Editing Aeric Dalia/Vol 3 Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO


	The Officer adjusted the belt around his waist. He rested his hands on top of the leather strap with his elbows pointing out. He grunted out a few more laughs, quickly recalling his history with his estranged friend.
“You ole Sunuva bitch! I knew you were too stubborn to die here. I mean look at you now. Paladin.” He leaned back and forth examining Aeric's armor. Glancing at the other in his group. “Well I guess you were the most religious in the cohort.”

	Voren's eyes widened in disbelief from what he heard. Aeric was many things, but pious would have never been a word to describe the holy man. He took a different approach to enacting the gods will. Voren still exhaled a disgruntled grunt. The Centurion looked over the group, noticing the brunette strands of hair escaping Dalia's helmet. 
“Ah and Selena as well! How are you, you insufferable hag!” The man belted out another deep bellowing laugh.

	The Succubus froze momentarily. She placed her hands on the side of her face, popping the faceplate free. The mask revealed her face. The boisterous man fell silent. He gaze turned to Aeric. The Paladin's expression hadn't changed much, though he was awash with a torrent of emotions that only Dalia and himself could feel. The man turned back to the demon.
“I apologize ma'am, I though you were someone else.” He turned to Aeric “ Where is sh-”
“She died.” Aerics words were curt and monotone.
“I'm sorry.. I didn't know...”

	There was a moment of passing silence. Marred only by the clamor of the goings on in the camp. The man raised his head and looked at Aeric with a somewhat softer expression. He took a breath, remembering his duty.

“Well, what business you have coming here?” His voice returned to the gruff manner it was before, when he first addressed them.
“We wish to tend to the wounded, and any other issues we can assist with.” Aeric shot back a reply.
“No can do old friend. You guys attacked one of our patrols. I can't just be letting you in and getting close to our injured.”
“I understand. The man in question has been relieved of his weapons.” He glared at Voren as a parent would to scold a child. “He won't be a problem.”
“And if he is?”
“Then I take full responsibility for his actions.”

	He thought it over for a moment. Resting his chin in the nook of his thumb and index finder. Gazing periodically at the young Voren. Then to the rest of the band. His eyes caught Faline's for a moment. She winked at him, and a short smile crossed the officer's face as he puffed out a pleased laugh. Turning back to Aeric he spoke again.
“And you are sure I can trust your word?”
“Have I ever been the lying type?” Aeric stressed the word 'been'
“No. No you haven't. I can't imagine you'd start now; Paladin and all.”

	He turned to his solders and beckoned one over. A young woman with a miss fitted helmet stopped before him standing rigid. They exchanged words briefly. He relayed the orders to her and she ran off inside the camp. The remaining soldiers relaxed slightly. Their weapons  held lighter in their hands. The officer turned back towards the group. He tossed a hand back and muttered 'Enter'. He stayed right by Aeric's side as the group passed through the wooden palisade gate. He twisted his head, cupping his mouth with a free hand.
“I know how these foreign girls can be. Is that elf..”
“Taken?” Aeric gave a hard glare back to his friend. The paladin looked at his companions and saw none were turned to look at him. A smile appeared on his face. “Go get 'er” 

	He chuckled quietly before donning his helmet. Turning back into the stoic and calm man he was before.

	The horses were lead to a few open spots in a nearby stable. Not far from the entrance of the camp. Voren was greeted with exactly what he had expected to see in an imperial camp. The leather of his gloves creaked in his ever tightening fist. He took in a deep breath to calm himself. But no matter where he looked he could not escape the debauchery and hedonistic actions of the Arec soldery.

	Soldiers danced together in various states of dress, many with flagons of drink in their hands. Lively music could be heard throughout the camp, though none of it seemed to be synchronized. The women paraded themselves just as the men did, seemingly oblivious to their exposure. Some groups even openly embraced passionately. The Paladin wondered if restraint was a word these people knew.

