The night was dark. A sickle moon hiding behind a few dark clouds making a bright sudden white light even more clearer in this darkness. A scream seemed to come from it. A scream of fear which went on as the light died and faded away. Leaving a girl laying there in the grass. Panting and shivering. Her arms around her head as if protecting herself. Feeling the cold grass made her realise she was no longer in the woods with her friend. ''F-Falaen!'' she shivered. ''Pappa... where are you!... pappa!'' after attempting to get on her shoeless feet and falling a few times her wobbly legs managed to keep her standing. ''I need to find pappa...'' she said as if in a trance before she started to stumble in a random direction
Pension was walking threw. As he did so he was feeling happy. He was abit more cautious of his other sides though. He did not want to get into trouble again. He then heard a scream. That made him walk towards the source. Then he saw a girl there not far from him. He was not certain if she was friendly or not. So he stood there waiting for her to notice him.
As she stumbled there were some unclear words coming out of her mouth but as she unknowlingly closed in on Pension, he could see her clothes were no better then rags and her skin had smudges of dirt. Tears were drying on her face due the wind making them a bit red and rough.
She did not look up until she noticed Pension. ''Where am I...'' she said softly. ''How did I get here... I'm scared...''
Pension saw the girl coming ever closer to him. He could see that she was not alright. He walked closer to her and gave her his extra robe. " you are near the river my dear. I know not how you got here." he said in a soft French accent.
''I am still in Serendipity right?'' She asked.''When I get really scared I suddenly am somewhere else but I do not know how I got there... pappa... I need to find pappa...'' it was then her stomach startled grumbling. That was right. He was working on making food. Something like that came back to her
Pension frowned abit as he listened to the girl now. He was not real certain how to react to her just yet. The persona that was out now wanted to try to help her. Though he was not certain how he was to do so just yet. " I can understand that. I can try to help you find your father if you would like." he said with a smile now.
The girls eyes sparkled with joy from those words. Surely she had been alone between the passing of her mother until she found the man she now reffered to as pappa but it was nice to not be alone.'' Really?'' She said before she hugged him and rubbed her face against him.''Thank you thank you thank you kind sir'' she said happily.''Cassie is Cassie. Well... Cassiopeia for long but rarely anybody called me that. Is there a name I can call you by?''
Pension smiled as he saw her reaction to what he had said. He then felt his persona switch . He was in his proteter persona. He wanted to keep this girl safe untill she found her papa. He then smiled again as he heard her speak again. Then he was surprised as she hugged him. That was just not expected. He returned her hug and smiled " yes. You do not have to thank me . Its what I do." he said. " its nice to meet you. You can call me pen" he said with a smile when she told him her name.
''Pen'' Cassiopeia repeated with a nod of understanding and being sure she'd memorise. ''Pen... is there something I could eat? A few berries or nuts would be ok. Cassie does not really eat much.''
Despite it was something her new pappa had attempted to fix since she was a growing child, old habits died hard and sometimes she did not have anything to eat for days. Hence why she was still so small. But if there was a lot to eat she would not decline it.
Pension smiled softly as he heard her speak. Now he had food with him that he could share with her. He was always prepared for anything that the word wanted to thro at him. " well I do have some food whit me. Let me get it out for you." he said softly. Then he dug in his bag and brought out a sack full of bread and fruit. He carefully laid it all out on the sack and smiled to her. " here you go dear." he said now.
''Thank you kind sir'' the little girl said and eyed the food. Her stomach was rumbling but knew eating to much would not be good either. She started with a piece of fruit. Taking off the peel which was not edible and silently ate it with a smile.
''Where did Pen come from?'' she asked. Hoping to get a story out of him.
Pension smiled as she thanked him. He was happy that she was happy. He was looking and listing for any danger that might be around . He could hear something moving in the woods ahead of them. now what was that? He frowned and stood up. He heard what she said and smiled. '' hold on a second I hear something." he said softly. He then watched and waited as he listing to the sound coming ever closer to him.
The girl immediatly grew silent. But also fearful. Had she perhaps dragged one of the attackers with her when she moved from her pappa's place to here? She looked with Pension though. Although could not really see anything.
Pension gave the creature a warning hiss as he stood there watching for any movement. Suddenly a growl came from the bushes . Pension waited for the creature to come out. He then gave a smile as he saw what was there. It was a dog of some sort that had been trailing him for the past few days. He looked over to the girl and said. " oh this is my friend hernas. He has been following me for a while now" he then looked at the dog and said " you scared me boy. Where have you been?" he then saw the dog wag its tail and start to come towards them.
With the piece of fruit in one hand, the girl crawled over to the creature. She did remember Pappa's warning. That she was a cursed Wolf now just like him and she had to be careful. But she had yet to experience the burden of it having caused her to always say that she would always be a good girl for his sake. ''Doggy..'' she said quietly. It had been a while since she had seen one.
