ghost of a king

Everything seemed to fall silent for a time. The world fading away beneath faltering senses as energy waned, a mind lulled into unconsciousness. Unwittingly welcoming the quiet of an all encompassing embrace. Left without the sensation of being jostled about with each step taken over uneven terrain, of the sharp sting pulsing deep within open wounds to snare against nerves. Every motion a constant aggravation setting them alight upon the perceived harshness of touch alone.

So often it felt as if his skin were ablaze with each passing flare, at times it could be pressed aside, ignored beneath a grimace though now was no such time. For when finally a symphony reached its crescendo, forelimbs seized. Squeezing tightly too all which lay between them while claws curled sharply against flesh as if to prevent himself from toppling from his living perch. Slender figure jolting, eyes flashing open with a sharp intake of breath. One which filled his ears and distracted from all else which fought to reach him in an abrupt moment of awakening.

Hardly anything more registering beneath the harsh hiss of air pressing between fangs. The resounding creak of a door giving way to entry before falling shut, the click of talons traversing through the foyer, the hurried pace of another’s when his housekeeper caught wind of intrusion.

---

Kaveh rushing into the room with a golden coat bristled and expression tinged in worry as the metallic perfume of blood permeated the household. Only to collide headlong into a gargantuan figure, a face not seen in some time as he stumbled back with murmured apologies briefly taking in the way another lay atop her mottled hide. It was there a scent lay thickest though from where he stood it was difficult to see just what may be wrong.

Clearing his throat in faulty attempts at saving grace, in part an alert to one he was certain was already aware of his presence. Fur still standing on end, a tail rigid in silent worry despite the way expression hoped to relax, “Ah Lady Bellatrix, had I known of your visit I would have ensured things were more… accommodating.” Though even as he speaks it’s clear there is distraction in the way eyes drift toward the judge and the sneer which greeted him in turn. Yet there was one burning question which clung to mind and reluctant as he was for it to find his tongue focus would fall entirely on the autumnal woman. Silence gripping as he merely mouthed what one wished to say. Hoping to find understanding, ‘What happened?’

And more importantly could whatever marked another’s coat be mended in full? Kaveh knew how the other man was over appearances though it was more than clear that in this instant his assistance would be denied. Certainty holding that the judge didn’t even desire the help of the very woman who carried him now. Those twisting features and a sharpening glare enough to send an unspoken message whenever recognition seemed to spark behind Mithras’ eyes. The keeper’s head dipped lightly, lyrics rising more for the pied woman than any other. “If you are in need of supplies my Lady they are kept down the hall.”

Crown tilting in offerance of direction, “Second passage on the right, first room. Tinctures, bandages, and the like are all on the shelves there - labeled of course. Just don’t go poking around too much.” More personal items or prescriptions were those she need not trifle with. “If you wish for a bit more privacy than the foyer of all places, you may take any room along the main hall. I’m but a call away should my assistance be required,” though despite the phrases which fled his lips he intended to keep watch even if at a distance. Even if only playing it by ear while preparing the usual mixtures meant to aid but for now he would turn. Allowing the woman her own remarks before setting to his own devices.

---

While Kaveh spoke, muscles steadily relaxed despite the grip still kept upon the towering woman for a time. Unnaturally silent as ears swiveling toward each rise of voices ready to interject wherever he felt the need. If only a voice would find him beneath the swirling haze. Everything taking a moment to fully register beneath the unending waves of pain rolling against his hide. Another flinch, another breath fleeing his lungs as Kaveh fled the scene of beholding; however, this one fell far softer than before when agony had surged so violently.

Once he assumed the man was out of earshot a grumbled tone sought her out like so many times before, despite knowing of her impairment, “Let me down Bellatrix. I can handle it from here.” Phrases a lie though he clung to certainty enough could be done to mend this even if he was able to escape the woman's company. Limbs shifting for purchase, ready to brace against her to carry his own weight for once after a journey from the woods. A mind hopeful that he could make a graceful descent whether she lowered herself closer to the grounds below or not. The last thing he wanted was to fall on his face even if it held the faintest chance of doing so into a mix of pillows and furs.

