'Your friend is very lucky.' The 'doctor', a well-known medicine woman in the village, stepped out of the room where Jeong Jeong was resting. She slid the door shut as quietly as she could before her dark eyes met Piandao's, who was leaning against the wall giving her an inquisitive stare.
'Is he going to be alright"' Pushing himself off the wall, he straightened up, hands folded behind his back.
'A few broken rib and signs of minor internal bleeding. Neither of his lungs were punctured, as far as I can tell. He's going to be incredibly sore when he wakes up, but his injuries aren't anything that resting won't fix.' She sighed, weariness setting in. 'I'm going to fix dinner for my daughter and myself. Will you be joining us"'
Piandao's eyebrows shot up, genuinely surprised at the kind offer, 'I wouldn't want to be a burden-'
'Nonsense. You're a guest in my house, not a pest.'
'But'' His gaze drifted to the shut door, 'I should be here when Jeong Jeong regains-'
'Your friend will be fine. He's going to be sleeping for several hours at least, as a side effect of medicine I gave him.'
Piandao was going to offer another argument, but one look at the doctor told him it was futile. She wasn't taking no for an answer.
Jeong Jeong groaned loudly as the sun, being the evil bastard that it is, shone far too brightly for his aching head to handle. He ached- no, that was putting it too simply. Pain ran through his chest with each shallow breath he took. Pain so bad that his eyes screwed shut with every inhale and vision blurred with every exhale. It was days like this that he cursed the fact he wasn't born a water bender. He would have killed to have any form of healing abilities.
Movement to his left, a rustling of papers being set to the side. He didn't dare move, knowing the flare of pain that would erupt through his body.
'You're awake"' Piandao. He sounded relieved, though still anxious.
'Unfortunately.' He barely managed, voice hoarse and wheezing. Piandao was at his side in a second, cup of water in his hand. As he had expected, pain flared from his chest and through his limbs even though Piandao helped him slowly and carefully. Once up, he took the cup- correction, attempted to take. His depth perception and grasp were off due to his condition and he narrowly missed knocking the cup from Piandao's hand.
The swordsman shook his head, a single chuckle escaping his throat as he himself pressed the cup to Jeong Jeong's lips. The fire bender hesitantly sipped the cool liquid as the it met his dry lips; he hated being taken care of in such a manner. He should be able to take care of himself. He lifted his hand, coordination a smidge better this time, and touched Piandao's hand for a moment, pushing slightly to signal he was through drinking for now.
'You're going to have to take it easy for a while. You're lucky you only have a few broken ribs.' Piandao stated, concerned and leaving no room for arguing. He turned, setting the cup down on a nearby table before taking his seat again beside the cot. They studied each other for a moment, eyes locked, until the door slid open, letting in more of that dreadful sunlight Jeong Jeong hated.
'I see our patient is awake.' The doctor sounded rested, a smile that suited her pretty face curled on her lips. A small girl less than ten years of age- her daughter- clung to her leg, head peeking out to stare at the men, eyes carrying a very curious gleam. The doctor seemed to ignore the child attached to her and walked forward, holding out the bowl in her hands. It contained some powdered substance that neither man recognized. 'It's medicine. To help ease the pain.' She explained briefly.
Jeong Jeong took the bowl after a moment's hesitation and dipped his finger into the mess before pressing the powder to his tongue. His face scrunched up immediately, tongue propelling from his mouth. 'Are you trying to poison me"!'
The girl shrunk back behind her mother more, frightened by Jeong Jeong's outburst. The doctor pursed her lips, 'It isn't meant to be consumed dry.'
'Of course.' Jeong Jeong spat.
Piandao could feel the tension as the two exchanged heated glares. He coughed, wanting desperately to excuse himself.
The woman turned to her child, her tone lightening. 'Song, sweetie. Why don't you go into town and pick mommy up some vegetables" I'm sure Master Piandao wouldn't mind escorting you and carrying it.'
Piandao shot her a relieved look and stood as the woman pressed a few coins into her daughter's hand. Song seemed hesitant to leave her mother in the same room as the grumpy stranger. She pouted and turned, offering her hand to the much taller man waiting by the door. 'C'mon, Master Piandao.' As an after thought, she added, 'Mom' Go easy on him, okay"'
Piandao laughed as he exited the room with the child.