The woman was graceful as walked across the patio to greet them. The yellow dress that she wore was long and silky in texture and it hung off her shoulders to reveal a generous bosom and beautiful soft shoulders. Her face was like an angels's, every detail perfect. Her lips pouted out and looked as if there was red make up on them and her eyes were a shocking green that hid behind dark full lashes. Her hair was a silky and long and black. Sarina's self-esteem plummeted.
'Hello Vashti' Caspar greeted and went to kiss the woman's hand. Vashti didn't even spare a glance at Sarina and walked right up to Caspar. When he grabbed her hand, she used her own to instead gently pull him into an intimate embrace.
'Hello lover' she whispered into his ear. 'It has been too long.'
Sarina stared at them with wide eyes, not quite understanding a feeling that was building in her chest. Caspar gently pulled out of Vashti's embrace, clearing his throat and gave her a sheepish smile.
'You are injured' Vashti tsked her tongue and went to slip her fingers under the edge of his fresh burgundy tunic, but he assured her quickly,
'Don't worry, I am fine. You know I heal quickly. I actually asked you here to help my ...friend' Caspar started, hesitating awkwardly at the end.
Sarina felt supremely embarrassed as she walked towards the pair and bowed her head,
'Hello madam Vashti, I am Sarina Jokar of Bamm' she introduced herself in a small voice.
Vashti glanced at girl and crinkled her nose in distaste,
'You are badly burned' she said stating the obvious.
Caspar helped Sarina, 'yes she had fainted in the sun while fleeing her city that was under attack. I found her and knew as soon as I saw her that someone as talented as you could easily help her' Caspar said, flattering the woman to ease the tension that had appeared between the two.
'Hmm' Vashti responded, looking pleased by his praise. 'I will help her if' Vashti said, already looking away from Sarina and back at Caspar 'you spend time with me this evening' Vashti bargained with him.
Sarina couldn't believe her ears and more of an unfamiliar feeling gathered in her chest. She again ignored the strange feeling, not sure what to do with it.
Caspar just chuckled and sighed, 'I will promise you dinner but no more. You know I just returned from scouting and I have a little to catch up on' he said, trying to evade her request.
Vashti pouted out her already full lips but nodded her head in agreement. 'Alright, but I will hold you to dinner.' Vashti instructed Sarina to step inside the house and sit on one of the chairs inside.
Sarina did as she was told and went inside to the lounge room that was connected to the patio. She took the first chair she could find which was cushioned and comfortable. She sat up straight and watched as the two outside had a few more words. She couldn't tell if she liked Vashti, but right now she was leaning towards no, which didn't make sense since she had just met the woman. Sarina shook her head at herself, willing her mind to be reasonable.
As she had her inner debate, Caspar and Vashti made their way inside. The woman walked up to Sarina and lifted her hand and took Sarina's arm, turning it this way and that to examine the burns. They were deep and reddish-purple, showing that if she been in the sun much longer, she would've gotten sun poisoning.
'Okay' Vashti began, 'this will be a little painful but then it will be done.' Vashti placed her hands on the burns and began repeating the phrase ' om arkaya namaha'. She said this for what seemed like a long time, moving her hand from Sarina's arms to her face and to any other spot that had been overly exposed to the sun.
Sarina tried to hold still, gripping the arms of the chair as the pain intensified. It felt like her skin was crawling! Her eyes welled slightly but she refused to let any tears fall, determined to be strong.
Caspar watched as Sarina's skin was forced to repair itself. She looked in pain and this made Caspar uncomfortable. Maybe because he had rescued her and felt responsible, or because from what he had noticed, she hadn't been out very much and seemed vulnerable. But she was kind and didn't want to manipulate as far as he could tell, and that drew him to her.
He took a step towards her and grabbed her hand as she continued to suffer through the healing, trying to comfort her through the pain. Sarina was grateful for his hand as the pain was starting to become unbearable.
Vashti continued to concentrate on her chant, but even through her focus she could see that Caspar had grasped the girls hand and it irked her. She continued her chant until the the healing was finished.
'There' Vashti stated after she was done 'you are good as new, but you will be a little tired from the process. You better go get some rest' she said dismissively.
Sarina stood and bowed her head, thanking the woman and Caspar for the help. She began to walk to try to find her room but stumbled a little bit, weak from the process. Caspar quickly reached out and steadied her, giving her his arm to lean on. Vashti looked upset at his kindness towards the girl, 'I'm sure she'll be fine' she said cooly.
'Just the same, I'll help her to her room. How about I come and pick you up for dinner around sunset?' he asked over his shoulder, already beginning to escort Sarina towards her room.
'Fine' Vashti replied brusquely and let herself out the house without another word.
Caspar watched how slowly Sarina was walking and without thinking, scooped her up into his arms to and carried her through the hallways. Sarina was shocked and embarrassed,
'You don't have to carry me, I am fine! Please don't worry, besides I'm too heavy!' she exclaimed.
'Oh hush, you're as light as feather' he said calmly.
Sarina just shook her head in embarrassment and let him carry her to her room. When they got to the door he pushed it open with one foot, stepping in and walking to the bed. He placed her down softly and then went and got her a glass of water from one of the corners of the room.
'Drink' he said and she obeyed and sipped the water. When she was done he took the cup and set it on the table closest to the bed.
'You should rest, and when you are done there will be food waiting for you. You are allowed in whatever part of the house you would like while staying.'
'Thank you, I really appreciate your kindness' replied Sarina.
Caspar just hummed in response and walked to the door. Just when he was about to step out, he turned and said to her
'You look beautiful by the way.'
He left then, closing the door behind him.