An Unexpected Change (StainedCrimson and Zombie) [18+]

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken kept heading through the city until he found a place where there seemed to be a lot more people than everywhere else. He got there just in time to hear that Haimo wouldn't put him through a... Tribulation? The werewolf stayed at the edge of the crowd, his arms put around him, as if to protect himself. What did that mean? His lips pursed into a tight frown as the speaking continued, and he slowly, step by step, began nearing to the Alpha.

 

"I'll do whatever they want me to." Ken said, looking up at the dragon with a firm look. "You can't stop me. I need to be accepted..." He added quietly, only loud enough for Haimo to hear. Whatever a tribulation was here, he could handle it. He would handle it. Ken was willing to do whatever it took to be accepted as one of their own, he still felt out of place, even if Haimo tried to assure him he already was accepted. He wasn't. And now an innocent life was taken because of him... He was sure the family of the killed dragon despised him. Had he not been taken care of by the Alpha, he probably would be dead.

[StainedCrimson]

Haimo doesn't look at Ken, but pulls him close as if shielding him but also claiming him publicly. "No pet, you wouldn't survive what the tribulation in this case would require." His softhearted mate is too gentle to take the physical payment that is normally demanded as payment for causing the death of a Clan mate. Had his mate stayed on his lands and had another dragon go after him it would have been deemed justifiable and the fault laid solely on the trespasser. Since that was not the case then the fault goes to Ken for having left the one he'd given himself to for the Rut.

 

One pair of dragons finally step forward, expressions a mixture of anger, grief and uncertainty. "Alpha, we are the parents of the one killed before his time. We seek the tribulation of the Talons." There's a sharp intake from the entire gathering. Haimo himself tenses and narrows his eyes causing the pair to shrink slightly and avert their gaze but say nothing to change their request. After a long and nearly tortuous pause, as without his consent to the requested tribulation it will be denied and another chosen by the Clan as a whole, the pair squirm as they wait. "Very well. However, as the ones seeking this tribulation you will be the ones to carry it out as well as prepare it and the after. It will occur in one hour."

 

Upon hearing his decision the pair turn nearly translucent and seem to say something but Haimo turns and swiftly takes Ken back to the house. Once safely back in the house he lets out a deep low sigh that nearly a growl. "I forgot to get you food pet. Come on, we'll go out together." Heading towards the back he sets his jaw as he mentally prepares for the tribulation to come. Knowing what it is means he'll not be filling his stomach for some time.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken frowned when he was pulled closer, looking down at the ground. How could Haimo know what he would and wouldn't survive? The werewolf had more hopes in himself than his goddamn Mate. His lips pursed into an even tighter frown as the parents of the killed dragon approached them. As always, he was clueless about what a 'tribulation of the Talons' was, looking away in slight irritation. He didn't want to be treated like an outsider, like... Like some freak who could do nothing else but ruin everyone's lives.

 

When they got back home, Ken refused to let Haimo go anywhere without explaining. Gripping his arm tightly with both hands, he pulled the other back, looking right into his eyes. "Stop for a moment and explain. Why can't I take the punishment? What even is the punishment? Why do you think I'd allow you to do something like that for me?!" Slowly, it seemed he was getting more than annoyed or irritated. His feelings were growing into anger.

 

"You can't keep me safe forever. I still don't know so much... These people don't accept me, if you go through the tribulation, it will be even worse. I don't care what it is. I will do it." Ken nearly hissed out the last words through clenched teeth, his fingers keeping a tight hold on his arm. He was done being treated like a porcelain doll. He was sick of it. He could live his own life.

[StainedCrimson]

Haimo growls baring his teeth as he grabs his clueless mate. "You won't survive! Especially not the Talons. They are demanding flesh and blood as payment for the death of their son. The Talons is essentially a nine tailed whip with dragon talons along the length of each whip." Since his mate seems so determined to know what it means and thinks he can handle a dragon-based punishment then he will make sure the other understands.

