in exchange had been his eye. That pain had been unlike anything he'd ever felt, the heavy rotting, burning sensation. He didn't like taking off his patch. He hated seeing his eye, how it was black as coal, weepy and so painful whenever light reached it. It did nothing to stop him feeling like a monster. Sometimes it still hurt, the heavy burning withering feeling returned and nothing could ease the pain…

He'd taken over the palace in a rage after that. He'd given the innocents the chance to leave, Orrien helped see to that. Avizon had been left with the scum, and their screams still echoed in his mind. He didn't fully regret what he'd done. Especially to the princess. Eriona had deserved it and so much more. Not just because of what she did to him, but to her two cloudwalkers. Fluffy and Flutter had suffered just as much as he had, perhaps worse at times.

He wanted to find them as soon as he could. Now he was finding himself again, he wanted to give them a chance at happiness. He should have remembered them, he should have cared more. He'd remembered to save Rhix before he drowned in darkness, but he hadn't been able to remember the birds. Back then he was a different man and didn't view them as well as he should have. He'd hated their suffering of course, but he hadn't considered them to be so human… but things were different now.

If they were out there. He would find them and give them the chance to be safe from harm.

Avizon sighed, thoughts wandering to Rhix. Rhix had been a good friend before he'd taken over the castle. Avizon had been the only one Rhix had dared tell about how the King, Kellis, treated him, how he suffered and was constantly being humiliated, treated like some common entertainer. His castle had been almost as bad as Avizon's. Avizon had saved him from that, giving him the chance to grow into a more confident young man. He'd saved him, and it hurt to think all the circle saw him as a truly evil. But Orrien's words gave him hope. Maybe Rhix hadn't completely given up on him…

-----

Avizon struggled within his own skin as he sat on the throne in the gallery. Sometimes twirling a small parchment around in his fingers, other times scrunching it up, waiting impatiently for his 'guests' to arrive. He'd sent a message days ago, a message to the neighboring kingdom where Rhix 'served'. In his hand he held their cowardly answer.

Surrender your sorcerer, Rhixius, to me, alive and well. If you do not bring him, your kingdom will be next to fall. It is my one and only demand.

It was no surprise when a message had been returned quickly. They'd given him up, without even thinking about the possibilities of what Avizon could do with dark magic and a sorcerer with containment talent. Fortunately for them he wasn't interested in that, though the darkness inside certainly was. For now Avizon could only wait for them to bring him. He'd managed to fight the dark part of him that wanted to tell the king he knew his secrets, how they treated Rhix, and send all his rage at him. But he feared that they would harm him for telling someone. Avizon wanted Rhix alive and well and there was no point in risking that.

He felt the presence of men in his domain. He could feel Rhix was with them, but his powers were… weak, incredibly so. As if he'd been sapped of all his energy. He crushed the paper in his hand. If they'd leeched him then so help him…

The men carefully made their way to the throne room. Avizon barely managed to tuck away his shock. He'd expected for Rhix to have resisted, to be bound, but this was different.

Rhixius had been a pitiful sight, his hands were bound in front of him with rough ropes and he was shirtless, covered with shining jewelry and silky baggy pants. His body was littered in bruises and scratches. Avizon wondered how much he'd struggled on the way here. They really thought he wanted Rhix as a partner. No doubt Rhix was terrified. He didn't suppress the growl that rose in his throat, seeing Rhix's pale skin, the old scars and signs of torment, new and old.

He'd been gagged and blindfolded, and was so unaware of what was going on around him. He swayed, but Avizon wasn't sure if that was because of the blindfold or not. Rhix whimpered when they forced him to a halt and shoved him down on his knees. He groaned and struggled not to fall forward. A hand in his hair ensured he couldn't.

"We brought your whore," one man sneered. Avizon brought fire to his hands and glared. "Repeat those words." The man gulped and let go of Rhix, backing away and bowing. "I… I.I thought that you- I didn't- I beg your forgiveness-"

Avizon had already hurdled a ball of fire at him, hitting him hard in the shoulder. The man screamed and rolled around the floor, trying to put out the flames. The flames tore through the clothes quickly and chewed at his skin until he managed to put the last if it out, panting, sobbing. Avizon didn't care.

Rhix tensed up, bracing for pain. Avizon saw how he ducked his head down, trying to seem as small as possible. Avizon didn't want to scare him too. He'd clearly been through enough. The others deserved to suffer. He clenched his fists.

"Do not speak of this man as though he were nothing," Avizon snarled. "One word from him seeking revenge and I will destroy every last brick of your kingdom!” "B.but we have your word you will not attack our kingdom or any other?" The leader spoke up carefully.

"It's true I have what I wanted. But I will not deny Rhixius the chance of revenge if his heart desires. You'd best pray he is far more forgiving than I. If I am left alone and Rhixius chooses peace, then you've nothing to fear. But if I ever hear-" Avizon summoned a wave of dark magic, the deepest he could feel at the time which engulfed the room in darkness.

From the shadows, hands reached out and grabbed all the men, restraining them. He brought fire to his hands and approached the leader slowly, bringing the fire closer and closer to his sweating face. "-that the king is using another man and hurts him as he did Rhix I will not hesitate." Avizon clenched his fists again to put the fire out, ignoring how his hands went numb for now.