Pension watched the girl now as she moved closer to the dog. He was wanting her not to be afraid of the dog right now. the dog was actually friendly and loving to others. He knew that it was natural for some to be kind of intimidated by strange dogs. The dog now wagged its tail as he heard what the girl said. He moved close to her and tried to lick her. He was happy to see her that was for sure . Pension smiled and watched the two. He wanted to see what would happen now.
''Hello Hernas'' the little girl said giggling as she allowed the animal to lick her and she gently hugged and petted it.
''How long does Sir Pen have had Sir Hernas?'' she asked after distancing herself a little from the enthausiastic animal so she could finish the piece of fruit she had started on.
Pension smiled as he watched the girl. Then his persona changed again. He was now in his indefinite persona . He however was not going to allow that to bother him. He then heard what the girl asked . He looked at her an d smiled some ." about a month. May I ask how long you have been alone here?' he asked her. He wanted to know how long she had been looking for her poppa.
''Uhm... a few minutes before meeting you... but before that... Cassie was with pappa. In the Western highlands. When Cassie gets really scared she sometimes vanishes and appears somewhere else.'' she stopped eating though. ''It is scary... it happened after momma fell asleep and joined the Angels. And walked really long. Did some things like running errands in cities and when wandering again I found my new pappa who saved me from bad people. He was like this huge wolf.'' she said spreading her little arms as wide as she could to indicate how big he was.
Pension nodded as he listened to the girl now. He was sure that she was describing some kind of werewolf like creature. That was stran ge to have someone like that as a father figure. Though to him parents were odd anyhow. He never had them when he was younger. He basically had to raise himself. Though there were a few street pals who care for him when he needed them " I see. So you just appear in strange places. that's strange" he then smiled and said " well that's good that he was there to save you" he said with a smile now.
''Strange but always safe weird places.'' the girl said finishing her fruit and took the smallest piece of bread there was. After that her little stomach would be full, not used to eat a lot.
She did look a bit sad as she started to recall more and more. She hoped that her pappa was safe. Knowing she was about to disappear and re-appear elsewhere she had taken a hold of his sleeve but he had not appeared where she had.
Pension listened to the girl and watched her as she ate. He took some bread and held it out to his companion. The dog was more then happy to eat it. He noticed the sad look on the girls face as she seemed to think about something. He then gently put a clawed hand on her should in a comforting way. He wanted her to know that he was there for her. This was his loving persona. " well that good that you are always safe." he said with a soft smile.
Casssiopeia nodded and dared to smile again. ''Cassie needs to learn not to be afraid so much though.'' she said. ''But the outside world is scary. Many bad people.'' she finished the piece of bread before giving Pension a gentle hug. ''thank you for not being a bad people.'' she said before letting go. She was not sure when Pension would want to go though. ''Cassie wished she had something to give to Pen though as thank you..'' but just like before meeting Falaen she basicly had no single penny.
Pension listened to the girl now as she spoke. He was not sure what to say just yet. Then he heard her say that she was glad that he was not a bad person. He knew that she did not know about his strange personas. That he was a monster that could turn without warning when provoked. She then hugged him and he returned the hug. He started to say something but his attention was caught by the sound of someone yelling " get her!" . he stood up and looked to the girl. Then he stood in front of her as if to say that he would protect her.
The little girl looked up at the new arrivals. More bad men? It right now felt as if she was a magnet for bad things. Had she done something bad? Her real father had left before she was even born. Her mommy died. She occasionaly met shady men when she did errand jobs, then those bandits at the towers, who later found them and now this. She froze with fear.
''..N-no... Cassie is a good girl... never did anything bad... why...'' she said in a fearfull squeeky voice.
(If you want to play the hunters as well you can )
Pension looked at the two men who were standing just a few feet from them. The were looking the two of them over. The one stepped forward and frowned. " don't worry my lady we will get you away from this monster." he said. Then the other one who was a woman also walked forward and looked at pension. "You better not try anything or this arrow is going threw your heard" she said ambling her bow at him. Pension frowned and said " I am not going to hoer her. I am trying g to help her." he then shook his head and got ready for an attack.
''Please don't hurt him!'' Cassie said moving herself in front of Pension her arms spreaded.. ''Sir Pension is helping me. So stow your bow, turn around and leave.'' she trembled with both her words and the way she stood.
''He is a danger. Come here. Little girls should not play alone out here. Especially not at this hour. Where are your mother and father''
''Momma is sleeping eternally. Cassie never met her real pappa but has found a new one. Sir Pension is going to bring me back to him.'' she said not moving from her spot.
Pension the girl move in front of him . That was not a good place for her to be. Though part of him was kind of honored to have a friend like that. He listened to their conversation and frowned a bit. He was not sure if they could understand this situation. After all everyone though that he was a monster. Expect for this brave little girl.