It hadn’t taken as long as they had thought it would to make it from the woods to the normally bustling streets of the capital, gaze shifting around faces they both recognized and didn’t but one thing she was certain of, she didn’t see much in the way of soldiers. The guard was there holding their posts, everyone seemed none the wiser to the violence that had transpired not all that far away. Not that it was a surprise, the two first waves had been so far apart but this last one came with a quick recoil, no one had been likely ready for it to happen so soon from the last. She was curious about all that went down but hadn’t been able to chatter Mithras’ ear away on her journey to his home as much as she wanted to. Not like she’d be able to hear him anyway even if he had told her, but she noticed he had gone more than just quiet but she would notice that his body had gone limp.

He was breathing, so she knew he at least wasn’t dead. Nor had he grown cold. She’d count each breath to ensure he was getting enough oxygen, resulting in her next stopping to check on him, keeping those even strides now that she had found cobble, making the ride for him a lot smoother as if she was merely a cloud. That was until she had found her destination, pace becoming quickened, tail dancing behind her as she barreled for a place of rest.

She’d jolt just a little when his talons dug into her, though would quickly ignore the sudden pain as she ushered herself freely into the abode. “Mornin sleepyhead,” she chuckled warmly, kicking the door closed behind them. The sudden appearance of gold interrupting her leisure toward a bedroom would cause her head to raise but tilt down, brow creasing as she took in the face of another pretty lad, though hardly put together. He was just a fuzzball with how his fur was tossed around like a scared cat.

It took a good moment for recognition to settle in as she took in his appearance, shuffling for a name that belonged with the face. “Kaveh,” she greeted, not quite saying his name right but it was close enough to say she just didn’t have the right accent. The greeting was short lived as he started to speak, her head tilting as she could tell they were all well trained manners falling from his lips, though it seemed he was really looking at her. The question that followed made her perk up out of her slanted crown, glancing back at the bloody mess on top of her before wiggling her nose. “War broke out, ensnared our dear highness in its clutches unkindly. From what I had seen, plenty of non-warriors were being eaten alive, and saw a lot of youngins too that had no place there. And he was being too much of a pretty princess to take aid immediately, so he’s probably gonna scar up cause it was no short trek. Poor dear,” she answered, frowning as her head turned back to the servant. If anyone knew anything about Bellatrix, she was a beast that loved children and would not hesitate to house them under her metaphorical wings any moment she could.

She followed his gestures while trying to keep an eye on his face, not fully sure what all was said but catching enough to know that healing things were in those areas. An ear would twitch as she scanned each direction, wasting no time to move further into the building rather than allowing him any solace in the entryway. There wasn’t any hesitation once she was left alone, kinda, to head toward where she had stayed in the house once before knowing there to be some bedding in there or at least assumed there to be. Couldn’t possibly let him get all his own linens dirty to hear him bitch about it for eons.

Just as she was about to cross a threshold, however, she felt him trying to come off of her. On reflex she would tip her weight in the opposite direction he was going to try to counterbalance him from falling but he seemed avid on coming off, making her teeter more until she found herself rolling entirely over onto her side to snag him with her arms so he would smack into the stone. “For cripes sake! Couldn’t have waited for me to put you down on a bed?” she huffed, relieved he hadn't smacked his skull into the doorframe as she scanned his form held loosely for him to easily break away.

Skin flinched beneath his touch and yet it did not spur talons to release their new found grip as he struggled to right himself, to take in everything attempting to flood returning senses only to brush in softened whispers. Though the steady vibrations of her tone against his ribs would draw a huff from his lungs. While what had been said failed to truly pierce the veil shrouding his mind another apparently found amusement in it with how her frame shook in gentle laughter. No matter what brought such a sound to resound within her, solace came in the encroaching scents of home. How it enveloped him and coaxed him toward an unwavering sense of comfort.

Lulling thoughts to relax once more until the click of claws echoed against the floor. Ears perking and turning toward the man’s approach long before a crown shifted upon his perch as if to stare down at the keeper. That voice saying far more than it needed to within Mithras’ eyes though no sound rose to silence him. No click of the tongue nor snapping tone. Only the harshness of a glare hoping to bid the man away. Bellatrix knew the manor, not as well as he or Kaveh, but it was an abode known. Various rooms granted access to her in past visits, temporary lodgings until she inevitably retreated back to the highlands amongst the goods of questionable legality she peddled.

Surely now would be no different when she tired of lounging in the draconian’s carefully crafted luxuries.

