[one-shot]

“You really should rest.”

“No.”

Magda was struggling to pull herself back to her feet as the Arynnite nurse rushed to her side, lifting her by the armpits to help her stand. Once up, Magda steadied herself between the rails. Her hands clutched the bars awkwardly as some fingers didn’t quite comply with her request to move. It would take time, they said. Don’t expect immediate results. Keep your expectations low. She wouldn’t hear any of it. Magda didn’t have time. The longer she was out of commission, the further she’d fade into obscurity. Magda’s brow was damp with sweat, breath heavy with exertion. Yet even though it looked like she was going to pass out, she remained standing.

“Again.”

She straightened her back, feeling the vertebrae affixed to the outside of her neck moving to help lift her. Kennet Caern had been true to her word: Magda had been fixed with the help of Arynnite enchantment. The pain had been reduced to soreness and the feeling had returned to her hands and feet. It was the weakness that persisted. Even once the long and painful procedure was complete, it was another couple of weeks before feeling returned, and several more weeks after that before there were signs of movement. It was enough time to lose muscle, for her body to forget what it was to hold itself straight. But Magda was determined to whip it back into shape; not just to be functional, but to be stronger and more beautiful than the day Conall Morrigan tried to end her. It gave her such satisfaction to know the black mark of ‘abuser’ would forever be inked by @conall ’s name. It helped fuel her, the sweet taste of vengeance enough to dull the pain.

Magda took a step, and her muscles complied. Then, another step. She started to loosen her grip on the bars, letting her body bear its own weight as she walked. Another step. Magda wobbled a little, holding out her arms to steady herself, waiting for a moment before stepping again. She laughed in wonderment, taking her steps more quickly now - going beyond the end of the bars until she was tightrope-walking into the middle of the room, seemingly normal except for one hand whose fingers were still gnarled. Another step, another step, and then-

One of her legs failed to follow her orders. It buckled, sending her crashing to the floor. Magda swore loudly. Her head hit the ground with a thunk, a sound that indicated there’d likely be a bump later. The nurse came rushing to Magda’s side, but she pushed her off; panting as she collected herself. Once her breaths became slower, she started to move.

“Again.”

Magda crawled back towards the bars, the nurse urging her to stop as she pulled herself up to try once more.