Ekon woke up 12 hour laters, in the middle of the night. Dakota rose as Ekon released a soft groan of pain. The man was blinking awake, his eyes flashing between a brilliant gold and a dark brown. "Where...where are we Dakota? What happened?" Ekon's voice went in and out, he was barely able to breathe and his lungs worked harder to get in air.

"An arrow caught you in the lung, Anasuri saved you and brought us to this hidden room thing. She's the only reason why you're alive." Dakota sat next to Ekon as the man turned his head to look at his companion.

Anasuri hadn't fallen asleep. She knew that the first day was a sensitive time, and didn't want anything to happen to Ekon.

Dava was also awake, and nosed Anasuri, "I hear him, Anasuri. They are both awake." Anasuri thanked her companion and went into the room, "Ekon?" Her voice was soft, "Do you want more pain medication?" It had been a while since the dose she had given him after the surgery.

Ekon was about to reply to Dakota when Anasuri entered, he flinched, as if expecting someone else, before calming down. Pain glazed his eyes as the sudden movement had brought him immense pain. His eyes flashed gold, then returned to a deep brown before he replied. "H-hello, that would be wonderful... if you could do that. I don't want to waste...any of your supplies." The man's voice went in and out as he tried, and failed, to secure a good amount of oxygen. It was painful to breathe so he could barely fill his lungs.

Anasuri went to her medical table and found the herbs that would help reduce Ekon's pain. They would also knock him out for a while, but it was needed in order for him to heal. She mashed them into an easily chewable paste, and went over to Ekon, kneeling beside his bed and helping him eat, "It will take a bit before the medicine takes ahold... and it is not wasting my supplies. All of them are easily replenishable." She looked at Ekon as he finished the medicine, "Would you like some water?" It would also be good to redo the dressing on his wound, but Anasuri would wait until after he was asleep.

Dakota had moved out of the way for Anasuri and watched as she mashed up the herbs. He was so thankful for her, they weren't out of the woods yet, as Ekon's lungs could collapse again at any point, but he would've had a much worse chance if Anasuri hadn't helped. And for that he was grateful.

Ekon discovered he was quite horrible at eating, and found it quite embarrassing, especially in his sort-of-concious state. He was relieved when he finally finished it, letting his head fall back onto the soft pillow. It had been a strain to even hold up his head. "Water would be wonderful, thank you, so so much." Ekon held Anasuri's gaze, his own orbs flashing to gold again. He didn't quite understand why Anasuri was helping him so much, she owed him nothing and had no reason to care for him.

But in return, he promised to protect her, in her head of course. That meant he would be disobeying direct orders to kill the princess.
But how could he kill someone so kind?
She almost reminded him of- no, he would not think like that. It would open up to many scars and that was pointless. He had a new mission, protect the princess from everyone, including himself.

Anasuri found a soft and clean cloth, and hauled in the fresh water bucket. Her plan was to drip the water, as it would be difficult for him to sit up and drink, and would likely result in a mess.

Dava chuffed as she also walked into the secret room, hauling a large fish in, which she dropped on a towel near the door, "For you, Dakota," The panda had gone down to the kitchens this morning with a note from Anasuri to give Dava the biggest fish they had, "Anasuri knew you'd need to eat too." And wouldn't want to leave Ekon's side. She silently added.

Dakota looked at the woman and Dava gratefully, nobody had been this kind to them since... It was surprising how much Anasuri was caring for Ekon, but Dakota was grateful regardless. "Thank you, both you and Anasuri." Dakota spoke to Dava as he gently pulled the towel towards him, away from the door. He laid down comfortably and began to eat, making sure to stay over the towel as to not make a mess.

Ekon felt bad, as Anasuri was doing all this for him when he was her guard. A traitorous guard at that. He had definitely underestimated her kindness, as she just kept doing things that surprised him.

Anasuri helped Ekon drink water, and was sure to keep the mess to a minimum. By the time they were finished, the medicine should be kicking in, "Rest well, Ekon. You should heal up perfectly fine, but I will keep watch and be sure that it does go smoothly."

Dava nodded, "Of course - Ekon has saved Anasuri's life many times already, and you have been a trustworthy friend. We will be sure to protect both of you in return."

Ekon was already beginning to fall asleep, his eyes drifting from deep browns to brilliant golds as the world began to slip away from him. The water had definitely helped, but now he only longed for sleep. "Thank you, so much. I'm so sorry I-" and of course Ekon passed out right then. A perfect time too, as otherwise he would've exposed himself.

Dakota gave Dava a grim bear smile, "either way, no one ever cares about a replaceable knight and his friend. Thank you." Dakota was speaking the truth, hardly anyone ever truly cared about what happened to knights. There were always more.

Anasuri sighed, understanding that the medicine had taken affect, although she wondered what Ekon had been about to say. Now that he was asleep, she could redo his bandages and add more of the healing salve.

Dava sat back on her haunches, and pressed her big paws together, "Well that is sad, then. Everyone deserves a chance at life. I find it disappointing that others do not think that way. It is a wonder that Good Knights exist anymore with what happens to them."