	Then he thought of Aeric. Albeit he had his faults in Voren's mind, he still thought of Aeric as more reserved and conservative. 'How can he be one of them?' He pondered. His meditation on such a shift in personality was all he could dwell on to distract himself from unease growing in his mind. His breath became hard and deep, his brow low; eyes narrowed.
“Such professionalism.” Voren Huffed to himself, though loud enough to hear.
“We won a great victory today. Is our celebration too much for you?” The officer goaded the young man.

	Vorren huffed again turning his head. He remained silent. He clenched his jaw to prevent him for spitting harsh words at the officer. Soon the band had dismounted and gathered. Voren slowly merged himself in the middle of the group. The succubus placed her hand on the cold steel of Voren's pauldron. She looked at him with a worried glance for but a moment. The demons attempt at reassurance failed to help the angered man.

“Is there any way we can be of assistance here?” Aeric spoke
“We have plenty of wounded you can look at. Perhaps a better lay of the land for food and the like.”
“We will help with the wounded. I will not tell you which farms are best to plunder.”
“As I expected.” The man sighed. “Honestly, all our medics are tending to our wounded. No one to help the Karothi prisoners.”
“You mean you don't eat them?” Voren huffed out ingignantly.

	Before Faline could even turn to scold him the Centurion laughed.
“No good eating spoiled meat.” He smiled smugly at Voren.

	The man lead the party deeper into the camp. It was a large Fortification. Many large tents were erected with Imperial edifices at the entry ways, or some designation as to its function. The tents were assembled in crecent blocks with smaller tents meant for lodging dotted around them. In the space inside the cresent were many wooden benches and tables. At the head of the tables were large cooking pots and other assortments. The soldiers sat eating their food telling stories. Others cleaned or maintained their armor and gear.

	Near the center of the camp was a the largest tent. It was adorned with many red banners and golden accoutrements. The man stopped them before it and began pointing out places of note. He showed them were the medical blocks were, as well as a short explanation as to where they were and were not allowed to be. The manner he delivered it seemed rehearsed and prepared for someone else.

	Aeric looked over the group and began giving them orders. The acolytes were to continue their martial training as well as assist their adept in tending to the wounded. Then there was the matter of Voren. His temper was getting the better of them. Aeric understood how the young man felt more than he would ever know. He knew how much he hated the Empire of Arnay. He tasked him specifically to tend to the wounded Arec solders. There was very vocal protest.
“I am not asking. I am ordering” Aeric growled.
“Fine.” Was spat back at him
“I do not think you understand your circumstance right now, Paladin.” Faline added.
“Yes, Paladin Aeric.” His tone was that of a child scorned.

	Faline and Aeric stayed behind as the others departed. The officer approached Aeric with an offer to join him for a drink, and to reminisce for a while. To Faline's surprise he accepted without hesitation.
“Oh what I wouldn't give to know what Aeric was like before he became this sour old man. “ She teased as she was about to join them.
“Is it wise to leave Voren, and the acolytes unsupervised?” His monotone vindicated her chide words.
“No, I suppose not. I'll keep an eye on him, but do you think he'll do anything rash again?”
“Honestly, I do not know.” The words worried the elf.
“I hope you made the right call with him then.” She departed.

	The officer slapped his arm around Aeric, quickly changing the mood. He had somehow acquired a couple cups and handed one to his old friend. Aeric took the cup and the two began walking off to the centurion's tent.
“So what's with that kid? What stick's up his ass?” The Centurion laughed.
“He was born in Tulaine.” Aeric's friend's expression quickly became serious.
“Didn't we...” He stopped speaking as Aeric nodded.


	The more he walked alone the more he questioned each of his steps. He truly felt more unnerved here than in the forgotten crypts where we faced his first demon. At least openly hostile demon. Despite knowing full well what she was, it hadn't dawned on him that Dalia was a true demon. Her nature and demeanor was almost mistakably human in his eyes. The paladin pondered on the succubus for a moment, trying to grasp the gravity of the situation. Wondering how she would react being around so many men in their prime.

