- Inside Nailah's home -
By the time I brought Leela home, she was already asleep. She panted heavily from the pain she was in. Her breath forming little puffs of smoke in the air. She was so close the entire time! If that crow hadn't stopped me I don't know what would have happened to my Leela. At first, I suspected her wound was from the destruction I was causing on the car but, no. It was from magic. Judging by the colour of her scales it was probably a paralyzing spell to stop the movement in her limbs. The fact that she held up this long…
"Leela, I'll relieve your pain, so hold tight for a bit."
I gently laid her down on my bed and ran to my bathroom to grab a bowl of warm water. I needed her to be comfortable while I healed her. I grabbed a few towels and rushed to her. Her eyes were scrunched from the pain and her wings drooped helplessly on the side. A long shimmering gash that was expelling a type of black matter oozed out and dripped down onto my bed. Leela started to shiver and I put her in the warm water.
It instantly turned black. It wasn't Leela's blood, but Leela's repulsion magic working against the paralyzation spell. I gently touched her inflating sides and watched to see if there were any signs of pain or discomfort. Her eyes scrunched shut and I gently moved her onto the side that wasn't inflated. It was my first time having to heal a baby dragon, but I had plenty of experience back at Nanu's house. I rolled up my sleeves and clenched my fist.
"Leela, you will be fine in no time so hang in there, okay."
She closed her eyes against the pain and I relaxed her against the bed for a bit. I felt a bit anxious. I wasn't properly trained in healing magic and there might be a chance that I would totally blow this up. It would be too late if I took her to a vet now. I closed my eyes for a second. Leela started to relax and her breathing came out in soft puffs. I slowly wiped away the blood and started to chant a healing spell.
"Na sakara wa liombe," I whispered and blew, as I ran my finger around her wound.
Gold strings started to attach themselves on the tissue, and the gash started to become thinner as I weaved my magic to close the wound. The only side effect of the spell is that it will leave behind some pain. It's only a spell to relieve the paralysation in her body, but it won't reduce the pain afterwards. There is another spell that's supposed to be used after that, but I don't know which one or how to use it.
Leela slowly opened her eyes as the magic finished sealing the wound. Immediately after, she lost consciousness as the pain started to form at her stomach. I gently wiped her with a towel and held her in my arms. It's better that she loses her consciousness and falls into a deep sleep. Though it hurts me to think that way, it's better for her to cope with the pain.
I carried Leela and put her on a pillow before I quickly changed the bed covers and put out a new washed one. I quickly put Leela on the bed and supported her with pillows. She was sleeping soundly by the time I came back from washing the dirty sheets. I smiled and sat by her side eating some cake. I don't know what I would have done if I couldn't find Leela.
The magic I used was light, and it would be almost impossible for a mage to track it down. I sat relieved with that fact and decided to think about other thoughts. I smirked as I recalled the annoying squawking bird. Thanks to its help I was able to find Leela, and even though I left in a rush today, I was utterly grateful to the crow. That's why I decided on making him more bread, to reward him the next time we meet.
I went to go get something for Leela to eat when I heard loud and sharp knocks rap at the door. I recognized those knocks immediately. My mood instantly darkened.
"I thought those donkeys were gone," I muttered.
I decided to ignore the knocks but I felt like the people outside wouldn't leave even if I didn't open it. The knocking started to continue again after a few minutes and I grabbed my shawl and wrapped it around myself.
"What do you want?" I spoke from inside, without opening the door.
"Miss, please open the door," a familiar voice came from the other side.
The Salmaan guy. From the sound of shuffling feet coming from the other side of the door, it seemed like there was only one of them there.
"Please, leave. It's late at night and I have to rest," I said through the door.
"I understand Miss, but I have just come to apologize for the unfortunate behaviour, my senior and I have caused you this afternoon. We will reflect on our actions and will receive the punishment we deserve," his fake-ass voice tried to sound guilty.
I knew they were trying to just bribe me with some half-assed apology, just so I wouldn't report this to the local police department. I grinned at how shallow-minded these donkeys were.
"I do hope you get to reflect on your actions, Sir. But I still feel the need to consult the police and formally submit a report to the Imperial Mages. The events that played out today tremendously affected me and many others as well. I don't think this matter can be dismissed with just an apology," I tried my best to avoid cursing at him, as I said that.
He went silent. I nearly snorted. I would feel even more disgusted if he tried to beg down on his knees for mercy. It should be within their knowledge and they have probably been educated on how to deal with commoners. I won't put up with the harassment anymore.
"Miss, please come out. I promise I won't take much of your time," his voice suddenly sounded a bit desperate.
