The oiki situated nearest the Rock of Islaad
serves as the place of healing for the tokiate.
The carving above its entrance
reminds those who enter that medicine
is an art given by the gods.
Iara mixes a poultice while Shen
waits, his cut still raw.
He sits uneasily, watching Iara
like she's an opponent who might
catch him off-guard.
The silence grows, and he
finally attempts conversation.
So…are…you excited
to become toki tonight?
No.
Shen smiles at this and looks down,
having expected the answer.
Islaad hasn't spoken to my mother
since before I was born. As soon
as I'm toki, that becomes my problem.
She mixes the poultice with
all the frustration she feels.
You'll…also need to pick your katar….
Iara sighs.
Don't remind me.
She turns to Shen with the poultice, then
puts it down and dampens a cloth instead.
Shen, you need to relax;
you're making it bleed.
Shen studies her face, hoping she
will look up at him, but she
remains focused on her work.
It's not bad; it doesn't need stitches.
Still, I wish you hadn't waited this long;
even the gods can't heal scars, you know.
He gives an apologetic half-smile.
Iara finishes blotting, then turns
to pick up the poultice once more.
Arms up.
Shen obliges, and with practiced hands, Iara wraps the
poultice around his chest and ties it in the back. Shen remains
tense, and Iara puts a hand neutrally on his shoulder.
Relax.
Shen twitches a little in an attempt to relax.
Iara purses her lips and wraps a bandage around him
as efficiently as she had the poultice.
She crosses her hands over
Shen's wound, closes her eyes,
and kisses the back of her hand.
May Islaad bless and heal you.
How do you feel?
Better than the raiders.
The raiders?
They're…dead…
Shen realizes it might not be good
praise for her handiwork, and searches
for something better to say.
I feel much better. The
poultice seems to be working.
It should feel a little
itchy, actually.
It does!
He goes to scratch it
to emphasize his point.
Well, don't scratch it, and
don't drink too much tonight.
Try not to move your arms or
chest if you can help it.
Shen inches toward the door.
And no training for a few days.
Tell Tana I said so.
I will. Thank you, Iara.
Good luck tonight.
Robe.
Iara frowns absently, lost in her thoughts
and fears as she finishes cleaning up.
Shen walks stiffly past Kai and Oka,
avoiding eye contact and seeking escape.
Pay up.
Oka reluctantly drops 4 ca'di into her hand.