	 He quickly found a bench to sit on that wasn't occupied by rowdy soldiers. Even he caught flirtatious glances from some of the women, to which were returned with an uncomfortable half smile. His thoughts turning from Dalia to his unwanted hosts. His fist slowly began to clench, making the leather creak. Everywhere he looked reminded him and validated his dislike and hatred of these people. He began counting off the sins he could see people committing before his eyes. 

	Lust; he saw there seemed to be no boundary to who the people would entertain themselves with. The women traipsed about with many different men at times, enjoying their embrace. Even occasionally other women. The men gallivanted in similar fashion.

	Gluttony; there seemed to be no end to the amount the Arec's would drink or eat. They clamored over each other, almost boastfully on their ability to imbibe great quantities of the amber drink. To he or she that would win such impromptu contests would be met with praise and more drink.

	Wrath; the more they engorged themselves in their hedonistic ways the more temperamental they became towards each other. When one would lose to one of the  pointless contests some would become enraged and lash out in anger. People would soon gather to watch the altercations and even cheer. Regardless of winner, the combatants would soon find themselves in the passionate embrace of another, and the cycle would continue again. It became apparent soon, that one thing the camp lacked in its entirety was any form of religious symbols. Not on shields or armor. No shrines. Simply devoid of any holy presence.  Voren truly found these people to be disgusting.

	  As he sat he found himself grasping for his sword. Startled somewhat when his hand passed through what they should have touched. Such a simple and autonomous action he wasn't even aware of until it was altered. He became aware of his lack of weapon, and why he lacked it. He tossed his head forward into the leathery palms of his gloves slowing his breath.
“I have to get a hold of myself...” He spoke quietly.
“You want to talk about it?” Faline spoke to him softly. Sitting next to him without a sound.
“Not right now. I don't need a lecture.” He spoke after he gave a startled jump.
“I don't want to lecture you. I've given you enough for this week.” She smiled
“I just don't know if I can help them... Not these people” His voice was desperate.

	The veteran simply placed her hands on the cold metal of her lap, nodding silently. Faline was of a rather privileged birth. She faced no true adversity in her upbringing like her companions. She had a good family, a lively childhood. She couldn't fathom having her youth taken away from her, never to be returned. She felt disconnected from Aeric and Voren in this way. The only way she could empathize with them is through experiences in her long career. Though it wasn't quite the same.

	For Voren, the Empire would always be the people that took away his innocence. Because of them he lost his family. Because of them he was inducted into the order. Every last vestige of his personality had been shaped by that event. He hated these people, truly and deeply hated them. Now he was being forced to tolerate their existence, and help them wage a war of conquest in his home nation. It was too much for him. He did all he could to fight back the tears building up in his eyes.

	His responsibility was beyond the realm of kings and men. If he was to fulfill his duty, he would have to help those in need. In his mind he didn't know which was the true good of the situation. Which was the right path. He wanted this army to die. With every fiber of his being, he wanted them all to die. But what gave him the right to choose which army got to live and which to die? 'Whose sons and daughters were more important?' His mind argued to itself. It was as if Aeric had invited himself into Voren's mind. He began imagining the words he would say to him.
“Watching them die is the same to condemning them yourself” Aerics words echoed over and over in his mind.
“I can't kill them...” He whispered. Faline's keen ears heard him. “ I can't kill them. I just can't.  If I don't help them I am killing them.”
“I know this isn't easy for you, but it's right.” Her voice carried the same reassuring tone it had before.
“Why..? Why do the gods do this?” His voice began to stutter.
“They have a terrible sense of humor I am afraid.” She smiled. “ Now come, lets go save some warmongers.”

	 A dank and heavy sweat oder grew as they drew closer to the medical station. More of the wounded were laying in rows outside of the tents, than inside. It soon became apparent that the more severely wounded the closer to the tents they rested. Several medics and surgeons  made their way through the rows of soldiers. They groaned and moaned as their wounds affected them. A couple saw the clean white plated figures approach. They let out sighs of relief and rushed to the holy figures. 

