Errol
The Sanctuary
Errol stared at the outstretched hand, processing the words Maric has spoken. He took it, rather gingerly. "Xena didn't choose you over me. I never made myself an option in the first place. If I did, I'd have strangled you when I saw you with that woman, or kissed her back when she did." he made a small grin that made it hard to tell whether it was a joke or a mockery. But in time his gray eyes softened. "But yes, civil. I could do that."
Once he let go, Errol simply nodded. "Then, I'll be off." And with that, he started to walk back into the building.
***
Xena Mythriel Al'vyon
The Sanctuary
"Free healing..? How is this place still running.." The skepticism of the younger one was reasonable, it was not the first time Xena had encountered that kind of attitude. The healer simply smiled, rather sheepishly. "I'm a noble so... I honestly have more money to live luxuriously for a few centuries. Because... Taran---" she hesitated, remembering that he's dead, and that the two girls won't know him anyway. "Because my healing is a personal skill, the only real thing we need money for are the medicine, but we grow most of the ingredients from the garden anyway, and I make them myself. Occasional rich patients donate equipment for their gratitude. How the Sanctuary is still running... it's no mystery." she said as she gave Morrigan a small smile, walking out of the room.
It was around the time that Wroth has entered the room, and she saw the tenderness by which he kissed Brynhild's forehead. "Hello everyone I am Wroth blah blah blah, I have my memories back blah blah blah. There now that we are all caught up what did I miss?" Wroth said, and her eyes widened, delight in her expression to see
their Wroth back. She ran over towards him and gave him a hug. "Welcome back!" she said, grinning as she let go, glancing over at the young man he just brought with him. "What happened to him?" she asked, as she put her hand on his forehead, feeling him burning up. She let him become enveloped in her light, seeping through his skin. "Hopefully that makes him feel better." she said with a solemn smile.
It was then that she remembered:
right, I have to check on if Errol's still feeling okay. She looked around, becoming a little concerned that he was nowhere to be found, but it was then that her eyes fell on the door leading to the garden, remembering Maric's words.
I do desperately need to apologize to you. she hesitated. Perhaps Errol is there with him. On the other hand, she also wanted them to be alone.
Xena walked over to the door and went out, closing the door behind her, just in time to see Errol and Maric sharing a handshake. A small smile tugged on her lips. At least they seemed to be getting along well now. Errol just nodded and was about to leave when he paused, his eyes meeting hers, and she walked towards him, smiling. She glanced over at Maric and gave him a gesture that said:
Give me a sec. Errol raised an eyebrow at her, but she just looked up at him and asked cryptically. "Are you feeling okay?"
Errol frowned, confused. "Yes... why would it be otherwise?"
She leaned in at him and stared into his eyes, concentration in her face, trying to see if anything about him seems different. Finally, she made a contented sigh and smiled. "Thank goodness. I'm sorry, Errol, I was just checking."
Understanding dawned on his face. "Is this about---"
She gave him a look that shut him up. But then he made a resigned sigh as he patted her head, rather affectionately. "Okay then, I'll be off. Settle things with your incubus. I'll just be inside. Also..." he leaned in close and whispered so only she could hear. "Stubbornness isn't attractive, Master." She blushed in embarrassment as she started pushing him away. "Fine, fine, go away already." He laughed as he walked out of view, opening the door and stepping back inside the building. Xena followed him with her eyes, a little apprehensively.
He'll be fine. she told herself.
It will work.
Taking a deep breath, she gathered her composure, before glancing over to Maric this time. She crossed her arms and looked away for a bit, looking uncomfortable. "So? Say what you need to say, Lust."