Yet soon enough it was the towering woman’s words which brought him to sneer. Pretty princess. A title he would not deny per say, allowing it to rest alongside so many others which fled her lips, however the way she spoke them all so freely in front of others brought ears to turn back with another scoff. Leaving the two alone to their conversation without interruption for instead Kaveh was quick to interject. “Monsieur Mirzaei had said something about ‘talking sense’ into a friend of his,” a softened breath escaped him as a voice fell quiet, “take it that didn’t go to plan.”

Not when hearing that warriors seemingly held no qualms over attacking those untrained in combat or even beasts so young they likely knew not what they even fought for. It brought another sigh from the gilded one’s lips with a small shake of his head before attentions turned back to more immediate matters. For surely this ‘princess’ wouldn’t be happy to hear of permanently marred flesh, “Don’t say that too loudly my lady, as you called him, our dear highness won’t take kindly to the idea of being marred. Though we will do our best to ensure that doesn’t happen.”

Phrases said more so to counter what another had claimed as if it would ease the mind before direction was given and paces left the pair to their own devices. Until he may be called for anyways.

And as one’s steps fell silent another’s rose, a path not registered from the sway of her figure beneath him though it would hardly stop the draconic from finding hopeful purchase. Though much to his dismay the very creature he attempted to stand upon shifted to counter his weight. Limbs teetering from the misplaced balance which only sparked the desire to try dislodging from her entirely. Another feat destined to end in failure it seemed as he only found himself held ever closer after a sharp turn rolled him sideways.

Surprise catching him the moment limbs wrapped to pull him in, bringing a body to nestle into the furs of one far larger than himself rather than the harshness of the floor. However, there came little thanks in such an act for paws quickly pressed to her chest in efforts of pushing himself away. “I can get myself to bed. If only you’d stop tugging me about,” yet despite his claims he does not weasel from her tender grasps right away. Instead taking a moment to register the subtle shift of aromas within the room in hopes to place it. It was not his own though there came a touch of uncertainty on just which of the guest rooms she’d wandered into.

It didn’t smell heavily of Kaveh nor did it carry the overwhelming perfume of herbs or alcohol. He would discover the room on his own in due time but for now he wanted distance. Hers an embrace he was unwilling to remain in any longer, “Now let me go.” Lyrics weaving from his tongue as if one did not peel away from her clutches with ease. A stumble upon unsteady limbs as paces carried him toward where he believed bedding to lie. Though there came pause as his crown turned with a frown, visage shifting to stare up at Bellatrix with hollow gaze narrowed plagued in clear displeasure.

“What you said to Kaveh better not come true,” surely there came a chance that such phrases would curse the healing process, “Nothing will scar if I have anything to say of it.” Especially those which could not be hidden by a silken coat. The plethora of slashes lacing his throat, the tearing hold against a shoulder, the punctures surrounding a spine - they would bruise, they may scar but there was only one he truly worried for where fangs had carved their path across a delicate countenance. Narrowly missing a left eye where teeth drug down to nearly join with the ichor crusted fur of his neck, “And I mean nothing.”

(This post was last modified: 01-10-2024, 11:26 PM by Mithras.)

A head would tilt at the comment of friends and it would cause her head to tip back to glance at Mithras, having a hard time believing a man like him really had friends when all he did was complain about others so much as breathing in his space. Maybe lots of business partners or connections but it was hard to believe genuine friends were something on that platter. Turning her head back toward Kaveh, she would keep such crude thoughts to herself since this fellow seemed to worship the paws of his master and seemed to genuinely care for him. Were they friends? Was it purely work? She supposed it didn’t matter at the moment, she had other things to focus on that were far more important. Like this bleeding man on her back which remained at the forefront of the conversation.

Her attention span was swiftly drifting away from the butler, viewing his attempts to reprimand her as futile for she saw no reason for him to bother telling her how to speak. “We aren’t out in the village-oohhhhh!” he wasn’t done talking it would seem as she silenced her tongue as he went on to mean that Mithras is who didn’t wish to hear such things. Not the general public. An ear would flick only out of expression as a thought flooded out of her mind in that maybe she should have taken him to a little hamlet but that wasn’t the case after all. “Right, right, mother. I’m sorry for being careless about his feelings,” she huffed with amusement, feeling like she was being lectured by a parent right about now. Got to keep the baby brother oblivious to reality, at least until it’s over.

Thing was that this blue fur ball wasn’t a kid. He was older than her based on him not being a student when she was, though he barely looked any different in age. Second, the brat hardly cared about her own feelings, so why should she care about hurting him on the same spectrum? She didn’t think too hard on that little fact for long, too eager to get moving and rest as soon as possible before her heart might give out.

