Awakenings

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Weather:            Cloudy

Time:               Dawn <07>

Season:             Spring

Date:               Orgilion - March 17, 3054

Real Time:          Tue Oct 18 13:16:26 2011

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Elusul groans and tries to sit up.

Galadhechil has the watch over Elusul. Setting his piece of rope aside, he leans over to help the Knight-Admiral stay upright.

\"M\'lord, careful. You\'re... victory over the Corsairs was complete. But you took a nasty wound.\"

Elusul frowns. \"My arm is itchy, but I can\'t find the itch. Am I lying on it?\"

Galadhechil whimpers softly. \"Nay, Lord. Your arm is gone...\"

Horror comes to Elusul\'s face and he whispers. \"The truth, man. Tell me, they had to cut, didn\'t they? They had to cut?\"

\"Easy, m\'lord. Easy.\" Galad shakes his head and goes on. \"We are not at sea. Do you remember? We are in the castle. And they cut off your arm as punishment.\"

The sun flashes brightly on the horizon. Night gives way to morning.

Elusul\'s head swims and he fights for consciousness. \"Yes, yes... The castle... We are in the castle... No more arm. And you the only survivor, my faithful friend.\"

Galadhechil takes Elusul in hand and eases the Knight back down onto the bed. \"There are others yet alive, m\'lord. Our party. And though the ship is gone, we have heard some of our crew may still live. We are not all gone.\"

\"Galadhechil, now, while we\'re alone, kill me. Spare me life in dishonor.\" Elusul\'s face, ashen and stricken with grief, looks up at the master.

Galadhechil places his hands around Elusul\'s neck.....

...and then pulls them away. \"I will not, m\'lord. You are still sick and not of your right mind. Rest and heal and you will see things differently soon. We need you. We are stronger with you.\"

Elusul relaxes and gives in. His face grows wet with tears of grief. \"Stop hitting yourself, m\'lord. There is no dishonor. Not where it counts. You know the boys\'ll follow you anywhere, arm or not.\"

Galadhechil eases himself off the bed and takes his seat again. He watches the Knight-Admiral for a few moments, to be sure, and then goes back to knotting his rope.