Forums » Fantasy Roleplay » The Blacksmith and The Bookworm (1x1)

"Water or wiping it down with a damp cloth. It would remove the camouflage for a day, but soak it in water for a longer period of time, the longer the camouflage isn't active." Roisin said before finally removing the hatchet. She grabbed the other two axes. "I can't repeat a mistake, so the tree is a replacement. I regrow some of these trees." Roisin said, going back inside the cabin.

Jude shifted around to stand just inside the door, still leaning on the wall. "Soaking it in water will kill a spell? Curious." After a pause, he asked, "And what mistake would encourage you to kill a tree?"

"Not kill it, neutralize it." Roisin corrected Jude as she put her battleaxe where it belonged. She didn't answer the question; instead, she began treating her hand with the green bottle. The bottle was alcohol mixed with healing herbs. Roisin would occasionally hiss in pain.

"Would you like some help with that hand?" Jude asked, gesturing with his own hand. "I have two good hands. I can probably help you out a little more than you can help yourself right now."

Roisin looked over at Jude before mumbling under her breath. She stopped and motioned for him take over. Despite being mad, she was letting him help only because he was right. She was doing a sloppy job and causing herself more pain than anything.

Jude stepped forward and took her hand in his. His touch was gentle yet efficient. He caused very little pain, only the inevitable when doing something like this. In a town of loggers, steel workers, and other heavy labor, it was a common thing for people to get hurt. Thankfully, injuries like losing a limb were rare, but getting one's hand sliced or a finger caught was not so rare. Everyone learned quickly how to tend to such wounds, because to delay was to invite infection and much worse consequences. Soon, he finished the wrap.

"I came to say thank you for the leg," he said, still holding her injured hand. "It was the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me."

Roisin had avoided eye contact with him during the whole time. Her free hand shifted between fiddling with her earring and rubbing her ear. She was still upset from last night's news, but felt calm in Jude's appearance. It didn't scare Roisin, but it was something she never thought she would experience again.

She looked over at him when he thanked her. Roisin's face flushed with color. "Thank you for attending to my injury. I haven't had anyone attend to my injuries before."She confessed, looking away once again. Roisin noticed her injured hand still being held, but didn't withdraw her hand or point it out. She let it be as it is.

"You are welcome," Jude smiled. "Now... I am not going to pretend that we are deep bosom buddies or friends of many years and experiences, but you look very much like someone who could use a listening ear. I am willing to be that ear, if you are ready. A burden shared is usually much easier to deal with, after all."

Roisin let out a breathless laugh. It wasn't bitter or sarcastic. Yet didn't pull her hand away; it stayed where it was. As if it were a familiar embrace. "Even if the truth is terrifying and can change your perspective of me?" She asked, looking at him. Roisin seemed to look for a reaction to determine whether he would still offer to listen to her.

Jude cooked his head to the side and smiled. "What truth could the builder of a leg for someone they barely knew and the weaver of impeccable flower crowns possibly make me afraid? Tell me what you wish, Madam Red Roisin, formerlyof the peacemakers. I will listen."