"I… I will inform him of your conditions, my Lord." The men bowed, fear radiated off their bodies. Avizon stood and snatched the rope from him that was connected to a collar around Rhix's neck. He let the magic disappear in the blink of an eye and his body felt so heavy from it. His eye throbbed, but he let the pain fuel his anger for now.

"Out."

That had been enough for them to flee, as if they'd never even been there.

Avizon's attention turned to Rhixius. He struggled with his dark side, he could feel it churning inside him. He circled his trembling form. Part of him wanted to savour the sight, but the rest of him was appalled at the thought, yet unable to stop himself. He felt like a puppet. He grabbed Rhix by the chin and made him look up. Rhixius whimpered. Avizon groaned trying to beat his urges back. He let go and Rhix's head dropped forward limply.

He wanted him. He wanted a pet, a servant, something to be dependent on him and to have complete control over. Rhix would be perfect- He was able to break out of it when he saw Rhix sway badly. He slumped forward with a groan and Avizon's body acted without his mind. He caught him and pulled him close to his chest protectively. No. Rhix was a friend. He would not hurt him! He had to protect him, even from himself.

Avizon was stunned at just how cold he was. He reached for his blindfold. Rhix yelped and flinched away. "Shhh, be at ease." Avizon continued, sliding the white material up, revealing what really were beautiful iridescent eyes. Rhix blinked hard to adjust before he stared up in shock. Avizon ignored him and carefully eased the gag out of his mouth. He cupped his cheek to support his jaw.

"There… I always swore to you that I would save you from that place. I have done so."

"A.Avizon… why…" tears shone in his eyes. "Why did you turn to the shadows… y.you were free…" "Because I wasn't strong enough," his voice harsh like sandpaper. "I couldn't protect him."

"Ro? Avizon, that wasn't your fault…" Avizon shook his head. "I don't expect you to understand. I'm not important. Where is your power?.. Did they use a leech?" "N.No… I. I breathed in powder… they found a way of blocking it for hours at a time… I… I don't know how it's made."

Avizon took a deep breath. He felt better, being closer to him, closer to light magic. It was easier to think clearly, but it made his eye hurt more. Avizon hissed and covered it with a hand.

"Let's get you a bath, a meal, and bed," he managed.

Avizon started to free his hands but Rhix whimpered "Is that why I'm here? What the other man said, what they've all been saying…"

"No." His voice was firm. Solid. "I swore I would free you and I found a way of doing so. It's true that I… I want you to stay, as a friend, so I can protect you but… I already know you wouldn't want that. I'm dangerous now, and the best way to keep you safe would be if you weren't here. Once your powers have returned, I can only beg of you to go to the spire. They should be able to do what I cannot."

Rhix's expression was hard to read. Relief, worry, shock. Avizon gave up trying to understand it. He sighed. "Can you walk?" Rhixius nodded hesitantly. "I think so?"

Avizon managed to put his own pain aside and carefully helped him up, teleporting him upstairs. Using his powers, keeping the darkness flowing, made it easier to control the urges. He sat Rhix down on the side of a bed for now. Rhix only frowned and reached up slowly for Avizon's face. "What happened to your eye?"

Avizon turned his face away. "It… was sacrificed, let's say. It's not a pretty sight. Hopefully time will ease the pain." "May I see? Perhaps I can help?" "I doubt it…"

He let Rhix reach up with trembling fingers and ease the eyepatch away. He winced at the sight. It was dark magic for sure. The eye was pitch black, weepy, and looked almost like stone or charred wood. The surrounding skin was practically purple as the darkness had made its way into the surrounding capillaries. It was a terrible mess, and Avizon despised it.

"Avizon…" but words would not come to him. "Please let go of this magic before it's too late. Let go of it a.and I'll stay. I swear it. You'll have enough power to stay safe with me. You don't need it."

Avizon shook his head and moved Rhix's hands away, feeling another wave of darkness. "I can't. I am sorry…" "But it could kill-"

Avizon's mind slipped. He grabbed Rhix by the throat before he could stop himself. Rhix tried to bring magic to his hands on instinct, but nothing happened. Fear glowed in his eyes. 

"The magic stays," Avizon hissed. "Unless you care for a share of it too? We could rule together, be unstoppable, and reshape the world in our image."

Rhix brought his elbow down hard to force Avizon to let go. He coughed hard and shook his head. "I. I don't want that. Take a look at yourself! You can't control it! It's not meant to be controlled. Avizon, please do not go down this path, I'll do anything. Let me help you, let me at least stop it from destroying my friend!" Tears pooled in his eyes.

Avizon groaned and fell back against the wall, clutching his head. He looked up at him and whimpered. "I am so sorry. I.I'll go before I really hurt you… I'm sorry, Rhix. I never wanted this." Avizon rushed away, keeping his hands close to his body. What had he done?!

---

Avizon wished he'd taken Rhix up on that offer. Maybe he'd have been happy with a friend by his side, but there was no point thinking about it. He'd made his decision and had been miserable and alone.

