an Au of Healing Golden Scars an Owl house fanfiction by @sun_ve which follows River who after helping to defeat Bellos is happily living his life with his wife Nori and his stepdaughter before things take a drastic turn for the worse and River's li...
River woke up much like he had the day before. As he got up, he noticed that the clothes he had arrived in had been washed.
Relieved to find something comfortable to wear, he appreciated this small touch of normalcy amid the chaos surrounding him. However, curiosity crept in—who had cleaned them? He didn't recall seeing any servants, and the thought of Amaya walking into his room to pick up his clothes sent a shiver down his spine. Shaking off the unease, he put on the freshly laundered outfit. As he scooped up his palismin, she transformed into her wooden form.
Stepping into the hallway, he was startled to see Johnathon casually leaning against the doorframe, their eyes meeting as a small smile played on Johnathon's lips.
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"Ah, good morning, River. I hope you rested well," Johnathon said, standing tall, though he still had to tilt his head slightly to meet River's gaze.
River nodded. "I did. I can't thank you enough for your hospitality."
Johnathon shook his head. "Think nothing of it. I'm happy to help."
"Uhm, so, Johnathon..." River hesitated, wanting to ask about his clothes but unsure of how to broach the subject with those who had so kindly welcomed him. Finally, he blurted out, "I appreciate that my clothes were cleaned, but I couldn't help but notice there don't seem to be any servants. So, uh, who cleaned them?"
Johnathon nodded. "Oh, that was me. I knocked on your door last night, and when you didn't answer, I opened it to make sure you weren't in any trouble. But you hadn't arrived yet. When I saw your dirty clothes, I figured you'd prefer something fresher to wear, so I cleaned them up for you. I actually found a spell that does it in seconds; I can teach you if you want."
Johnathon flashed River a smile that reminded him of the ones Amaya had given him back in high school, though this one felt more genuine.
"That would be useful, if it's not too much of a bother. We can find a good time," River replied.
Johnathon nodded and began walking down the hall, River following closely behind. "So, what time are you free? I don't necessarily need to go down to the castle today, but I have things to get done around the house. Maybe I could teach you the spell while we're at it?"
River shook his head. "Not likely; I have work today. Perhaps afterward, if it's not too late, I can help as a way to repay your kindness."
Johnathon nodded as they reached the main hall and headed toward the kitchen. "It's not a big deal, and it's no problem if you can't. You're not a hassle here, River. In fact, I'm happy you're here. But if you really feel the need to repay us, I can find something for you to help with later."
River smiled at Johnathon gratefully.
As Johnathon turned to enter the kitchen, he glanced back at River. "Either way, if you have the time, I hope you'll join us for breakfast. Amaya's cooking is fantastic, and it would be wonderful to have you there."
