A look of alarm crossed Eremis' face when the air near the bed started to stir. He relaxed once he realized it was caused by Quinn teleporting directly to Alex's side. After taking a good look at the golden brown haired elf, Eremis stood and remained quiet while Alex made introductions. He reached for the elf's extended hand, smiling softly as he was thanked for saving Alex's life.
Since Cas hadn't given him any time to gather sufficient healing supplies before dragging him off on this mission, he felt grateful to Quinn for his gifts. The herbs, vials, and other things would certainly come in handy. Being the only real healer in the group frightened Eremis. He didn't have Val or anyone else knowledgeable in the healing arts to turn to this time. The responsibility of taking care of the group's injuries rested solely on his shoulders. He'd hate himself if one of his companions ended up dying due to his lack of experience.
He thanked Quinn profusely for the healing items then carefully placed the large packet in his knapsack. Shortly after the elf laid down on his bedroll, Eremis made Alex drink another potion that would ease his pain further, and help him sleep. Once satisfied that his patient was comfortable, Eremis doused the candles in the room then sat on the couch. Why hadn't Cas returned yet? Consumed by worry, he quietly left the room and approached Xue, who sat at the kitchen table. Before he could ask if she'd be willing to go out and check on his lover, Rowan entered the building.
Eremis' shoulders slumped a little when the elf told him he'd sent Cas and Soran off to spend the night at the Cracked Goblet. Although he didn't like being separated from his lover, there wasn't anything he could do to change things right now. He consoled himself with the knowledge they'd be together again soon. Because of Quinn, he wouldn't have to watch over Alex tomorrow. Maybe he could convince Cas to share some private time with him then instead of taking part in whatever scheme Weave had planned for that masquerade ball. Smiling now, he returned to the bedroom and fell asleep on the couch a few minutes later.
*******
The sharp pain that shot across Jeremy's shoulder woke him instantly. He sat up and rubbed the stiff muscle causing the ache. That's what I get for falling asleep at a kitchen table. He overheard bits and pieces of the conversation going on between Rowan and Weave while he poured a mug of java. Once the liquid cooled he used it to wash down a Vicodin he'd retrieved from his pack. The strong painkiller would make him forget about his aching muscles in no time.
His eyes followed Weave as she exited the building. Thanks to her, Soran was no longer wanted for murder. The stupid blonde would continue to hang all over Rowan. At least until I can figure out a way to get rid of him without getting myself in trouble with the elf. He muttered a good morning greeting to Eremis, who went directly to the stove to boil water for tea. "How's Alex doing?"
"He's healing nicely thanks to a variety of medications, and his strong will," the healer replied. "His friend, Quinn will teleport him home today where he can continue his convalescence under the care of his family."
"Damn. There goes my archery lessons," Jeremy quipped.
Eremis rolled his eyes before heading back into the bedroom with a pot of tea and some bread he'd warmed up on the stove. He smiled at Quinn when he saw that he was awake. "Sorry about the meager breakfast," he said, setting the small tray on the table next to the bed.
After cleaning his hands with some alcohol from a vial, he sat beside Alex and examined his wounds, applying fresh bandages where needed. When he finished, he turned his blue eyes to Quinn. "It's alright to move him by means of a teleport spell now. As soon as you get him home, have someone contact the local healer to aid in his recovery."
He added a pinch of crushed healing herbs to a cup of tea then helped Alex drink it all down. "You take care of yourself. Don't try to do too much too soon, okay? It was nice having you as part of the group, Alex. We'll miss having you around. I hope we can all get together again for dinner or something sometime in the future."