	The two figures were in stark contrast to the pristine white figures before them. They were covered in mud and blood alike. Their red shirts noticeably stained a deeper red. The blood dotted along their tan pants as well as greatly covered their arms. The blood was matched the the sweat and mud caked onto their forms as well. One was a much older man. Older than the centurion they had met, yet still in great physical shape. The other was a younger woman, his apprentice.
“Thank the gods, reinforcements!” The older of the two proclaimed. “ Our supplies are dwindling and I don't know how we'll be able to treat everyone until the next shipment.”
“Just show us where you need us.” Faline answered
“If you could come with me.” He pointed at the elf. “ You two get to work.”

	They parted ways. The woman lead the paladin through the swath of injured and wounded people. He looked upon them with a bittersweet feeling. Some he couldn't help but pity. She started to explain to him the situation in full detail. How many they had who were treated, how many more needed to be treated, and simply how many would not make it. Her voice was calm and steady, as if it didn't phase her at all. There was urgency, but no shock or horror. The more Voren looked on, the more the grim reality of war presented itself to him.

	They came to a stop under the tent. She pointed him to a soldier on a cot. He had a large gash on his right arm. It started from the wrist and gradually got deeper and wider the further up it went. He was conscious, though in pain he remained still. The woman knelt beside the cot and pulled forward her satchel. She began pulling out bandages and twine.
“Hold his arm.” She said as she readied her needle.
“There's no need for that.” He looked at her with a smile.

	He placed his hand over the deepest part of the wound. The man winced in pain, but soon felt soothed. A small dull light emanated from the paladin's hand. The young woman couldn't believe her eyes as the wound closed in a matter of moments leaving a patch of light skin behind. It wasn't a scar, it looked more like skin that hadn't been darkened by sunlight yet.
“That's incredible” She said with her mouth half open. “I-I! Wow! If you can do that all day We'll be set.”
“Unfortunately it will slowly drain me of my stamina the more I do so.” He boasted. Her gaze become somewhat annoyed.
“Then don't waste it. We started easy.” Her green eyes locked onto his. “ How can you do that?”
“My faith to my god makes it so” Voren boasted vindictively 

	They moved to the next one. It was a woman with a large amount of padding on her abdomen. Her shirt looked as if it had been intentionally cut down the middle. Voren kept his gaze fixed on the medic in an attempt to preserve the woman's decency. It was a hard concept for him to come to terms with. Seeing a woman laying wounded brought back painful memories of the Battle of Di.
“Another sword gash to the lower abdomen. We managed to control the bleeding, its time to close the wound.”
“How severe?”
“We shouldn't need your divine gifts, but do hold her steady.”

	The medic slowly started to  reach for the now red stained padding. Telling Voren where to place his hands. Slowly she peeled off the bandages, making sure the wound had stopped bleeding. Voren did as instructed and and placed his hand just below her navel and one just on the other side of the cloth. The wound was much wider than he expected. He cringed at the sight. The medic continued to work. She placed the needle at one end of the laceration.
“Now, push them together.” Voren attempted to, but his hand slipped. “ Get a better grip.” She quickly retorted
“But then I'll have to place my hand close to her...” His face contorted somewhat
“And?” She responded curious as to why it would have been an issue. “ Don't be squeamish, her life is on the line.”

	She began diligently passing the needle through, weaving it back and forth slowly the cut began to close entirely. It wasn't as effective as healing magic, but it sealed her wound. Unlike his efforts, this procedure would result in a horrid scar. When they finished she smiled at Voren with a half cocked grin.
“If you think she was bad, the next one took an axe almost to his groin. I'm going to need you to hold it aside for me.”
“I think I'll just heal that one.” He smiled uncomfortably.
“You foreigners are weird..” She raised an eyebrow as one side of her mouth curled to a smile.

	They continued to move through the rows of injured and Voren learned just what man is capable of doing to each other. They continued to treat many others, for the more severe Voren would use his gifts to aid them. For the lesser severe he and the medic would work together. She seemed to find the ones that managed to make the paladin become uneasy. Almost as if it was a game to her. Something to distract her from the gruesome work she did.

