Day Ten: Nursing the Sick

Writers: Suzee, Miriah
Date Posted: 24th March 2014

Characters: Crolarin, Benani
Description: Benani becomes ill
Location: Elsewhere on Pern, Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 6, day 2 of Turn 7

Benani

He laid a light hand on Benani's brow and frowned. She was warm to the
touch, too warm even in sleep. His lips thinned slightly. He was
expected back at the Hold, but even as close as it was, if his woman
had a fever, he could scarce go back there and leave her like this.
Pouring a cup of water, he shook her shoulder and sat by her side to
wake her. "Benani. Wake up, my pet."

Her chest felt congested and she woke up with a cough that loosened
the phlegm in her throat but she began to shiver and breathing was
difficult. She tried to open her eyes bu that made her head hurt. "Oh
I feel awful," she muttered.

"It's from your trip outside, my pet." He patted her back as she
coughed and wrapped his arm around her. He rubbed her bare arm
soothingly. "We'll get you better. You have a bit of a fever and
you'll need plenty of rest. I've broth for you, if you think you can
drink it."

"I'll try," she said. "Are there any blankets?" She hadn't exactly
been able to search the place while tied to the bed and though she'd
adjusted to being naked all the time still right now she felt chilled
to the bone. "Please my lord husband?"

He rose, spooning out steaming broth into a rough mug. He set it to
the side, moved to a trunk and unlocked it. Lifting the lid, he pulled
out several blankets and a thicker weaver made quilt. "Anything you
need, my pet." He carried them to her, spread them out and wrapped her
firmly about the body in the warmth. He retrieved the broth and sat
back beside her. "It's hot. Sip carefully." He held it to her lips for
her.

The blankets felt so wonderful she smiled up at him "Thank you." Then
she carefully sipped at the hot broth. It felt so good on her scratchy
throat that she could help but sigh. "Oh that's good."

He nodded and tucked her in a little more. "Anything for my Lady
wife." He bent to brush his lips over her warm cheek. "There's more.
Your fever isn't too high. But I do have some medicines stocked, just
in case. I'll take care of you."

She hadn't thought he could be this kind and it came as a pleasant
surprise that he could take care of her this way. That must mean that
he really did care for her. She put her hand on his and gave it a
light squeeze. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." He kept his arm wrapped around her and he lifted the
broth again to her lips. "Drink, my sweet. You need nourishment to
fight off the fever. I'll not leave you until you are well."

She drank as much as she could and then turned her head when he tried
to give her more. "You said you have medicine?" Maybe he had something
for these aches and pains she felt all over her body.

He rose again and went to his trunk, opening it to dig through his
belongings. He was glad that he had planned for illnesses, whether it
be his or hers. He searched through his medicines, pulled out a small
tub and a small vial. Carrying them both to her, he sat behind her,
opened the small tub and scooped up a pungent paste on his fingers.
"Lean back on me." He tugged her back gently, pulled down the blanket
and rubbed the paste on her chest. "This will help you breathe a
little better." He opened the vial, held it up to the light and
grabbed the spoon off of the small shelf near the bed, pouring out a
dose. It was a minor pain killer; but it would help with the fever and
the aches. He held out the spoon and offered it to her lips. "Drink."

She lay back against him more comfortably than any time since that
first night. Obediently she drank the medicine and then curled against
him with a sigh. "Thank you,"

He began to sing to her, soft and soothing. Trained as a Harper, he
had a passably nice voice and a pleasant tone. He stroked her hair
back from her head, the finger strokes attempting to be soothing.

Benani clung to her Lord Husband until she fell into a deep slumber.

Last updated on the April 4th 2014

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Day Ten: Nursing the Sick