43 Thipan (1/2)

”A-Alis...tar,” Thipan chokes out around blood. A Soma Mage reaches him as well; her hand glows orange and transfers it to him. Some clarity enters his eyes, but remain unfocus. He reaches out a hand and Alistar holds it tightly. Unshed tears hang in his eyes as his knuckles turn white from the strength of his grip. Thipan doesn't seem to notice. ”Alistar,” he speaks once more, his voice hardly above a whisper.

”Thipan, I'm here. Don't talk. You need to save your energy. We're going to get you out of here,” Alistar says.

The corner of Thipan's lips manages to lift into an exasperated smile. He throws in an eye roll for good measure. But, he doesn't bother arguing with Alistar.

Alistar looks to the Soma Mage. She shakes her head and explains, ”The rocks have done too much damage. The only reason he's not dead yet is the rocks are keeping him from bleeding to death.” He's trembling when she finishes and replies with a jerky nod.

As the horrible realization settles, Thipan breaks the heavy silence. ”I could...have told you...that,” he tiredly mutters as he coughs up more blood. He continues, ”Tell me...did Ribus make...it out okay?”

Thinking of those pair of legs sticking out from under that boulder, everyone shifts uncomfortably while I bite my lip hard enough to hurt.

Alistar hesitates a moment before answering, ”Yeah, of course, he did. You know how lucky he is,” his voice cracks, ”a little worse for wear but he's holding on.”

Thipan gives a weak smile before saying, ”You're a terrible liar.”

A tear slips down his cheek. ”Thip-,” Alistar begins.

”Listen...to me,” he cuts in, ”promise to...look after...his son for...me.”

Another tear escapes down Alistar's cheek. Before he has a chance to reply, Thipan's body goes slack. Alistar slowly puts down Thipan's hand. As his hands glow red, he clenches his fists suppressing his emotions once more. Watching him relentlessly control of his feelings causes me to shiver. He's bottling up a lot of anger. As soon as he meets whoever is the cause of this tragedy he'll unleash a fury that will haunt my memories.