Clara

     My fingers tremble as I sort through the herbs the doctor told me to. The doctor stands next to me filling glass bottles with various medicines. His haunting white eyes drift over to me, watching as I work.

His charcoal, white-clawed finger reaches out grabbing the feverfew in front of me.

"If you mix the feverfew with lavender you can make a tea that helps with pain and inflammation," he tells.

I look up at him my eyes meeting his eyes. He stares down at me from the bridge of his glasses.

"Would y-you like me to start preparing the tea doctor?" I ask.

"Alexei," he says.

My face scrunches in confusion.

"W-what?" I question.

"My name is Alexei, not Doctor," he states.

"Oh, m-my apologies Sir Alexei. Shall I get started on the t...tea?" I ask.

"Yes, make sure you use the clean water in the tub over there," he tells me, pointing to a water basin.

I nod and begin to prep the tea.

My hands burn from small abrasions left from handling the rough herbs. I pause my work stretching my fingers. Alexei glances over at me, as a soft sigh escapes his lips.

"If you are tired, you can take a break," he tells me.

"I-I'm fine, I still want to help," I reply.

Alexei approaches me, grabbing my hand. I flinch, trying to pull my hand back but he holds firm.

"Your hands are covered in scratches. And just look at your wrists. If you overwork your hands you will break the scabs on your wrists. Not only will that be painful, but it could also leave scarring," he says.

I watch as he reaches over with his free hand and scoops up some salve. He wipes the salve across my palm and wrist. I cringe from the stinging sensation.

"We have been working for quite a while now, so let's take a quick break," he says.

"A...alright," I reply.

Alexei takes us over to a couple of chairs. I take my seat moaning in relief.

"You are pretty good and preparing medicine and dressing wounds. Were you a nurse in your village?" He asks.

I grab a loose curl twirling it around my finger.

"I w...wasn't a nurse. I made a l-little extra money by selling herbs t...to my village's apothecary. As for my s-skill at dressing wounds, well I-I got hurt a lot as a child and my mother got tired of taking care of my w...wounds for me," I explain meekly.

"Oh, I see. Well, you have been a great help today."

My cheeks flush at his words. I advert my gaze to my lap.

"T-Thank you," I reply.

"With everything we were able to get done today, you and the others should be able to return home soon," he says.

I look up at Alexei, he leans back in his seat, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. Though his face is hard to read, I can see the tiredness in his eyes.

"I am happy t-to know the o...others will be returning soon. However I...I will be staying," I inform him.

Alexei jumps in surprise, he turns to face me. The candlelight reflects off his glasses, making it hard to read his face.

"Why would you want to stay here?" He questions.

"I have w-watched my village suffer over these kidnappings for far t-too long. I asked, and Lord Pyotr gave me permission to s...stay and help," I explain.

Alexei places a hand over his mouth trying to cover his laughter. His eyes squint as soft laughs escape his lips.

"I will admit you have been a great help tending to the wounded. But I am not sure there is much else you will be able to aid us with," he chuckles.

I curl my fingers together, letting out a light huff.

"I am willing to l...learn. I want to h-help stop this," I state.

"I see now why the master is letting you stay. He has a soft spot for people like you," he laughs.

"Whatever t-the reason he's letting me stay I-I will gladly take it," I affirm.

"Well, you better learn fast. The master does not like caring for dead weight," he states.

"I know, L-Lord Pyotr has already told so. S...Still I wish to stay," I reply.

"Suit yourself," he pauses, "We should get back to work now."

I pull myself from my chair stretching my arms.

"Alright," I nod.

Alexei and I get back to work, spending the rest of the day making medicine and dressing wounds. By the time we finish my body is stiff and aching.

I return to my room throwing myself onto the bed. Letting out a heavy breath I close my eyes allowing sleep to take over.