He then saw the man walk closer . Then he took the girl by the arm and tried to move her out of the way. "no don't do that" pension said. When he move the girl with the bow shot him in the tummy with her arrow. Pension fell down and cringed in pain. He just hoped that the girl would be alright.
Cassie called out Pension name after he got shot before focussing on the man. ''Let me go!'' the girl yelled attempting to break herself free. But even a child whom would have had proper nutricion and food would not be able to break free. She looked at Pension. Seeing him hurt made tears form in her eyes.
''Cover your ears'' she whispered to him before putting her feet firm in the grass beneath. ''I said... let me go!'' she then started to scream. It was far from a normal scream however. This, was one that made the air tremble. Could break glass and was near deafening. Even painfull. The latter causing the man who was closest since he had grabbed her, reach for his ears causing him to let him go.
Cassiopeia then took her chance and ran back to Pension touching his shoulder with one hand and took a gentle handful of Hernas' fur. The three were engulfed in light before vanishing, only to reappear elsewhere. Cassiopeia felt cool pavement beneath her feet and released her grip on Hernas and Pension. She could make out some barrels and vague lights around them in the dark street before she fell backwards against some crates. Breathing heavily and feeling as if her head was on fire
Pension tried to move now as he wanted to save his friend. He looked at her and saw her crying. That made him mad. His dark side stirred and he gave a pricing glare to the woman and man. Then he heard what the girl whispered. He cover his ears and looked at her.
Threw his hands he heard the scream. It was very loud that was for sure. He looked to his dog who had his paws over his head now. That was one smart dog. He then saw the man let the girl go and she ran towards him. Then she touch him and his canine friend and there was light. He closed his eye and then opened them. He stumbled and fell on the arrow. That made him growl in pain. He did not have the time to see if the girl was with him or not.
''P-Pension..'' Cassie mananaged to speak after a good few minutes. ''Are you ok?'' she was not aware what injurie could do to someone but she did know it could really hurt. Before she could speak again she heard a door open.
''Who goes there!'' a man called carrying a lantern giving the alley they were in a warm orange glow. He carried a bat and was broad and muscular as well but lowered it once he saw Pension hurt and the little girl still against the crates sweating like crazy and the dog.
A woman came up behind him as well. ''Thugs again?'' she asked.
''No Silvy. Something I have not seen before, a dog and a little girl.'' he lowered the lantern a little causing him to see Pension's wounded state. The girl did not look to good either.
''Call Peter and hurry to the physician. He is wounded.'' he tugged the bat in his belt and knelt down at Pension while the woman rushed back to get their son before rushing to the physician.
''Lean on me I will get you indoors. My son will get the girl.'' he assured
Pension heard what the girl said and was about to respond when a door opened. He looked up to see someone holding a lantern. He tried to move around to look at him. though doing that caused him even more pain. He then looked to the girl and made sure she was alright.
He then listened to what the man and woman were saying. Then he heard what the man said to him. He slowly got to his feet and leaned against the stranger. Her cringed in pain and glanced back at cassie.
" just make sure that she is alright please." pension said with a grunt. He just wanted the girl to be safe. He was not concerned about himself.
''It took a good few minutes before Peter arrived. He had his fair share of muscles too but was shorter then his old man. Peter picked up the girl with ease and carried her inside first. It was not until then that the broad men walked Pension inside.
Cassie was laid down on an old worn couch. ''What made you two end up in an alley in Arca if it is not to rude to ask.'' the old man said as he gently and carefully let Pension take a seat on one of the wooden stools.
''I will get some cold water the girl is boiling up.'' Peter said before grabbing a bucket and rushed to the nearest well.
''..In your current condition.'' he left Pension's side for a moment and grabbed a bottle of alcohol, offering it to Pension.
Pension was in pain but he would live. He had had worse injuries before. Though that had been a long time ago. Back before he knew about his other personas. Right now the persona that came out was worry. He was worried about the girl more then himself. He wanted her to be alright. After all he was the one who had said that he would help her if he could.
As he was helped inside he looked to his dog. The dog was unhurt and stood at the door as they went inside. He was not wanting to go in the house himself. That was how the dog was.
Pension then heard what the man said and frowned. He was not certain what had happened himself. On second he was facing the hunters then there was light and now he was here. See pen did not understand magic at all.
" well I am not sure how we got here." he said in a soft voice. Then the man offered him the alcohol. Now he was not sure what that was . He had never been anywhere to drink that sort of thing. But he would try it anyhow. " thanks." he said and blinked.
Then he opened the bottle and sniffed it. Oh that was strong. He made a funny face then took a small sip. He blinked and shook his head. That stuff was awful! He looked at the man and asked " what is this?" he was very confused now.
''Whiskey. Not the good version rich people drink but it helps with the pain.'' he assured. ''When it kicks in that is. Should not be very long. Also. Not sure how you got here?'' he was a bit confused about that but put the matter aside. People had their reasons for not talking.
