Tome of Naedithas: Boss Battle - Suppressed Agony

7. Comfort a friend. Draw or write your character listening to, or comforting someone who’s dealing with some very difficult emotions.

 

It broke Naedithas’ heart when he saw Tyrvalor suddenly break down right next to him, fear and agony written all over his usually happy and with positivity breaming face. There were even tears starting to form which made it hard for the barbarian to stay calm and collected due to his strong empathy. The same feeling almost immediately began to well up within him but he managed to keep them under control. If not out of fear to give his spirit a chance to take over.

„Tyrvalor, what’s wrong?“, he asked his partner as calm as possible and put an arm around his shoulder to slowly guide him to the ground where he would be able to sit without having to worry about anything else. It almost looked like he could faint any moment due to the by now strong sobbing and gasping for air.

„I- I don’t know-“, the guard captain began to speak while leading a hand to his face in an attempt to wipe away some tears. 

„It feels like… my emotions are pulled out of me… I can’t help it…“

More gasping followed which worried Naedithas even more. Without holding back he knelt down right next to his friend and hugged him as tight as he could, sharing his warmth and comfort.

„It will be okay… Just stay calm and take deep breaths. I’m here for you and won’t go anywhere.“

It was difficult to keep his own emotions in check, especially the strong love Naedithas felt towards this man. How he wanted to tell him nice things to make him feel better, to show how much he actually cared besides the fear of other people getting close. To tell him how much he loved him, what this man meant to him. How much light he managed to shed on this dark world… but all he managed to say was this.

„What are you feeling? Maybe talking about it eases the pain…“

Tyrvalor, who by now returned the embrace, sniffled softly against the fabric of the other and slowly shook his head.

„It’s… related to my past. My childhood… My mother, she… died when she gave birth to me. It… still hurts.“

Getting to know this detail about the usually happy man stung. That he lost a part of his parents as well, just like him. That he had to feel a similar pain and blamed himself for it as well.

Naedithas’ embrace tightened, his strong and big hands stroking up and down the back of the other. He didn’t care if he couldn’t feel it due to the chainmail he wore underneath, he just had to do something. To reach the hurt core of this person deep beneath the shell. Suppressed memories which were best to be pushed down again. 

„If it means something… It’s not your fault. I’m sure that she’s watching over you with pride filled eyes. Loving you more with every day passing. You’re a wonderful person, a son who everyone would like to have. You’re so warmhearted, kind, compassionate… Always there for everyone, you’d sacrifice yourself for the sake of others. The world… needs more people like you.“

Naedithas couldn’t help but to ramble while he held onto the crying mess in his arms, now snuggling against Tyrvalor’s hair and face to get closer to him and when he paid attention, he noticed how the sobbing got less and then slowly stopped.

„Naedithas… I thank you…“ 

A bit of distance was brought in between them, Tyrvalor pushed the other back slightly to be able to look at his eyes with that heartwarming smile of his. A ray of light shining through the darkest night.

„Heh~ I probably look like a mess right now, I’m sorry my friend. It thank you dearly. It has been a long time since someone said those things to me and I… apprecciate them a lot.“

Naedithas, who looked to the side out of respect towards the other, slowly nodded and began to scratch his cheek out of embarrassment. He could feel a blush creep on his face but did his best to not let it get to him too much.

Oh how he would love to confess his feelings but… this wasn’t the right time. It wasn’t right to abuse the weakness of a man.

„You’re welcome. Like I said… I’m here for you.“

A warm smile accompanied those words but if looking closer, there was a hint of pain hidden behind his amber eyes. Glistening like a dying fire.