He shook his head slowly, "No, no. I don't… I don't think I need anything." He paused and tried to think. But he gave an exhausted yawn. "Uh… actually. Water… water… would be good." He murmured quietly. He noticed how the other seemed to be thinking. He slowly tries to stand, leaning against the wall. He stumbled slightly and leaned against the wall heavier. He took a deep breath and settled back down onto the floor. He took a deep breath and sighed softly. "S-sorry. I tend to be useless right about now." He murmured quietly. "I uh… Sorry I took your bed…." He tried to move again. "I really… I shouldn't be bothering you." He felt guilt swallow him. He had passed out, taken Phantoms bed, and he had probably overstayed his welcome. Phantom was probably tired of him. Everyone got tired of him eventually.
"Water? I can do that." Phantom nodded, moving towards the door, turning back when they saw Nova trying to stand. "Careful." They sighed. "It's fine, Nova. You helped me. Now I'm helping you. It's only fair." They took a few steps towards the door, then turned around again. "I haven't had guests in a very long time. It's refreshing. Now stay there. I'll get you some water." Phantom gave him a soft smile and headed out of the room, going towards the well situated near the entrance to their home. As they pulled up the water, they reflected on Nova. He had looked rather guilty, though they really didn't know why. He hadn't done anything bad to them or to their forest, and fully deserved to have a nice rest.
He nods in thanks as he watched the other, his eyes shutting tightly for a moment before he nods slowly. "I promise I'm okay… Just… really weak." Magic usually took a toll on his body if he used so much of it. He nods at the others words, before hesitating. It was nice that he was allowed to stay, since he wasn't really wanted in the village. He took a deep breath and settled back into the bed, staring the the ceiling. He rubbed at his head, feeling that aching in the back of his mind. He needed to relax. Needed to rest. But wouldn't the other get tired of him? After all, he was weak and he was taking up the others home… He shut his eyes and quieted his thoughts. He just needed to clear his mind.
Phantom filled a handmade cup with water from the bucket and headed back into the room. Nova was laid out again, eyes closed. He must have fallen asleep again. Using his magic really must have drained him. They crossed over to the bed and quietly placed the cup onto the small side table next to the bed. They considered waking him up, but decided against it. He needed his sleep. Phantom turned and headed back towards the door. It was time to trim the bushes outside. They were getting quite tired of their clothes snagging on them every time they passed.
Nova twitched when the other came back into the room, but didn't really wake up from his snooze. He was indeed exhausted, however it wasn't good that he was falling asleep again. At some point, later on in the day, he forced himself to wake up. As much as it felt good to get some sleep in, too much would probably end up killing him. He needed to drink some water and get some food. He slowly sat up… well at least the headache was gone. He grunts before slowly grabbing the water beside him that Phantom had left for him. He uses a tiny bit of magic to make the water colder. Well… it was good that it didn't make him tired.
Phantom checked in on Nova every once in a while, but found him asleep every time. They did get all the bushes trimmed, though. Phantom carried the last of the stray branches up the stairs and dumped them into the pile they were making under one of the apple trees. Phantom checked their magic again, delighted to find that it was mostly all back. To check, Phantom caused thick fog to descend over the entire forest. They slipped through the fog, appearing in several of their favorite spots in the forest before finally appearing on the path leading to their home. They headed into their house to find Nova awake and sitting up.
"You're awake. Do you need anything?" They asked, waving their hand to dismiss the fog around their house.
(I'm so sorry about not being active ;-; I promise I am. However with the holidays I haven't had much free time. I'll reply once the holidays are over.)
(That's totally fine! I understand. :)
(I'm finally back!)
Nova carefully tested his magic before inhaling shakily, giving a relieved sigh when he felt the magic didn't hurt him and it didn't take any of his magic. He did his best to clean up in the house, a silent thank you to Phantom. He was so grateful that the other had let him rest, of course he didn't really understand why Phantom hadn't killed him yet. But he supposed he should be grateful. He jumped in his sitting position a little when Phantom entered, smiling in agreement. "I don't think I need anything… perhaps a bit more water… but I'm okay either way. Thank you for letting me rest. I apologize for commandeering your bed." He chuckles and slowly stands up again, stretching. He felt a little blood rush to his head and he stumbled but he easily straightened himself out.
(Ooh, yay! Welcome back!)
Phantom nodded slightly. It occurred to them at that moment that they could make another veil appear, but it was too late to do that now. Besides, Nova had already seen them, so it really didn't matter anymore. "It's alright, I don't really need it anyways." They gave him a soft smile. It really was true– Phantom technically didn't need to sleep, but there was only so much they could do in a day. It was more a way to pass time than anything. "Oh, are you okay?" Phantom took a quick step towards Nova, hands outstretched to catch him. When the man didn't fall, they quickly stopped and withdrew their hands. "Ah… If you want to leave now, I only ask that you don't tell anyone you were able to come out of here." Phantom gave him a slightly pleading look. If Nova went out there and told everyone about his adventures, then so many more people would come into their woods and they would be quite busy.