Avizon finished up at the stables and found Dyan's dreamcatcher still hanging up in the cart where he'd first stored it. He'd have to put it up for him before night fell. He sighed, took it down, and went to the birds' room.

He found Dyan laying glumly in bed. He sighed softly. "What's wrong, Dyan?" "Nothing really. Just… I miss Blue. This place is so big that it makes me feel more lonely…" "I understand that feeling all too well. You can stay in the tower today with me if you like?"

Dyan nodded and rubbed his eyes. He watched Avizon put the dreamcatcher up in the window. "There, that ought to help you," Avizon smiled.

"Thank you, master, for doing so much for me a.and buying me nice things. I'm the luckiest cloudwalker in the world to be by your side." That caught Avizon off guard a little. He smiled softly and ruffled his hair. "Thank you, Dyan. Now let's get going. I need to study the venom I collected from Tashka."

Dyan sat sleepily beside Avizon, resting against his knee, drifting off to sleep with his head against him. Avizon smiled and left him to rest, for now focusing on his work. He needed to know what had happened, to know just what Borgurk was planning. Tashka had certainly been right. The magic he could feel in the venom certainly belonged to Borgurk. That scum had lingered in the shadows unsupervised for far too long, ever since Avizon had fought him. In truth, Avizon wished and had even thought him dead. It scared him to know he could come back. He had loved ones he could lose again…

He was still working when Dyan woke up from his rather long nap. He startled awake with a loud cheep before flopping back down against his master's leg. "It's alright, little bird. Bad dream?" "I'm not sure.. I think I was being chased."

"Are you well enough for me to ask for a little of your venom, for comparison?"

Dyan gulped but nodded and got up on his knees. He opened his mouth and waited. Avizon was patient as he massaged behind his ear, sometimes a little rougher than what was relaxing, but it worked. Venom dripped and Avizon collected it. Avizon had what he needed. He patted Dyan's hair and invited him to lie down again.

Dyan peeked over the top of the table to see what his master was doing. He was surprised by all the bottles and tools and devices.

"I don't like this at all…" Avizon mumbled. "Borgurk's up to something terrible… Dyan, I don't want you or Ihuka leaving the magic circle that surrounds this castle, you understand? Something dark and dangerous is afoot."

"Yes, master."

Avizon wished he knew what but until Borgurk played his hand he feared he wouldn't know. Of course he realised Borgurk was interfering with cloudwalker magic, probably to make himself stronger but… Then what? Did he have a target in mind? A goal? That's where he was less sure. He needed to prepare, take measures to protect everyone…

"Master?" Dyan said softly, breaking Avizon out of his thoughts. "Are… are you alright? Can I help?..." Avizon looked down and smiled at him. He stroked his hair lovingly. "You already are helping. Good bird. Are you feeling better?"

Dyan nodded and decided to hug Avizon's leg.

"I wonder where Ihuka wandered off to… its almost dinner time. This can wait a little while, I need time to think. Come, let's go find him." Dyan let go and waited for his master to stand before he rose up off the floor. "Maybe he's at his favourite window?"

"You go search there and then your room. I'll wander until I can sense him."

And so he wandered, Dyan returned without Ihuka and Avizon frowned in mild confusion. He knew Ihuka was still in the grounds. He wasn't worried, just curious.

He didn't expect to find him sitting at the top of one of the towers, looking out at the immense view, hugging his knees with the stuffed toy Avizon had bought him.

Avizon approached noisily so as to not startle him. Ihuka turned quickly, likely not sure if he was in trouble or not. "Good bird," Avizon said softly, hoping to ease that anxiety as soon as he could. Ihuka visibly relaxed and went back to looking at the view.

"It's dinner time… Ihuka? Anyone in there?" Ihuka seemed lost in thought, in emotion. He stared out into the world and… longed? Grieved perhaps?

Ihuka flinched when Avizon carefully touched his shoulder. "You miss your brother?" "Sorry, master," Ihuka said quickly. Avizon hushed him softly. "We'll find him. Let's get you fed now, alright? Dinner time."

Avizon ruffled his hair gently and then made his way down for a meal. Ihuka hugged Dyan when he saw him sitting at the table. Avizon was glad they had each other since they couldn't find much comfort with him. He really did wish he could do more, but as Orrien said, they needed time.

He carried Blue and Mouse with care and eased Blue down on the bed, minding his whimpers, the raspiness to his breathing. He let Mouse snuggle up against him on the pillow for now, hoping they had enough magic left in them to hold on, but he grimaced, seeing how their back legs were turning solid, unmovable. They were running out of time.

But right now he couldn't help them, being near Blue was the best he could do for them. “It’s going to be alright, I promise," he said to both of them. He eyed Blue's bruised neck, how he still held onto it and his breathing just was not right. He needed to heal him. "Will you let me look at your neck? Please?” he asked softly.

He sent a small orb downstairs to retrieve Ihuka and Dyan. He was going to need their help, and Blue was going to desperately need the comfort. Blue curled up and whimpered, flinching as Avizon settled a hand on his shoulder. Avizon’s thoughts raced, there was so much he needed to do but time was not on his side. He knelt down by the bed and calmly said “Trust me, Blue. Let me help.”

