“What was with all those golden sparks? They were very unpleasant, though no one else seemed to notice," I asked trying to focus on my present predicament. "What type of special effect was that-"

He grabbed my left arm suddenly and pulled it to his face, forcing me to stand on my tiptoes as he dragged me up.

“You look to be fine; there doesn’t appear to be any wounds.” He finally said after holding me for several minutes.

Was it really necessary to grab me to check for wounds? I wondered as eyes roved over my left arm.

“It stung, but it didn’t cut,” I said as I pulled my arm out of his grasp. “Were they made of some self-contained electrical current?” I asked, recalling how they appeared like glowing golden bubbles.

“It was a blessing from the goddess Elysarra.” His voice was serious and stern as he spoke to me. “But you seem to have rejected it.”

Even after witnessing me faint, he's back in character. What will it take for them to stop with this charade?

I opened my mouth to give him those exact thoughts, but I was too worn down. 

If you can’t beat them, join them, right? At least, temporarily.

“As did you.” I retorted, remembering how he winced when the sparks came in contact with his skin.

“But I know the reason for my reaction. What’s yours?”

“Maybe your goddess doesn’t like me,” I answered quickly, winging it with the role-playing.

“Perhaps.” He muttered low as he closed the distance between us, his head bending down mere inches from mine. He stared deeply into my eyes as if they would reveal truths that I was keeping from him.

The space between us became even smaller as he leaned forward; his breath warm against my lips.

“Okay, buddy,” I pushed him away, or I tried. He was a wall, and instead, I was the one who ended up stumbling backwards a few steps. “You will need to roll initiative for that.”

I looked away, hoping to temper down the flush that I knew was spreading across my face.

“You say the oddest things,” was his response.

There was a knock on the door, and it opened before either of us answered. Light spilled in, and standing at the threshold was a young girl, Tomlin’s daughter. Her face broke into a smile as soon as she saw me.

“I’m glad that you’re finally awake,” her small voice squeaked. “We’ve finished with dinner, but have set aside some for you if you are hungry.”

At least they’d stopped speaking to me in their fantasy language.

My stomach audibly grumbled at the thought of food.

“Yes, please,” I answered enthusiastically. The young girl turned and made for me to follow her. Which I gladly did, until Kael’s grip stopped me.

“What now?”

“Do not mention anything about the blessing.” He said sternly. He must have noticed that I was going to say something to refute, so he continued, “These people are devotees of Elysarra; it will do you no good to share that she has rejected you.”

I fought with all my willpower not to roll my eyes again.

“I won’t say anything.” I groaned as I pulled away. Already annoyed at how far I had been pulled into their game.