Sands of Time ((closed w/ the-nightmare-king))
riverlostamongtheclouds:
River was still a little reluctant but did as they were told, drinking down the first vial of red liquid. “I forgot how bitter this stuff can be.” They had never needed them much in the past as they tended to stay on the safer side but there had been a handful of times they had gotten rather hurt.
AuRel nodded to the shade. He would make sure their spirit wouldn’t do anything else stupid today.
With the potion in their system they were sure they’d manage to feel better soon but right now their clothes were stuck to their back with drying blood and it really wasn’t the most comfortable of things. AuRel, feeling River’s discomfort, walked to the wardrobe and nudged it open to pull out random clothes. A simple pair of black sweatpants and a long sleve shirt that would be a tiny bit lose on River. They smiled at him a little and took the clothes. Their dragon knew them well.
“I think I’d like a bath before I actually settle in if that’s all good?” Really another part of them wished to not sleep. Nightmares still plagued them often and as more time had past their memories had come into focus. They could feel the pain from them leaking into the real world and would always wake with a start. The pain would linger from a few minutes to even an hour so really they avoided sleeping when at all possible.
Pitch couldn’t help his smirk at River’s reaction to the potion. He folded his hands behind his back and gave a small shrug. “I haven’t been able to find any additives that work with this formula… Though the weaker concoctions are a tad bit easier to get down.”
He could have given River a lighter dosage, but he didn’t have those on hand currently. His battles with the Guardians had gotten more frequent since Joy’s creation, and he had yet to take her out into battle. She was still far too dangerous… He didn’t have proper control over her yet.
At the mention of bathing, the shade only nodded and led the way back out into the hall. “The springs are still free for you to use, of course. Though I did have them renovated some. There should be oils and soaps inside out of the boulders and fresh towels in another. I had them hollowed out to use for storage.” When they arrived at the springs, Pitch gestured to two large boulders at the south end of the bubbling water. “Those two there.”
Pitch gave River and their beast a final once-over, still in disbelief that the two had returned at all… He allowed himself a small smile. “It’s… good to see you home, my child.”
Though it fell as quickly as it came. The shade gestured with his head towards the direction of the main cavern. “If you have need of me, I’ll be tending to Joy… I don’t trust her to roam the lair alone now that you’ve returned. Enjoy your bath, River.” With that, Pitch turned and left them alone at the springs.
@riverlostamongtheclouds
At the shade’s small smile River gave a soft smile, a spark of happiness in their eyes and a warmth in their chest. “It’s good to be home...” Though it had been of their own volition that they’d stayed away for so long it was still such a nice thing to be near their father again in their shared home. Really the spirit has missed this. They’d missed the small smiles they got from Pitch and just the wonderful feeling of being cared for.
Giving a small nod at the shade’s words their eyes followed him as he walked out of the large room. The spirit spent a good hour or so within the springs, letting the heat and the scent of the oils they’d added ease their pain and tight muscles. The entire time AuRel was curled up by the door of the large room. Though it might have looked like the dragon was sleeping he was still very aware of the room. After dealing with Joy he was not going to letting his guard down. His little spirit was far to important to him for him to allow such a create to hurt them again.
AuRel was pleased that the scent of fresh blood was no longer upon the storm spirit as they left the room. It was obvious River was heading off to go find Pitch again, much to AuRel displeasure. The creature would be near him and he did not want that thing near them. River ignored his huffing though so he just kept close to the little one’s side.
“Pitch?” River called into the caverns as they walked barefoot upon the cold stone, the clinking of their companion’s claws currently being the only other sound they could hear. They knew he was tending to Joy but where he would be to do that they were a little unsure.
@kingofnxghtmares