Blue shuddered but wordlessly, he raised his chin. "Good lad, you're being so brave." Avizon didn't rush to touch it, for now, he simply looked, hushing him gently. The rope burn wasn't too bad, or at least not as bad as it could have been. Blue had clearly tried to keep as still as he could. It showed in his exhaustion, in how he couldn't move his head for the pain. “I know, I know… it’s alright.” Avizon slowly brought a hand up and stroked his hair, noting how he flinched. "Will you let me heal this?"

Blue pursed his lips. "I.I’m fine…"

Avizon soothed him as best he could as he slowly brought his hand further down to his neck, at the back for the sake of saving him from unnecessary pain and panic. "We both know that’s not true. I can heal this if you wish, but it will hurt a little."

Blue shook his head. "H.help Mouse first."

It was then that Ihuka and Dyan came rushing up the stairs. "Blue!" "Dyan, get me the bag of feathers and a bowl. Make me a little nest in it to put Mouse in. They need magic, quickly."

Dyan battled past his urge to rush to help Blue and obeyed swiftly, filling it as best he could with small fluffy feathers, a mixture of feathers he and Ihuka had molted, and a few Avizon had yanked out in their first few days.

Avizon turned his attention back to Blue. "Mouse will be just fine. Will you let me help you? Yes? Thank you. Try to relax and take deep breaths." He focused on healing Blue. His healing magic was very poor now, it took more effort than he expected to get the light magic past the dark and to Blue's trembling body, to let his magic soak into the bruises, the rope burn, the internal damage. Coldness washed over his body as he filtered the magic through. Avizon could feel the sweat forming on his body, the deep ache that returned to his eye, but he kept going with clenched teeth.

Blue grabbed at his neck for a few moments, trying to pry Avizon’s hands off as he gasped, but Avizon ignored the scratching, the pain that burned the tops of his hands. He kept focused, kept healing until Blue finally settled, dropping down limp on the bed, sucking in deep breaths amongst coughs, but he sounded so much better than he had. Tears pooled in his eyes. Avizon stepped back and shook his head. "That's the best I can do. The rest will ease on its own. Ihuka, bed. Cuddle with Blue. Keep him warm. You did well, Blue. I'm sorry it hurt so much."

Ihuka carefully made his way onto the bed and Blue leaned into him, clinging to him with fear. Dyan soon returned to the bowl. Avizon took it off him and left him to see Blue. He carefully scooped up Mouse, hushing them gently as he transferred them to the bowl. He then covered them with a handkerchief so they felt more covered and safe. He gently stroked their head with one finger as they settled down to sleep their injury away. He could only hope the magic of those few remaining feathers was enough.

"What about mister Orrien?" Dyan asked weakly. "Is he…" Avizon couldn't bring himself to meet Dyan's gaze. "He's been taken. But I will find him.” Dyan gulped. “Erix...”

Avizon sighed and nodded slowly. “Stay here, look after Blue and Mouse. I’ll… see if anyone can help.”

Avizon kept his back straight, his shoulders broad, and his head high as he made for the next room. He glanced behind him to see Dyan holding Blue close as they both trembled, as he watched Ihuka stroke Mouse’s head and how they seemed to grow stronger from it. He bit back his panic and left the room, shutting the door behind him.

But once that door was shut, everything hit into him like a battering ram. The terror of his master being taken, the exertion from trying to heal Blue, the deep stinging brought on by the bite mark caused by Mouse and Blue’s scratch marks- the sheer agony behind his cursed eye. He groaned and slid down to the floor, leaning on the door for support. For a moment, he could only sit, panting, panicking, trying to desperately weave a plan together, a means of finding his master before it was too late. Orrien didn’t deserve this. He needed help, but before he even tried, he knew that no one would help him. He had one chance, and if he didn’t agree to help, then he would have to do this on his own.

_____

Dyan stayed by Blue’s side for as long as he could, until his trembles had subsided and left him weak and tired. His head had gradually fallen to the side, resting against Dyan's chest. Dyan kept him warm with his wings, doing all he could to make sure he was comfortable. It was a welcome distraction from his own fear. Erix had acted, and now instead of taking it out on him, he was taking and hurting those Dyan cared about. Orrien was a nice man, he let Blue be free and he’d looked after his master. Blue was everything to him, and the thought of Erix even looking at him was enough to make him feel sick.

“Dee,” Blue murmured. “C.can I have some water?” Dyan startled out of his thoughts slightly but nodded quickly. “Stay here, I don’t think master will mind. I’ll go and get you some...” he inched his way off the bed and eased the blanket over Blue so he didn’t lose the warmth.

Dyan exchanged worried glances with Ihuka, who had kept a lot of his attention on helping Mouse. Mouse had left their nest and snuggled up amongst the feathers of Ihuka’s wing, sleeping soundly, and looking a lot better than they had. Their back legs were moving again, though sluggishly. Dyan didn’t need to say a word to know Ihuka would protect them both until he returned.

With some hesitation, Dyan went to the door and opened it. He tried to trust in his master enough to know he wouldn’t get in trouble for getting Blue water, but he couldn’t lose his instincts. He hoped he’d be able to see his master on the way, to check it was alright.

