Grimm grumpily complied to the maiden's wishes as he helped her undo him of his shirt. Nevertheless he was secretly amused by her words.
"You are as stubborn as one Aro-..." he mumbled as he pulled the shirt over his head with some effort.
His witty comeback was quickly cut short though as he looked at her – clasping one hand to her mouth as she fell back a little. She gasped for air, as if all of it seemed to have suddenly left her lungs.
"I... I..." the maiden whispered. He grabbed hold of her in his confusion – his hand enclosing one of hers to stop her from falling backwards and hurting herself.
Quickly he saw what her grey eyes rested on. For he bore a silver chain around his neck and her gaze was fixated on what it carried for many a years now: his silver six pointed star, resting on his naked skin. The last rays of sunlight reflected off the precious metal, giving it an unearthly shine.
"Arodiel?" he tried, squeezing her hand.
She did not reply. Only after some considerate time she finally looked up at him. It felt as if her gaze pierced his very soul.
At her gaze all words left him. He closed his mouth and spoke no more.
She brushed him away from her gently as she raised herself on her knees – leaning over his broad shoulder to inspect his wound. Reaching out and carefully removing the dried, blood soaked bandages before gingerly touching the edges of the wound, causing him to briefly shiver.
"The arrow has not gone in deep." she whispered at last, her voice hoarse. Not looking at him, she turned away – unsheating the small dagger that he had gifted her. Holding it out over the the small fire she allowed the man some time to regain his thoughts and words.
"Arodiel?" he whispered once more after a while, though he did not receive an answer to his question – not even when she turned around again and knelt by his side. He noted how she held the blade with more confidence then before, her slender fingers holding onto the hilt tightly.
The dark haired maiden gazed at him thoughtfully with her northern eyes. She offered him a soft smile in effort to subdue his worries and brush away his questions for the time being. Laying one hand on his shoulder, she spoke again, a calm expression on her face.
"I cannot promise that it will not hurt, Grimm." She paused, her glance briefly drifting off into the oncoming night. "Only that I shall work as quick as I may – and..."
He cut her words short by reaching out with his healthy arm and brushing some strands of hair from her face. Surprised, she tore her eyes from the colourful horizon. In the end he took her her hand, placing it on the star that rested on his naked chest.
"I trust you –" he muttered, closing his eyes at last as he braced himself for what was to come.