	Like he said, the more Voren used his talents the more weary he became. He boasted about how many he had come to heal, some twenty or so, but it began to wear on him. He started to notice how hot we was in his armor, how hungry his body was becoming. For his abilities were not without cost. The energy used to heal was also in some measure taken from him, granted all that was needed to fix it was food and rest. It was the same for all of the Paladins, but more so for those who were not.

	Some hours had passed and the daylight was growing weak. Another group of medics and surgeons came to the tents. The one with Voren told him to follow her in the same curt manner she had been talking to him the whole time. They found Faline and the older surgeon. The medic gave her report. When he found it to be to his liking he nodded and waved her away. She told Voren to follow.
“Where are we going?” The paladin inquired.
“The shift is over. My work is done.”
“But there are still many wounded left.” His voice showing signs of concern.
“And the next shift will be tending to them. No point killing yourself from exhaustion to save lives.”
“That is where we differ, soldier.”
“Well given your state, I'd imagine you'd fall dead pretty quick, and then who could you save?” Voren fell silent, not wanting to agree with her.
	
 	They found a bit of grass that was untouched from the sights and smells of the wounded. The smell was replaced with the pleasant aroma of cooking food. The Paladin couldn't help but notice the camp was quieting down. The solders had calmed themselves, either that or they drank themselves into a stupor, Voren thought to himself. Ariane sat down, she slowly leaned her head back grunting softly as her legs adjusted bending after a long day of standing. She could feel her feet begin to throb inside her boots. Voren's body didn't so much as sit, but crashed to the ground, clacking in his heavy plate. He panted for air not realizing how exhausted he had become.

	Voren glanced up at the waning sky. The clouds separated into several nerrow strands as the sailed acrostic the evening sky. The Arec rested herself on her hands, leaning back as she glanced over the paladin's very ornate armor. She then reached up behind her head and pulled a string. Her red hair slowly began to fall down, though it was matted with blood and sweat. It formed into many thick strands. She scratched her head which turned into a satisfying stretch. She smiled at Voren.
“I am so glad the day is over.” Her voice much more relaxed and casual than before. “ It's just too much sometimes.”
“What do you mean?” Voren was concentrating more on the heat from his armor than her words. He began to loosen some of his armor's straps.
“Looking at all the people you know go out there and come back all mangled.” She glanced away for a moment. “I want to help them all, but there’s only so much I can do.”

	She looked back at Voren. Here eyes noticeably wandered about the paladin. She looked at his holy symbols, the craftsmanship of the armor. She remembered how clean and pristine it looked at the beginning. She compared to to now. It was muddied and bloodied, though it appeared as if the grime was falling from his armor, slowly.
“So I never caught your name.” She asked still looking him over.
“Paladin Voren of the Sacred Order, and you are?” She giggled at his unnecessarily formal title.
“Armsan Ariane Telma 14th Cohort 31st Legion 2nd Terrahold” She replied sarcastically with a fake salute.
“No need for that.” He responded indignantly
“Relax, I'm just playing. No need to demonstrate the stick up your paladin's ass.” Her smile slowly forced one onto Voren's face

	He never would have seen the day. He was siting and talking to an Arec casually, or at least with a civil tone. He was simply too tiered to care. Once his body had decided to sit, there it was to remain. Truthfully he still wanted to leave, but his body was telling him otherwise. Instead he decided to take things objectively. Ariane was a kind hearted woman, it would seem. It was a start. He had no intentions to letting go his feelings.

	His armor wore on him simply too much, and he decided to discard it for the moment. He unfastened the straps on his breastplate and let it fall to the grass below. The cool air refreshed him. And he threw back his head for a moment.
“That looks like a good idea.” Ariane said.