Dyan froze when he found his master kneeling on the floor, uttering syllables and sounds Dyan had never heard before. Dyan needed to get Blue water, but he was too afraid to disturb his master’s… what was he doing?

“Rhix...” Avizon whispered. “Please, hear me-”

The tranquility was abruptly cut off when Avizon was thrown back, as if someone had kicked him in the forehead and sent him tumbling backwards. He groaned and turned around, stuck on all fours for a moment. “M...master?” Dyan whimpered. His mouth became so painfully dry with nerves. Was he going to be angry at him for seeing that? Had he caused it?

Avizon groaned and struggled up to his knees again, covering his eye with his hand, but he still had the eyepatch on. “Dyan?” he grunted. “I thought you’d be with Blue.” “H.he asked for water. I’m sorry, master, I didn’t mean to disturb you-” Avizon struggled onto his feet and Dyan wasn’t sure if he should offer him his help. “That wasn’t your fault, little bird. That was the circle.” “The circle?” Dyan frowned. “Let’s go and get that water, I’ll explain on the way.” Dyan came closer to him, and hesitantly asked “Do you need any help?” “H.help me balance. Ignium’s powers are still as painful as ever...” he rubbed his head. Dyan helped as best he could as they began to walk down the stairs. 

Avizon took a deep breath as he tried to explain. “The Circle, or the Sorcerer’s Circle is a very ancient group of people- of magic wielders. Anyone who can do magic is invited into it. I was once one of them, in the innermost circle- that’s the circle that has the strongest sorcerers. Once, there was a magic wielder from every kingdom- that’s why there are eight members. The best of them served and protected the royal families, but over time, kingdoms fell or were reshaped. Now it is made up of eight of the most powerful sorcerers in the world. The Circle is... meant to help keep the land in peace, and also protects those of us who have magic. Because of my actions, for killing King Halve, things changed again, and we no longer serve kingdoms.”

“So it’s just a group of sorcerers?” Dyan asked, puzzled. He was trying his best to keep up with what his master told him but there was a lot to take in.  “Well, now it is. I was banished from it because of my actions, and Erix took my place. The circle protects all the sorcerers and magic wielders in the world.” Dyan tensed for a moment. Would he count? Yes, he could technically make magic, but would being a cloudwalker exclude him from that protection if he was given it. But then... Erix was part of that circle, so his hopes deflated. There really just wasn’t anywhere in this world where he could be safe and happy.

Avizon continued, “So I was hoping they would hear me, that they would help me save Orrien. But I am exiled, they do not trust me, and I don’t doubt Erix is dripping poison in their ears… What you saw was the sorcerer Ignium getting in between me and… my friend, Rhix. He cast me away from Rhix- why, I don't know. But it means the only way I’ll be able to help Orrien is to do this myself.”

Dyan could barely focus on what Avizon said. “But master… if I have magic, would that mean...” “Yes. You will be part of the circle- all cloudwalkers might be. You might just be the reason we can protect them all. That's why I was hoping to train you.” Dyan’s stomach twisted. He’d never even considered all the other cloudwalkers. He struggled to suppress his nerves. This was all so complex...

Avizon helped Dyan fill a jug with clean water, and then he began to climb the stairs. “I would ask you to try to speak to him, but it’s difficult magic, and I don’t want Ignium to hurt you… I should be able to find Orrien, but it may take a few days. Until then, I need you all to stay safe, to stay in the castle.”

“Master… why is Erix in the circle? If you were bad and weren’t allowed in, why is he?” “Because he has never hurt one of them until now. That’s their flaw… they only care if their own are affected. They can’t remove him for how he treats cloudwalkers. I know, it’s disgusting. But he has taken Orrien, hurt him. That changes things. Once I get him back, we can get him kicked out, disgraced.”

Dyan nodded slowly. It gave him a sense of hope, but his worry for Orrien was too great. “But… why would he take him then?” Avizon shrugged. “Perhaps he is desperate, or perhaps he has a plan. I don’t want to tell you ideas and theories that will do nothing but scare you. As I have said, I will find him and bring him here… I think I am steady enough now to leave. I will first go to Erix’s abode, check that he is not there, though I doubt he’d be so obvious. After that…”

Avizon’s voice trailed off, but Dyan couldn’t help but get the impression that he didn’t know. “I will track him down. I’ll try to keep checking on you all, but time is of the essence. You are free to get whatever food and water you want until I return. It might take a few days. You don’t need to clean or do any chores aside from looking after the horse. I’ll make sure Orrien’s farm is looked after.” Avizon opened the door for him which led to the bedroom. Dyan filled a cup with care and helped Blue to drink.

“I’m sorry I didn’t think to bring you any water sooner, Blue. I… lost my composure. Rest. I will be back soon.”

Avizon hurried to pack a bag, furiously shoving bandages and herbs into it. If he ever got hold of Ignium, he’d knock him into next week, old man or not. His stubbornness was going to get Orrien killed. And it was becoming clear that that was Erix’s plan. Was he going to try to frame him for what happened to Orrien? To kill him, set the circle after him, and scoop Dyan up once all the damage and death was done?

