Chapter Five
After the first day, Titus found he could help in a number of different ways that didn't require his healing abilities. Such as assisting ponies in and out of spring pools, or carrying around and distributing supplies to any acolytes in need of replenishing their stock. It wasn't easy, but it was morally rewarding to a man whose sworn purpose in life was to help others.
Days past as he rushed around the cavern, carrying crates of blankets and other such heat conserving items, (he couldn't even tell what he was distributing around sometimes) and carrying those too weak to walk to the springs so that they may undergo therapeutic treatments within the spring's magical waters. All in all, it was extremely taxing on him physically, but he kept the positives in mind. He would soon be able to take the fight to the cretins that were the Icebringers and he would be able to get on with his life. Lyra was also quite the motivational piece during his long walks around cavern, it was nice knowing that he would have his friend back soon enough, and they could get out of this place and hopefully back to a restored Equestria.
After spending yet another day dragging around crates and ponies, the Paladin found himself using one the springs on his tender feet. The walking around in full plate mail in a steam filled cavern was not as comfortable as one might think, and Titus was simply trying to rest his weary feet within the pool.
He suddenly felt hooves wrap around his neck, and was nearly on the verge of being pulled back. He gagged and turned around to find Lyra looking at him shyly.
“Hey.” Titus said roughly. He wasn't sure he knew what else to say.
“Hey.” She responded lightly. She quickly came over to his side and sat, looking into the springs. “Weird place we're in, huh?”
“Yeah..”
She looked up at him. “So, umm.. I heard that you saved me. I, well, appreciate it.”
Oh it was happening again, Titus thought with dread. He had been fearing this moment since he had heard the news on how they both survived. It was a moment he couldn't avoid, and he knew it. Now he had to sit here and see what the outcome would be like.
“Well.. thanks. Always happy to help, you know.” It was becoming harder and harder for him to talk.
He felt his head jerked to the side by one of her hooves, and found himself staring into those big yellow eyes. “Nobody has really gone out of their way to help me in anyway like that.”
He felt his face begin to heat up. “... Thanks.”
She placed her forehead on his and they both sat there, staring into each other's eyes. Every thought in Titus' mind screamed in protest to even sitting there and allowing this to happen. But for some reason he couldn't compel himself to turn away. He felt more and more flustered as the moments passed by, and was really get self conscious of the others around them. He had never been this close to anyone before, not even Eleii. Lyra didn't even seem to notice his edgy behavior and simply kept staring into his eyes.
Luckily, the moment was broken from a shouting acolyte. “It is time we prepare for the crusade upon Hoofington! All who are going should gather their equipment and say their farewells to your families and hope you return!”
“Well they're sure blunt on what could happen.” The Paladin said turning away from Lyra.
She frowned, frustrated that the moment hadn't progressed to anything further. “What? Are you going with them?”
“I'm afraid so.” he said with genuine regret. “I gave Totem my word.”
“Well then, I hope you don't mind me tagging along.”
Where had he heard this before? Titus thought bitterly. “Not this time. You still need to recover.” He got a smack on the noggin for saying that. Just like old times, he thought.
“Can you say something other than: 'stay put' for once in your life?”
“Yes. While you're here, why don't you help some of the ponies while I'm gone?”
She glared at him, but the eyes finally relaxed. “Fine. Just don't get yourself frozen out there, okay?”
Titus stood up. “Yes, I know. If I recall correctly, you said 'you need me' at some point in time previous. Am I correct?”
She looked away. “I didn't say that...”
“Of course not.”
“You weren't suppose to hear that....” she mumbled. Luckily Titus did not seem to hear her.
He threw on his boots once more and looked around sadly, forgetting for just a split second he had lost his hammer. “I'm going to need some other type of weapon...”
A familiar gruff voice came up from behind him. “I believe you would find this... acceptable.”
He looked over to Totem, who was holding a large hammer, similar to his own. It was beautiful, with aquatic symbols stretching all the way down and around the hammer face. Whoever made this was a master of the craft. Totem outstretched it towards him, offering its grip. Titus took it slowly and brought to his eyes. It was lighter than his last hammer, meaning faster and more frenzied attacks. Something still nagged at him, though and he had to make sure that it wasn't going to be a problem.
“This isn't going to freeze on contact with the Icebringers, is it?” He asked, still getting a feel for the weapon.
“Not anymore, child. It has been dipped into this very spring water, the fear of your weapon being rendered useless should no longer burden your mind.”
The Paladin couldn't help but smile at this revelation. Finally he could defend himself and contribute to the attack properly. The Light would be a major help too, even if not in an offensive manner. He could still heal himself and others around him if the need came.
“Why don't you say your goodbyes for now?” Totem began walking away. “We'll be near the cave mouth when everyone is prepared.”
Titus nodded and turned back to his little green shadow. She looked up at him with concerned eyes. “Don't worry about me, okay?” He patted her gently on the head. “Just hold tight, I'll be back soon.”
“Hurry back. I don't know what I can do here by myself.” She called back up.
“I'll try. No promises, though.”
For a minute they stood there, wondering if they should do something before they took leave of one another. It was extremely awful for the Paladin who still wasn't sure how he was suppose to be feeling at the moment. He wasn't sure if he wanted to do something or not, it frustrated him. He looked around and saw the acolytes begin to march up into the upper reaches of the cavern. He should be following them, but he was stuck here at the moment, in an awkward limbo.
“I'll try to keep safe while you're gone.” Was all she said after the minute’s end.
The Paladin nodded and waved goodbye as he followed after the remaining volunteers. While he walked in between the crowds, pushing and shoving his way into the throng, he couldn't help but think what happen between them after all of this. Could it really be something more than just friendship? Had Luna and Totem really see them together? Even after all this time he still had issues about being with someone that wasn't human, and he still didn't understand. He couldn't dwell on it, though. The guardians of the springs would need him now.