Off The Beaten Path (for Nina)

[hisdivineshadow]

"Oh good, civilization."

The tall, dark-clad man walked at a measured pace over the ridge and toward the small town. He knew he must look a sight, what with his clothing ripped and the holes poked in him at various places. Ah well, not the most dashing appearance to make, but what could you do? At least he still had his mask, not that anyone here was like to recognize him anyway. But it made him feel a little better.

As his vision began to blur from blood loss, he focused on the nearest human-like shape he saw and headed in that direction. Clearing his throat, he said, "Excuse me, sir or madam, I was hoping you could help me. I do believe I've been stabbed." At which point his eyes lost focus altogether and rolled back in his head, and he collapsed face-down on the ground.

[Darastrix]

"Mister? Hey Mister!" Nina called to him, shaking him by one shoulder. When the man didn't respond, the little girl scampered off to find her nanny, who quickly enlisted the aid of a couple of young men to carry him into the house while a healer was summoned. Nina, being small for her age and easily lost in the shuffle, sneaked into the room to watch, wondering who this man was and why he wore a mask.

[hisdivineshadow]

The healer had to pull Caius' shirt off to properly treat his wounds. He left the mask where it was for the moment; there were no head wounds, and it wasn't really his concern if this stranger had something to hide.

As the healer got to work, the cold of the water applied to his wounds shocked Caius back to wakefulness. "Hrm?" He blinked and turned his head, dazedly trying to take in his surroundings.

"Just hold still," the healer warned as he began applying bandages. "And preferably, stay that way. Some of these wounds are rather deep. Any undue activity could easily reopen them."

Suddenly self-conscious, Caius brought a hand up to his face, but relaxed when he found his mask was still on. "My thanks, good sir," he murmured weakly, and attempted a smile.

"If you want to thank me, do me a favor and don't come here next time you get jabbed full of holes." The healer scowled and, after applying the last bandage, rose to leave.

"Of course." Caius sighed and closed his eyes, adding, "Next time I'll make sure they stab me closer to Anarlina."

[Darastrix]

After the healer had gone, Nina moved closer to the bed, curious. She watched Caius for a moment, chewing on the tip of one pigtail, then reached over to try to take off the mask to see what he looked like underneath.

[hisdivineshadow]

Although his eyes were closed, the bandit wasn't fully asleep yet, and his eyes opened at her touch. One hand reflexively came up to snatch Nina's hand away from his mask, but he hesitated when he saw she was only a girl, and shifted his grip to hold her wrist more gently. "Pardon me," he said with a tired smile, "I don't believe we've been introduced."

[Darastrix]

"I'm Nina Barton," she responded promptly, seeming unconcerned at having her wrist grabbed. "And YOU are hurt really bad. Did you fall down? I fell out of a tree once and it hurt a lot. Rebbecca was mad, too. Is someone going to scold you for getting your clothes all messed up?" Nina asked, tilting her head curiously.

[hisdivineshadow]

Caius was taken aback at her earnest naivete. He stared for a long moment before answering, "Well, I suppose you could say I fell down. Yes, and a great fall it was," he said with a hint of dry humor. "But, alas, there is no one to scold me. I am all alone." He looked wistfully up at the ceiling and sighed.

[Darastrix]

"I'm by myself a lot, too. Well," she amended, "Probably because I keep running off to look at things. One day, I'm going to get a shocker lizard companion to keep me company. It can stay in my pocket so I won't leave it behind when I go somewhere."

[hisdivineshadow]

He smiled and reached out to pat her head. "Well, I'm sure you'll get the most beautiful and helpful shocker lizard there is." Feeling fatigue weighing heavily on him, he closed his eyes a moment, then opened them and asked, "Do you have a mother or father around here somewhere?"

[Darastrix]

"My mother died when I was little," Nina said simply. She didn't remember her well enough to feel sad. "And father's always very busy." She paused thoughtfully. "And mad, too, lately. I think I'd be mad if I worked so much. Rebbecca--that's my nanny--she takes care of me."

[hisdivineshadow]

"I see." He nodded tiredly. "Well, I'm sure Miss Rebecca is very worried about you, Nina. You don't want to make her worry, do you?"

[Darastrix]

"Why would she worry? I'm at ho--"

"There you are, Nina." Rebbecca bustled in and took the child firmly by the shoulder. "Go wash up for dinner and let the man rest."

"Yes ma'am...," Nina sighed and reluctantly left the room.

Rebbecca eyed Caius suspiciously. "I trust you'll be on your way once you've recovered."

[hisdivineshadow]

The bandit laughed, a sound that abruptly cut off into a choking fit as he aggravated his injuries. "Unh . . . Of course, milady. Just as soon as I can. Wouldn't want to be rude and impose on such a gracious host." He smirked, letting just a touch of sarcasm color his words.

[Darastrix]

"I'm not your host" was all she said before leaving the room to make sure her young charge was where she was supposed to be.

[hisdivineshadow]

(( Skip ahead? Or would you rather just end it there? I don't mind either way. ))