@pexfections, cont.

Blink, blink. Well, he had a point, something was always going on with them. Though, she wasn't sure why he seemed to be looming over her like this, still acting as if there wasn't a care in the world. Something was up, she just had to figure out what!

"Yes, that was indeed the case. I was never meant to be a mage, but, well... Things took a different turn. I don't hold that position anymore, not since Mashu and I returned from the incident in Fuyuki." she nods, leaning back away from the Servant to give him space once more. "Is there a reason for the sudden interest in my previous role...?"

She was taught that a knight was ever vigilant, no matter what.

And yet, the one time she hadn't been entirely focused on every detail of her surroundings, that one time — it was all that was needed for everything to backfire. Julian had tried to bolster his shield with all the power she had, even surpassing the limits she had thought impossible to breech, but it wasn't enough. And now, she would never be rid of that sight; crimson flowing everywhere besides where it should be, and a friend on the brink entering of Thal's halls.

Since dealing with Thordan (having left her shield for the time being), she hasn't remained idle, gathering supplies for treatments or mending things that the chirurgeons needed. She'd even tried to mend that poor broken shield, but nothing seemed to help it. The aether was disturbed, as Y'shtola put it. For a blessing, little had happened. All she could do was keep watch, help the chirurgeons, and try to alleviate some of the pain with the singular healing spell she knew. She couldn't put that kind of burden on Alphinaud, he was still technically a child — she asked him to instead keep the others appraised of his status. The little scholar was always better with words than she was.

She was keeping guard once again, in case the chirurgeons needed to be called, when finally there was a stir. He was waking up! Julian nearly tripped over herself when she bolted upright and rushed over, despite her exhaustion. She'd thought it was a trick of her mind from the lack of rest, but it wasn't.

"...Are you an angel?"

The words caught her off guard, and it took several seconds just for them to click in her head. Normally, such a comment would embarrass her... And it still did, but it was somewhat muted by the relief. And perhaps exasperation that this would be the first thing he says. Honestly, she should have expected it from the knight who nearly gave up all for someone like herself — someone not worthy of such sacrifice. She was a deserter of her family, after all, even if he likely would never know. Dark hair acted almost like a veil as equally dark eyes were hidden away, the Miqo'te tried to keep herself calm.

"I-I can assure you, I'm no angel, my friend. Had I been, you... you would never have been in this state." Her voice is shaky but she answers quietly nonetheless, "But... By the Twelve, you're awake—! I-Is there any pain? I cannot heal as well as Alphinaud, but I... I can do that much. J-Just— Try not to move too much, one bad move and all the recovery you've done could be reversed in an instant..."