It was magic related, he could feel the draining deep in his chest, but again, it wasn’t like usual, it wasn’t like he’d just ran out and needed Orrien to give him some magic. He just didn’t understand it, but he knew it wasn’t going to be easy to act like nothing was wrong. Orrien was good at noticing when something was wrong.

His eyes fluttered open to reveal a head of brown hair. He smiled weakly, knowing it was Dyan. For a moment, he savoured the comfort, the warmth that Dyan’s wings brought, the kind of warmth that just couldn’t be replicated by a blanket, but he quickly felt too warm. He could only assume he had a fever coming on.

He could hear Dyan’s breathing, the incredibly soft snore. Blue would have stayed there all day if he could, but he had to carry out his chores. He sat up, battling against the wave of dizziness that it brought him. He rubbed his head and looked down at Dyan, seeing him all cuddled up against him, so at peace. It was nice to see him looking more relaxed.

But he had to do his chores, he had to prove his worth and he had to try to work through this sickness to get rid of it. He began to sit up but someone cleared their throat. He jumped and saw Avizon sitting on the floor with Ihuka asleep in his arms. 

"Maybe you should stay in bed," he said quietly, like he was choosing his words carefully. "But my chores…" "You're wounded. You shouldn't do heavy work," Avizon advised.

Blue didn’t like hearing it. He didn’t like hearing that he wasn’t good enough to do a job- no matter what the reason. "But…" "It's alright, Blue, really," Avizon said softly. "They're no doubt already taken care of. Orrien isn't as fragile as you fear. It's alright to rest… in truth, I think you and Dyan both need time to process what happened. I think he needs you- and I'm not just saying such things to keep you in bed."

Blue slowly shuffled back down and asked, "What do you mean?" "I think he was so shocked by what had happened he'd gone numb, hidden away in his own mind. He was in a daze and I couldn’t help him. He looked so lost but the only real thought getting through to him was you…"

Blue frowned but nodded slowly. He felt… special? Important? He wasn’t sure how to explain it. To be the one thing that Dyan was holding onto… well, he was just glad he was able to help. Dyan must have been so worried…  so scared.

Blue whimpered in the back of his throat."I… I think I've run out of magic… I need to tell mas- I mean… tell Orrien." "He was going to come up in a few minutes. Can you hold or is it an emergency?"

"I.it can wait a little longer," Blue answered but he winced in pain at his shoulder. The bite that cloudwalker had left behind still hurt him badly. He didn’t want to look at it. He didn’t want to see the disapproval from his own kind that would scar his skin forever.

Avizon frowned at him and sighed, “It… It’s going to be alright, Blue. I am not always good with my words and I am sorry I cannot say or do more, but things will be alright.”

Blue’s head shot towards the door as quiet footsteps neared and Orrien appeared. “Easy, easy… You look awful…” “He told me he needed magic,” Avizon said. Orrien rolled up his sleeves, “That can be arranged. Hold still, my lad.”

Blue offered him his neck with a whimper, letting his weather-worn fingertips gently press against the tattooed skin, for him to begin to mutter the spell that would give him some magic to keep him alive. Blue battled against tears, but it wasn’t because of pain. Orrien was always so gentle when he gave him magic, but he hated this, he hated having to be dependent on another. He wanted his wings back, he wanted to fly, to fish- to be accepted!

He wanted to be a cloudwalker again.

When Orrien was finished, Blue was surprised to find he didn’t feel that much better. He reluctantly admitted it to Orrien. “I… I don’t know if it worked? I still feel bad, but usually...”

“There are a lot of people with powers in this room, it could be that your body is picking up on that. But you’ve also lost blood and been healed a lot. Perhaps you should sleep, and if that hasn’t helped, I’ll see what I can do,” Orrien suggested.

Blue looked down at Dyan and then to the window. He liked being near him, but at the same time, he needed air, he needed to be alone for a little while. The barn was his favourite place to go. That was where he could think and doze off in the hay and be at peace. The more he thought about it, the more he needed to get out of this bed and go there. He didn’t like seeing all their pitiful expressions.

“I… can I go in the barn?” Orrien sighed softly. “Alright, but please don’t be doing any work.” Blue nodded. He eased his way out of bed, biting back whimpers, but Orrien could see his pain. He helped him up and out of bed.

Dyan let out a soft whine in his sleep, so Orrien lifted Ihuka onto the bed, putting him in his place. So Avizon could actually stand up. Blue felt bad. He wanted to stay, but right now, he just didn’t feel like he belonged beside a cloudwalker, and Dyan’s warm wings were just too much for him right now. Orrien watched him hobble down the stairs with great concern. Blue could feel his gaze on his back. He couldn't blame him. Moving had not made him feel any better.

Blue kept walking, even as dizziness plagued his vision. He kept going, and he was exhausted before he got to the barn, but his legs kept going. He winced and dropped down in his little corner, resting his head against a small square bale of hay. Quiet, comfortable… alone. He didn’t know why he suddenly felt a little better, like the source of the discomfort was gone. Maybe Orrien was right, it was because he was next to so many with powers, but then… he’d never felt like that before around them. 

