Comfort

The room was quiet except for the sound of two voices chatting just outside the door. The body of Essence laid unmoved, untouched. Her body lightly bruised upon examination, her soft face slightly oily from the nature oils produced from her body. Being unconscious for 72 hours and having a little supernatural healing, the Veni was ready to wake. Her eyes moving under closed eyelids before they shot open, the orbs taking in the unfamiliar setting. Wiggling her toes before she moved her fingers she carefully sat up and looked around realizing she was alone. What happened? Where was she? Was Mattais okay? So many questions and no answered made the girls anxiety rise. Like a moth to a flame, the door to the room opened making Essence jump.

A women around 5’8 with beautiful red hair that fell to her waist entered, her green eyes piercing into Essence’s soul before her lips turned to a small frown. “You’re awake..” she said her voice sounding resembling bells on a snowy Christmas. “Do you have any pains?” The women asked moving closer but Essence scooted away in fear of what the women would possibly do to her. “Who are you? Where is Mattais?” Essence immediately asked her own questions, peeking at the open door behind the beautiful women.

She smiled placing a hand to her chest bowing her head. “I’m Lenya, I’m a friend of Mattais. He brought you to me after your incident—I promise you, you’re safe here. Mattais went to shower, I must tell you no one would want to wake up to that stench.” Lenya joked with a small giggle. Essence was still hesitant of the women, of course she took notice. “If you wish for me to leave you be until he returns I’ll do so. There’s clothing in the chest there and a bathroom through that door. When Mattais returns which will be soon I’ll have him bring you something nice to eat.” She offered. Essence felt bad but she really didn’t feel safe without Mattais to confirm. “I’m sorry, but thank you. I’ll wait for him.” Essence whispered causing Lenya nod and leave her be with no protest at all.

As she was left alone, she slowly stood and headed toward the chest Lenya had mentioned. She weakly lifted the lid with a grunt before she pulled out the garment on top. A soft dress, putting it aside she found a silk button up and a pair of black trousers along with a belt. Carefully making her way through the door Lenya pointed at as the bathroom, inside she was met with a giant body mirror a single bath, a toilet, and many windows. Peeking out one of them she noticed they were deep in forest? It was light out, birds were chirping and she even saw a few deer trotting along. Essence shrugged before she ran her bath water and slowly lowered herself into the water.

Relaxing for a while she began to wash up, scrubbing her body free of any dirt and grime occurred over the three days. She washed her hair finding a tender spot on the back of her skull, touching her sent her back to that alley and she whimpered as those feelings of fear and pain came rushing back. Certain parts of her body screaming more loudly than others. Essence pulled her body from the water, her legs giving out beneath her as she tried to bring herself back from such a horrible place. Closing her eyes and taking a few steading breaths she took a towel and wrapped it around her as pulled herself up. Letting out the water before the heading toward the large body mirror, removing the towel she replaced it with the clothing she pulled out. All dressed she left her hair down not wanting it to be up, because of her wound to her head.

She took her time folding her towel and the clothing she woke up in, entering the room again she found cute little slippers that weren’t there before. She stepped into them before also noticing a tray of food, she hadn’t realized how hungry was until she seen it. Essence placed herself at the small desk where the tray sat and slowly began to eat at the little finger sandwiches and chips. There was a knock making her turn, she lightly wiped her mouth before she rubbed her shoulder. “Come in.” She said, the door opened revealing the only person she wanted to see right now. “Hey.” He greeted closing the door behind him, even from where he stood his scent brought her a sense of calm. “Hi.” She hummed turning toward him more. Mattais made his way toward the girl slowly not wanting to frighten or startle her, leaning against the desk he studied her closely. “How do you feel?” He questioned resting his hands against the desk as she looked at the half eaten tray of sandwiches—they were really good.

“Essence.” Mattais said catching her attention. “Hmm? I’m sorry.” She said turning back to him raising her head. “How do you feel love?” He questioned again, gently resting his hand on her cheek. Essence leaned into his touch, his hand warm and inviting. “I don’t know. I don’t know really..” she said closing her eyes as she took his hand from her cheek holding it in her own. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there sooner. And I shouldn’t of messed with you how I had.” He apologized causing her to shake her head. “It’s not your fault, I was just being a brat. Neither of us knew what would happen. It just did, please don’t blame yourself for that okay?” Essence spoke squeezing his hand. Mattais looked at the floor, debating his answer but he nodded. “I won’t.” He finally said using his other hand to lift her chin. “It’s not your fault either you hear me?”

Essence nodded. “Yeah I know. Just bad luck.” She mumbled pulling her chin from his grasp lightly. Essence stood pulling herself from him as she rubbed her arms moving toward the bed. Mattais pushed himself away from the desk before following after her. “Talk to me..something’s wrong.” Mattais said catching her arm, Essence turned to him with huff. “I’ve just never been so terrified in my life, I’ve never killed anyone. In that alley I fought for what little life I have left that’s my own. I don’t want to ever feel like I’m losing that ever again. I’m afraid. I’m scared that I’ll wake up and be right back in that dark filthy alley struggling to hold on to what I have left.” She explained her words toward the end getting lost behind her trembling voice, her eyes watering. Mattais pulled her into his arms, Essence burying her head into his chest as she cried. “Don’t leave me.” She whispered, Mattais closed his eyes placing his head on her own. “I won’t, you don’t have to worry about anything. I was scared I lost you, I don’t know what I would have done if I had. I’ll do everything in my power to keep you from harm’s way always.”