Viravos~✨Talking to the Stars~✨

Caring for the Body and Mind

(Viren's POV)
I woke up early in the morning and snuck down the hall, careful that no one saw me entering the secret room. I sat in front of the mirror with my hands folded. "Aaravos? Are you there?" I whispered.
I heard a sigh as the caterpillar crept slowly up to my ear. "I am here." A tired, hoarse version of the startouch elf's voice answered.
I furrowed my eyebrows. "You sound terrible."
He laughed dryly. "You're too kind."
I laughed back. "What happened to you?"
"Simply a cold, it will pass."
"In the summer?"
"Yes. I generally encounter sickness in the summer months."
"That's odd." I crossed my arms.
"Perhaps to a human."
I nodded. "That's true." Then I frowned, "Does it hurt to speak?"
"A bit."
I shrugged, stretching my neck to look around the room that appeared in the mirror. "We could communicate how we used to. Though I can't see you. Where are you?"
He groaned. "In bed."
"Which is more painful? Getting up or speaking?" A long pause. I ran my hand through my hair, turning to the side. "Of course... We could just resume our meetings when you feel better." I winced at the sad tone in my voice. I had tried to keep the worry out of my voice and failed.
I heard him chuckle. "Nonsense. It will pass."
"You ought to take care of yourself."
"Are you worrying for me, Viren?" He asked in a playful voice.
I felt my ears heat up. "No." I cleared my throat. "Just worrying that you won't be able to help carry out my plan."
He laughed. "Right." I felt a sharp pain in my chest and gasped. "Viren? Has something happened?!" He asked in an alarmed tone.
I forced a smile. "Just pain in my chest, it comes and goes."
"That is rather concerning."
"No,no. It's just..." I sighed. "It's part of the anxiety."
"Is that so? Thus, I am correct to be worried. Mental health is not something to take lightly."
I laughed. "What do you mean?"
"Simply what I said: mental health is of the utmost importance." He said before sneezing a sneeze that sounded like a kitten.
I gasped. "Is that what your sneeze sounds like?"
"Indeed?"
"It's adorable." I heard myself say before flushing darkly. "I-I only mean that it reminds me of a kitten." I stammered.
I heard him chuckle. "Understood, I am glad that it amuses you." I heard his breath in my ear and a chill ran down my spine. "Back to the matter at hand; you ought to practice more self-care."
"You must be joking." I rolled my eyes with a smile.
"I most certainly am not. To let one's emotions and thoughts run rampant below the surface is a recipe for disaster. By not taking care of yourself, you put not only yourself in danger but this plan, your children and all of Katolis."
I blinked in surprise. Aaravos, a sick elf who I've known for so little time was reminding me of my old friend, Harrow. A pang of guilt caught in my throat and tears came to my eyes. How I wished I could see him smile again. How I regret—No. I mustn't look back. Only forward. I shook off the thought. "Right..." I took a deep breath, folding my hands. "What do you suggest I do?"
I could sense him smiling. "Would you like to try meditation?"
I groaned, adjusting my posture. "I hate meditating."
"You have tried it. Why does meditation displease you?"
"It's boring and I'm restless."
He laughed. "Perhaps try mindfulness meditation? You focus on sounds around you such as birds chirping, a wind chime or rushing water."
I nodded, rubbing my eyes. "I suppose I could try it."
"Good. The purpose it to center yourself in this moment. Thus, eliminating anxiousness."
I smiled. "Let me go outside by the water." I said, walking out into the courtyard.  I heard the river running as I approached it. "Alright."
"Close your eyes and sit comfortably."
"Okay." I sat by the stream crossing my legs into a pretzel shape.
"Now breathe in and out, for 10 seconds each allowing the air to fill your lungs. Focus on the sound of the water." I heard the water and his smooth voice in my ears. I was picturing him laying in bed under a sunset colored blanket with his eyes shut. I pictured myself laying on his chest and breathing in his scent. I felt a pang in my chest. How badly I wanted to hold him in my arms. I winced.
"Viren? Are you—" Then that adorable sneeze again.
I smiled despite myself. "Yes, I'm alright."
"You clearly weren't focusing." He sniffled.
"I apologize. As I said, I'm not much good at meditation."
"It's alright."
"Is there any sort of food or drink you could make to soothe your throat? Humans usually make hot chocolate or hot tea."
"Mmm... Yes, I suppose I could make tea."
"You drink tea?"
"Indeed. It is Xadian tea, not a type you would be accustomed to."
"Ah, well, I think you should."
He laughed and grimaced. "Perhaps."
I opened my eyes, closing my hand tightly. "There's no one there with you, right?"
"No, you knew this."
"It's a shame you have to make it yourself."
"Oh? Would you have made tea for me?" He asked in a playful tone.
I smiled. "It's not difficult."
"Nonetheless." He sighed before coughing for a while. It sounded painful.
"Aaravos?"
"Yes, I have started crushing the tea leaves."
"Do you make them by the cup?"
"Certainly, why?"
"We usually make a large amount to use over time."
He chuckled. "That would take away the freshness."
I shrugged. "It's convenient."
"I suppose it is." He sighed. "Now I wait for it to boil."
"Do you enjoy tea?"
"Hm... I suppose. Do you?"
"Yes."
"Do you prefer it to chocolate?"
I smiled. "I do but it's nice every now and then."
"What does chocolate taste like? I heard that humans obsess over it to a dangerous extent. I also heard it said that it has... Other properties."
I cleared my throat. "Those are true. It is usually sweet though it's made from cacao beans which are bitter."
"How is that?"
"Milk and sugar."
"Ah yes, the human favorites."
I laughed. "I suppose."
"I would like to try it someday."
"That sounds nice." I smiled.