 

"If you think I or any other dragon would allow what we value most go through such a thing instead of protecting them, you are sorely mistaken. No dragon would allow such and if one did they'd be turned out and banished." He straightens up and stares the other down. "I will hear no more on this. If you try to interfere then you will be undermining my position as not only your mate, but as Alpha." Especially as he publicly declared his acceptance of the tribulation.

 

His back is already clenching at the thought of what awaits him. He is grateful that they also didn't demand access to his wings which would ground him until they'd healed. The mere thought sends a shudder through him that he barely suppresses. There is one thing he cannot shield from his little wolf however. "You will not be getting away unpunished pet. You will have to watch and then not be allowed to help me with my wounds until we get back inside this house. From the moment we leave to go back into town until we return you are not to touch me at all."

 

That means no matter how bad his wounds, how profusely he bleeds or even if he falls or becomes unconscious, his omega has to fight his nature to tend and care for his mate until under his own power Haimo makes it back to his lair.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken fought back the urge to growl back at the other, anger bubbling inside of him. This was so... So unfair. Surely, his anger slowly cooled, and what was behind it showed itself - it was simple fear. Not for himself. For Haimo. He looked away when the other said he wouldn't hear any more of him about this matter... Perhaps it was for the best. His body wasn't fit for physical wounds, if he was to go through the Talons, he would probably die. No, not even probably, he would certainly die.

 

As the dragon continued speaking about how Ken wouldn't go unpunished either, the werewolf looked up again, quietly raising his hand to place it on top of the other's cheek. "Then so be it." He muttered, seemingly defeated. It seemed like many things would change when he lived here. Slowly tracing his fingers over the other's cheek, he pulled him closer, wrapping his arms around his neck. "This is my fault." He closed his eyes, hugging his Mate tightly. He'd caused enough trouble as it was now, but it wasn't enough for Fate. He would also cause physical pain for Haimo... What could be worse?

 

"I'm sorry." He sighed out, both meaning their argument and what it was about. Pulling away, he cupped the other's face with both hands, looking into his eyes with fear obvious in his own. He knew it would be hard for him, too. His first instinct when seeing someone in pain was to help, and he would be denied that. If Haimo didn't manage to make it home on the first try... He had no idea how he would bear it. It hurt him when he couldn't help the ones in need.

[StainedCrimson]

Haimo gentles and gathers the other to him rumbling softly. "Hush, we will consider this a learning experience for us both and we will be stronger after it." He wishes he could spare Ken this, but if he did then he'd be seen as having taken a weak and unsuitable mate. That could possibly lead to him being challenged and after the tribulation he'd be in no shape to defend his position.

 

When his face is touched, he nuzzles into the hold before taking a deep breathe. "It's almost time pet. We should head back. I had hoped to let you have at least a little food, but it might not be a good idea right before the Tribulation occurs." Not being able to tend to his mate grates against his instincts however he knows it's not a good idea to eat before seeing something brutal. As best he can, he tries to soothe and comfort his wolf even knowing it's a futile endeavor.

 

All too soon he pulls back to look down at Ken. "It is time." He says softly but straightens standing tall despite his solemnity. Turning, he heads back to where the center of the town could be considered. Once there there is a large almost cross-like structure with ropes. Staring at it for a moment, ignoring the silent crowd, he then proceeds to remove his clothing and hands it to his wolf. Naked he strides over and holds onto two loops of rope baring his entire back, arms and legs. Soon the parents arrive, one holding a large box. Opening it, it is turned to the other and the one who had called out to Haimo reaches in and pulls out a terrible looking nine-o-tails that has wicked looking claws along the entire length of each strand.

 

Looking pale and nearly terrified, after all he's taking the Talons to his Alpha, he lifts his hand and sets to throwing his whole weight and self into each stroke. Haimo grits his teeth and makes not a sound, taking the stripping of his back in near stoic silence. The Tribulation stops only when there are strips of flesh hanging from his back, some even from his buttocks, and blood flows like a river pooling beneath him. All stare at their Alpha pale and nearly horrified at the damage, it was far more than should have been given, even those who'd demanded retribution seem stunned. Carefully standing, Haimo lets go of the ropes and silently begins his way back to his lair.

