A medical emergency

[fadingworld]

A deep navy cloak hides his features and the more ornate tunic the courtesan usually wears to greet his clients. Mal hunches his shoulders and slides through the crowds hoping to avoid notice. He keeps his head down until he reaches the home of the doctor and wraps smartly on the door. "Open up," he calls in a voice that expects to be listened to.

How much time did he have? He could not have a client bleeding out. Not this one. Not one who had come to him for help, to be treated privately.

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[mandragoraspiritus]

"They always are, if you venture into the aristocracy. I did not so I was spared the most elaborate styles. But I did wear it fairly long back then."

He already had needle and thread set out in a small dish. Now he picks up a flask from his satchel, pouring some of the fluid over it. The smell of alcohol is strong. It's the strongest he's managed to distill.

He looks apologetically at Mal, holding up the flask. "This will hurt quite a bit I'm afraid. But I need to properly disinfect the wound before I suture it."

[fadingworld]

Mal would like to hear more about the hair styles. But he is not going to open his mouth to ask questions while this is done for fear he might just scream in pain.

He glances up at Regis, surely this could not hurt as much as receiving the wound itself. He retreats into himself a little in preparation to handle the pain. "I understand why it must be done, who knows what that Chort picked up in the forest. I am ready."

[mandragoraspiritus]

Perhaps it is a warning of just how much it will hurt, when Regis lays an arm across Mal, high up on his chest to be able to keep his shoulders pressed down against the bed.

He pours quickly, then tosses the flask aside to free his other hand to press down over Mal's hips to keep him as still as possible. He fears for his ribs in this but it must be done.

[fadingworld]

For all of his self resolve, Mal finds himself screaming into the pillow, trying to wriggle desperately against the hold. "I can't.... I can't. Make it stop."

[mandragoraspiritus]

"I'm sorry, Mal, I'm so sorry." Regis isn't at all sure that Mal even hears his softly spoken words, as he leans over him to firmly hold him down. Truly, he thinks it would be better for Mal if he fainted, and had he had more time he would have brewed up something stronger to knock Mal out before doing this. But they don't have that much time, and they are out here far away from most of Regis' supplies. They have to manage, somehow.

"I can't make it stop. But I promise it will pass."

[fadingworld]

Mal shakes his head, fighting the urge to faint, fighting the pain. "I feel like I am on fire." He hasn't heard Regis, his ribs protest as he sobs and tries to twist again.

It is relief when Mal does faint as the pain reaches it's peak.

[mandragoraspiritus]

There is both relief and a sharp wave of fear when Mal does lose consciousness. Even though Regis can hear Mal's heart still beating he does lay his fingers to his neck to check for a pulse, tension leaving him when he feels it.

Regis works quickly, then, taking the time now that Mal won't feel it to stitch the wound closed, then gently and mindful of his ribs he lifts him to be able to wrap bandages securely around him, covering the wound and providing some support for his ribs.

After that it is just to wait for Mal to wake, time Regis spends cleaning up and burning all the blood-soaked rags and cloth he has. He must try to clear away the still heavy scent of Mal's blood. It shames him that even now he finds it tempting.

[fadingworld]

It is relief to his body and mind not to feel anything for a little. When Mal comes to he no longer feels like he is being burned alive from the inside out. There is a steady low burn as he looks around for Regis.

"Can I have some water please?" A pause to wet his lips, "Are you okay?"

[mandragoraspiritus]

"You needn't worry about me," Regis tries to assure him softly as he ever so carefully lifts him somewhat so he can drink some water from the mug he holds to his lips. But in truth, Regis looks worn. He always does to some degree, in part from the fact that he is still regenerating ever so slowly from the incident years ago. But he looks worse now, strained.

"Are you in much pain now?"

[fadingworld]

Mal takes slow slips gratefully. He reaches for Regis' hand. "It is much better, and definitely bearable." His eyes search the dear face. "I do worry," he says softly, "You do not look quite yourself."

[mandragoraspiritus]

Regis tries on a tired smile. It doesn't look very happy. "It can hardly be surprising that I am worried, can it? And... It pains me deeply, that I had to cause you so much pain."