	When Voren leveled his head again, her hands were at the bottom of her shirt. With a quick motion she removed  her muddled shirt with a satisfied sigh. Voren's eyes bulged momentarily as he quickly averted his gaze. The medic didn't seem to notice as her vision was blocked by her shirt.
“It's too dirty to wear anyway.”  After discarding the dirty rag she noticed Voren's gesture. “ Oh come now! That's just disrespectful!” Her tone serious.
“I didn't look!” His confusion didn't allow him to say anything else.
“Exactly! That's disrespectful!” Voren was still confused. 
“I Thought I was being respectful by not looking!”
“You are telling me I am ugly. Seriously, why are foreigners so weird?”
“You are in my lands.” Voren was slowly turning his head back.
“Nobody's perfect.” She sighed. “It's ok... its just a human body, its not deformed or anything. See” She reached out her arms.

	Voren continued the slow turn of his gaze, acting as if he would burst into flames if he moved too fast. She came into sight. She was a model of health and fitness. Her body was shapely like a soldiers' should be, but still distinctly feminine. It was a far cry from the soft frail feminine form he has been so used to from statues and paintings even the ones he had been with. The Empire truly bred their people for war. Not even women were to be overlooked, or excluded. The idea seemed almost greedy in the paladin's mind. An unquenchable thirst for perfect solders.
“Much better.” She raised her eyebrows and smiled. Thoroughly enjoying the rosiness of the young mans face. “ Never seen a woman before?” She teased.
“I have!” His face became as red as her hair.
“Then what's the problem?” She retorted, leaning in closer.
“I-I don't know, women usually get offended.” He said finally relaxing his sight on her.
“That makes no sense, its just the human body.” She shook her self “ Nothing terribly interesting.” Voren's color deepened momentarily. Ariane smiled devilishly.

	He didn't know how to react. He was simply too tired to act out against her boorishness. The way she carried herself implied she didn't find fault with herself in the slightest, nor did she give it any thought. She was warm, her shirt was dirty, so she cast it off. When he asked he only validated his belief of the hedonistic ways of the Arec people. Yet he couldn't think of a reason to leave, or at least what he told himself. He was rather fascinated by her, and her culture. He wondered what drove their people to be so, different. Why they had such a yearning for war.

	The paladin expressed a want for water. Without a moments pause the medic stood. As the woman walked away Voren tried to stand himself up. To his dismay his body was rather content as it was, he could not escape. He had been too generous with his healing, a mistake he would see to not repeat in the future. It dawned on him, he had weakened himself to such a state in aid to people he called the enemy. Yet when he saw those soldiers he couldn't help but feel pity and desired to help. Until now the Empire of Arnay was a faceless evil that threatened to spill into his home again sowing death and destruction.

	Yet here it was, and its face to him was that of a strange foreign people, but people all the same. It showed him a light that he didn't want to see, much in the way Dalia had given a new understanding to Aeric. The faceless now had a face. It was a sweet face of a young woman with dull green eyes staring back at him. Ariane had returned and was calling to him for some time now.
“Are you alright?” She sat in front of him waving her hand. “ You looked drained so I got you some pork as well. You can eat pork right?” Ariane held the plate infront of Voren waiting for him to take it from her.
“You know, I hate the empire.” He said brazenly still staring beyond Ariane, yet looking at her.
“Well that's sweet, I'm sure there are many who share the same sentiments.” She took a sip from her cup. 'Whats your reason?”
“They burned my home, killed my friends and family and left me orphaned in the care of the church.” 

	The young woman froze for a moment in shock. His words were so calm. He was still talking past her. A confession of hatred to no one. Her hands slowly started to move again to cut a piece of her meal.
“Thats, uh... A pretty good reason I would suspect. Let me guess about twenty years ago?”
“Yes, the last time the Empire tried to conquer this land. I thank the gods they failed.” Ariane grew silent for a moment.
“I lost my father here. My aunt, and several cousins.” She took a sip from her cup. “Does that make you happy?”
“Why bother returning?” He avoided answering her question. “After losing so much, why try again.”
“Because we failed. We learned from our mistakes and must right the wrong we committed to our people.” Ariane's tone was slowly becoming harsher.
“There is no righteousness to be had here, only more slaughter! Slaughter of innocent people.”
“The Empire isn't out to cleanse these lands, nor were they twenty years ago, we fought to bring order!” She yelled
“And by order do you mean subjugation and fire?” He spat back at her.