 

He walks past the one holding the Talons that are soaked in his blood without a glance in their direction. They drop their eyes and step back though he takes no notice. It's taking everything he has to merely put one foot in front of the other and show nothing though by this point most of that is likely due to his body going into shock from the pain and blood loss.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken pressed soft kisses to his lips, his cheeks, his forehead, everywhere he could reach best in hopes to ease the other's mind at least a little bit. He didn't realize it would happen today - he was hoping they would at least be given the night. He fought back the tears as they had to leave. Watching how Haimo walked to his fate, the werewolf could already feel himself shaking. After seeing the device made for the torture, his body froze momentarily. Gently touching his hand one last time, he stood in front, watching with an unreadable expression how his mate got undressed.

 

He clenched his teeth with each hit, tears slowly rolling down his cheeks, though he forced himself to keep his eyes on the horrible view. Flesh was visible along with bones. Blood flowed down like a river. Ken felt like he was about to throw up, but he couldn't. He wasn't the one in the most pain. Haimo was.

 

As his mate was let go, Ken stood still, waiting for him to come. He didn't reach out, knowing well it would not be seen as a good thing to do. Compassionate, maybe, but it wasn't how he was supposed to act. Ken found himself with a small bottle of a herb mixture pushed into his hand by an elder dragon, who watched him with understanding eyes. The werewolf barely nodded in response, clutching the bottle close. Perhaps it would help at least soothe the pain. Walking next to Haimo, he found his shoulder shaking.

 

"Just don't die." He muttered softly, although he wasn't sure Haimo could even hear him in that state. He probably couldn't. The tears became cold on his cheeks the more they walked, as no other escaped his eyes. "I'll take care of you. I promise, you won't have to move at all." He whispered softly, already knowing it would hurt the dragon even more when he tended to his wounds... Now he actually hoped the other would fall unconscious when they reached home.

[StainedCrimson]

Haimo feels himself lost in the shock as a result of the Tribulation. It helps numb some of the pain, but he knows it will hit him full force once the shock wears off. All of that is a distant and barely felt thought however. Especially as the only thing he can hold onto at the moment is the need to get home. To make sure he gets back. That is easier said than done as shortly after they leave the sight of town, his body starts to rebel and shut down from the lost blood causing him to stumble.

 

The jolt jars his wounds causing a loud sharp sound to push out despite another deep seated knowing he shouldn't let his pain be seen or heard. Shaking from the onslaught of pain he struggles to get back up and continue. It takes a long tortuous amount of time before he can manage to get back on his feet and even longer still before he's steady enough to try and walk.

 

In the end it takes him nearly three hours to make it to the house due to the slow pace and falling down more than the one time. Once the door is open and he takes that first step in, he immediately falls forward and doesn't move as he's unconscious and dangerously pale.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken felt like it was torture. Seeing a loved one in such pain, it was almost unbearable. His body shook each time Haimo fell, but he stood there, waiting, until he got back up. It took so long... It probably hurt so much. The werewolf could barely take it himself, especially when hearing the pained sounds. His mate seemed to still be trying to hide his pain, but it was impossible to not see it.

 

Only when they were finally home could Ken actually help. Wasting no time, he brought a bucket full of water to gently clean the wounds. He pressed the pieces of flesh where they had to be, salvaging as much as possible after such a beating. He used the herb mixture he got, gently applying it over his back and bottom before wrapping everything in bandages. He doubted he would be able to actually lift Haimo, and he didn't really want to risk completely opening his wounds. Instead, he brought a pillow, placing it underneath his head, and then a few blankets, which he spent over an hour placing under his body so he wouldn't be too uncomfortable... There shouldn't have been any more discomfort other than the horrid wounds.

 

Ken hurried around the house to find as much mixtures as he could find before bringing them all to where the dragon had fallen down. Keeping an eye on him in case something happened, the werewolf began making some sort of a meal that would be easy to take - soup, for example. He could just feed it to him carefully. He made a whole pot of it, leaving it on a slightly warm oven to keep it hot. As he came back to Haimo, Ken slowly got to the ground, finding that his hand was still shaking. He couldn't let himself crumble, not now that he was needed.