The little escapades that transpired seconds later sure got her heart racing, becoming a tangled mess of fluff in milliseconds with a man that flinched at her every movement. She breathed heavily for a moment as she gained a full understanding of what had just happened and the fact she had been successful in saving him from getting physically harmed worse. Relief came out in a bull like snort, hard enough to cause the fur on his brow to flatten before fluffing back up. Her own brow would flare in confused annoyance when his paws brashly pressed into her chest as if he hadn’t just been on her for hours. “What is your fuckin problem?” she about hissed and growled all at once, feeling her skin prickle with anticipation for a fight, far too used to bar brawls with morons in Highland Pubs.

It was his lucky day she was sober and not gunning for drunken violence or fang might have found purchase on his pretty face the moment he started sputtering about keeping pristine. “Excuse mwah but that should be the least of yer concerns. Besides ya should start focusing that vanity on yer soul and not just your pretty mug that fades on everyone eventually…don’t be one of those delusional hags that smear mud and slug slime on their fur thinking it be the fountain of youth. Plus ya pretty even with scratches so shut it with your insecurities. You're perfect in that regard,” her nostrils flared as she got up, tail giving a couple thrashes as she glared down at his face that faked being able to see her back.

“You should be sayin thank ya.” A tsk clicked at her lips, looming above his face with her own before turning it away and sitting down, waiting. “Well. Then go on. Fix yourself up and no calling for help from Kaveh either, mista perfectly healthy and capable.”

The keeper’s crown would shake as Bellatrix huffed, a gentle smile holding to his lips, though he would say no more on the matter before taking his leave. Nothing more than a brief glance cast toward the room the woman ducked into before his own path lead him further down the halls. If Mithras had any need of him he was certain it would be heard of throughout the manor in due time. While small, that speckled man could be rather loud when he wished to be.

Hopefully the presence of the autumnal woman would be enough for him as Kaveh wasn’t exactly sure how he would handle it. A mind not eager to dwell on the prospect of dealing with the amount of blood glimpsed to stain not only Mithras but the lady’s as well. It turned the stomach. Smaller matters were fine, being an ear for all of the man’s lamenting was tolerable, tending to the home was his forte; but something to that degree was hard to look at. No matter who’s flesh it twisted. He just needed a moment, surely he would be granted such.

Not that Mithras was an any shape to be chasing after him. Being carted around like that… ears willfully ignoring the commotion which echoed from the room upon lashing tongues.

---

Paws pressing against her in their fumbling, a lip curling in annoyance as if it were her fault alone that they had ended up like this. Though the hissing snarl which tinted her tones set him on alert. Triggered his own venom to flare with a new found purpose as lyrics snapped in place of fangs, “What’s my problem? I think that question is meant for you darling Bellatrix.” As loathsome as this woman could be at times, when it came down to it, the draconic would never purposefully go out of his way to harm her. Being taken by surprise a far different beast than anger. And it was fury which tremored within her now, that same disdain echoing within himself as limbs shoved off her in a huff.

Nothing but his ears turning to capture the sound of her voice as she prattled on over vanity and beauty. The way her heart still hammered filling his senses and yet the rush, the tensions brought him to rest upon a hair trigger. A freckled tail lashing in his annoyances before he’d turn upon her once more with snarled tone, “Delusional hag?” He didn’t go about smearing disgusting fluids on his face and calling it a beauty treatment. That envenomed stare glaring up at her, unseeing that she did the very same in return as each bristled in their own ways.

“My focus is perfectly placed thank you,” he had to be doing something right for the gripes of age had not found him. A body and mind hardly declining over the years as the same vigor of youth seemed ever present, “Besides I’m not the one who’s insecure.” Phrases a bit of a stretch for all knew how the judge clung to his looks, to the foreseen embodiment of perfection in how self compliments laced his tone. The man hanging on ever word when another spoke in even shallow flattery as she did now. Perfect. Pretty. All things he already knew. “But do go on. I’ll never tire of hearing how utterly perfect I am.” In someone else’s eyes at least.

Then there can a tsk. Those phrases drifting lightly as the woman either wandered or turned from him completely. He had not heard her take too many steps so assumed the latter but that hardly meant he would succumb to her wishes. Held little plans to circle before her in offerings of a sincere thanks. After all he still had Kaveh- a challenge to her words. Yet it was all too clear that a majority could not be tended to alone with where they lay, with how limbs still offered an unsteady teeter upon each flare against nerve endings.