Nova glanced over himself, noting that he looked like a mess. He wasn't really bothered to see Phantom without a mask. He wasn't really concerned about appearances in the first place. He sighed deeply and nods slowly, "Still, it was rather rude of me to suddenly crash at your place and pass out for a few days." He shrugged a little. He didn't really want to upset the person that had so kindly let him stay here… as well as stay alive. He offers a hesitant smile and nods slowly. "Yes… I think I'm okay… a bit dizzy but nothing to hectic." He assures quietly. He paused when Phantom offered to let him leave. He hummed and shook his head. "You have my word, I won't say anything… But… I would like to visit every once and a while? The forest is so beautiful… and you're very kind." He smiled and relaxed once again.
"Well, it wasn't your fault. You helped me, so it was the least I could do." Phantom said, trying to reassure Nova that it was fine. "Ah, that's good." They nodded. "Sit down if you feel dizzy. It wouldn't be good if you fell over and got hurt again." Phantom gestured towards the bed, another soft smile appearing on their face. "Thank you." They nodded, letting out a small breath. That was one less thing to worry about, at least. "Visit?" Phantom paused, thinking about that idea. They wouldn't be opposed to it, not really. It was just… what if people saw him entering the forest? "Ah… alright." Phantom finally nodded. "But make sure no one sees you come in." They frowned, then held out their hand. A small pearl-like object appeared in their palm. A silver chain was attached to it, pooling around the white sphere. "And wear this." They offered the pearl to Nova. "It will let me know that you're allowed to be in here. That way you can wander around unbothered."
Nova nods slowly and smiles softly before following the instructions he was given. He settles down onto the bed, taking a breather and trying oh so desperately to clear his head. "Probably not." He laughed gently. "Falling on my face does sound rather painful." He nods slowly at the others words. "My lips are sealed. No one will know anything." He chuckles softly. He smiled, his eyes brightening when he was given permission to enter the forest. "No one will. I can easily use magic to hide myself." He shrugged a little bit before looking down at Phantom's hand. He paused before gently taking the necklace. He nods and wraps it around his neck. "I won't lose it, I promise." He chuckles before glancing at Phantom. His eyes turned kind and and smiles in content. "Thank you for letting me stay here. And thank you for everything you've done for me." He murmured quietly, a look of awe and reverence crossing over his expression.
"Good." They nodded. "You're… welcome." Phantom stared at Nova, a bit surprised. They hadn't had anyone thank them, or look at them like that for so long. It felt a bit wrong, but so nice at the same time. They'd gotten used to being feared, but the odd kind look was still appreciated. And definitely not something they got very often. "Um… tell me when you want to leave, and I'll guide out out of the forest. It can be a maze, even without my meddling." They paused, nodded, and gave him a little smile, not really sure what to do with themself now. All this thanking was making them a little flustered.
He nods and smiles at the other, "I really appreciate being able to come here." he murmured quietly. "If it's okay though… uhm… once my dizziness is over, may I explore the forest a little more?" He asks, his voice steadier now. He definitely felt better. At the smile that Phantom gave him, he smiled even more. He was so glad he had decided to come, and his word was his bond. No one would know of his little adventure. Only he would know what went down in this forest. That didn't bother him in the slightest he realized.
"Mn, alright." Phantom nodded, pulling their fan out and snapping it open. "Uh… do you want anything else to eat while you recover? I have bread and jam. And if you want fruit there are some raspberries outside." They absentmindedly fanned themself, relishing in the way the magic of the fan twined around their hand and sank into their bones. It really wasn't a good feeling to be magic-less, but that was the price they had to pay to have the magic in the first place.
He smiled a little, "Bread sounds good… and if you're okay with it I might snatch up some of the raspberries?" His eyes shone a little. Raspberries were his favorite fruit. However, buying them from the market was always hard. He had an excited little gleam in his eyes. He hummed quietly and slowly sat back down, running a hand through his hair. "I don't want to take too much though." He sighed deeply and looks down as he twiddles his thumbs in thought. He was always so nervous to take things from people. He had always given, so taking felt strange to him.
"Okay, I'll get you that. And if you're feeling alright, you can go outside and pick the raspberries from the bushes." Phantom started towards the exit, then glanced back at Nova. "Don't worry about taking too many. There are more than enough." They gave him a small, reassuring smile, then left to go to the kitchen. It was an outdoor kitchen, so they didn't have to worry about smoking the place out. Plus, they could take in the beauty of their forest while waiting for things to cook. Phantom reached into one of the handmade cabinets carved into the rock and pulled out a bundle. In it was what was left over from their last bread-making experience. It wasn't much, but it should be fine for now. They could always make more if Nova needed it.
He nods slowly in gratitude, his eyes shutting for a moment as he took a breather. "That means a lot, thank you." He was pretty hungry now that he thought about it. He just didn't want to take more than he was allowed. He hummed as he slowly stood back up. This time the dizziness didn't come and he was able to walk without an issue. He took a deep breath and walked outside, relishing in the sunlight. He wandered over to where the raspberries were, an excited smile falling over his lips. He absolutely loved raspberries. He picked a handful, using his magic to clean them before happily snacking on them. He gave a satisfied sigh at that.
Phantom unwrapped the loaf and set into onto a cutting board. They glanced over as Nova came out, a small smile appearing at his expression. It was nice that their raspberries could bring such joy to the man. They cut a slice and put it onto a plate for Nova. "Here." Phantom walked over to Nova and held out the plate to him. "Let me know if you want some more, okay?"
.jpg)