[StainedCrimson]

Haimo stays in his blessed state of unconsciousness for nearly twelve hours as his body attempts to heal and replace the blood he's lost. However, since he's low on reserves having just come out of Rut his body has little to heal him with. So when he wakes his wounds are still severe and excruciating even just breathing brings him. Consciousness causes what little peace he'd had on his face immediately be replaced with harsh pained lines while his fingers dig into the floor of his home.

 

Looking around his first thought and instinct is to look for Ken and so lifts his head quickly to look around despite the jarring it causes his back. A sound between a hiss and a growl is forced out of him at the spike in pain causing his arms to buckle and threaten to let him fall back to the floor. Despite this he continues to look and doesn't settle until he sees his little wolf. Forcing his pain back as much as he can, he takes stock of his poor mate knowing this had to have been a personal kind of hell for the gentle soul.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken barely caught a few hours of sleep while Haimo was unconscious, waking every fifteen minutes to check on him. The werewolf could barely take seeing his mate like this. As he heard the sound, he stumbled to him, carefully moving the dragon's head back down. "I'm here, I'm here..." He whispered softly, carefully patting his head to calm him down. "Don't move. I'll be right back with some food." He uttered softly, standing up to near run into the kitchen. He ended up adding a lot of grinded up meat to the meal so Haimo only had to swallow.

 

He knelt back down next to him, bringing the spoon to his mouth. "Please, eat some." He nearly whispered. The werewolf looked absolutely terrified, all blood drained from his cheeks. This was too violent. Haimo was right - this was punishment enough for him. Seeing the dragon like this, barely able to move a muscle, it hurt him to the core. It was incredibly painful, for both of them. It was his personal Hell. "I'll take care of you... You'll get better in no time!" His voice cracked, even though he tried to be positive. Tears slowly rolled down his cheeks, yet he forced himself to smile. He could do it.

[StainedCrimson]

Seeing the other allows him to calm down enough to let Ken guide his head back down until he moves off. The he turns his head to keep the other in sight as much as possible. When the other returns with food, he has to fight the urge to recoil and dive upon the food in equal measure. The thought of eating right now would make him pale further if it were possible, but his stomach cramps with the need to intake the nutrients. After a few dry swallows he finally opens his mouth and manages to eat what is given to him.

 

When the food is gone, however, he reaches out to take the bowl out of the wolf's hands and shoves it away. He then pulls the other down beside him. Moving carefully to minimize the aggravation to his wounds, Haimo only fully settles as he buries his face in the wolf's neck inhaling the unique scent. Smelling nothing wrong with the other physically, he starts to rumble softly to try and soothe his little wolf emotionally. "Easy pet, I know you'll take excellent care of me but right now the best way to do that is to settle here with me for a bit." His voice is a bit rough but holds that note of his expectation that all others will naturally do as he says.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken's breathing hitched slightly when he was pulled down, hiccuping quietly at the soft touches. Placing his hands on Haimo's hair, he ran his fingers over it slowly, lovingly, to calm both him and the dragon. "Okay... Whatever you want..." He muttered softly, trying not to touch his back in any way. He didn't want to cause any further pain. "Does it hurt any less?..." Ken asked quietly, his voice a bit shaky. He managed to fight off the tears in the end, although he was still terrified, still shaken about this whole situation. It was insane.

 

"Is... Is there something else I can do to help? I don't think I'm strong enough to carry you to bed..." He felt ashamed, that he was so weak. This was all his fault. If he just struggled through the few days without food, none of this would've happened. He just had to be greedy... Pressing his forehead against Haimo's, the male let out a shaky sigh, slowly stroking his hair. He didn't mind laying on the ground for whatever amount of time the other wanted. He was willing to do anything it took to make him happy, to make him as comfortable as possible. Once he got better, Ken could help his mate get to the bed where he could actually get comfortable... He doubted he could get anyone else to come. He didn't know anyone yet. He was afraid to go out into town after this.

