The wizard is roaming the castle. While the clear, warm weather had drawn everyone out of doors, they had remained in their tower, but they grew desperate for a little company.
The wizard kept to the shade in the training yard, the cool alcoves inside the castle, and in the royal gardens early in the morning and late at night.
They never imposed, never interrupted, never attempted to reach out to anyone, but if you looked closely, you would see a hunger in their eyes.
The feast tonight is sure to be interesting. The prince will be there, obviously, and I have it on good sources that the king will also make an appearance.
In fact, I believe tonight’s festivities are to welcome a neighbouring realm’s prince and several dignitaries.
It will be quite interesting to witness these dynamics. The prince has asked me not to attend so as not to offend the visitors, but what harm is there in eavesdropping?
my human form disappears. a long-haired black cat with amethyst eyes sits in place of my human form before meowing and slipping out into the halls of the castle
something about etching wards inside of a knight’s armour
each knight has a standard set of wards, but there are a few I take extra care with. setting small stones at intersections of fine golden lines of power.
maybe it’s selfish to provide them with more. maybe it’s selfish that I need them to come back.
maybe it’s selfish to want to feel their hands and mouths on my body after battle to reassure me that they’re living.
if I cannot keep them here, I can do all I can to make sure they return
You’ve been awake for days now, unable to rest, for an attempt was made on your prince’s life. You had not left his side. You could have taken respite in your prince’s chambers, but sleep would not come- your imagination spinning tales of what would happen if he died.
What would happen if you let him be killed.
What would happen if you failed.
The traitors had been apprehended, and the prince was safe- not that you could believe that, not with your nerves running high and so frayed- not to mention the exhaustion.
He begged you to seek the court wizard.
You, fair knight, stumble into the wizard’s tower, delirious with sleep deprivation and the weight of the horrors you’ve been imagining.
The wizard must have heard your approach- they’ve already swept down the staircase and tucked themself under your arm to take weight off of your exhausted frame.
You feel almost as if you’re floating, unsure if this is the touch of magic upon you or if the wizard is deceptively strong. A hazy thought crosses your mind: perchance you could invite them to a sparring session.
You’re guided to a sizeable area covered with cushions and mats. Your armour doffs itself, drifting to the floor. The candles…dim? It is darker in this space, though you are certain you see plenty of candles.
The wizard gestured for you to sit. You obey.
You are asked to lay down. You obey.
You are told to close your eyes. You obey.
The wizard sits cross-legged behind you, resting your head ever so gently in their lap. Their hands are on your face, thumbs resting just below your eyes, the rest of their fingers splayed to different parts of your cheeks and jaw.
Something cool begins to wash over your face as the wizard begins a spell.
‘Rest now, Ser Knight, and allow me to provide the comfort you desperately need.’
The wizard’s hands have not moved from your face, yet you feel more hands (another spell, you think) begin to massage sore muscles. A pair of them rest gently on your chest, covering your heart.
The cooling sensation grows stronger as the wizard puts a bit more energy into the spell, at at long last, you give in, relinquishing yourself to the magic, praying that you will see your prince after the enchantment has run its course.