Peter had returned with a bucket of cool water and put some towels in it before taking them out, wringing out water that was to much and put one gently folded on Cassie's forhead and two others on her wrists.
His father at the other hand put a bit of the water in a bowl and put it down for the dog. It was not until a few minutes later that Silvy returned home with an eldery man with a much younger female assistent, barely in her mid teens carrying his bag. He eyed Pension for a moment before looking at Cassiopeia.
''Evelin, could you take care of the arrow?''
''Yes sir'' the girl said puting down the bag, taking out a few tools she'd might need and went to Pension. Despite her age, her gaze seemed roughed. Mostl ikely having seen a few to many battles.
''Judging by how far the arrow is in it would be better to push it trough instead of pulling it back. The latter would damage your insides a lot more and make this place a whole lot messier. If you'd rather not want me to push it the two more extra inch through I'll just pull it out.''
Pension listened to the man now and nodded. He was not sure if he wanted to drink anymore of that stuff but if it helped then he would . " hum alright. I have never drank the stuff before ." he said with a blink.
He watched what the boy was doing to the girl. He hoped that she was alright. He watched as the man put some water out for the dog. The animal slowly drank the water up wagging its tail all the way.
He then saw the woman come back with the doctor and his assistant. He looked them both over and then glanced back to the ground. This persona was not good at keeping eye contact. He then looked up at the girl as she came over to him. He listened to what she said intently. "alright you can just push it on threw." he said. He then took a quick drink from the bottle and waited for her to do her work.
The girl nodded and placed some towels and cloth on the ground she received from Silvy. ''I suggest to take another swig of alcohol and sit down there on the towels please. When you've done so, bite on this. I can not mend limbs that are detached from a body.'' she handed him a piece of thick leather.
The eldery man however retreated his hand from Cassie's forhead. ''Odd... she is not human. Not fully anyway.'' he pondered before looking at Pension. ''Is this girl a mage by any chance?''
Pension looked to the girl as she got things ready. He just knew that this was going to hurt badly. That made his nervous persona even more nervous. He heard what she said and nodded. Then he took a big drink from the bottle. He wanted that nasty taste to go away though. Then he sat down on the towels and waited . Then he heard what the doctor asked him.
" uhh..... Well you see I have only just met her so I do not know much about her. She was lost and I was trying to help her find her father." he explained . He was not sure what else to say. He had never paid attention to those who used magic before.
''Well. We can perhaps ask her when she wakes.'' the doctor said.
After making sure Pension was biting on the piece of leather, the assistent made sure he sat up straigt. Placing one hand flat against his back and the other took a very firm grip on the arrow. Then without a warning, she pushed the arrow the last inch through his body and let it exit the skin where after she pushed through enough snapped the wood and took the now broken in two arrow out.
Her hands then moved to both the wounds which she healed with magic. At least for as far as she could.
''My assistent posesses very weak healing magic but enough to have gotten the job done. I do suggest not to do anything to crazy and take it easy for a day or three.'' the doctor said proudly. Almost as if he had done it himself. ''As for the girl. Her fever should be gone by the morning. She had pushed herself a little to much. Until her family is found, and it was caused by magic make sure she will not cast again.''
Pension bit on to the leather. He then sat as straight as he could. He closed his eyes so that he did not have to see what she was doing. As she pushed the arrow in he cringed in pain. The pain was almost unbearable. Then he felt her break the arrow . He was breathing hard now trying not to yell out in pain .
Then he felt her touch his wounds and start to heal them. That was not so painful, he was hoping that no one saw the tears in his eyes. " alright I understand . I will try to make sure she dose not do that anymore." pension breathiest out.
''I will check on her in the morning to be sure. Make sure she drinks something handwarm and cool her with wet towels like now'' he got away from Cassie and handed his assistent Evelin a wet towel to clean her bloodied hands with. ''Find a place to stay the night. There are a couple of inns. Unless they can stay here.'' the doctor continued.
''We have a shed with a spare bed and a haybale.'' Silvy said. ''We unfortunatly are rather full in his house. Peter is merely our eldest son. We have 7 more kids.'' she said with a shrug.
Pension listened to what the man said now. He nodded and looked to the girl again. " alright I will do that" He was thinking about what would be best. Perhaps staying here would be best. After all he did not want to try to move the girl while she was sick like this.
" that is alright madam . If you do not mind the shed will be fine." he said in a kind voice. His caring persona was coming out now.
''We would be mean people if we would sent you and the girl out on the street in both your current conditions right?'' Silvy said as her son very gently picked up Cassie. ''I will show you the shed and where to sleep. You can choose to sleep in the hay or share the bed with her. If you choose the first I will get you a clean blanket and pillow.
The doctor nodded and Evelin nodded. Grabbing and cleaning the doctor's tools before putting them back in the bag which she picked up to carry.