[StainedCrimson]

At the question Haimo takes a few moments as he continues to pet and touch his mate to offer comfort back. Truthfully the pain is worse because he's now fully conscious and without adrenaline numbing any of it. He's just grateful that the fool, who should have asked someone trained in using the Talons to perform the punishment, didn't injure his spine, ribs or any of his organs. The talons could have easily caught on a bone or nicked something major causing him to be paralyzed. Not too mention the fact that as actual claws from dragons the healing ability he'd normally have is significantly slowed down.

 

Finally he presses a light kiss to his little wolf's forehead. "With you next to me I feel better already and the floor is comfortable enough. It is no different to me than sleeping outside on the ground." He tries to soothe and allay some of the other's worries and concerns. Honestly he's just happy to have awoken in his home and not outside still with having more to traverse until he could be tended to.

 

Carefully wiping the stray tears away, he gives Ken a faint smile. "You're doing more than you know pet. Tomorrow or the day after I should be able to make my way to the bed." Though if he were smart he'd wait closer to a week or longer before attempting to move, but he knows as long as he's on the floor that his mate will worry and fret more with little rest or ease.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken smiled hesitantly, moving to press a soft kiss to his lips in response to the kiss to his forehead. "If you say so..." He muttered softly, slowly combing through his hair. The repetitive action calmed him down, too. However, the werewolf could definitely feel his mate's pain. It was simply in his nature. He wished he knew how to make it hurt less, but he really had no idea. Maybe if he cooled the wounds it would help? He could try it out after they've healed a bit.

 

"So soon? You shouldn't push yourself." Ken said quietly, gently cupping the dragon's cheek. "I could try to get the mattress and help you up on it so you're more comfortable..." He suggested, pressing another soft kiss to his lips. "I'll have to go out to get food, though. Maybe while you're asleep..." The werewolf spoke softly, closing his eyes as he moved close. It really didn't bother him that he was laying on the ground. He was still warm, next to the other at least. "But this really isn't something you should've gone through. It's horrible." He muttered quietly, holding Haimo's head close to himself. He wanted to help, but he didn't know how to.

[StainedCrimson]

He huffs and wraps an arm firmly around Ken's body to hold him close. "I do say so and you should know better than to argue with a dragon." He relies flippantly making light of things to try and get rid of some of the weighty atmosphere for the other. Rubbing against the hand on his cheek for a moment he then shakes his head. "At that point it'd just be best and easiest to get to the room. That way I'd be in bed and close to water for drinking or bathing instead of easily accessible right in the doorway should someone come in."

 

He'd rather not be seen lying prone on the floor should any of his clanmates come to visit him once some time has passed. Hearing the other mention food he flinches slightly having failed his mate in bringing back food. "That fault lays with me. I should have stopped to gather food for you before the Tribulation." His gaze focuses on his little mate while frowning slightly. "As your mate and Alpha it is my right and duty to do through this for you. It is because I did not clearly relay the consequences of you going to where others would be in Rut are that you ventured into town. As such, the fault is mine and not yours."

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken let out a light laugh, clinging to any way of escaping the loom of depression he was falling into. He nodded lightly at his mate's words, deciding to trust him. He'd help the other get to the bed, of course, so maybe it wouldn't cause too much damage... He hated himself for not being strong enough, in all ways possible. Physically, emotionally, psychologically, he was weak in all of these ways. How pathetic was he? He had to get stronger.

 

Too tired to argue, Ken pressed a soft kiss to Haimo's forehead, gently moving his fingers over his hair. "Okay." He murmured softly, even if he didn't agree with him. "I'm... I'm not really sure what to do with your wounds, though... Does cooling them help?" He asked softly, gently massaging his scalp. "I got some herbs from an elder, but... Would you manage to stay alone a bit if I tried to find her again?" He asked again, pulling away a bit to look at his mate with a worried, concerned gaze. "If you need me to stay, I will. I can just slip out while you sleep, really... You just need to get better."

[StainedCrimson]

At the question of how to help his wounds heal, the mentioning of cooling them and getting more medicine causes his nose to wrinkle. "No pet, cooling them wouldn't really help any. Cooling a dragon down isn't beneficial to its health. As for the medicine, I would just leave it be for now. Keeping them clean and stitching them closed would be the best course of action right now to make sure it all heals well." Though the thought of needles piercing his flesh to rebind it together causes a shiver that almost can't be suppressed.