[fadingworld]

Mal draws the hand in and kisses around the knuckles. "You saved me," he says firmly. "I am sorry I could not make it easier on you. Trust me when I say I am glad you did what you did?" He is starting to see the truth in the words it is easier to be injured than watch someone you love hurt.

[mandragoraspiritus]

It is hard, having to see Mal like this. Regis isn't powerless in the situation, he has already done much to help Mal, but he still feels terribly powerless. Humans are such frail creatures, especially compared to vampires. They are easily harmed, and heal so slowly.

"I only wish I could have made it less painful. Had I had better supplies, more potent drugs..."

[fadingworld]

"Had you gone for those the consequences would have been much worse," Mal reassures him in a warm steady voice. "Do not regret what you have done." Regret. As Mal says the word it seems to take on a life of its own. It had not been his choice of word exactly...he had felt it was right. Now he feel it radiating a little from Regis.


Perhaps the drugs had been stronger than he had thought.

"You have more than done right by me."

[mandragoraspiritus]

He had done what he could, to the best of his ability. A part of him can accept that. But another part wishes he could do more. It's the same part that keeps hims him working as a man of healing, more often than not among the lower classes, to make up for all the blood he spilled and the lives he wasted in his youth.

"Hopefully it was enough, but I fear that we will have to remain here for a time, until we can find a way to make the journey home."

[fadingworld]

"It will be, I am strong and not prone to sickness." He wishes he could lean up and kiss Regis and push some of the negativity to side for a moment.

"How soon could I walk out or stand horseback?"

[mandragoraspiritus]

"You might get up on your feet for a bit tomorrow, but you will not be in any shape to make the walk home." That was far too far. Grated that Mal had been carrying a pack here, but the trek to this place had been enough to wind him somewhat.

"The same with being on horseback, even had we had horses here. No, our best bet to leave here any time soon is if I make a stretcher."

[fadingworld]

Mal will accept the stretcher. He wonders if going to Regis' pace and accepting the decisions will make it easier for the vampire.

"Would you prefer the stretcher or to make this our home for a little?"

[mandragoraspiritus]

"We will be here for some days," Regis states. "Even with a stretcher it would not be a comfortable journey for you. Before we undertake it, we must be sure that you will not have developed an infection, from the wound or from the ribs. Some low fever is to be expected in any case, but so long as it doesn't spike it should be fine. But if it does it is better that we are here where there is shelter, rather than be caught out in the wilds."

[fadingworld]

Mal nods, it makes sense. He is none to sure about the woods at the moment but the cabin feels safe. "We will need more supplies then," he says cheerfully to raise their moods. "You can teach me what I could survive on out here, by bringing things back to the cabin." It would be another set of different lessons for them.

[mandragoraspiritus]

"Yes, there is that issue." Which is why he is willing to brave the journey by pulling Mal behind him on a stretcher. They haven't brought supplies for an extended stay, and while he can forage just fine a hunter he is not. With both loss and fondness he thinks back to the days where he traveled with Geralt and the others, thinks of Milva and her bow.

"The stream could be a source of food I hope. If not, you might have to settle for a largely vegetarian diet for a time."

[fadingworld]

"I am not that fussy an eater," Mal says lightly. He shifts his hips slightly to find a more comfortable position as he stiffens. "Though I do not propose trying something like chort meat any time soon."

[mandragoraspiritus]

"While I do think it would be edible, I will admit to not being very inclined to go back there to carve loose a chunk." They shouldn't be in such dire straits. The forest would provide some, and Regis himself doesn't need to eat. What they have brought will all go to Mal.

[fadingworld]

"No that would not be pleasant. Though I am sure it is a delicacy somewhere in the world." Mal shuts his eyes as fresh exhaustion comes crashing down. "Do you mind if I can find my way to sleep for awhile?"

[mandragoraspiritus]

"Not at all. In fact, you should sleep. Resting will help you heal, and give you an escape from the pain of your injuries." Carefully he eases off from the bed, laying Mal back down properly, pulling the blankets up around him before leaning over him to kiss him. "I will be right here when you wake, dear heart."