	Ariane placed her plate to the side as she leaned towards the embittered paladin. Voren's posture straightened as he did the same. The holy man and the medic stared like snarling beasts ready to pounce on each other. Heads began to turn, taken from their meals to watch the altercation. Jenis and Hale, who had quickly found their way to food, became caught up in side wagers. Ariane took in a breath to continue.

“We tried trade. We tried diplomacy! But these people were content to kill and slaughter eachother like animals!”
“At least they weren't at the beck and call of slave drivers!”
“So you would rather hundreds die everyday than thousands die now and bring peace?” She drew closer to Voren's face.
“Why should anyone have to die? What right do you have to impose your ways on others?”
“I can say the same to you! Paladin.” She emphasized the last word as if to denote the hypocrisy.

	Voren became quite, taking heavy pained breaths though his furled nose. He felt his heart begin to race. His arm that was propping him up was starting to waver. He began to muster his strength. Ariane waited, almost as if it was an unspoken rule that she must wait for his turn to debate.

“I do because it is the will of my god.” He spoke quietly, but with every last bit of anger. “My god will show me the path I need to take to bring peace to this land.”
“And I take orders from my Emperor.” Her tone matched his. “He want's peace in this land, even after these people attacked him. He still wants order. He has provided us with a path to do so. How is this any different than your god?”
“My god is a higher power, he doesn't ask for blood.”

	 Voren felt the emotions slip from his face. He felt a tingle through his body. His breaths became more pained. His arm began to shake. Ariane sighed, as she reached for his plate of food. She cut a bit of meat off, then jabbed it with her fork. Before Voren could react, the bit of pork was infront of his face. The medic was offering him his own meal.
“Eat.” She spat quietly.
“I don't understand.”
“You are exhausted, if you continue, you're going to pass out, then I have to drag you back to your tent.” She shook the meat in his face. “Eat.”

	Without protesting Voren simply opened his mouth while giving the Arec a venomous gaze. She gently placed the sweet pork in his mouth, to which Voren violently shut his jaw, and Ariane retracted the metal utensil. She sat silently, taking in more of her own. He admitted to himself that the meat was prepared wonderfully. He took his time chewing and thinking over his actions. 'Why am I even bothering with her?' He thought to himself. ' She is only taking what I say and spitting it back at me.'

	Ariane sighed as the two sat queitly, eating. She noticed the crowd that had grown around them, hoping to see a fight between the two. She did want to see how well the holy man fared in a fight, but in his state it wouldn't be fair.  Some of the crowd grew bored and left, or had other matters to attend to. Only a handful remained, and were giving Jenis and Hale their bits of food as per their wager.

“Felling better?” Ariane asked sincerely as both their pates were emptied.
“Actually I am.” The paladin spoke rather surprised. “ Why worry about my health if we are fighting?”
“Don't you get it? Yours or not, in the Empire, you end the fight you are in.”  She curled her lips into a smile “ Besides, I'm a medic, I can't let someone hurt themselves now can I?”

	Voren Nodded. He took in a moment to reflect on her words. As he tried to fight against his body to stand his momentary rest had let his muscle become soar and they bit at him as he rose. The medic extended an arm to help, but the proud paladin struggled to his feet without her help. His feet burned and his arms wanted to stay limp. His body shook slightly feeling empty and drained. He knew that he would work to never again extend his abilities to that extent again. If they were to stay another day he would go slower. The Arec handed his his breastplate.
“I'm going to head to the baths. Nice hot water, good for the body. You should join me.” She looked Voren over once again and took in a curt sniff. “You could stand for one too.” She chuckled.
“No thanks. I don't much stand for your hedonistic ways.” He rendered a vindictive smile.