He didn’t have the time to dwell on it. As his spirit settled back down, the pain in his shoulder increased. He whimpered and tugged off his bandages with difficulty as his arms grew heavy. What was wrong with it?!

He froze when he saw it. The bite mark had turned coal black, was crumbling and oozing like charred wood. He gulped. This was not natural. This was magic and this was bad. He thought Orrien had cleaned this up last night, it shouldn’t have been like this- but then again, despite all the wounds he’d ever gotten, he’d never seen anything like this before. He needed to get to Orrien. Orrien was his best chance. He’d know what to do.

But as soon as he stood up, he swayed badly. He tried to call for help, but it was getting hard to breathe. Every attempt came out as a wheeze. He had to make it to the door, he just had to…

He collapsed with a whimper, and then everything went dark.

*Segment Break*

Dyan woke with a whimper as he narrowly escaped a nightmare before it got too bad. He shuddered and was surprised by the feeling of warmth, of wings other than his own wrapped around him. Ihuka. He was used to that now, but he could have sworn he’d fallen asleep with Blue next to him. He wasn’t sure. That afternoon was so hazy to him now…

He dragged himself up and out of the bed, cradling his worst-felt injuries, the deep scratches on his side, that twinged with pain with every breath. Where was Blue? He was worried about him. Why hadn’t he been in bed? Had he gone to do his chores after that horrible attack yesterday? Dyan wasn’t sure, he just really needed to see him, to hold him and know for sure that he was alright.

Tiptoeing downstairs, he was met by Avizon and Orrien in the kitchen. Orrien was washing dishes while staring out of the window, in the direction of the barn. Avizon was sitting at the table, nursing a mug.

“Dyan?” Avizon said with concern. “Are you sure you should be up so soon? You were feverish the last I checked on you.” “I was worried about Blue...” Dyan admitted. “He wasn’t in bed, so. I.I thought it would be alright to look for him.”

Avizon sighed and beckoned him closer, putting a hand against his forehead once Dyan was close enough. Dyan couldn’t help but lean into the coolness. He sighed softly.

“He’s in the barn, I’ll take you over so you can see him and know he’s alright, but then I really think you should get some rest. You’ve a lot of wounds, little bird. That fever isn’t one to ignore...”

Dyan sighed and nodded, hugging his side a little closer. “I think… maybe I have an infection, master, some of my wounds are stinging a lot.” Avizon gently swept the hair out of his face. “Then we’ll change your bandages and have a look. Let’s go and get Blue, he’ll need his done as well.”

“I’ll get everything ready,” Orrien said.

Dyan helped Avizon up and passed him his cane so they could set off. Avizon took Dyan’s blanket from the back of the armchair and put it over Dyan’s shoulders. “It’s a cool wind,” he supplied a little awkwardly. Dyan didn’t mind. He appreciated the care.

They went outside to find Blue, but when Dyan called out there was no reply. Avizon frowned. “Eyes open, Dyan, be alert- just in case.” Dyan gulped and nodded, but his pace quickened. He needed to see Blue. He couldn’t shake his worry, the feeling that something was wrong.

He opened the barn door carefully, and when his eyes settled on a figure on the floor. That familiar mop of blond hair, the pretty feather earrings he wore, the clothes to hide his scars. Dyan saw him laying motionless on the floor.

He screamed in horror but bolted forwards, not caring about any threats that could be lingering. He just wanted to get to Blue. He just had to get to his Blue.

Ihuka whimpered as Avizon picked him up, and Dyan was surprised to see that he picked him up without using magic. Ihuka’s head fell against his chest and he shivered as his bare wings almost trailed across the floor.

“S.sorry...” Ihuka managed, swallowing hard. It was enough to make Avizon feel a pang of pity for the creature, a twinge of guilt. This was not how he wanted him to be at all. He wanted them trained, not terrified of him. He had gone too far- he should have known better! Perhaps he really was an evil sorcerer, but he didn’t want these two beautiful creatures to think of him that way. Maybe he really was a fool for thinking he was capable of anything but hurt. How had he been so blind?

“Follow.” Dyan obeyed, following Avizon up the stairs of the tower until they came to Avizon’s office, where he did most of his potion-making and other work. Dyan had spent hours cleaning the table the day before, sanding it and varnishing it and now Ihuka had been settled onto it. Ihuka writhed on the wood and tried to crawl off, but Avizon’s heavy hand on his shoulder, as well as gentle hushes was enough to make him stay still. He whined as Avizon turned him over onto his front, being careful when he moved his wings.

“You will be alright, little bird. You can sleep.”

Avizon spent hours tending to him, cleaning and resealing wounds, wiping him down with a cool damp cloth, while Dyan could only watch with wide eyes. Avizon gave Dyan the cloth and the instruction to keep dabbing his face and neck while he hurried to prepare a potion. He boiled it down, and added one ingredient after another, not caring how it bubbled and fizzed and glowed until it formed a strong elixir to help him fight the fever. 

