Realising that I was quite alone I turned to look at the bedside table and noticed for the first time that it was laden with an astonishing amount of food and water. With a great rush of affection towards Jack and R?ven I started eating the food instantly. It tasted like heaven after the month I had just been through. I noticed that my body was still very weak, and my hands shook from malnourishment yet I managed to eat alarmingly fast. Grapes, bread, chicken, bacon, all my favorite things sat before me. As I gulped down the water I thought that it looked much more reflective than normal liquid, and tasted far better than usual. Though perhaps it was because I was so happy to be drinking it.
There was a very large window to the right of the bedroom and I could see snow swirling past outside, I was quite warm and comfy however. My attention was then drawn to the large wooden doors on the wall opposite the bed. I heard footsteps drawing closer and I sunk lower into the bed and pulled the blankets up to my chin defensively. A moment later I saw the large brass doorknob turn and a very welcome face poke their head in inquisitively. When Jack saw that I was awake and half the food provided was gone his face broke into an unforgettable smile as he hurled himself into the room and was by my side in less than a second. What proceeded however was quite unexpected.
Jack threw himself upon me, grasping my face in his large, warm hands and began kissing my cheeks, my forehead, my nose, chin, and eyelids all very quickly.
Staring at Jack, my face blank, he managed only to smile down at me with that ridiculous grin of his.
“You’re happy to see me.” I breathed, my heart pounding uncomfortably.
Jack’s face flickered momentarily to a look of distress, but he hitched his smile even higher afterwards, “You have no idea.”
I locked my eyes with Jack’s and whispered very seriously, “Thank you … I would have died if you hadn’t-”
He held up a hand to stop me talking and I cut off abruptly, “I should apologise.” He muttered.
“Apologise?” I breathed.
Jack nodded and pressed his lips together tightly. He seemed to be burdened, though I couldn’t possibly imagine what he could have done.
“I’m so sorry, Avalon.” He looked down and started picking at fluff on the bed sheets, avoiding any eye contact with me.
“Why-” I began, but Jack cut me off once more.
“For leaving you down there so long.” He had a pained expression upon his face, “The way I saw you down there … I can’t … It’s just … I won’t ever be able to get that image out of my mind.”
I wondered how awful I must have looked. I couldn’t see my reflection anywhere in the room and I suddenly became very self conscious. I nervously flattened my matted hair, though to my surprise it felt silky and knot-free. Looking down at my hands for the first time I saw that they were perfectly clean, and there was no longer any grime under my fingernails. Someone had cleaned me up. I was grateful, yet awfully embarrassed.
“How long have I been asleep?” The last thing I remembered was Jack taking me into his arms back in the dungeon.
“Three days.” Jack frowned.
I gasped, “Three days?” He looked sheepish and I suddenly understood, “You put something in the water.” I said with a frown looking over at my empty glass, “That’s why it tastes so good.”
Jack shrugged, “There was a Mage in the marketplace who was a maker of remedies and cures. I stocked up before attempting to rescue you.”
“But you’re a healer.” I frowned, “Can’t you-?”
“I can’t put my healing powers into a consumable form, no.” Jack smiled a little, “I can only heal simple things like broken bones, burns, and wounds. Things like starvation, insomnia, and dehydration are beyond me.”
“Clearly not.” I smiled and took Jack’s hand. He rubbed the top of my hand for a moment, avoiding eye contact.
“I feel quite well, considering.” I gave a small shrug, “Whatever you gave me did the trick. I’m only a little shaky and weak.”
Jack forced a smile, “I really am sorry I couldn’t help you sooner.”
“Oh, Jack.” I rolled my eyes, “The point is I’m fine now. But tell me, how did you do it?”
Jack took a deep breath and began explaining.
“They were going to lock me up as well, they thought I was human. It turns out Sebastian Forsythe specifically called upon Human Control to hunt you down, because as you know you destroyed his most prized possession and his way of revenge was to have you treated as badly as possible. He learned from Charles that your Powers were currently … inactive and used it to his advantage. So when the guards attempted to take me away all I had to do was prove that I was a Mage. Easy enough. That particular squad doesn’t arrest Mages, it’s not their area, so I got off scot free.”
I frowned and Jack gave a smile, “They weren’t too bright, apparently.” I muttered.
“No, they weren’t.” Jack replied, “Anyway my plan was to get you out of there as soon as possible but Forsythe didn’t seem to trust me.”
“You were helping me.”
“Once or twice I think I caught people watching me, following me. I’m rather sure Forsythe put them up to it. I couldn’t get anywhere near the dungeons to rescue you. Many nights I tried to sneak in, but to no avail, even with Camryn’s help.”