"Look, I don't have the time to-"
"Please, I want to formally apologize to you."
"I don't like repeating myself. Even if you are an Imperial Mage, I find this very violating and uncomfortable. Please leave."
While I'm being nice.
"I am afraid I can't do that Miss."
"Then feel free to wait out there all night."
I got away from the door and put a chair against it. Just in case. I also kept a broom beside me. I sat beside Leela and softly patted her head. I could sneak into work a bit late tomorrow, I am sure no one would notice in all the hub-bub going around 'cause of the banquet.
I gathered her against me and patted her back. She snuggled into me and I held her close. That dude can wait there the whole night for all I care. I am not the only one who deserves an apology. I fed Leela some warm milk and a bunch of vegetables she liked. It was midnight by the time I was done tending to Leela. I washed my face and got into bed next to Leela.
The lights were off, and the curtains were down. Only a bit of moonlight filtered in through a slit in the curtains. I was trying to fall asleep but the anxiety was keeping me awake. No matter how many times I dismissed the thoughts of the possibilities of the dude breaking in, my hands trembled and my head throbbed from the stress. The anxiety was going to kill me.
I scratched my head and got up. This better be quick.
"Oy."
"Yes, Miss?"
I clamped my mouth shut. Why am I talking like that to a superior? It's like I'm setting a death trap for myself.
"Please stand away from the door."
I didn't wait to hear his reply. I grabbed my broom and wrapped my shawl around me. I prayed for my safety before quickly opening the door and then stepping out.
I locked the door with my key. Just for my peace of mind.
His eyebrow cocked up as he glanced at the broomstick. So what, buddy? My eyes seemed to say what I was thinking and the corners of his mouth lifted. He covered his mouth and looked down before putting on a neutral face again.
He had cast a small light to light up the alleyway. He stood straight and tall. The douche from before gone, and in its place was a stiff man looking like a ragdoll. His face remained neutral as he looked at my state. A brown curl flopped onto his forehead as he looked down again, this time feigning a guilty stance. His light brown skin shone with a faint sweat as he tried to figure out what to say.
"What you say, won't change my decisions on informing the police about what happened today."
"I understand, Miss. I will repent for my mistakes."
"I'm not the only person that you have to apologize to. It would be in your best interest, to apologize to the others as well."
"My subordinate and I will make sure to submit a formal apology statement regarding that."
Okay, so leave dude.
"If that's all, I think we should part ways here then," I tried not to sound happy when I said that.
Bye, bye loser. I hope I never have to see you again.
"Wait-"
I was turning to my door and I had to stop myself from flicking a finger up at him.
"Yes, Sir?"
"The bruises on your face, please let me heal you," he glanced at my cheeks and I wanted to slap him.
Boy, you never know when to shut up do you. I felt defeated and worn out.
"Alright. But please make it quick," I turned back to him and he looked a bit relieved.
He raised his hand up towards my face. I flinched a little on reflex.
"I swear on the name of my household, that I will just heal your bruises," he swore as he stood in front of me.
"Okay, please keep your distance though," I sighed and stood silently.
A light brown thread of magic caressed my face as he slowly murmured words of healing. I wanted to move away from him but he kept me still with one hand on my arm. I felt a dull throb at my cheeks and slapped them a bit. He looked a bit surprised and then smiled.
"Your cheeks will be a bit numb for a couple of minutes, but you will be fine afterwards."
I already knew that. I would have recognized immediately if he was going to pull some prank on me.
"I'm sorry about what I said before."
Bruh.
"Sorry about that, 'I don't give two shits about what you want,'?" I recalled, scratching my chin in deep thought.
He looked uncomfortable and I almost felt bad for the guy.
"I am really sorry about that," he looked at me, guilt evident in his face.
Geez, why do I feel like the bully all of a sudden?
"Don't worry about it. I hope you're just more careful and considerate with your words in the future," I smiled at him and he stood there.
Damn, what a unique way to make a lady feel awkward.
"Yeah, I'll keep that in mind," he murmured.
He was a bit closer to me than he was before. I had to lift my head a bit to look at him. He tilted his face to the side as he watched me in silence. My palms started to sweat with the awkwardness of the situation. I looked away and tried to slowly inch my way to my door. I felt a bit anxious being there with him, and I felt like he could tell as well.
"Alright-y, I'm off," I waved at him with my broomstick, "Have a nice life."
This time, I didn't wait to hear for his response and quickly stepped into the quiet solitude of my home. I felt more at ease having said that and dealing with him.
I peeped through a small window at the top of my door and watched as he walked away from the door, taking the weird light with him. I was finally able to fall asleep peacefully, as I let the stress from a day of unfortunate events seep out from my body.