into the woods

[spelleton]

There are stories told about who lives there, in the darkness of the woods that surround Subcon's various kingdoms, where even a brave knight would fear to tread. The desperate, the ghost-touched, the people who live on the edges.

And those who embrace that border between night and day, those who live and breathe magic; the witches. Those who offer strange magic and stranger things, but always for a price.

That's what everyone says, anyway. There must be some truth to it, surely?

Comments

[spelleton]

The wardrobe is full of clothing, as might be expected from a wardrobe. There's a surprising amount of ornate clothing, though from the way it's been neatly folded and put to the back of the wardrobe, it doesn't see much use. A simple box that folds out reveals several accessories and trinkets; a few rings and bracelets, and a choker with a gem in it that burns like fire even in the dark.

Most of the clothing, however, is hard-wearing and plain, clearly intended to protect its wearer from the elements and hazards you'd find in a forest. It has the worn look of something that's been washed and mended countless times.

Aside from that, there's nothing out of the ordinary. Except, occasionally, there's rustling sounds from within.

[subconmodo]

The clothes are quite nice, he can't help but note, but they pale in comparison to the apparent movement somewhere inside. Curiosity gets the best of him, and while he does what he can to keep from disturbing the folded clothes too much (because honestly, they're so nicely folded that only the biggest, uncaring fool in the world would ruin that), he tries to search for the source of the rustling sound.

[spelleton]

There's a sleepy peeping noise as something latches casually onto his hand. Fortunately, it has all the holding power of a lazy kitten (and claws to match) so it's only a temporary pain at worst. Drawing his hand out a little will reveal what looks like a large, juvenile bird, if birds also had an extra two limbs and cat paws.

A calico griffin that can't be more than a few months old mouths curiously at one of his fingers with its beak. Clearly finding nothing of importance, it blinks sleepily in even dim light.

[subconmodo]

Avery winces, but then his eyes widen, and he looks around wildly as if someone might jump out and surprise him. No one does, however, and in the end it's just him and the little griffin--one that he simply can't help but smile at, gently coaxing to come to him.

[spelleton]

The baby griffin is more than happy to clamber into Avery's lap, mouthing his nightshirt with its beak curiously before snuggling up to him. Whether it's because it's an animal from the forest that he seems to have an affinity for, or just because it's a child, it's abundantly clear that it seems to like him very much.

[subconmodo]

Avery can't help but grin, nudging the wardrobe shut and settling down on the bed once more. "Heh. Guess if I'm going to be laid-up in bed, I might as well have a reason for it, huh?"

Not that recovery wasn't a good reason, but how could it possibly compare to committing the dreadful sin of disturbing a baby griffin?

He scratches where feather meets fur, and little by little his eyelids grow heavy again.

[spelleton]

The griffin settles down almost immediately, tucking its legs under itself, a tangible weight on his chest. It begins to purr contentedly, apparently pleased with its new resting place.

Not long after that, Ekkehardt arrives back with mask in hand, and glances into the room to check on his patient's condition.

[subconmodo]

There's nothing, not even an acknowledgement, Avery sleeping peacefully with one hand resting on the baby griffon.

[spelleton]

It's good to see he's sleeping peacefully, at least. Ekkehardt doesn't see any need to wake him up; he withdraws, his smile faint, and closes the door.