Though the blood had slowed, it still seeped from about a four inch cut. Hot to the touch and swollen, her heel screamed in protest any movement; even the simplest such as changing the direction of her foot. A throbbing had taken over the area.
It never even crossed Canali's mind to ask how he had taken care of the two goons. A mental shrug and a shudder told her she didn't want to know. Heck, she didn't even want to imagine how, much less the fine-pointed details.
Surprise flooded Canali when he scooped her up like a young child; as if she only weighed that much also. The fog clouding her brain was beginning to fade, but a paranoia still hung around; kept her checking the alleys for any sign of movement and her ears extra sensitive to the sound of footsteps.
With the withdrawal of the fear in place came the shock. Mental images flooded her brain. The crazed look in his dark eyes, the twisted sneer covering slobbery lips. His buddy standing off to the side, laughing. How the cold seeped through her clothing; both internally and mentally. When he brought his hand sharply against her cheek. Was it a punch or a slap?
Gingerly, she lifted her shaking hand to her numb cheek. Warmth spread through the fingertips. Softly, she pressed and jerked slightly in response. Pain. Too much pain for her shocked brain to comprehend. A small tear dripped down her face, unnoticed in the darkness of the night. Eyes closed, Canali dipped her head against him; resting; trying to make sense of the confusion in her mind.
The sound of people popped Canali's grey eyes open and tensed her small body. Pain shot up her leg and she winced. Up ahead, a tavern. No.. .Wait, no. An inn, judging by the sign which read The Butterfly Knight. A stupid name for an inn in Sunberth. Old by the architectural style, and new by the boards. A small group of people mingled outside the door, chatting happily and laughing freely. No one seemed to notice the armed man carrying a woman.
Taking a sharp intake of breath through a parched mouth, Canali tucked her legs as close as they could go with the position she was in. Pain clouded her sight for a moment. When it cleared, she realized they were inside the inn already. Cid's body warmth nearly matched the room's.
"I'm sure you can help me hobble over to a table," she commented, soft voice only loud enough for Cid to hear. One arm slunk around his neck as she twisted out of his arms, stumbling when she tried to unsuccessfully land on her left foot only. A nod of thanks came from her when Cid wrapped one arm around her waist to steady her. With his help, she made it to a table.
"Thank you," slipped from light lips and filled with graciousness. Canali truly had no idea how someone could live with only one leg for their whole life. Even traveling across a room wore her out. The wooden chair was uncomfortable, but suited the purpose needed currently. Cid took the seat across from her. Words rumbled up her chest, but she didn't get a chance to speak. The barmaid had arrived.
"D'awww. How sweet. He carried you. Ya know, I wish my man would do that for me. He sits at home, lazy and smoking the wishes. You do know what those are, don'tcha?" Without waiting for a reply, she continued on; blonde hair bobbing with each word, "Anywho, I'm rambling, what can I get you guys?"
Cid's eyes found the barmaid. "She'll take a water, unsweetened. Maybe a pina if you have it?" At the barmaid's not, he smiled. "That's i-"
Canali cut in. No way was she going to drink water. Normally she would, but after the night she had… No way in hell. "Make that two scotch pints. IF you could, would you please add a lemon on the side?" The waitress smiled at Canali, blue eyes glittering with laughter as she glanced between the two. After a nod, she bounced off to prepare the drinks. "Sorry. Any type of burning liquid would be nice, currently. I don't handle pain well."
Shifting, she winced. "Here, let me see," Cid patted his knee after scooting the chair he had been sitting in more to the side. Before Canali could respond, though, the waitress set two drinks upon the table and swished away. Slowly, Canali set her right foot upon Cid's warm knee. A mouthful of liquid made it's way to Canali's stomach in response.