Sunday
Clare was watching Miloh and Flora with a sharp eye as they were running around the deck.
"Be careful you two." Their father called. Miloh and Flora looked at Clare before running to her legs.
"Are we there yet?" Flora asked. Over the year she'd become much more confident. Clare picked them up, "See over there, there's home." Clare said nodding towards the land fast approaching. Flora giggled then shivered, "Mama, why's it so cold?" Clare shivered, "Great...We came during winter." Luke placed his coat around her shoulders. Clare held the twins close to her so she could hide her small frame in the large coat. Luke disappeared to slow the ship and the house came into view. Clare shivered and went down into the cabin to put Miloh and Flora in their coats. Luke smiled and eased the port side of the ship against the dock. Miloh and Flora came running out in their coats to see the snow, Clare following a short distance away. Luke chuckled and led them off the ship onto the dock. Clare sighed as her kids played in the snow. Luke wrapped his arms around her, "What's the matter Angel?"
"It's winter..." Clare said as she shivered. Luke rubbed her arms then held her against him. Clare soaked his heat up keep herself warm.
"Come on let's go see what surprises are in store of us..." Luke said quietly.
"Yes, let's go see what our favourite niece and nephew have been up to." Clare said. Luke nodded and scooped up Flora and Miloh. Miloh and Flora smiled as they hugged their dad. Clare wrapped her husband's coat around herself. Luke smiled and shifted them to take her hand. Clare threaded her fingers with his, "I hate winter."
"I know and I'm sorry for making us come back right at the beginning of it..." Luke apologized as he rubbed the back of her hand.
"It's alright...but if my hunches are right...I'm going to have to dig out my parka..." Clare hummed. Luke chuckled and shooed her up the stairs ahead of him. Clare quickly went inside and brushed the snow off her boots before kicking them off. Sophie instantly tackled her. Clare shifted slightly before looking down, "Hello Sophie." Sophie looked up and smiled, the young girl was in her school uniform, most likely on her way to school.
"On your way to school?" Clare asked as she crouched down. Sophie nodded, "Top of her class." Link said as he came in.
"Wow...That's great." Clare said smiling. Sophie smiled and ran around Clare, "Bye dad." Clare smiled and looked around, "Hmm...let me guess, upstairs in her room."
"She's on bed rest, doctor's orders." Link replied as he sent the twins after their sister.
"Why...Wait I already know." Clare said waving him off to go upstairs. Link shook his head and said hi to the twins. Clare went to Anni's room and knocked on the frame. Anni glanced away from the window, she was wearing an oversized green sweater and the blankets tucked around her. She was pale with dark circles under her eyes but her cheek were flushed, "Hi Auntie Clare..." Even her voice was quiet.
"No wonder your on bed rest...so, how far along are you?" Clare asked sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Four months give or take a couple days..." Anni replied. You couldn't even tell she was pregnant, what with the sweater she was wearing.
"Link's sweater?" Clare asked looking at the green sweater with a smile. Anni nodded lightly and placed her hand to her slightly rounded stomach. Clare nodded, "Well, your hubby's back and I've got a house to clean, just send Link down if you need anything." Clare said standing up. Anni nodded then sighed and laid down before shutting her eyes and falling asleep. Clare smiled and tucked Anni in before going down stairs. Luke was chatting quietly with Link. Clare's ear twitched absently. Luke looked up and then grabbed the kids after bidding his nephew goodbye. Clare smiled and said good bye to Link and told him to get her if anything happened before following Luke out the door. Luke took her hand as the twins chased each other and played in the snow, "How is she?"
"Looks like she doesn't sleep, looks sick and she said she's four months along." Clare answered.
"Link said she was having a hard time sleeping, and on top of that, she barely keep anything down...not even the tea that's supposed to settle her stomach..." Luke added.
"Well we're home if they need us so let's hope things go smoothly." Clare hummed. Luke nodded and rubbed the back of her hand. Clare smiled as the kids came to her side.
"Mommy, where was Anni?" Miloh asked, he'd take a fondness to his oldest cousin.
"She's in bed." Clare replied.
"Is she okay?" Miloh asked suddenly worried.
"Sick, but she'll get better." Clare responded. Miloh whined, he was so sweet, "Can I help her get better sooner?"