''See you again in the mornin Miller'' the doctor said before Silvy let them out. Evelin though casted another look at Pension. One that was firm. ''Remember. Do not move to much.'' she said before leaving with the doctor.
Pension kind of smiled to what the woman said. He did not think anyone was bad unless they proved other wise. Everyone had their reasons for doing things. He looked to the woman now and smiled to her. " we were lucky that you all are so nice. Alright. Heh I think I can sleep in the hay." he said with a smile now.
He then watched as the doctor got ready to leave. Slowly he stood up and looked to the girl as she spoke. " I wont ." he said to her now. Then he watched the leave and waited to be led out to the shed.
While Peter carried Cassie and lead Pension to the shed, his wife retrieved the blankets after picking up the bloodied towels.
''You said you'd just met her right? Where did you find her.'' Peter asked. Briefly supporting the girl with one hand as he opened the door from the backroom to the shed which had a bed, large pile of hay, supply crates and smithing tools hang neatly above a workbench. But it did not smell like iron. Understandable since most people living here were descendants from Fae and they did not tolerate iron that well.
Peter placed the girl on the bed and placed the covers on her. Despite the girls rather calm breathing, she was sweating due to the fever. At the least she seemed less bad then earlier.
Pension followed the boy out to the shed. He was not sure rather her would be able to sleep or not. He was not the kind of creature who slept very much. However he knew that he must try.
He was distracted from his thoughts by they question that he was asked now. " yeah I just met her. I found her down in the river lands. She was near the river where I was. " he said softly. He the watched as the boy put the girl on the bed . That made him feel a bit better that she was safe. He was the kind who protected his friends with his life.
''The riverlands. Alone? Either she has irresponsible parents or does not have anyone. I do think I saw her running around in the city a few times but then was gone for long periods of time.'' Peter said and turned to Pension. ''It is possible her fever will increase. I will place a bucket of cold water which can be used to cool her down if needed. After that I should tend to my siblings. They had gotten a little scared by the noise in the alley.''
After he spoke his mother came in with a few blankets and a pillow. Also a spare oil lamp which she placed on the stone floor. ''There you go. Warm blankets. Rest up. I am sure the girl would want you to rest too.''
She gave Pension two blanket and another one she folded up which the dog could lay on if he wanted.
Peter in the meantime got the bucket of cold water in case Cassie would burn up from her fever.
Pension nodded at he spoke. " yeah. She said something about finding her papa" he said softly. He then nodded to what else he was saying he would certainly take good care of the girl though out the night. He the saw the woman come in to the shed. He saw what all she had and smiled. " I will madam. You all have a good night as well. He then watched them leave. He whistled softly for his canine friend. The he laid the blanket down and laid down himself. It would be another long night.
It was a few times Cassie seemed to get worse briefly but she did not cry out for anyone. Actually she did not wake unless about an hour before dawn.
She sat up in the bed and rubbed her eyes a bit. Despite the lamp was still burning it was hard to see in the vague orange light. ''Where am I..'' she muttered quietly.
She looked at her lap on which the moist towel had fallen upon.
Pension was sure to keep an eye on the girl though out the night. Every time he woke he would carefully check on her and tend to her needs. He was glad to see that she was sleeping through the night. As he slept he wondered how the girl had transported them here. It must have been magic. He woke to the sound of the girl voice. He looked at her and smiled. The canine walked to her beside and licked her hand softly. " cassi? Are you alright?" the peafowl anthro asked now. He wanted to be sure that she was not horribly sick or something.
''I think so..'' she said and looked at the dog patting him gently. ''I feel tired.. and my head hurts a little'' she admitted before looking at Pension with a painful smile.
''Where are we...'' she asked
Pension was watching the girl as she spoke. He knew that she still needed rest. " we are in the city. You brought us here somehow. They had a doctor check us out. He will be back sometime this morning. " he said softly . He was just happy that cassie was safe.
''A doctor?'' Cassie asked. Her memory then made her recall the arrow that had hit him. ''Are you ok?'' she asked slightly stressed. ''You had been hurt right?'' tears appeared in the small girl's eyes. ''I'm so sorry.. it's my fault. They hurt you because of me right?..''
the tears and her suddenly being wide awake slowly starting to realise what had occured where only a few things why she cried. She missed Falaen. And her mommy too still. And basicly all that the girl knew was that people always left her side.
Pension frowned as he heard what the girl was asking now. He saw tears in her eyes ." cassie it was not your fault. They thought I was going to hurt you. I should be sorry fro being a monster." he said with a frown. "I am alright now though. See there is only a slight wound." he said holding his shirt up to show her that he was alright. He wanted her not to be sad.