 

Letting out a long soft sigh he looks down at the small form curled up against him. "I don't suppose your skills include sewing?" He asks while continuing to gently stroke along the curve of Ken's spine enjoying the other being next to him. Even though the motion causes twinges of pain to shoot along his back, he wouldn't stop even if he could. Touching his little wolf has quickly become an addiction of his.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken frowned, gently stroking his mate's face. "Okay... I just really wish there was more that I could do..." He seemed to be in pain, just like Haimo was. Yet, his pain wasn't physical. This situation strained him emotionally, in the worst ways possibly. He already thought of the dragon as his family, and seeing his family members hurt was the worst thing he could imagine. Especially when he knew he was the one at fault.

 

"Sewing?... I know how to do it with my hand, if that's enough." He muttered, his face paling slightly when he put everything together and realized why the question was asked. "Wait... You want me... To sew you... Your..." He seemed to be horrified at the idea. Closing his eyes, he took in a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. "I'll do it. Where can I find a needle and some thread?" He asked, carefully placing a hand on Haimo's cheek. "And you'll need something to bite into..." He murmured, slowly stroking the skin. It terrified him, the thought of sewing flesh back together, but he had to do it. He had to, or Haimo could never get better.

[StainedCrimson]

Seeing the distress on the wolf's face he immediately tightens his hold a bit and gives him a kiss. "Easy there pet, if you don't feel like you can handle it I will not think less of you or be upset. Stitching a being back together is much more taxing on someone than just clothe." He strokes anywhere he can touch with his one hand. "The flesh is already trying to mend itself but stitching the deeper and top layers together will help to speed the process is all." As well as make sure the flesh knits back together properly but he doesn't want that burden of knowledge on his already struggling mate.

 

Giving another slow reassuring kiss to his little wolf, he then pulls back a bit. "If you think you feel up to it the thread and needles are in the closet with the linens. As for biting down on something, I'll be fine. The medicine helped to numb a good portion of the pain. I won't feel much until it wears off." Well, much compared to before anyway. Still, it's a significant improvement and he can only hope that his recovery will speed up so that he can reassure his little wolf of his health and vitality. Perhaps getting him heavy with child sooner versus later might be the ticket. The thought pleases him immensely and causes him to let out a low pleased rumble despite his discomfort.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

"I can do it." Ken replied firmly, although he doubted he'd ever been this terrified of doing something before. He pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, then another to his lips. "I'll do it, I'll do whatever it takes to help you." He promised quietly, watching as his mate pulled back a bit. He nodded, standing up right after to get the tools needed. Even if Haimo thought he could manage without anything to bite into, Ken was sure it would help at least a little bit. At least his screams, if there were any, wouldn't be so loud. His hands shook at the realization he would have to cause more pain to his loved one. It was the worst thing for him.

 

Still, he got the needle and thread and came back to Haimo, giving him some cork to bite into. "I'm really sorry." He muttered, having sterilized the needle before coming here. He still brought some more hydrogen peroxide to clean off the needle from time to time. He unwrapped the bandages, letting out a shaky breath at the sight. There was so much... "I'll do the biggest ones first... This'll probably take a while. I'm sorry." He apologized again, gently pressing his hand against the biggest wound. Pressing the needle into the flesh, he began stitching it up. He forced his hands to stay still, although all he wanted was to drop everything and run away, as far as possible. His stitches weren't perfect, even though he tried really hard to make them as even as he could.

[StainedCrimson]

Opening an eye to look at the other when he receives yet another apology he gives a low growl. "Stop apologizing. You have nothing to be sorry for. As for it taking a long time..." While not happy with that he is resigned to his fate. "Just do what you can and take breaks if you need to. I'm not going anywhere." At least not right away and not when doing so would make things even harder on his poor mate. This event will haunt him for some time, of that Haimo is sure.

