Rosettè wakes by degrees on the cushions, the basin’s pale magic pulsing with each breath. Fie’s warmth surrounds her, steady and protective, while the nursery wards hum softly beyond the doors.
Nearby, Festus sleeps beneath Amber Peak’s layered protections, his breathing even. No alarm stirs the orphanage, and the spear remains resting against the basin’s stone rim.
Fie
There you are, beloved. Do not hurry back to your feet. Let the restorative magic finish what your strength began.
Fie adjusts her hold only enough to support Rosettè’s shoulders, keeping her securely against the crimson mantle. Golden eyes remain fixed on every small sign of strain.
Fie
Festus is safe and still sleeping nearby. The children are watched, the wards are calm, and nothing here requires you to rise yet.
Fie
You may rest longer. If you can speak, tell me only what you can manage. If not, breathe, and let me keep watch.
✓ Quest Accepted
Rest and recover
“*Rosettè looked up at Fie and couldn’t stop the small, giddy smile from forming* “you’re far too good for me, you know that?””
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Rosettè wakes a little further, golden eyes lifting to Fie’s face. Despite her weariness, a small, giddy smile forms as she remains safely held against the phoenix’s warmth.
Rosettè
You’re far too good for me, you know that?
Fie
I know you believe that, beloved. But I am not doing this because you owe me goodness. I am here because I love you.
Fie’s expression softens, and one ember-bright hand carefully smooths Rosettè’s light pink hair away from her face. The basin answers with a quiet pulse of restorative light.
Fie
You protect everyone who reaches your gates. Let me protect you when your strength fails. That is not too much to ask of either of us.
Beyond them, Festus continues sleeping beneath the layered wards. The nursery remains peaceful, leaving Fie’s words undisturbed in the gentle hush of Amber Peak.
Fie
Now rest, beloved. You have given me your trust, and I will hold it as carefully as I hold you.
““…I guess it wouldn’t hurt, resting here for a while longer. Has Poppy eaten? Did Eurys feed the horses? Ah, did anyone wake up the dragon twins?””
SUCCESS (Great Reasoning, rolled -1)
Rosettè
…I guess it wouldn’t hurt, resting here for a while longer. Has Poppy eaten? Did Eurys feed the horses? Ah, did anyone wake up the dragon twins?
The questions leave Rosettè’s throat dry and her limbs suddenly heavier. The basin’s restorative light flares, spending a visible thread of stored magic to keep her from forcing herself upright.
Fie
Yes, beloved. Poppy ate a full meal, Eurys fed the horses, and both dragon twins woke before dawn.
Fie’s ember-bright hand settles over Rosettè’s shoulder as the basin’s glow steadies. Beyond the nursery, faint wingbeats and a sleepy, muffled rumble confirm the twins are awake.
Fie
They are all cared for. Poppy is content, the horses are settled, and the twins are being watched so they do not tumble into mischief.
Fie
You have done your part by asking, and now you will let the sanctuary continue without you for a while. Rest here, beloved.
Rosettè remains securely held against Fie’s warmth. The cost of speaking lingers as a deep weakness in her muscles, but every concern she named has an answer, and Amber Peak remains peaceful.
““…goodness.” *Rosettè reaches up, cupping Fie’s cheek and pressing just a quick kiss to her lips, causing Rosettè to blush fiercely* “love you, darling.””
SUCCESS (Superb Agility, rolled +2)
Rosettè
…Goodness.
Rosettè reaches up from Fie’s embrace and cups the phoenix’s cheek. Her lips meet Fie’s in a brief, gentle kiss before she settles back against the crimson mantle, blushing fiercely.
Rosettè
Love you, darling.
For one quiet moment, the basin’s magic seems to pause with them. Then its pale glow resumes, warm and steady beneath the hush of the warded hall.
Fie
I love you too, beloved. More than any realm, any ward, or any burden you insist on carrying alone.
Fie’s golden eyes shine as she rests her forehead gently against Rosettè’s. Her arm remains firm around Rosettè’s shoulders, keeping her safely supported.
Fie
Now let that love include resting. Amber Peak is safe, and I am not going anywhere.
““I am resting. I haven’t tried to get up in minutes. That’s a record.” *I smiled through the blush*”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Rosettè
I am resting. I have not tried to get up in minutes. That is a record.
Rosettè smiles through the blush, still cradled against Fie’s crimson mantle. The effort dries her throat and leaves a faint tremor in her raised hand, but she does not shift toward standing.
Fie
A remarkable record, beloved. I shall have it witnessed by every ward in Amber Peak.
Fie’s amusement warms the quiet hall. She steadies Rosettè’s hand against her cheek, while the basin’s pale light spends another small reserve to soothe the tremor.
Fie
You spoke, smiled, and remained exactly where you are. That is excellent progress, though your throat tells me the speech cost you.
Fie
She is truly letting herself rely on me. I will guard this fragile victory without asking anything more of her.
Fie
No more records need to be set today. Rest here, beloved. I will bring water when you are ready, and Amber Peak will continue watching over everyone.
““…alright. I won’t move, I’ll just stay here…””
Rosettè
…Alright. I won’t move. I’ll just stay here…
Rosettè lets the last tension leave her limbs and settles fully against Fie’s crimson mantle. She makes no attempt to rise, and the basin’s magic answers with a calm, steady glow.
Fie
Good. That is all I ask, beloved. You may stay exactly there, and let me care for you.
Fie adjusts the cushions beneath Rosettè’s shoulders, careful not to disturb her rest. Beyond the nursery doors, the wards hum softly, and distant sleepy sounds confirm Amber Peak remains peaceful.
Fie
She is trusting me with her weakness. I will not mistake that trust for permission to ask more of her.
Fie
Breathe slowly, beloved. When you want water, tell me. Until then, you need do nothing except rest here with me.