Cassie calmed down a little once she saw what was left of the wound which most likely despite it was bad, had been a lot worse in her vague memory. ''But Pen is not a monster... if they knew what Cassie was they surely would think I am.'' she said as she rubbed away her tears with her hands. ''Pen has been really, really nice. Those other two people... they were mean... are they far away now?''
Pension looked at the girl as she look at the wound. He saw that she seemed to calm down some. He then smiled as he heard what she said next. Oh if only this girl knew that he was insane. If only she knew about his personas . She would think differently about him.
He did have to wonder what this girl was exactly. Maybe he should ask her in a bit. Right now he did not want to upset her anymore. " heh you are very kind my dear. We all have our secretes that we hide." he said softly.
Then he heard what she asked and he nodded. " yes they are far away. We are with some very kind people right now." he said softly.
''That is good. My power always somehow lets me end up safe.'' she said relieved. She rubbed the last traces of her tears away and started to breathe more calmly.
''But Cassie is sure Pen is not a monster.'' she removed the blanket from her and traced her ankle. ''Cassie was walking. Like I always did but I found some towers. Bad people lived there and chased me through the woods. I hurt my ankle and then daddy was there. Those bad man left and were really, REALLY afraid of him because he looked like a really big wolf. Daddy then licked the wound and told me that because of that he gave me his curse too and people would see Cassie and him as a monster if they would know. So shhh.'' she brought her finger to her lips. ''Do not share my secret ok?''
Pension listened to what the girl was saying. It seemed that he was not the only one that was different. At least she was able to hide what she was part of the time. Though he was not going to say anything about that. She was probably to young to truly understand why others hated him. He shifted a bit switching to his deceptive persona. " alright I wont tell anyone." he replied. He smiled to her and moved closer.
He then put a hand on her shoulder. " I have a strange condition cassie. I have more then one persona. I have one for each emotion." he explained to her now.
''Persona's?'' she asked. She did not fully understand it. ''So... there is a happy Pen? And a sad Pen?'' she asked wondering if she was correct or not. If not perhaps it was to much for her to understand. It was not as if she had a lot of education either.
Pension smiled slightly as he heard cassie speak. He was quiet for a few moments as her thought about how he would word his statement. Then he looked at her and nodded. " you know that right. There are many pens. But don't worry I will still keep you safe." he said with a smile.
Cassie smiled and reached out with her hand gently petting him. She had always been petted by her mother if she had been a good girl or needed some comfort.
''Pen... is Pen. All you others are Pen too. And Pen is good and Cassie trusts Pen. Those other people were bad. ''Cassie wont let them harm Pen. If they come back, Cassie can poof us far away where they cant find us.'' she stated. Although far away through the eyes of a child was usually in adult eyes not so far away at all.
(Sorry about the delay)
Pension smiled as the girl petted him. He enjoyed the feeling of being petted. He gently put his hand on the girl shoulder. "thank you cassie. I am glad you like me so much. I wont let anyone hurt you either." he said with a smile.
''Theehee'' the girl let out as a sort of soft controlled laughter as she grinned.
''Cassie has been to this city before. I think it was called Orka? I remember the smells. Cassie worked here a few times delivering messages... packages and such.''
Pension nodded as he listened to the girl. He was wondering why such a young girl would be working. he decied not to ask though. " really ? well I have never been to a city before." he said softly.
''Cities are often fun. I know Orka from the inside out. Which alleys have holes in walls, or crates or barrels to hide in. But at night they can get scary a little when men come out of inns drunk, or what was the name... broth... no that is food.. ehm.. oh yea brothels.'' she paushed as she picked up the wet towel from her lap.
''There are a lot of different people in cities.''
Pension listened as the girl spoke. He was sure that she was right about cities . However he was not sure that he would like all of the people. " Well maybe we will have to explore them one day .however for now we need to recast then I need to get you back to your papa . he is probably worried." pension said with a smile.
''I just hope he is waiting for me back home and is alright'' she said. Her smile had vanished and she let her head rest on her knees. ''There were a lot of mean people there.'' a thought struck her. ''What if they hurt pappa... or took him...'' with her hands she covered her ears. She did not want to think of it or hear herself say it. If pappa was gone, would she be alone again? Everyone always seem to just leave her.
Pension looked at the girl now. Hehad not meant to upset her. Hes was trying to be helpful. "I am sure he isfi ne "he said now. He got down on his knees as put his wings around the girl in a comforting way. "I will always protect you. Even when we find your papa." He said with a smile.
carefully the girl wrapped her arms around Pension and snuggled up against him. She still sobbed a little at first though. ''I am sure he will like you. And I hope he can allow you to stay. Then he and I will be your family too...'' her fever had returned mildly. ''And when I am big and strong like pappa is, I will scare your enemies away too.''
Pension smiled as he held the girl. He wanted her to be comfortable as possible. He could feel that her fever was back. " I hope so. I would be honored to be your family member" he said with a smile. he then picked up the wet towel and dabbed it on her face lightly.