He should not have hurt him so much. Why could he only see it now that the fire had left Ihuka’s eyes? Now that he’d broken him down enough to obey, was he able to acknowledge just how fragile his body was, how thin his arms and legs were. He should have known that hurting him so much would bring on a fever, even if Ihuka had bitten him. Perhaps he should not have lost his temper so badly, he should have stopped the punishment once he'd knelt the first time…

Why was he such a monster? And why were these thoughts only entering his mind now? Why was it only clear now the damage had been done? He felt the desire to confide in his old master, but that would have to wait- that was, if Orrien even wanted to talk to him.

Avizon approached Ihuka again and sat him up, cradling his head in his arms once the elixir was ready and cool. “Drink, little one. Drink.” Ihuka tried to look even smaller in his grip, and although he did succeed in that, it wasn’t going to stop Avizon. “Drink. Dyan, translate it for me. He must drink, it will help him get rid of his illness.”

Ihuka wasn’t paying him much attention in his lethargic state. Avizon carefully used his thumb to part his lips, to ease his mouth open just enough to pour the liquid in a little at a time. Ihuka shuddered and managed to grab hold of his wrist.

Dyan stood, shuffling from one foot to the other. “Is he going to be okay, master?” Avizon looked up at his sorrowful face and nodded softly. “I will do all I can… In truth I don’t know.”

“We have stories,” Dyan practically whispered. “That our wings… our feathers, are what give us our strength...” Dyan stopped himself, but Avizon could finish his sentence for him ‘and you took them away’. “The feathers give you vitality? The magic inside them...”

Light magic was in need fragile, Avizon forgot that. He was so used to dark power, so used to not caring, not having a need to care. Perhaps it was being in the presence of light magic again that had made him realise just how cruel he had become. His heart sank. So many people that he loved would have been devastated at what he’d become… What would his beloved Ro have thought?

Avizon looked at Ihuka and sighed. “How long does it take you to grow your feathers back?” “Months… maybe less if we're warm and fed.”

Avizon smoothed the hair out of his face. “If he does not improve on his own within the next few days-" No, not a few days. Ihuka’s weak cough made it clear he might not have a few days "Dash it all. Dyan, get the bag of his feathers.”

Dyan did so with a confused frown. He held it out to him and watched as he took out a single black feather, examined it, and then traced his finger over the nib. He murmured something, a sound Dyan had never heard before, some sort of spell perhaps, and the feather floated all on its own when he let go. It swayed slightly before it went to Ihuka's wings and settled down near the skin on the underside of his wing. There was a bright glow, and Ihuka whimpered. Once the glow died down, Dyan was able to see it had fused on his back again, as if it had never been taken away.

“This will take time, and it will hurt him. You have my permission to leave the room.” Dyan swallowed hard. “I don’t want to leave him- if that is allowable?” “Yes, but do not get in my way.” Dyan knelt by Ihuka’s head once Avizon eased him back down against the table and turned him onto his front again. Dyan offered all the comfort he could as Avizon worked. Some feathers only drew groans, but the biggest feathers were enough to make him scream. He was crying by the end, clawing at the table beneath him, but he couldn’t get up.

Yet, the longer Ihuka endured, the more feathers that were returned to him, the easier it was for him to move, to breathe, to speak. It was helping.

“Alright… that is all the feathers I can salvage. He does look better… unless that’s simply the elixir.”

Avizon picked him up as his body shook with little sobs and eased him down onto a bed by his desk that he’d prepared for him earlier that morning, a nest made of pillows and blankets for him to sleep on. “Hush, little bird, hush… I know, I’ve hurt you again, but this was for your own good, look, you have your feathers back, they’re back to stay. Good bird, good bird. Shhhhh.” Avizon decided it best to just step back when Ihuka didn’t calm after a minute. “I’m going to go and eat. Stay here with him, Dyan, calm him if you can.”

Avizon let out a half frustrated sigh before he slipped away out of sight. Ihuka raised his head but he didn’t have the strength to hold it for long. “What d.did I do wrong?” Ihuka croaked at Dyan. “Was it because I couldn’t do what he wanted?” “No, Ihuka, he put your feathers back, he helped you. It… just hurt to put them back. I had no idea humans could do things like that...”

Ihuka forced himself to sit up.

“What does it mean? Why would he...” “Because you…” Dyan bit back his answer of telling him he was dying. “You were really ill. Master was worried.”

“What does that mean… for us?” Ihuka whimpered. Dyan pursed his lips and looked up at the door. “It means things might get better, but I don’t know for sure… You should sleep, little firefly. Save your strength.”

“How do I thank him? What… what is the word?” Dyan smiled sadly before he told him and helped him practice.

When Avizon returned a little while later, Ihuka crawled towards him. Avizon walked forward to meet him halfway. Ihuka reached for his leg but thought better of it and tried to get on his knees, to hold the position he’d suffered so much to accept. He fluttered his wings a little bit and looked up at him. “Thank you, master, I’m sorry...”

Avizon crouched, and it was only then did Ihuka realise he was carrying bowls of food. “Here, little bird- back on your bed. You don’t need to thank me.” Avizon put the bowl down by the blankets and gently ran his hand through Ihuka’s hair, before it settled on his warm forehead. “Not when I was the cause of it,” he mumbled. “Eat, and sleep. You’re still slightly feverish.”