 

Feeling the first tug of needle and thread, his eyes close once more as he tries to mentally distance himself from what is going on. As long as the deepest ones are taken care of his healing will take care of the majority of the injuries and once he's able to shift that will take care of the rest. It is simply getting to that point and once there he will be taking his little wolf to the higher mountains to remind him how fierce and virile of a mate he has and they will not leave until Ken is pregnant twice over.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken appreciated his mate's words, but he knew that if he took a break, he wouldn't be able to get back to work. The worst part of this was his bloodied hands, even though he washed them each time he sterilized the needle. He could see, and he could feel Haimo's pain. It made him want to drop everything and soothe him, but he knew he wasn't supposed to do it. He had to take care of the dragon's wounds. The werewolf got through the biggest wounds and patched up ones that seemed more dangerous as well, only leaving the ones that only cut skin untouched.

 

The needle was dropped into the bowl after hours of work. His body hurt all over... He wanted nothing more than to cuddle up next to Haimo, but he couldn't. Not yet. "I have to... Wash them, and bandage them again." He sounded hoarse and tired, in pain even. He got up slowly, taking everything he'd used with him. This really was his very own, personal hell. He was back soon with soft, damp fabric and began wiping off the blood. His touch was still as gentle and careful as ever, although his hands were sore from how much he was trying not to let them tremble. He was sure Haimo was in far greater pain, anyway... He had to take care of the dragon in all ways he could. "I can reheat some soup... You should probably eat a bit." He muttered quietly, finally pulling away and taking the bandages. He'd put some healing cream over his wounds, that he found in the bathroom. The bandage shouldn't stick to his skin too much this way.

[StainedCrimson]

Haimo grabs hold of his wolf and gently but firmly tugs him over until he's on the ground next to him. "I'll eat later. Right now we both need some rest." He says firmly while shifting so that he's partially on top of the other while holding him close. The position tugs uncomfortably at his stitches but it's one way to guarantee that Ken won't try to wriggle away or move too much.

 

He can smell the exhaustion and pain coming from his little wolf and there's no way he'd ignore that any longer. "Don't even argue. Just lay here with me for a small nap and then you can finish cleaning up and get me some soup. Though you had better eat as well." He looks down with slightly narrowed eyes as he takes in the physical signs of the toll the whole ordeal has had on the other. The way of dragons is one that is harsh and brutal. Hence the reason they are feared and revered, but also highly prized as trophies for those who think to take them on.

 

Outsiders rarely see instances such as a tribulation as it would only spur on the animosity held towards them and possibly spur idiocy such as trying to hunt down all dragons. Though it means that mates or those accepted into their Clans find adjusting very hard and sometimes can't handle it. That is another reason why his taking Ken as a mate has the others so worried. Should Ken not be able to handle it and leave or become a broken shell of a being, then as his mate Haimo will follow the same path and leave the Clan without an Alpha or heir.

 

Still, such things matter not to him when his mate is suffering so much and only easing that suffering matters to him.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken's eyes widened as a soft gasp parted his lips and he was pulled down. He'd barely managed to finish bandaging Haimo's chest, but it should hold. Tears slowly collected in the corners of his eyes, his lower lip trembling. God, he really couldn't take this for much longer. Helplessly pressing his face into the dragon's shoulder, he hiccuped softly, unable to hold out any longer. This had to be the worst thing he went through in his life. He was so tired, he was in pain, and he felt guilty, ashamed of his mistake that'd brought the both of them such pain.

 

"This... I just... I can't..." He hiccuped softly, his body trembling. Perhaps he was simply at his moment of weakness, or it was the tiredness really setting in. He doubted he could sleep, though. It felt like if he closed his eyes for too long, he would wake up and not find Haimo anymore... Or worse, he would be dead. "Just... Let me take care of you, I don't need rest, this... This is perfectly fine." He attempted a smile as he pulled away, but it turned to sobbing in moments. This was all too much for him, for his mind especially. "I'm just... So scared..." He whispered brokenly, gently wrapping his arms around the other's neck, tears slowly rolling down his cheeks. It hurt to be like this, and even more to see Haimo like this. It wasn't something he could suffer through alone. He needed someone else here, someone to help him get through this as well. His face was pale, and his body was shaking all over, as if he was incredibly cold, or had a fever. He didn't think he did - it was mostly just the fear and pain. Why was he this weak?