"Well, you can play her a song next time we go up." Clare said as she patted his head. Miloh smiled and playfully pushed his sister before running away. Flora chased after her brother as Clare smiled and scooped up a handful of snow. Luke was off in his own little world, most likely worried about their young niece. Clare smiled playfully and shoved the snow down his back before bolting, scooping both children up as she ran by. Luke shuddered violently and used his shadow arts to catch her. Clare jumped away from the shadows as she leapt towards home, Miloh and Flora laughing happily. Luke smirked and waited in the house for her and the kids. Clare landed on the porch to the conservatory before shaking her legs out, it has been a while since she went that fast or jumped that high.
"Hello Angel." Luke whispered in her ear. Clare jumped as he started both her and the happy kids. Luke chuckled and kissed all their foreheads. Clare smiled, "Are you going to open the door before we freeze?" Luke chuckled and opened the door for them. Clare set the kids down, "Take your boots off when you get inside." She told them as they ran inside.
"Okay Mom." They replied. Clare smiled as she slipped her own boots off before picking up the three pairs to put them by the fire place. Luke scooped her up and kissed her soundly on the lips. Clare smiled and kissed him back after wrapping her arms around his neck. Luke nipped her lip lightly. Clare smiled and opened her mouth for him. Luke quickly deepened the kiss as he wrapped his one arm across her ribs under her breasts. Clare smiled and ghosted her tongue on his bottom lip. Luke smiled and easily over powered her. She closed her eyes as she moaned softly under her breath. Luke broke the kiss and smiled cheekily. Clare smiled and quickly kissed him, "Alright, you had your fun now you can get a fire started." Luke pouted and set her down. Clare sent him a look that promised fun later that night. Luke smiled and set to work on the fire. The twins came down the stairs and attached themselves to Clare's legs, "What are we going to do Mom?" Clare smiled, "I don't know, what do you want to do?" They looked at each other then at their mom, "We want to cuddle."
"Okay, let's go to the couch and cuddle." Clare said then both kids ran to the couch. Luke shook his head as he finally got the fire going. Clare sat on the couch and Miloh and Flora instantly cuddled into her side, "Come join the cuddle fest Luke." Luke shook his head, "I will in a minute."
"Got something to do other than cuddle?" Clare asked as she tilted her head to the side.
"I do believe hot chocolate is in order." Luke replied. Miloh smiled, he loved hot chocolate, "Can I help?"
"Sure thing, come on kiddo..." Luke replied and crouched down for his son. Miloh smiled and flung his arms around his dad's neck. Flora huffed and snuggled into her mother's side.
"Do you want to help too sweetie?" Luke asked his daughter.
"No thank you...I want to learn ninja tricks." Flora said hugging her mother. Luke shook his head and disappeared with his son. Clare smiled, "So you want to learn ninja tricks? Well, it's going to be tough..." Clare said trying to deter her daughter.
"But mom, Miloh can play the piano already and I...I can't do anything..." Flora said quietly.
"You can dance, Miloh can't do that...though...his father might end up teaching him that...Okay, but we'll work slow." Clare said as she hugged her daughter. Flora smiled and snuggled closer to her mother.
"So when do you want to start?" Clare asked as she heard some clanging in the kitchen.
"When the snow's gone." Flora grumbled.
"Yup, I like that idea." Her mother replied. Luke and Miloh returned, Luke with the drinks and Miloh with warm cinnamon buns. Clare smiled and let Flora go as her little nose twitched to the smell of the buns.
"Oh, those smell good..." Flora muttered. Clare smiled and motioned them over, "Come on, we haven't started cuddling yet." Luke and Miloh set everything on the coffee table. Clare smiled when Flora climbed into her lap to get closer to the heavenly aroma of the hot chocolate and cinnamon buns.
"Here Flora, I made this for you..." Miloh said as he handed his sister a cup with her name on it.
"Thanks Miloh..." Flora said taking the cup and hugging him. Clare resisted the urge to hug them both and squeal happily, which would've ended up with hot chocolate all over herself. Miloh smiled and crawled onto the couch. Clare smiled, she would have to teach Flora how to sew so she could make something for her brother. Luke sat down next to her and handed her a mug before looping his arm around her. Clare smiled and leaned against him, sipping her hot chocolate. Miloh and Flora snuggled up together.