To be fair, he had never made claims of being able to tend to anything. Just that one was capable of getting to bed without being carried despite how she had been the one to ferry him from the depths of the woods to here. A tongue clicked in his disapproval, lyrics strained upon it as they nearly hissed free, “Thank you Bellatrix…” The draconic stopping himself before more could fall free, before phrases could snap and twist how they wished, “For getting me home.” ‘And nothing more.’ Air huffed in indignation knowing such phrases would not be heard, could not be granted if she truly faced away from him now. But that was on her.

The sneer that took its place on his face would make her only reel more on the inside, though it didn’t transfer to her visage, not that he could see it even if it had. She wanted to wipe it right off of him and make him look like how he should right about now. There was no expectation for smiles or happiness by any stretch, but she would think he would at least be a bit more grateful or neutral to the situation they found themselves in. Maybe she shouldn’t expect anything less, he had been testy since the day they met, and she had ignored that for a title, for power she didn’t have as someone of the Highlands. In a moment like this, she felt regretful for that choice, to allow herself to be bound to a man like him. Why did he have to be a man at all? Okay now her brain was going in the wrong direction and his words retort back would get her thoughts back in the proper direction as he pushed her off of him, as if she was resisting allowing him freedom.

“I caught you from crackin your skull open and you are the one that got snippy first. It’s not my fault you was fallin off. Your weight suddenly shifted outta nowhere land,” she grumbled in exasperation, not even sure if this was an argument worth fighting over. She hadn’t a clue he was purposely trying to actually get off, though she couldn’t help but wonder if that was the case with how he was acting. It was just so frustrating! He was frustrating! A pure menace to her mental health and she was certain he would deny having any fault in that either. Oh, how she wanted to wring his throat right now, if only metaphorically.

Getting done spewing her own anger, she wasn’t sure how he would react, but she could make plenty of guesses that it wouldn’t be kindly. Her gaze instantly narrowed even more as he glared up right back at her, causing her to wonder how blind he really was as it felt like he was actually making eye contact with her right now. It was strange and left her just staring at those hazy pupils, sticking out her tongue slightly to see if he would flinch from the threat of possibly licking his face. She wouldn’t but she stood there with her tongue out as he got his own statements out into the open, ones she didn’t really care about until he hit a nail on the head about her own self-image.

She instantly fell silent, trying to not let that statement get to her as her fur smoothed and looking away from him now felt more like a defense mechanism to not be hurt. There would be no more feeding into his vanity, it clear he had enough for the both of them without even trying. The unsteady shift on weight along the floorboards made her all too aware he was unsteady as he simply stood there, never feeling his presence trying to teeter away like he seemed set on doing in an instant. He still remained in proximity, and she didn’t have to look at him to know that.

“Forget it,” she sighed out the temper that had taken her so easily in the heat of the moment. She was unaware he was talking to her at all, her words overlapping his attempts at thanks. In the end her overgrown heart wasn’t just big in size, worry still fueled her as she turned back toward him and moved toward him with far more steady legs than his own. “Go lay down, I’ll get the supplies. I’m sure you could tell by Kaveh’s agency that you are in dire straits, scars or no scars coming out of it,” she stated firmly before turning on her heels to go find the cache she had left here last time. Hopefully the little butler hadn’t found it and tossed it.

Caught him? Caught him? That was her claim? More like turning what could have been a some what elegant decent into a tangled mess of limbs. What nerve to issue such foolish proclaimations, this was her fault and the very thought bid another huff of annoyance from his lungs. Did he really have to explain this to her? Of course not and yet it would hardly stop the way breath hissed, “I was getting off, of course my weight shifted. Lest you wish for me to continue lounging about on top of you what else was I meant to do?”

Though despite the snapping tone Mithras held certainty the mottled woman held no protest to his touch, something she may even crave, yet there was reluctance to give in to that want. No use seen in offering what held no meaning, what may trick the mind into believing there was something more to their arrangement. Each had kept their distance other than occasional meetings, each made it clear what was wanted from all this and a change to behavior was never something agreed upon. If needed a performance would be put on, a show for the public eye and nothing more.

In their privacy, however, he would be the man the fates molded him to be.

