“Sorry, sorry. I’m fine.” It was like she didn’t know the meaning of those words, as the way she squeezed her eyes shut tightly, breathing through the pain best she could, made it obvious she wasn’t. “Just…just a moment, please.” Why is it hurting so much now?
"Celeste, you really don't look okay." Soren said. "Do you need to see a healer? If it's a problem with your magic or something, I can take you to Lena." He looked at her worriedly, keeping the hand gently on her shoulder. Is she okay? Oh god i hope this isn't because of yesterday. That would be…upsetting.
Mikhail watched worriedly.
“It’ll pass in a moment.” Celeste assured, though her words came out in a hiss of air. Breathe and count. Breathe and count. One, two, three… When all else fails, count to ten. That’s what her mother used to say, and it had come in handy with the pains as well, allowing her to focus on other things.
"Is it…girl problems?" Soren asked slowly, making a face.
Mikhail facepalmed. "Your majesty, you don't go around asking girls that." He said.
Soren waved him off, looking at Celeste worriedly.
Celeste choked on a laugh, her grimace deepening a bit, though she didn’t answer. It took a bit longer than a moment, maybe a minute or three, before she could speak again. “I’m fine. Don’t worry. Just-the pains from last night haven’t left. Sorry for worrying the both of you.” Apologies, she was good at. Like she believed most things were her fault.
Soren bit his lip. "Oh. I'm sorry." he said, looking down at the floor. "If I hadn't rushed in there, you wouldn't be having…problems." he said slowly. "I'm sorry."
Mikhail looked away, taking a deep breath.
“Soren.” Celeste reached up, placing her hand on top of his on her shoulder with a slight wince. “Whether you had rushed in there or not, it would have happened. I can’t control the surge, and situations like that seem to-bring it out.”
Soren blinked, and sighed. "It's still my fault though, for not removing you from the situation as soon as possible. You are a guest and a visitor, and something like that should not have happened on the first day you were here." His eyes flicked to Mikhail for a moment, then back to Celeste. God, this is… He sighed softly. You're being too familiar, Soren. You hardly know her. He reminded himself.
“You couldn’t have gotten me out of that room if your entire guard had tried.” Celeste said, her voice oddly quiet. Small flickers of pain had returned, thankfully not as bad as before. “Besides, if it hadn’t happened on the first day, it would on the second. Maybe the third, but it would have.” Trouble followed her like a magnet, apparently.
Soren shook his head. "The fact that it would have happened doesn't negate the fact that it did, and it is my fault." He sighed softly. "How can I make it up to you?" He asked, looking at her. Stay polite, stay distant. That's what you do. You have been far too familiar recently.
“Don’t worry, that’s how. It’s nit your fault.” Celeste assures, giving his hand a squeeze before letting go. She crouched, picking up her notebook and the pen she had dropped as well, her hair falling back into her face. “I’m fine. I’m alive, aren’t I? The pain always passes.”
Soren shrugged. "Well, yes, but…alive isnt the same as living." He said, dropping his hands to his side after a moment. He shook his head slightly, and sat back down. "But really. If there's anything I can do to make up for all your help, just let me know and I will see that it is done."
“I told you. The best you can do is not worry.” Alive is the best I’ve got some days. Celeste straightened, shooting him a slightly weary smile as she tucked her things away. “Really, your Majesty.” She looked to the door, her face showing for just a moment a glimpse into the shadows she carried around, and then it was gone. “I should leave you two, stop imposing. I get the feeling I’m being looked for anyway. Witchtuition.”
"You aren't imposing, but if you want to leave, you can. I'm not going to stop you." Soren replied, twisting the signet ring on his finger.
Mikhail nodded in agreement. "Thank you for the cookies." He said again.
“Of course. I’ll have more by tonight, likely.” Celeste said, shooting a smile at each of them. Baking away her stress and fears was a habit, after all. And if she was right and Lin was looking for her…she’d be doing quite a bit of that. She lifted her hand in a wave, her other hand on the door as she pulled it open, before slipping out into the hall.
Soren sighed softly, and turned to Mikhail. "How are you feeling?"
"Like shit." Came Mikhail's reply. "And it isnt your fault. Just…have more concern for your own safety nexxt time, okay?"
Celeste’s steps were practically silent as she made her way down the hall, without much of a destination in mind except for ‘find Lin’. Or maybe it was avoid Lin. The King wasn’t very enjoyable as far as company went. Mean and vile might be better suited. The voice in the back of her head whispered. And the voice was kind of right.
Soren and Mikhail continued talking and teasing each other, both relieved that the other wasn't badly hurt. Mikhail because Soren was his best friend and king, Soren because Mikhail was his best friend and one of the few he could totally and completely trust, without reservation.
((Skip And say Celeste found him and they chatted, have something else happen, or keep going like this?))
(I don't have a preference, it's up to you)
((Aaaaa I cant decide on anything. Drama’s always fun? Ideas??))
(lol same. Uhm…if you're willing to do a slightly larger skip of about four or five days, we could skip to the Dragon Festival? Otherwise idk)
((Oohh, that could be fun. I DO have an idea for somewhere in the middle of that real quick. Fun stuffs. Nightmares, actually.))
(okay, let's do that, then!)
((Aight! Gimme a sec to type it out!))