We got back to the Inn and Cassa helped me set down on my bed while Alzi brought a chair to sit on. He slid the box over between us from the foot end of the bed then placed the books and crystals on it. The hostess came up and asked if we needed anything. "Ale please." She could see i looked tired even if it was only about midday so she nodded and left. I leaned my head forward and pinched the bridge of my nose and took a deep breath. Cassa came over and curled her self around my back with her head on the pillow.
" 'Ere you are, Quickshot. I 'ope you feel better." I smiled and thanked her then took a few long gulps from the pitcher. "Ok now. I think I am ready to continue," I took the anatomy book and the cloudy white crystal in my hand and focused on the new spell i learned. The hand that held the crystal started to emit the same colored aura. The glow enveloped the crystal and the mental strain on my mind lightened up a little. 'This wasnt so bad' i thought as the glow got brighter. "Now, Master, touch the crystal to the anatomy book and you will absorb it just like a Spell Tomb." I did as he directed and the glow quickly engulfed the book. It disappeared in the same bright flash as the other books.
When I opened my eyes i felt a massive wave hit my consciousness as the information from the book flooded my mind. My eyes rolled back in my head and my nose started to drip blood then i fell backwards over Cassa. She squirmed her way out from under me and started shaking me as my eye lids quickly fluttered. "Miss, please be calm. This is a normal reaction when knowledge is absorbed. Your mate will be fine in a few seconds." As soon as Alzi finished speaking my vision fixed on Cassas' eyes and i started breathing heavily, a small trail of blood running down my cheek from my nose. "Pretty eyes." I whispered to Cassa then passed out....
(I could see images of different bones floating around and pieces of muscles. I instanly knew where all the bones went in any one body and where the bits of muscles attached to them. Most of this i knew from hunting and cleaning deer or rabbits but i soon realized that most humanoids are built the same way. From vein and artery placement to the internal organs. All the different images of body parts floating to me and started to assemble various creatures in front of me. As i watched this i understand how much blood each thing contained as well as how many veins and arteries and where they are attached.)
I don't know how long i was out but when i came around it was a little dark in the room. I saw the flicker of a candle on the ceiling and i looked around. I felt a very familiar weight on my chest and knew that was Cassa. I slowly moved my arm and placed my hand on her head and gently stroked her hair. It was dry feeling but still smooth. I wonder when was the last time she let out the braid and had it brushed. I slowly moved my head and looked out the window, 'it's night already?' i thought and lightly groaned. They must have fixed me in the bed because my boots were off and i was half covered with the blanket.
"Hey Princess. Are you awake?" I whispered as i gently shook her. She yawned and rolled over to look at me and lazily smiled and i could see little dirt streaks going down her cheek from her eyes. "You cried over me?" I felt my heart melt at the realization that she must love me. She pulled her self up to my face and kissed my nose. I put my arms around her and returned the kiss only it wasn't on her cute little nose.
Knock! Knock!
"Ered? Are you alive in there?" I groaned when i heard Gro outside the door but i didn't answer as I was preoccupied. After a few moments we broke the kiss and i smiled at her, "We should go out there or they might barge in." Cassa frowned at me and grunted, "I will stab them!" I laughed at that and she just smiled at seeing that i was feeling better. She slowly sat up and lightly pulled her little claws across my shirt then moved over me to stand up off the bed. I don't think anything that she does at this point could surprise me anymore. I slowly sat up and swung my legs off the bed and slowly stood up. A little dizzy but definitely no pain in my head anymore.
I took a few steps and Cassa watched me from the door, ready to jump to my side if i wavered. "I think I'm good now. She opened the door for me and we moved to sit at the table beside Gro, who had Fenta setting in his lap and Alzi sat across from him. "Sorry i worried everyone." Gro grunted at me and Alzi nodded. "Ah, Miss Hound. Your leathers will be ready by tomorrow evenin' " Cassa smiled at her and bounced in her chair with excitement.
The Inn was lively tonight and as I glanced around i didn't see any odd stares at us. "I think tonight is the last night here. Its the third night as Morlin only paid for three nights for us." Gro nodded as did Cassa. "Dunna worry 'bout 'at. I will talk ta Brinda for ya. Just enjoy ya stay 'ere." Fenta ran her hand over Gros' bald head as she spoke, "Thank you Miss Fenta. That would be great." I was taken aback by her gesture to help us, but i think she was more motivated by wanting to keep Gro close by.