Sights fixed upon her unknowing to the ways a tongue hovered just before him. Blind to how a simple shift forward would bring that slime coated appendage to run over features in a revolting lick. Too focused was he upon denial, giving way to the cloak of vanity he took such pride in. An assuredness he knew Bellatrix to lack - even as a mask - though that knowledge would hardly still an envenomed tongue. Phrases fleeing without bothering to think on them as he merely sought to cover his own hide.

No doubt striking a nerve in the ways she turned from him. Determined action bringing a twitch to dark lips though he would say no more of it as weight teetered upon shaken limbs, an unsteadiness fought against as the draconian glared toward her back. Knowing full well that if she truly turned she could not grasp any utterance which may flee. Though still jaws parted, attempted to offer the very thing she claimed to be after - even if it lacked sincerity - to him it didn’t matter how it was said. Just that she could grasp understanding… yet even this was all for naught.

An aggravated sigh, the suddenness of a huffing tone butting over his own lyrics and bringing fangs to click harshly together in unrestrained annoyance. Lilac gaze piercing as it chased after each sound emanating from her being, fixated as air hissed sharply between curved ivories in unheard warning to her command. Ears turning to capture how emboldened strides faded down the hall, those holding far more assurance to them than his own could ever dream of in these moments.

It would be pointless to chase after her to snap or snarl now even as features twisted in distaste. He had already told her no scars would come of this. No matter what it may take.

For now he could only hope she did not bumble around too long or move too many carefully arranged items in her quest for supplies. A new layout was hardly something he wished to discover upon his eventual departure from this room. If anything she could beckon for Kaveh, in his mind, the keeper would be more than eager to assist in her little search if it came down to it. Though one of starlight could offer nothing but to willingly heed her insistent word. It was something he would have done on his own anyways or had he been in the presence of the gilded retainer.

Muttered nonsense laced his breath as he stumbled for where bedding should decorate the room, ensuring limbs brushed against the edge before allowing a frame to flop gracelessly into its plush embrace. Mixture of fur and feathered fabrics a welcomed cushion yet it came with a twinge of regret as muscled tightened against that enveloping sensation. A jaw clenching, talons curling upon that overarching flare of discomfort; a radiation which lasted mere moments yet when set upon the sear of nerves felt to be a century. Relaxation coming only when pain faded, died down to rest beneath a temporary haze as breath hissed from his lungs without worry that any in the house would hear it.

Her gaze narrowed at him while he continued to be combative verbally even after their legs were no longer entangled and their furs free of one another. Ears tucked back with mild frustration until the following thing he would say made her wish in that moment she had the bit of hearing she had as a kid so she could ensure she read his lips right, ears twitching forward as if focusing them would allow her to hear him to some capacity. It was of no use. Seemed that was a recurring thing she tried to do since she lost her hearing, thinking it was just some ear infection that might clear up at some point but it never did. “Not sure I caught that right…but I did caught you right. So Princess, the next time you want to trapeze off me, tap my side, bite me or somethin so I know to bend down. You’re so miniature, that fall could have damaged ya worse,” she said with a flare of the nostrils, persistent on pointing out his damages if only to get under his skin.

There was genuine worry, no denying that tone in her voice that sounded like a disappointed mother chiding her son to be more careful in the future. No matter how angry she was, she couldn’t change the caring woman inside that loved to help others just as much as she loved slapping someone into next Tuesday that deserved it. That glare would soften some as her tail gave a small swish before she’d have her little tantrum and would be met with another rude attitude she just wouldn’t see.

Before he would know it, she was gone from the room, heading toward the room she had almost gotten him to in order to find her stored medicines and drugs she left behind. Her nose twitched, moving with a certainty toward the loose cobble that formed a wall to keep the outer world out. Clawing with her paw, making some rather annoying scraping sounds, she would free a few of the bricks to get to a hidden area that it seemed might have been tampered with.

A grumble would be held under her breath before she’d prance out of the room toward the direction the little servant had gone. “Kaveh!” she chirped, spending little time to get his aid and ask him if he tossed it away. After a little bit of fumbling and misunderstanding here and there, she would eventually learn he had placed it into that medicine closet he had mentioned before and would guide her to it more directly this time rather than letting word alone. She was grateful and would be far more friendly than she was a moment ago with him, full of manners and kindness rather than insults. There would even be a small apology for her behavior before, with Mithras’ attitude being the heel driven into her back to be a bitch.

