installment # uuhhmmmm ... ah who knows!
[spoiler]Tomas watch Meri stuggling to keep up. When she started using her sword as a walking stick, a small grin creased his face. They continued on for hours until well past the nooning hour. As the heat of the day just started to be opressive Tomas suggested the stop for a small meal. Meri nodded, leaning on her walking stick slash sword - then dropped to the ground in a heap. Tomas rushed over to her - she was breathing unevenly and cool to the touch. He picked her up in his arms and carried her to the shade of a great pine tree for shade. The crab had found his courage and was snapping his claws at Tomas's heels. Tomas brushed to frantic animal away and went to his pack. Extracting a bundle of medicinal herbs, Tomas mixed them with water, started a fire and began to brew his concoction. As the mixture began to boil, Meri came around. Disoriented, she looked around finally settling on Tomas's face. Recognition dawned and she smiled a sickly smile.
"Hi." Tomas said as he handed her the herbal mixture, now steaming. "What happened?" Meri asked as she blew on the cup. A small sound of pleasure escaped he lips. "Mmm ... what is it?" She asked, taking a sip.
"It's a blend of roots and herbs that I learned from a hermit", Tomas said. "You passed out when we stopped. I think the heat and the pace I set was a little much for you." He reached out and put the back of his hand on Meri's forehead for a second - then smiled. "I think you're going to be fine.", he said. "Of course I'm fine", Meri replyed, attempting to stand. Before she could fall back to the ground, Tomas reached out and caught her, lowering her slowly to the ground. "Well, maybe I am a little shaky", she mumbled, holding her head with one hand. The tea in the other hand had sloshed, but not entirely spilled as her hand trembled slightly. Noticing the shaking, she grabbed the cup with her other hand, stabilizing the tremble.
"I think we should stay here for a day or two - just till the heat attack you had it gone.", Tomas said. "Now before you can say you're fine and we should continue - I've been thinking of training you a little with your sword. We could take that time for recouperation as well as the training. What say you?"
Meri thought for a minute - realizing that she was still shaky. "OK", she responded, "I'll try to not be too hard on you during my training." A wry smile escaped her lips.
[/spoiler]
