"Do not expect any back."
The dwarf's words reverberated in Elias' head. He wasn't certain why they sat so heavy on his mind. The doctor had asked for a greeting to be given to the woman, but that was the reply he had gotten. Judging by Tumunir's words to him, perhaps the bridge had long burned and collapsed. He should have expected it.
The doctor stopped his work as he let out a sigh, not wanting to risk a mishap when it came to such detailed work. It still needed the finishing touches, but the eye was coming along nicely. A few more lines and the correct mix of colouring and Elias was certain that no one would be able to tell the difference between the glass and the real thing.
While studying the eye and the work he had done so far, he began to wonder if this could have been his path if another one hadn't been decided for him. Could the doctor have been a painter?
Doubt crept into his mind. He was unable to create and see anything within his mind's eye, but he was able to copy what he saw. Much like the eye, he could recall the detail even if he couldn't see it in his head, the doctor simply knew how an eye looked like and recalled the colour of the eye he was trying to match.
The days passed slowly, the work finished and the paint dried. Elias had found an old box he used to keep vials in, one lined with cheap silk that would help keep the glass safe.
While he prepared the box, the doctor thought on the few patients that had come to visit. Cough and fever still ran rampant as it usually did around this time, already a few had passed away from the illness, but few that he knew well.
Miss Mossbank was still a patient remaining in his care and although she still took up a bed, she had begun to move around with the aid of a crutch. It was only a matter of time now until she'd leave as well.
The man blinked a few times as his mind wandered to the giant who had come to visit the woman, still unable to wrap his head around her height. It felt like an impossible feat, never had he laid eyes upon anyone so tall. Had he imagined it?
"Are you ready?" A familiar voice asked.
"Yes. I just need a few more minutes. I must deliver this to the Boarding House. Excuse me." Elias answered, pulling on his thick coat after closing the box and sliding the hook into the loop to lock the lid in place.
The man nodded to the other in passing. "Hurry up." The doctor added another nod of acknowledgement, shutting the door behind himself.
It only took a minute or so to cross the yard and street. Elias' eyes focused on the path under his feet as he climbed the small hill leading up to the house, wondering what he'd do if she would answer the door.
Another minute passed where he stood in front of the closed door, a fist held up, but never falling to knock on the hard surface. He could hear voices from within and noticed movement from the window.
The hand moved closer, but then fell down his side. What if he would be interrupting and cause her to despise him more? Elias sighed and shook his head, deciding to leave the box by the door for the dwarf to find.
Elias stepped back into the infirmary and glanced up at the man waiting. "One more minute." The doctor said, moving further inside to gather up and pack the last few things he'd need before the trip.
Stepping out into the main room, the doctor checked his pockets to reassure himself he had everything he'd need. Once certain, his tired eyes fell to the Ranger. "I'm ready."