''That feels nice...'' she said softly before drifting asleep again still hugging and softly clining against him.
She awoke again when Silvy entered the room, carrying a small basket that contained a bit of bread and something to drink.''how are you two feeling. Better? She whispered.
Pension smiled as the girl fell asleep. he held her close and watched her sleep. after a bit he saw the woman come in. he saw that the girl had woken up as well. " much better madam. " he said with a smile.
Cassie looked at the women. Of course not having seen her the night before made her wonder who she was. But she seemed friendly.
''Glad to hear it.'' Silvy spoke as she placed the small basket not to far from them. ''Also good to see you awake missy. You look a lot better''
Cassie simply nodded. ''thank you..'' she said softly before asking the woman who she was. She explained she was the mother in this house and that they were safe and could rest. Also that the doctor would be there soon.
She went to the door again. ''I will get something to eat for your dog and perhaps some fresh clothes. Yours could use a wash and stiching. The girl maybe new clothes all together. Maybe there is something she fits from one of my daughters.'' she whispered.
Pension looked at the woman and nodded. then he listened as she spoke to cassie. then he smiled at what she said next . " thank you madam." he said softly. then he gave cassie a reassuring smile.
''Thank you'' Cassie said with a really small voice. True, her dress was filthy and actually to small. She was used to walk barefooted everywhere after she had to take off the shoes she had. But she did not wanted to part from the dress either. It was the only thing left she had from her mother.
''We should eat something...'' she said as she looked at the basket. Last nights dinner had been disrupted after all.
Pension could tell that the woman was being nice to them. However he did have a shy side that told him to be careful all the time. " cassie is something wrong?" he asked noticing her voice was small. " yeah we should." he said with a smile. then he carefully got the basket.
The girl shook her head. Although she felt she was going to cry again. This woman was a mother too and somehow had the same gentleness to her voice that her own mother had. ''I'm alright just... often not good around new people.'' she said quietly.
The fact she still had a bit of a fever was not helping either. ''Pen... where are your mommy and daddy?...'' she asked.
Pension nodded as he heard what the girl said . " I see." he said softly. then she asked a question that he did not want to answer. see he had been driven away from his old clan because of his personas. " I don't know. last time I say them they wanted me to leave." he said. a single tear trail doen his cheek. it was a sad subject for him.
''That is awfull..'' Cassie said and for the first time since she had actually hugged him before fallen asleep she let go of him and reached to wipe the tears away.
Her own mother always said that mother's love was a sacrifice. And it was rare mother's love would actually end.
''I'm sorry... Cassie should not have asked.
a bit wobbly she stood on her two feet on the bed and hugged Pension's head to her chest. Unknowingly that from her back, threads of ethereal light escaped. ''Cassie is happy with Pen.'' she said softly.
pen was good at hiding his emotions. however his sad persona was now out. though for the girl he fought back the tears. " its alright you did not know." he said softly.
then she held him close to her chest. he did not see the light coming from her. though if he had he would not have said anything.
''When we find my pappa... I am sure he would be ok with you joining us.'' she said. ''Then we become family. We all have been rejected and left alone.'' she said softly.
It was then Silvy came in the room now not only lit by the oil lamp but also by the light Cassie emitted. ''What the...'' she said and froze where she stood. Not fear. But amazement. The light was not wings. It seemed more like smokey threads of energy. Cassie had her eyes closed and her arms became limb as she started to drift off once more.
pension smiled at the girls words. then the woman came in and pen looked at her. that was when he too noticed the light. he then caught the girl as she drifted off cringing at the pain the action caused him.
''We should lay her down..'' Silvy said. Almost asking what just happened. Magic was not knew to her ut the feeling this light gave off. It was warm. Comfortable and yet so lonely. She recalled though what Pension said regarding having met her.
Silvy placed a bowl with dog food down. Other then dogfood, she had brought some clothes. ''I am not sure if these fit you but it will have to do until I fixed and cleaned yours.
She placed the clothes beside the basket with bread and by the time she reached the two, the light had already vanished.
When helping to let Cassie lay down again she felt the girls forhead. ''Her fever is as good as gone though it seems.''
pension held cassie as the woman spoke. his canine friend was watching them with a look of concern. " I am sure that they will be fine madam. " he was still feeling pain from his wound. though he would not say anything about it. he said with a smile. then he let the woman help him with the girl. " yeah she had some fever a bit ago ." he said softly.
''She should get some sleep as much as she can. Also... I do not know what she just released but I suggest to not mention it to anyone. I am not knowledgeable on magics but I do not think this girl is human. Not fully anyway...''
she gently tucked the girl in and wettened the towel again before wringing it out and placing it on the girls head. The fever was as good as gone but cooling off a little bit more would not harm.
''Try to eat something. The doctor should be here within an hour. You can rest as much as you want. Just do not be suprised at the amount of children.''
