the_seafarer: Hollow Art (a knife in the dark)
Caspian X ([personal profile] the_seafarer) wrote2023-11-18 11:07 pm

[ AU ] to break a curse

Reap is past, and Susan is looking brighter and happier by the day, and now true winter is beginning to settle over this strange bar at the end of the universe. Caspian hauls the Hope up into the stables to be wintered and works long hours at the sleigh he'd designed, losing himself in the simple pleasures of working with the wood, sanding and carving in turn.

It's after one such day spent in labor that he comes to the bar proper, freshly showered and comfortably attired in a loose linen shirt and breeches, to join Susan by her spot at the fireside. He's chatting amiably with her about the horses, about how Corella is coming with her harness-training, and has just begun pouring her a glass of wine with the door opens and Caspian freezes. In the next moment, the glass overflows with the rich red liquid, but he doesn't notice; his eyes are locked on the tall, fair young man who has come in, dressed all in black.

Even to those who have never seen him, there may be something familiarly of Caspian about his face... but Susan has seen him, and she'll know as soon as she looks that Rilian, Prince of Narnia and Caspian's son, has returned.
sai_delgado: (thoughtful considering)

[personal profile] sai_delgado 2023-12-10 11:37 pm (UTC)(link)
“Yer armor-shirt helped some too, I wot,” she says, examining the sound with care. “It’s not as deep as it might have been. I’d feel better if Simon saw to it, or one of the healers, but that can wait till the morrow an’ye’d have it so.”

Susan looks up at him. “I could stitch it, but I’ve not a healer’s skill. Mayhap a good bandaging would be best for tonight.”
sai_delgado: (playful in blue and gold)

[personal profile] sai_delgado 2023-12-11 12:03 am (UTC)(link)
Her answering smile is teasing. “Thee just don’t want to sit still for it twice. But aye, that’s for the best.”

She runs her fingers lightly over his bruises and makes a soft ‘tsk’ sound. “While thee are soaking, I’ll make some poultices. Bruisebane, comfrey and milk-thistle’ll do the trick.”
sai_delgado: (thoughtful considering)

[personal profile] sai_delgado 2023-12-11 03:12 am (UTC)(link)
“My very dear,” she says, soft.

“Take all the time thee need.” Thinking to try to give him a reason to, she adds, “If thee are still in when the poultices are ready, I’ll come and wash yer back.”
sai_delgado: (thoughtful considering)

[personal profile] sai_delgado 2023-12-11 03:36 am (UTC)(link)
She puts his shirt in the hamper and frowns over the leather before wiping it down with a cloth and promising herself to treat it with saddle soap on the morrow. Susan stacks it neatly in a corner then turns her attention to making the poultices.

It takes some minutes, but not all that many, for she’d had a good idea of what she’d need when she’d made the request of the bar, say true. Susan lays them out ready and makes her way into the bath, tapping quietly at the door as she enters so as not to startle him.
sai_delgado: (thoughtful considering)

[personal profile] sai_delgado 2023-12-11 09:11 am (UTC)(link)
“Mayhap a little.” She’d seen no reason to delay, after all. Susan freshens the water in her pitcher at the sink and comes to sit on the side of the bath. Gently, she cups a hand over the nape of his neck.

“Tip yer head back, and I’ll wash yer hair.”
sai_delgado: (thoughtful considering)

[personal profile] sai_delgado 2023-12-11 04:13 pm (UTC)(link)
She wets his hair, careful to keep the water from running over his face, watching as his golden curls turn a darker color.

Susan sets the pitcher aside and begins to work shampoo into his hair, using the tips of her fingers to make gentle circles against his scalp.
sai_delgado: (playful in blue and gold)

[personal profile] sai_delgado 2023-12-14 05:35 pm (UTC)(link)
"Not a bit more than thee deserve," she teases, light. "Besides, I like playing with yer hair."

She's very thorough with her attentions, making her way across his head to massage his temples and then back again, taking care not to miss a single spot.
sai_delgado: (playful in blue and gold)

[personal profile] sai_delgado 2023-12-14 09:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Susan laughs. “I’m washing yer hair, not trying to eat it!”
sai_delgado: (playful in blue and gold)

[personal profile] sai_delgado 2023-12-14 10:09 pm (UTC)(link)
Her laughter is a soft ripple, as gentle as the stream of water she pours over his hair to rinse it. Once it’s free of soap, Susan presses a kiss to the dark gold locks. “There,” she says, amused. “If thee’d have it so.”
sai_delgado: (thoughtful considering)

[personal profile] sai_delgado 2023-12-14 10:37 pm (UTC)(link)
She curves her fingers to his cheek, shaping his face, and leans down to kiss him again. “I don’t see it that way,” she murmurs, soft but certain.

Mayhap it’s true, but if so he’s faced no less trouble for having her in the life they’ve found here. “Don’t ever think I do. Thee are a joy to me.”
sai_delgado: (thoughtful considering)

[personal profile] sai_delgado 2023-12-15 10:34 am (UTC)(link)
"Thee very dear." She tips her head into his touch, unconcerned about such trivial things as water.

She'd never expected this, not any of this, from the waystation itself to the reunions and new connections she's found here, much less someone like him, and oh, but sometimes it frightens her with knowing just how easily it could all be snatched away again - but that's as it will be or won't, and she'll fight to hold to what they all have, say true.

"Thee has the right of it, I wot."
sai_delgado: (thoughtful considering)

[personal profile] sai_delgado 2023-12-15 03:48 pm (UTC)(link)
"Bath, then poultices and bandages," she insists. "But then rest, aye. It's been a long, hard day for thee."
sai_delgado: (girl at the window)

[personal profile] sai_delgado 2023-12-15 07:58 pm (UTC)(link)
She twists her hair back in a loose, practical knot at the back of her neck while he dries off, then goes out to retrieve a loose, comfortable change of clothes for him, one that'll work well and be soft over his wounds.

"Back in the chair as before, an'ye would," she asks.

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