Once she gathered everything, she made her way toward the room a trail of flaked off blood would guide her to, half expecting him to be where she had left him in the hall near the door. Entering the room, her eyes widened a touch at him sprawled on the bed and she couldn’t stop a small smile but caged a laugh from fleeing. For being a man of image, he sure was no painting ruin right now unless the blood itself was the paint and he the canvas. She let out a soft hum to cover up what would have been a laugh, in part to keep her from dropping the items shoved in her mouth. Making her way over, she’d drop it all next to him, tempted to bark at him to do it himself like a good rude man.

Her head would tilt, taking in his wounds more carefully than before though would stop fairly quickly to grab a vial of one of her health potions so to speak. “Dwink. Will helb wiff pwain,” she said without moving her jaw, making it come out a little more funky than usual. She would leave out the parts about it being laced with drugs and would make him a little more tolerable hopefully by relaxing him. Maybe he’d stop being an ass high as a kite.

Assuming he would take it, she would move toward his wounds, not really thinking about the concept of asking if it was okay before she started touching him. He had to understand she had to lick at least some of the blood off to see shit. Right?

Sightless gaze could only roll upon admonishment if she so desperately wished to be bitten the next time he wanted something than so be it. After all she asked for it. “You heard right,” or rather assumed correctly in this instance. He would not have to spell it out further though the proclaimed princess’ tongue clicked in frustrated annoyance upon her departure. Content to nest down until either she or Kaveh chose to make a reappearance for surely if Bellatrix failed to return and a quiet settled over the room than the keeper would check in on things.

Ensure one merely rested, that wounds were properly tended to upon awakening in hopes of granting strength lost. Returning a steadiness to each step so that they would not betray him with worthless teetering; for now though, he attempted to relax against the welcoming embrace of the very bedding he sank into. Even as eyes refused to flutter closed.

---

That booming voice was startlingly, the gilded retainer jolting as he turned upon such a calling, not quiet expecting the towering woman to seek him out so soon, “Ah, Lady Bellatrix… is something the matter?” He understood well enough that not all could tolerate nor brush off the judge’s attitude as easily as he did. A presence worked for for years now though he would offer no suggestions on how to deal with the man. That was something he believed this one needed to figure out on her own, however, he was certain to let it be known that her apology was accepted. And that the peculiar assortment she had decided to store away within the walls was safe.

A rather foolish place to keep medicinal aids though he offered assurance, he had not tossed everything she’d attempted to tuck away - nothing could hide from his nose - just what had gone bad. Everything else was safe, even those more illegal substances held onto against his better judgment. “If you leave such things here again at least hide them better. Wouldn’t want anything to go missing,” a light laugh held upon teasing tones knowing full well he would never take anything from her collection and Mithras hardly went around digging at the structures of a home so cherished.

That was a task left for him to deal with, anything strange reported. Insisting the man to look into things - and he would, it was his duty. Just as it was to assist in the Lady's own requests while she was present but she had what she needed now. Lengthy fur swishing with his tail as he turned to leave, glancing back to allow her a glimpse to his lips, “If you have further need of me do not hesitate to let me know.” He wasn’t exactly a hard man to find, he would be around, “I’ll keep an ear out,” for her or their little lordling.

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Ears swiveled toward the resounding echo of nails clicking against the floorboards, steps heavier than Kaveh’s and laced in a perfume that foretold of the very woman who had departed from his side some time ago. Snide remark resting on the tip of his tongue as lilac hues chased the turn of an ear for he wanted nothing more than to comment upon her dawdling. Question on if she truly held such difficult discovering the very items she was after despite knowing her to hold but a vague familiarity with the home. Though as a crown rose from its plush embrace those parting jaws swiftly snapped shut as the vile stench of some concoction flooded the senses. Wafting from the very maw no doubt before him now.

What in the divines was that? Mithras knew her to be an ‘alchemist’, mixing various substance proclaimed as medicinal in nature for her work and yet he had hardly been intrigued by the idea of downing whatever brew she’d thrown together on a whim. In place of harshened tone a lip curled in disgust, uncertain on if he truly wished to indulge her with this. For there was certainty he did not want to drink anything without questioning her on it first, however, he knew she meant to help. That Kaveh would not dare leave anything dangerous within that woman’s discovered stash but that did not stop judgment from lingering behind his gaze. Lyrics shifting to reprimand, “Do not talk with your mouth full Bellatrix.”