"Guess we're left to cuddle each other." Clare hummed. Luke smiled and kissed her neck. Clare smiled and nuzzled his cheek. Miloh whispered something to his sister. Clare's ear twitched. Flora giggled and they both finished their hot chocolate before running off. They whispered quietly enough Clare didn't hear any or it, so she resigned to stay snuggled into her husband's side. Luke ran his fingers across her cheek. Clare smiled and nuzzled his neck. Luke continued to stroke her cheek. Clare sipped her hot chocolate then looked up at him. He smiled warmly and kissed her forehead. She smiled and finished her hot chocolate. Luke easily shifted her into his lap.
"Is there something bothering you?" Clare asked tilting her head back to look up at him.
"I'm just worried about Anni, she'll always be more of a daughter than a niece and when she's sick I get nervous..." Luke replied as he toyed with her wedding band.
"It was her choice to have another one, she knows that she gets really sick when she is pregnant...but Link said the doctor ordered her to bed rest so hopefully it helps." Clare said threading their fingers together.
"But she's never been this sick..." Luke replied.
"Well...according to Sheik's aunt, it gets harder and harder with each child, and with age." Clare said, "I'm not an expert on this but that's what I heard." Luke nodded, "Maybe two is enough for us..."
"Don't lie to yourself Luke...It's unbecoming. I think I can last through another pregnancy." Clare hummed.
"Are you sure, I couldn't live with myself if you were that sick?" Luke asked.
"Positive. I've last through tons of sicknesses before." Clare said leaning against him. Luke nodded and settled, "Do you think you'll be able to do anything for her?"
"I could do that morning sickness spell and see if that helps." Clare said in thought.
"That may help, I can see if I can help her get some sleep." Luke replied. Clare nodded. Flora and Miloh came back smiling and giggling.
"What were you two up to?" Clare asked looking at them.
"Can we go see Anni?" Miloh asked a slight blush on his cheeks. Clare raised an eyebrow but shrugged, "I don't see why not, go get your boots and coats on." Miloh and Flora both placed a card on the coffee table and ran off to get ready. Clare grabbed the cards. Each one was a hand-made get well card for their cousin. Clare smiled and set the cards back on the coffee table then stood from Luke's lap, "Best get ready now." Luke smiled and disappeared. Clare shook her head before going to put her boots on. A few minutes later he reappeared with her parka.
"Oh Yay, now I won't be so cold." Clare said as she took it from him to put it on. Luke smiled as the twins darted back and to get their cards.
"Okay, are you two ready to go?" Clare asked as she crouched down. They both nodded and Flora wrapped her arms around Clare's neck as Luke picked Miloh up. Clare wrapped one arm around Flora before opening the door. Luke smiled and followed her out. They trekked up to the Inn where they entered quickly. Link was folding laundry on the couch, the house was oddly quiet with the kids at school.
"We're back..." Clare called as she took Flora's boots off then kicked her own off. Link smiled, "Twice in one day, that's different."
"Getting sick of us yet?" Clare asked as she took Flora's coat off and hung it on a peg before taking the large green parka off.
"Never, you're family and I'm always happy to see you. But I'm pretty sure Anni's asleep." Link replied.
"Then we're just going to hang out with you. Little Brother." Clare said ruffling his hair as she took Flora to a chair nearby.
"But mom..." Flora whined.
"Anni is sleeping, you can give her your card when she wakes up." Clare said as she nuzzled her daughter's head.
"Okay..." They both sighed.
"I'll let you know when she wakes up." Clare told them.
"She's up..." Link said with a sigh, "So is her lunch..."
"Okay...let's go up..." Clare said as she stood. Both kids got up and quietly headed upstairs. Clare followed at a safe distance. The twins knocked politely on the door. Clare stood behind them waiting.
"Come in..." Anni said weakly. Clare opened the door and ushered the kids in. Anni was sitting on the edge of the bed, even paler than the last time Clare had seen her, and trembling slightly. Clare put her hand on Anni's forehead the other on her stomach before whispering the spell. Slowly Anni's colour returned and her trembles subsided. Miloh and Flora found a new light to look at their mom, the our mom is the greatest light. Clare shifted Anni so she was propped up against the pillows, "That spell should last at least until tomorrow morning, hopefully till the same time tomorrow." Anni nodded and placed her hand to her stomach as it rebelled against Clare's spell but what was left of her lunch stayed in place. Clare nodded and picked Flora up then Miloh to set them on the bed, "They have something for you." They both crawled up to sit on either side of their ill cousin, "Get well soon Anni." Clare smiled and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Thank you..." Anni whispered as she hugged them lightly, her strength still gone. Miloh and Flora both hugged her back, gently. The both noticed Anni's slightly rounded stomach and looked at their mother in confusion. Clare smiled and shook her head, "There's a little baby growing in there." Anni smiled lightly as the twins looked at her in amazement, "When it starts to move, you can feel okay?" The young brunette said quietly. The twins nodded before starting to tell Anni about their first time off Levious. Anni smiled and listened intently, even at her weakest she was still one of the kindest people the twins knew.
