Warding Mark

Zar’Tir - Sentinel Island
JP with Omni and Lorem

Gonyaul woke with a dry mouth and ragged breath, compliments of a distraught night of panicked mouth breathing. Due to his seizure like tossing and turning while sleeping his hair was undone and disheveled and his outfit and exposed skin were covered in marks from the dirt and dust from the ground. As he sat up, a prolonged groan trumpeted with strong support from his diaphragm. His head hurt, in fact his entire body felt aches; lingering phantom pain from the very realistic dream.

As the door began to open, Gonyaul shifted so he was the furthest distance from the opening. Groggy and tired, he wasn’t entirely sure he was awake yet and was exercising risk aversion to the best of his ability. He hoped it was the start of a new day after the rough nightmare.

Ylja peeked her head inside the hut, her eyes widening with concern as she saw Gonyaul cowering on the far end of the room. "Gonyaul?" she called softly, opening the door wider to let more light flood in.

Ylja stepped inside, her expression turning to worry. "Thou art awake! Didst thou sleep ill again?"

The interior darkened as a figure silhouetted the doorway. The figure turned its head, to get a good look around the room. It was Draza, her presence seemed less commanding today. She sighed and walked over to Gonyaul, her gaze scrutinizing yet not unkind.

"What think you, oh wise niece? What are we to do with the Vaux?" Draza asked, her tone was one of contemplation and mild frustration.

Ylja hesitated, then spoke earnestly, "Methinks... He must get rest or we will have a hard time getting started."

Draza's expression softened slightly, though she maintained her stoic demeanor. She turned to Gonyaul, her voice firm but with a hint of understanding. "Rest is needed, for we will spar today, but we cannot allow the mark every time. Thou must show endurance against the daemon."

Ylja nodded and moved to a bundle of kindling near the hearth, selecting a small twig and getting it sooty. With care, she approached Gonyaul and drew a small warding rune on his forehead. "This will help," she said with a gentle smile. "Relax and try to sleep. We shall wake thee later in the morn and bring thee food."

Gonyaul couldn’t help but feel vulnerable and embarrassed. The former emotion was obvious based on his sleep deprivation and recovering from previous privation from confinement. The latter was a burdensome feeling he had allowed, because of the expectation that he should have gotten a handle on the nightmares by now. He was now much more aware he had failed once again and would have to keep trying. He felt deep down though that he could and would in time, both in his gut and justifying it with his reasoning.

“Thank you.” He said. “I think I did better this time.” He yawned so long and wide he felt his jaws might unhinge. “I think I am closer to making genuine contact with the ancient one.” The lad wanted to have a conversation apart from the guile.

Gonyaul nodded at her request to relax and sleep. He also affirmed that this was a treat and not to expect it perhaps again. He watched them both go, listened for the locking door, and was passed out fast asleep within minutes.