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Roland had encountered some pretty strange situations as a paladin. However, nothing could quite prepare him for what was in store on this mission.
He had been assigned to accompany Astolfo on his first mission as a newly instated paladin. To Roland’s delight, it involved camping. He momentarily looked up from his own bag to ask the young paladin, “Do you have all of your gear Astolfo?”
The young boy sighed, and shot an irritated glance in the older paladin’s direction. “Yes Roland. I’m not a child. I do remember to pack everything.” As usual, Astolfo’s biting remarks failed to ruffle him. He just let it slide in favor of continuing to make sure they were prepared.
An hour later, the two paladins set off with their teams, leaving the bustling city of Paris for the quiet countryside.
Hiking out to the countryside had always been enjoyable in Roland’s eyes. He took a deep breath in, savoring the wonderful earthy scent that was absent in the city. He peered over at Astolfo. The young boy looked to be enjoying himself as well.
“So, how do you feel about your first mission? Nervous, excited, scared?”
“...I guess I feel normal? I’m just glad I finally get to hunt vampires.”
Roland looked at Astolfo softly. He was fully aware of his traumatic history with vampires. He and his family were attacked by a group of them.
He gently placed a hand on Astolfo’s shoulder to convey a sense of comfort. He jumped slightly, despite having seen the man’s hand. Roland couldn’t blame Astolfo for his hypervigilance. The abuse he had gone through was absolutely horrific. He was forced to watch his own family die, and even held his sister’s hand as it happened.
Roland gave him a reassuring smile. Or, as reassuring as one can get when they are on their way to hunt vampires.
In no time at all, they had reached the place where they were to set up camp. It was a good thing too, because the sun had just started to set. The two paladins began pitching the tents, with Roland and Astolfo staying in one, and the other Chasseurs staying in another.
With the camp having been set up, the two paladins laid down on their pallets.
Astolfo began fidgeting in his sleep, kicking his legs and mumbling.
“…...Mmmmmmm, no!” Roland turned towards the sound of distress. He could just make out the lithe frame of Astolfo, trembling in his sleep. “Not my sister! Louisette!” Astolfo cries out and shoots straight up, panting, eyes wide open, scanning for signs of danger.
When he finally noticed Roland, he went quiet.
“Are you alright? Would you like some water?”
Not waiting for an answer, Roland closes the gap between the two of them, placing one hand on Astolfo’s back and the other on top of his thigh.
He flinches at the contact but doesn’t say anything. Tears began to well up in his eyes.
As Roland gently rubs comforting circles on Astolfo’s back, he suddenly noticed a warm, wet feeling on the boy’s thigh.
“Astolfo? Did you have a nightmare accident?”
At that, Astolfo began to sob harshly.
“Shhh, it’s nothing to be ashamed about. Let’s get you cleaned up so you can get some more sleep.”
Roland took his canteen and poured some water on a handkerchief. He then proceeded to carefully undress Astolfo and began sponging him off.
Astolfo winced at the cold and shuddered at the caring touches. He continued to sob, albeit, not as harshly as before.
Roland then took a dry handkerchief and dried him off, making sure to be gentle.
He then redressed the young paladin in fresh pajamas and gave him a reassuring hug.
“You don’t have to feel bad about having an accident during a nightmare. It’s completely normal after having been through trauma.”
Astolfo leaned into the hug. Normally he wanted nothing to do with the man. But when he went through flashbacks, all he cared about was someone to comfort him.
“Since your pallet is wet, you can share mine if you want.”
Astolfo looked down at his knees, still embarrassed from the whole situation. He mustered up all he had to say,“Thank you for helping me Roland.”
“No problem. Now, let’s get some sleep. We have a job to do tomorrow that requires strength.”
The two paladins crawled into the dry bedding and settled in to once again go to sleep.
Roland ran his fingers through Astolfo’s hair, lulling the boy to sleep.
“Goodnight Astolfo. Have peaceful dreams.”