To him she could have issued her requests before seizing hold of her self proclaimed potion but if she spoke true, if it would truly numb the way flesh lay sundered. How it sparked against nerves with even the slightest brush then it was hardly something he would refuse. With some hesitance weight pressed to bedding as the draconian sat up further. A muzzle hovering dangerously close to Bellatrix’s own though thankfully - in his mind at least - teeth clinked to the vial first rather than lips brushing over hers. Softened breath slipped free before fangs would clasp hold, awaiting the other to either release her grasp or assist in tilting it back.

No matter the method, once that unknown liquid coated Mithras’ tongue he grimaced. Taste something she needed to work on with this particular mixture though he did not gag against it or attempt to sputter and spit it out. Nothing more than the light shake of his skull giving way to dissatisfaction after an emptied vessel lay cast aside by either of their doing. “Think you need to work on that one a bit,” lyrics a quiet grumble as he nearly thought to lay fully back once again. Only for a frame to tense up as her weight shifted and a new sensation of wetness ran against him.

It brought talons to curl harshly to fabric as a growl rolled in his chest, “What the fuck do you think you’re doing? Can’t you just use water?” A rag? Anything other than the very tongue felt to press and drag across a broken hide. Contact which brought him to falter, a limb twitching in barely restrained desire to arch and kick into her ribs. Had he not already spoken against this very method back in the woods? If more time had passed perhaps there would not be protest for whatever concoction she insisted on feeding him had not yet taken root. Those hidden tendrils still steadily weaving against the mind, leaving the serpent with his usual venom… at least for now.

Barely any time after her return, she watched as his face seemed to shrivel up at a smell she wasn’t really smelling, so used to the herbs she played around with that she only really noticed if she was actively sniffing for it. She was tempted to mock him over it but decided against feeding into his bad temperament more than she already had since he seemed way too good at turning it on her. She supposed that was why he was a judge, he probably had to be smart and cutthroat. She wouldn’t know, managing to dodge court her whole life and having only taken enough courses at the college to keep her feet away from being caught. Chances are he was far smarter than her on a verbal scale in general, which annoyed her since she knew from how others reacted, she didn’t talk the smoothest and perhaps not the clearest either.

There was curiosity in if he used words, she didn’t know at all and just never noticed but she wasn’t really interested in finding out right now as she persisted on getting him to take the infusion that apparently smelled so bad it turned him into a raisin. A tail gave a silent thrash when she saw his mouth move to talk more instead of just reaching to grab it. If he had proved anything, he didn’t need sight to tell where she was by how his eyes were always on her when he intended for them to be. She had hoped that whatever he had to say would at least mean something but instead he sounded like her parents, correcting bad manners. Maybe she should have saved the mother comment for him instead of wasting it on Kaveh. If she did it now, she’d be a broken record.

Some tension released from her shoulders and the tightness within her face would soften when he would move his muzzle toward her, moving with care not to brush his lips to hers and she danced with his actions, retreating her own further back onto the back of the container to tilt it for him till he got every last drop. Tail swayed at first in content until he just seemed to get more disgusted, which was expected. It wasn’t like she prepared it for sale, he got the potent concentrate.

She’d set it down shortly after, moving it away from him to make sure there wasn’t risk of him breaking it and shards slicing him up more. “It’ll put mor hair on your chest! That was the straight stuff, Mister Critic, not how I normally sell it. As fir talking with my mouth occupied, I been told I sound like I do all the time anyway. What it matta? Afraid of others judging your wife or are you actually bothered by it?” she smirked a touch, not trying to start a fight but wanting a valid answer, not to say she’d see as she had moved out of his line of mouth to tend to him.

Near she’d jump when he stiffened up at her touch, thinking it was that she hurt him more than anything. “Sor-” she started to apologize, tilting her head up to him to see he was in fact bitching her out again. Should have seen that coming but she wasn’t used to someone so uncomfortable with her licking them to be fair. “Mithras. I’ll have to touch ya if ya want care and this is faster. If you wanted me to take foreva, I would have prepared the medicine in tea like I normally do too. Trust me, I don’t enjoy having a mouth full of fur or wolf blood, especially this older flaky stuff,” she breathed, shoving down any feelings his retort caused her to try to have some form of bedside manners. Reluctantly, she would wait for his response before bothering to try touching him again.

“I’ll also have to smother balms and salves on the wounds too, won’t feel much different than a tongue. Besides with this much blood loss, you must be freezin, water will just make ya colder,” she’d add to get a point across.