Pen listioned as the woman spoke. He did not plan on saying anything about what had happened. He was good at staying quiet. " that is what I was thinking. she is a very special girl that's for sure." he said softly.
he watched as the woman tened to the girl. then he heard what she said and nodded,. " okay that's good. heh I will keep that in mind." he said softly
''If you like, I have hot tea. You can also join us in the living room. I already had told my children that there were guests but they were not to disturb you.'' she got on her feet. ''I am sure your furry friend will look after her when she wakes and sleeps.''
Pension smiled to the woman as she spoke. He really was not the kind who liked to bother others. He did appreciate the offer. " well I would not want to bother you like that." he said with a smile.
''It will be no bother at all.'' Silvy assured as she got on her feet.
''I should resume my housework. The doctor will be here soon as well. Maybe he can be the only exception whom you can ask about the light she made. If it is enough for him to determine what kind of magic it is, or to what creature it belongs to perhaps it could help with the treatment.
Pension smiled softly to the woman. She was so kind. " Alright then I will join you." he said softly. He listened to what else she said. He thought about it for a minute then smiled. " Alright I will tell him about it. Would you like some help with your work ? It would be the least I could do for your kindness." he said softly.
''Other then dishes, I do not think it is a good idea. Remember what the assistent said.'' Silvy said with a chuckle and pet the dog with the words if he could watch over the girl.
She then lead him to the door and the living room where Peter and his 7 other siblings were at the table eating their breakfast. All of them greeted them friendly and with stuffed mouths.
Pension nodded to the woman's words. Though her had been hurt worse and had no one to help him heal from that wound. That was why he always kept his chest covered. " Ahh yeah I should not move around much she said." He said with an embarrassed look.
He then followed the woman to the door and then inside. He smiled to all the children and kind of looked them over. He was feeling his shy persona coming out.
''Come join us'' Peter encouraged. His siblings merely agreed. The youngest could not be any older then three.
Silvy placed down a plate and a cup of tea and gestured Pen to take a seat.
''There was a little girl too right?'' a young boy, aged about 8 asked.
''Yes but she is very tired. Perhaps you will meet her later and can play a little.'' Silvy said calmly.
''Ok mommy'' the boy replied and finished his slice of bread.
''Has she recovered a little?'' Peter asked Pension.
Pension smiled when they wanted him to join them. He had to try to keep his shy nature from showing too much. He looked to the woman who had sat out a plate and some tea for him. " heh alright." he said softly. he then looked to peter who asked his question to him. " she has a bit." he said softly.
''That is good news. Hopefully she will be her usual self soon. Kids her age should be playing not being sick in bed.''
He was not blind, he had seen she had no shoes or proper clothes as well. But he did not want his younger siblings to hear about it.
''Have a seat and eat something. The doctor will be here soon.'' Silvy said kindly and started to sweep the floor.
Pension looked at the boy as he spoke to him. He agreed completely with what he said. " indeed. She will be well soon enough. I am sure of that." he said softly. His attention turned to the woman as she spoke to him. " okay." he said softly. He then sat in the seat that she had offered him earlier.
About half an hour later there was a knock on the door and the doctor and Evelin.
''Good. You are awake.'' the doctor said with a nod. ''How is the girl?''
''She is sleeping in the shed. But briefly had been awake earlier. Do you wish of me to wake her?'' Silvy asked to which the doctor shook his head and looked at Pension. If you are finished eating, Evelin will see to your injurie again while I tend to the little missy.''
pension was still feeling his shy persona. he was very slow when he spoke or ate. Pension had finished eating when the doctor came in. he turned to look at him and listened as he and the woman spoke. " okay I am. "He said softly to his words. He then looked to evelin and waited for her orders.
Both Evelin and the doctor headed to the shed where Cassie lay. ''There would be best don't you think? If the girl wakes then she knows you too.''
When back in the shed the basket of buns was still untouched and the girl slept peacefully with her hand resting on the dog that was beside.
''Could you take off your top clothings please?'' Evelin asked Pension kindly while the doctor went to the bed and looked at the dog asking the creature if he could check on the girl without the dog biting him.
Pension followed the pair towards the shed . He looked as he was spoken to . " yeah that would be the best. As they went in to the shed he saw that the girl was sleeping. He was happy to see that she was okay still.
He looked to the female as she asked him to take off his top. " heh yeah I can ." hew said softly. As he did so the canine who was watching the girl looked at the doctor as he spoke to him. He carefully moved away to let him get to the girl.
''Good boy'' the doctor whispered and started to tend to the little girl. First going through the basic stuff. ''Her eyes seem fine. Vitals too and fever is almost gone. Has she used any magic in the meantime or has she slept through the night in one go.''
Evelin in the meantime started to trace the places where the arrow had done damage. ''I will heal it up a bit more. I'm glad you did not seem to have done crazy stuff.'' she said softly