	And like that the two were at it again. Ariane defended her culture that Voren chastised, and he began preaching the sins of her ways. The back and forth continued in an almost orderly manner. Voren would comment and Ariane would counter-comment. Though it became heated yet again, their tone was quieter in volume at least. Voren slowly became red in the face. The medic, finnaly becoming impatient simply place her finger on Vorens lips to silence him. She smiled and spoke.
“Drink plenty of water. Get some rest and come see me in the morning.” Voren grimaced and turned away.

	The paladin stormed off with his armor in hand. His footsteps were heavy leaving prints in the dirt as he plodded through the camp to his tent. The acolytes quickly fell in beside him. Their attempts to communicate with the scorned man were only met with grumbles, and other incoherent banter. The poor Voren almost lost his way in the array of tents that were all laid out in a straight fashion, by overshooting his destination. Jenis politely tapped his shoulder and pointed the right direction. When they arrived Voren was still a fuming mess of anger. He entered his tent discarded his things and sat on his cot with folded arms.
“Tough day?” Faline quipped.
“Reprehensible woman...” Voren grumbled.
“Aww Is widdle Vowen have twubles with a widdle girl?” She jeered
“Don't mock me!” The paladin barked. He grew quiet. “ I'm sorry I didn't mean to.”
“It's alright. I know this hasn't been your best day.” She pat him on the shoulder. “Get some rest.”

	She left Voren to his things. The young man began to lazily free himself from his armor. Faline closed the flap on his tent. She saw Aeric returning. He quickly disappeared into his tent. She saw the other acolytes take to their collective tent. She did a quick count in her head, as she found a bench to sit on. Aeric emerged from his tent, still clad head to toe in his armor.
“Where is my acolyte?”
“What do you mean? She didn't come find you?” She asked
“No. She left for me?”
“Yeah, when we were relived she said she was going to find you.” She raised an eyebrow. Aeric's silence spoke for him. “So let me get this straight. You lost a succubus in a camp full of young virile men.” Faline spoke quietly.

	For a moment he felt doubt. Fear even, that maybe she would give into her temptations. Aeric battled the thought in his mind, thinking more of her than that, yet the though remained. As he turned to look for her, there she was. She stood with her head cocked slightly to the side and a smile that extended from ear to ear. She looked  almost guilty, having overheard the conversation. Aeric noticed her hair looked matted, as if it was recently wet. Before he could speak the demon quickly interjected.
“This camp is pretty large. I'm sorry I got completely lost.”
“Why is your hair wet?” Aeric bellowed.
“I've been sweating. Its been a hot day.” 

	Aeric nodded unconvinced. He reached out for Dalia's hand, and like a disobedient child he lead her away. Into his tent. She reluctantly followed. Her weight was more or less following in bursts as she was tugged by Aeric. The paladin closed the flap to the tent and pushed the demon onto the cot across from the one he sat on. She started to play with her armor embossments nervously.
“Where were you?” He spoke slowly in his deep monotone.
“I-I got lost...” Aeric leaned closer. “ I did! I really did. Then I found this camp has a bath.” Aeric continued to sit silently.  “So I figured, hey, this would feel nice. Then it turns out both men and women... bathe... together...” Her words began to slow as she smiled and squinted guiltily. 
“Did you do anything?”
“No...” She said quietly.
“Would you have?”
“I don't know... Maybe?” She squeaked out the last word. “ Please don't smite me!” She closed her eyes and held her hands up defensively.

	Aeric sighed. He thought to himself on her actions. She had done no wrong technically. The worst she did was lie about her hair. Even then little lies can cover great things. Aeric could only fault her on that.
“You will not go back.” She nodded timidly. 

	As soon as Aeric nodded he stood up and gestured for the demon to leave the tent. Dalia candidly asked where she would be sleeping. The Paladins were given four tents. Three were the large ones she was just in, capable of accommodating two. Aeric then directed her to a little pup-tent, with an oversized bedroll under it. The demon scoffed at it.
“You don't expect me to sleep in...” She pointed, the Paladin nodded.

CHAPTER END