[Ridge]
I never do fully pass out. Everything is blurry and muffled on the journey back to Camp Riddle. Unfortunately, this state means I'm unable to refuse transport. I'm taken back with a group of wounded, followed closely by the rest of the rebellion.
They end up catching up with us after just a day, deciding to be smart this time and not continue on. Eventually, we arrive back at camp. The tents are lined with bloody soldiers, and bandaged Knights. The place would be a mess if Raforn didn't take over and basically rearrange camp entirely.
His makeshift hospitals are full. The medics are busy wrapping people up and sending them on their way to clear beds. Apparently it's a been a while since they've had wounded on this scale. It's the first time it's been so organized and efficient though, and that's all thanks to the moody Doc himself.
"There you are." He finishes checking my bruises and begins wrapping my neck back up. Tellur said that as soon as I was brought in Raforn insisted on attending to me himself, even though he was already swamped. I've already had four check ups today, which I know is much more than he can afford time wise right now.
"Y- you-" I force breathy sounds out of my throat. It's hurts like a bitch. Raforn immediately waved his hands around, frantically trying to shut me up.
"Don't do that! You shouldn't speak yet." He scolds, putting his hand over my mouth. I glare at him and remove it.
He's right though. It hurts too much to talk, and I'm not exactly easy to understand at the moment either. I feel something tap my arm.
Bow presses his notebook against my sore limb. His big eyes stare at me inquisitively. I take the book gratefully and he fished a graphite stick out of his pocket. I take that too and ruffle his fluffy hair. It's getting long again, unlike Raforn's, which is somehow always short. The kid'll need a haircut soon.
I use his materials to scribble down a message for Raforn, You have better things to do than treat me all day. He shakes his head.
"It's fine." I stare at him, unimpressed. Bow makes a sort of giggling noise from the back of his throat.
Raforn rolls his eyes. A pretty pink color bleeds into his cheeks in fondness. Everyone's developed a soft spot for this kid. He's such a strange little joy to have around the rebellion. Same for just our rag-tag group while we were traveling. He's like having a dose of the real world around. Not everything is hateful and violent, things like children and innocence exist still too.
"I'm actually training some help. We'll be ahead of schedule as soon as they've had more practice." I raise an eyebrow at the doctor.
Who? I jot down. He smiles, more heat spreading to his face.
"Roley. Caleigh and her adoptive son have helped as well. There's a younger man from platoon 13 as well. He was too young and Ahem- unskilled, to do much else." I start writing again before he's even finished.
What?? That's outstanding, Forn. I'm so proud. I think for a minute as he reads, then add, I'm glad you and Caroley are okay now.
Not only did he think she may have been dead not too long ago, but they didn't part on the best of terms when all this began. Granted, her problem mostly lay with us, because she believed we were lying and tricking her friend with some sort of conspiracy theory. That doesn't mean there wasn't some kind of rift between them when he left with us though.
"Yeah, me too." His voice his softer than I've heard it. There's something shining in his eyes as he looks away from me. It's not tears. He looks happy, unbelievably happy.
I write out a question to Bow. He nods and I rip out the page from his notebook. I fold up the paper and tuck it in Raforn's pocket. Now he'll always know someone recognizes his efforts. He's finally accomplished what he's wanted for so long. He's as real a doctor as I've ever seen.