Gentle Guardian [Kana & Rhys]
ToaLabyrinth2021 Valley Team Event Thread Starter for @dragon-kiddos
It was humble but important work being a healer. Rhys was often in the back of the party with a surveyor’s view of the battlefield, yet he was no tactician like Soren. He’d seen many conflicts and wartime marches, yet he was nowhere as hardy as Ike. He’d been through so much, yet at the end of it all he was a simple priest.
First thing first was fetching water and keeping everyone hydrated. Chances were, most of their group was ill adapted to such heat. At least doing something tedious for others would make up for his lack of fortitude and battle finesse. He’d brought a training bow, but it was hardly going to be useful in his hands. Rhys had a few water flasks and a cup of water in his arms as he bustled around, looking to who would need him most.
Ah. Their youngest. In another life, Rhys might’ve protested seeing someone so childlike in their numbers, but he understood, he understood with a weight in his chest that was too shapeless to define with words. He’d watched Mist and Rolf venture into the fray of battle when they had no other choice. For a moment, he missed them so terribly his throat burned from more than just charred air. His own bowknight in leather armor, his own faith student growing up so fast, his companions he’d taken to spending time with and watching over as though they were his own family... He pushed it all back down, focusing on who was in front of him. Rhys had to believe his friends were alright without him.
He had to do what he could for who was in front of him.
“Kana, right?” Rhys had gotten a gist of who was who in their company. He approached Kana and handed him the water cup, prepared to give him a flask too. “Here. The heat is difficult to soldier though, isn’t it? It’s important to keep your fluids up. Thirst is a lot more than just discomfort, so it’s vital to take care of yourself. I’m Rhys.” He smiled softly. “ I’m a healer, so if you get any kind of injury, it doesn’t matter how small, I’ll help. Just let me know if you need anything, alright? Are you feeling well?” He reached out with a free hand to touch Kana’s forehead. He had to wonder what all Kana had been through to be with them so young, what words would best encourage him. “You’re brave, coming out here with us.”
He hoped he sounded reassuring— not desperate to not lose someone on his own watch, or patronizing. The last thing he wanted to do was to cause Kana worry.... though the circumstances were unpleasant already. All his words rang with soft urgency and genuine care.
This place made him tense, uneasy. He got the feeling he’d have to give it his all to make sure everyone made it home should something go wrong.