Chapter Text
Hassian had been thinking about Marie all day. She’d visited him on the road from Bahari that morning as she usually did, sharing that she had quite the to-do list that day. He was starting to worry that she was wearing herself too thin, but refrained from mentioning it just then. He knew that helping others in the village was her way of coping with being an outsider, but he wished she’d see her own value like he did.
Hassian walked into the inn that evening, breathing a sigh of relief as he saw Marie seated at the table in the corner with his mother. However, that relief was soon replaced with worry as he examined her more closely. She was perched on the chair sideways, leaning against the wall as she rested her head on her knees. Her face was clearly flushed, and as she maintained her quiet conversation with Sifuu, it was clear she was battling exhaustion just to remain sitting up.
She perked up as he drew closer, finally catching sight of him.
“Hassian,” He loved the sound of his name on her lips. “I’ve missed you today. How was your hunt?”
He humored her and pulled up a chair to their table, studying her as he spoke. “It was a slow day, but I managed to secure an elder sernuk that should provide enough quality leather to meet my requests for the week. How about you? Did you manage to catch the Bluefin Tuna you were hoping for?”
She shook her head, letting out a disheartened sigh. “No, just bass and sardines. I was really hoping to bring Eshe that tuna today.”
Hassian placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sure Eshe will be grateful that you took the time to try and get it for her.” Hassian never cared much for Eshe, but he knew that Marie saw something good in her. Of course, bringing Eshe gifts wouldn’t hurt her social standing in Kilima either, but Hassian hated to see Marie running herself into the ground like this.
Marie hummed in feigned agreement, then allowed herself to rest her head on her knees again. It was unlike her to be so quiet. Hassian exchanged a glance with his mother, who shared the same troubled countenance he did. Seeing Sifuu worried only confirmed that his suspicions were valid; she didn’t get worked up as easily as he did.
Sifuu spoke up. “Kid, you’re clearly exhausted. Why don’t you head home to get some rest? I’m sure it’d do you some good.”
“I agree,” Hassian added. “I can walk you home.”
Marie sat up a bit straighter. “No, really, I’m alright.”
Reth overheard the conversation from the kitchen and chimed in. “They’re right, Marie. Take a break! You’ve more than earned it.” Marie rolled her eyes at that. Of all people to be giving her advice about rest, Reth was probably the least convincing.
“Guys, I promise, I’m fine. It was just a long day.”
“Please, if only to ease my mind. Let me take you home.” Hassian held out his hand to her and she took it, defeated. He didn’t fail to notice that her hand was just a bit too warm to the touch, but hoped it was just because she’d been in the warmth of the inn for a while.
As they made their way to the doors, Ashura bid them goodnight as he assumed his station at the counter. Hassian glanced back at the wise older man, who nodded at him as he escorted Marie out. Marie saw Ashura much like a father, and Ashura felt a kindredness towards her. He also knew when something wasn’t right with her.
Leaving the inn, a fierce chill overtook Marie, and she shivered. Hassian immediately took out a chaapa fur blanket from his pack and draped it over her shoulders. She pulled it tightly around her as they made their way up the path to her home.
Her steps were slower than usual, and halfway up the hill, she paused. Hassian turned to see her catching her breath.
“Sorry.. Just a second.” She took a couple of deep breaths before forcing herself to continue. Hassian could hardly contain his concern.
“Are you feeling alright? Maybe I should get Chayne.”
“I’m fine, I promise. Just tired.” She laid a hand on his arm to reassure him, and they continued the walk to her home. After what seemed like ages, they were standing at her doorstep.
“Thank you for walking me home.” She went to pull the blanket off of her shoulders, but he stopped her and replaced it.
“Keep it. It’s cold out tonight and I want to make sure you’re warm.” He hesitated for a moment. “I’m worried about you.”
She gave him a soft smile. “There’s no need. I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”
He nodded, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, noting the way it was also too warm. “Okay.”
She went inside, and Hassian made his way back to the inn. His mother sat at the bar counter talking to Reth, and Ashura had joined them. They all looked up as Hassian entered.
“How is she?” Reth asked first.
Hassian sat down beside Sifuu. “She says she’s alright, but I’m almost certain she was running a fever. She had a hard time making it up the hill.”
Sifuu nodded. “I figured that might be the case. I just hope she can get some rest tonight and be back to herself tomorrow.”
“Agreed. The inn just isn’t the same without her energy,” Ashura said after taking a sip from his mug. “I was glad you were able to convince her to go home.”
They fell into silence, each of them lost in their own thoughts. After a short while, Hassian headed back to the grove to sleep for the night.