The boy, huddled up in the crack in the cave wall, seemed to be in really bad shape but still wouldn't allow anyone near him. I can only imagine what happened to make him this wary.

I could see his cloak was soaked in blood and knew we had to get him out of there quickly. He just wouldn't budge from that place.

My team was panicking more and more every minute he wouldn't come out, well except from Raok who looked like he'd rather be somewhere else.

I decided to try earning a small bit of trust from him, maybe then he'd at least let me near him so I can help. I offered him some water since he looked quite dehydrated but he didn't take the bottle. I realized it could be because he didn't know what was in it so I took a sip to show it was safe to drink.

After snatching the bottle he gulped down the water so fast, I was afraid he would choke. He sort off did I guess since he went right into a coughing fit. I quickly took the bottle afraid he would soak himself even more and get hypothermia or something.

When I gave the bottle back to him I told him my name hoping he would trust me a little more knowing who I was. It was quiet for a while before I softly heard him stutter: "Uuhhh...i-it's N-Nyo." I smiled warmly at him, happy he opened up a tiny bit.

I turned back to my team. "Can you guys leave the medical supplies and some food here and go stand watch outside the cave?" They nodded and put some stuff down on the ground before turning around and leaving.

I turned back to the boy, well, Nyo I guess. I took of my armour and lay it down next to me. Then I sat down, crosslegged, right in front of the crack. Nyo stared at me and I stared back.

I don't know how long I quietly sat there, it could have been half an hour, 2 hours or maybe it was 5. I do know that he finally began moving a bit out off the crack. I reached for the food that lay behind me and held it in my hand. His wary eyes met mine and I gave him an encouraging nod.

He slowly very slowly crawled out of the crack, wobbling dangerously. My hands itched to rush to his side and help him before he fell over. Sadly I couldn't do that since he would just go back into the crack. Then I'd just be back to where I started.

He dropped down right in front of the opening panting heavely. His face was cast in shadows by his cloak the only thing visible was his eyes. Even though he looked weak, almost like he was dying, those eyes still burned with so much life. It was like staring into a fire that could burn you any second.

I threw the food in front of his legs hoping he would eat some and gather the strength to fight a little longer. Not that I was thinking he would give up. Those eyes made clear that he was not planning on leaving anytime soon.

I saw how his shaking hands reached out to grab the food. How his bony fingers tried opening the carefully wrapped cloth. How he dropped it several times probably due to his hands having gotten numb from the cold.

The sight was saddening to say the least. I wanted to help, but I felt useless knowing I couldn't do anything right now lest he go back in there and might never come out again. I just had to slowly earn his trust and hopefully be allowed to at least treat his wounds.

After he dropped it for the 3rd time I picked it up from the ground and unwrapped it for him. I held out my hand, a piece of what looked to be dried meat in it. He looked at me doubtfully and I saw his legs twitch. I almost thought he would go back in there, that I had scared or maybe offended him.

We stared at each other for a few minutes and then he finally reached out a hand to take it from mine. It was progress, though not much, I was still glad. Just a little longer and maybe just maybe he'd let me help him. I just had to keep trying and hope I wouldn't scare him off.