Seventeen nights After Meeting the General
My toes were no longer in danger of frostbite. I spent two more nights in the tower before my new life would begin. Prior to being escorted to the infirmary by Espen, I was awarded new clothes. A soft blue healer’s tunic, linen trousers, leather boots, and a simple fur cloak.
While my wardrobe got an upgrade, my living quarters certainly did not.
Yet my new home was closer to my comfort zone.
The tile floor in the living quarters of the infirmary was simple and elegant.
This part of the castle was cosier. Less grand and more homely.
There were eight beds in total, but at least twenty fur blankets littered around the room.
I took a step towards an unmade bed, next to a window. Unlike all other windows in the castle so far, this window had thick curtains. Espen stood in the doorway. I was given the day to get accustomed to my new living quarters.
It was daunting that I would be sharing this place with other healers, but I was also excited to learn from werewolves.
All I knew of the craft, I learned from my mother.
We were druids, using magic, herbs, and our environment to create remedies.
I was interested to learn how my knowledge was different from that of werewolves, who healed without magic.
“You can use the blankets from the chest over there,” Espen said, pointing to a large wooden chest in the corner of the room. “The furs lying around are gifts from suitors for the other healers.”
“Suitors?” I asked. Espen walked over to me. He reached for the furs lining the bed next to mine.
“Yes, suitors. Healers are coveted mates. Soldiers hope that if they get banged up, they will have an omega to take care of them,” Espen explained. He sat down on my bed. I touched the velvet curtains. I had never felt the soft material in my hands before. It was far too expensive.
“Is it a prestigious task?” I asked. Espen hummed.
“Not prestigious so much as important.” Espen motioned for me to come sit next to him. The mattress was not as soft as the one in the tower. I could feel the wood underneath as I sat down. “We don’t care much for status here. We have no nobility. We are more interested in contribution.”
“Those silks are earned through merit?” I asked. I playfully tapped him on the shoulder. He grinned at me.
“Yes, in a way,” he said. “My brother’s, not my own.” He ran his hand over his silk robes. “All I do is make trouble. I suppose one can be born privileged in the Oaklands as well.”
“What does your brother do?” I asked.
“Alain is the General’s primary advisor, as well as his trusted friend,” he said. I should have guessed that Espen was Alain’s brother. The two had similar smiles, and similar sunny dispositions. “You should get some rest. You have to work tomorrow.”
To my surprise, Espen gave me a hug then. My shock brought me so out of balance that I nearly fell to the floor.
“I will visit again,” he promised, before leaving me alone in the chamber.