Hippocrates, now with a more centered focus, asked Elias to lie down on a nearby bench. She began her examination in earnest, pressing gently on various points of his abdomen, looking for signs of inflammation or distress.
After a few moments, she looked deep in thought. "From what you've told me and what I can feel, it's evident that your intestines are inflamed. Suchtreatments for such conditions aren't available here, and I'm unfamiliar with Crohn's Disease you speaks specifically."
Elias's face fell, a flicker of hopelessness evident in his eyes.
"But," she continued, seeing his reaction, "there might be a potential remedy, albeit a challenging one."
He perked up, eager for any potential solution. "Go on."
Hippocrates leaned back, collecting her thoughts. "There's a legend of a rare herb known as 'Aetheris Radix.' It's said to possess incredible healing properties, particularly for ailments of the digestive system. However, acquiring it is no simple task. The herb blooms once every decade, at the peak of Mount Helicon, under the light of a full moon."
Elias blinked, taken aback by the specificity. "That sounds... complicated."
She nodded. "It's a perilous journey. The path to Mount Helicon is treacherous, and many have lost their lives attempting to retrieve the herb. Additionally, there are myths of Nymphs guarding the peak, challenging those who dare to take the Aetheris Radix."
Elias sighed, weighing the risk and reward. "But if there's even a chance it could cure me..."
Hippocrates placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "It's a long shot, and I won't lie about the dangers involved. But if you're willing, I'd accompany you. Together, we might stand a chance."
Elias glanced at Hippocrates, his brow furrowed with genuine curiosity. "Why would you come with me? It's a perilous journey and the stakes are high."
Hippocrates, looking steadfast, replied, "Firstly, as a physician, it's my duty to seek out potential remedies and expand the boundaries of our medical knowledge. The 'Aetheris Radix' isn't just a legend; it represents a vast, untapped potential in the world of healing. Retrieving it could revolutionize treatments for many, not just you."
She paused, taking a breath before continuing, "Also, if I'm honest, there's a part of me that's driven by ambition. The prospect of being the one to find and utilize such a rare herb, to pioneer new treatments... it's alluring."
Elias smiled wryly, "So, it's partly self-interest?"
Hippocrates chuckled, "In a way, yes. But remember, advancements in medicine often come from the intersection of altruism and ambition. My motivations might not be entirely selfless, but the potential benefit for many is undeniable."
He nodded, appreciating her candidness. "Well, in that case, I'm glad for your... ambition. It gives me hope."
As Elias began to rise from the bench, his foot caught on the edge of a nearby rug, causing him to stumble forward. In an attempt to steady him, Hippocrates reached out, but instead of grabbing his arm, her hand landed squarely on his chest, inadvertently pushing him backward. In the split-second chaos, Elias's reflexes took over, and he grabbed her waist to keep himself from falling, pulling her close in the process.
The two found themselves in an awkward embrace, their faces inches apart, eyes wide in surprise. Elias's arm wrapped around Hippocrates's slender waist, while her hand, still pressed against his chest, could feel the rapid beat of his heart. Their breaths mingled, the air between them charged with an electric tension.
For a few long moments, neither spoke, both acutely aware of the warmth of the other's body and the close proximity. The accidental nature of their position only added to the intensity of the situation.
Finally, Hippocrates, her face flushed a deep shade of crimson, managed to break the silence. "Perhaps... perhaps we should work on our coordination," she stammered, attempting to lighten the mood.
Elias chuckled softly, the corners of his lips curling into a smirk. "Indeed. Though I must say, our accidental encounters seem to be becoming a theme."
She rolled her eyes, but there was a playful glint in them. "Let's just focus on the task ahead, shall we?"
Elias, taking a deep breath, ventured, "So... about earlier... You aren't angry about the...uhm, peeking incident?"
Hippocrates paused, considering her response. She then said, with a tone of resignation, "In this world, men often feel entitled to gaze upon women as though we are their possessions. It's a reflection of the broader societal beliefs that women are merely objects, properties to be owned."
She continued, "Men are often said to think with their 'lower region,' making impulsive decisions driven by desire rather than reason. It's a belief that's been propagated for generations. And while I don't condone it, I've come to expect it."
Elias looked down, feeling the weight of her words, "I'm truly sorry for..."
She interrupted him, "It's not about what you did. It's about the world we live in. A world where a woman must fight for her right to knowledge, her right to practice a profession, her right to her own body. I've struggled my entire life to ensure I wasn't bound in marriage to some man who'd stifle my aspirations."
Elias nodded, absorbing her sentiments. He realized the vast differences between the norms of his original world and this alternate reality. "It sounds incredibly challenging."
She sighed, "It is. But I've learned to navigate it. And while I won't tolerate being seen merely as an object, I understand the pervasive societal views and expectations." She gave him a piercing look, "It doesn't mean I forgive or forget easily. Just... tread carefully."
Elias took a deep breath, looking directly into Hippocrates's eyes. "I genuinely hope that we can move past this... incident. My intention is not to further any sort of societal prejudice. And while I know that an apology can't erase what happened, I hope we can be close."
Hippocrates held his gaze for a long moment before responding, "Your words sound sincere, but actions hold more weight. Prove that you value our partnership beyond superficial attractions. As for getting along... time will tell."
Elias nodded, acknowledging her point. "I understand. Let's focus on the task at hand and maybe, just maybe, we can build a rapport based on mutual respect and understanding."
She smirked slightly, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. One step at a time."