"And the green frog guy and the red frog guy lifted us up on their puffy clouds to see Valoo." Miloh started but Flora finished. Anni smiled and smoothed out their hair, "So you had fun while you were away?"
"Yeah, but there were times when Mom or Dad wouldn't let us outside..." Flora sighed as Miloh nodded.
"Your mom and dad just wanted to keep you safe..." Anni told them.
"That's what they tell us...but we could hear cannon fire." Miloh said. Clare shook her head slowly.
"There are lots of bad things out on the ocean and that's the best way to get rid of them." Anni said.
"Oh that reminds me...Did Link have a boomerang with him when he got here?" Clare asked as she looked at Anni.
"Yes, he defeated a trio of nasty lizard things, one of which tried to make a snack out of me." Anni replied quietly.
"Can I see it...I want to make one." Clare said as she watched as Miloh and Flora shift after yawning. Anni smiled and gently removed their arms from her waist. Clare scooped them up, "If you remember where it is, you can tell me where when I come back up." Anni nodded and promised the twins she'll tell them when the infant began to move. They nodded sleepily before leaning their heads on Clare's shoulder. Clare smiled and nodded to Anni, "See you later." Anni rubbed her own eyes and shifted to try and lie down. Clare shifted her children then left the room quietly.
"Auntie Clare...?" Anni called quietly just after she left. Clare stopped and back up, "Hmm?" Anni was still sitting up, "I can't get comfortable..." She whispered, tears pooling in her eyes, her emotions getting the better of her. Clare turned into the room and set the twins on the foot of the bed before laying Anni down, "On your side or back?"
"My side please..." Anni whispered. Clare nodded and turned Anni on her side, "How's that?"
"Better, thank you..." Anni said as her voice trial away and she chocked back a sob.
"Shh...you'll be fine..." Clare whispered, "Same with the baby. Do you want me to get Link?" Anni shook her head and wiped at her eyes, "I just...I just feel...feel so...so..."
"Shh...I know I know...All you need is rest and food...I'll come back tomorrow to put another spell on you." Clare said brushing Anni's bangs off her forehead. Anni nodded and continued to cry, her hormones running wild.
"I had this huge lecture planned out that put kings to shame but now I can't give it to you...I'll try again tomorrow." Clare said, "But you're not helpless...You just need to rest, leave everything else to Link, think about yourself and the baby right now." Anni nodded and hid her face. Clare brushed her bangs off her forehead lightly before going back to the twins. Anni quickly tired herself out and was soon asleep. Clare picked up the twins before leaving, letting the door click shut behind her. Luke was again talking with Link, "...gave the kids the scare of their lives. Sophie was the only calm one and was trying to bring Anni around with little luck."
"I'll tell you this one more time Link...Keep your pants on." Clare said as she walked by.
"What? She asked and I can hardly ever say no to her..." Link defended.
"Well now you can remind her of how sick she gets." Clare said as she grabbed her boots.
"May I ask, why are you so mad about this?" Link asked, suddenly very defensive. Clare sighed, "I don't like seeing the people I care about, sick, hurt or emotionally unstable. Anni is two of those things."
"And I don't either, but she begged, I said no for half a year Clare and then I caved and now I feel horrible about it..." Link replied. Clare watched him, "You closed the Inn right?"
"As soon as I found out, Anni asked me to leave it open but it would be too hard on her..." Link replied as he pointed to the sign on the door that read : closed until further notice. Clare nodded, "I'll be back up tomorrow to refresh the spell, and I'll give you a stone that works the same way, I should have it ready by then. But in the mean time, if the kids aren't home, undivided attention to her." Link nodded and then sighed, "I hope she gets her energy back."
"Time will tell." Clare replied as she slipped her boots on. Luke stood and took the kids for a moment. Clare sipped on her parka before tucking the two little pairs of boots in her pockets then quickly slipped the twins into their coats. Luke handed her Flora and bid Link good bye. Clare waved absently as she followed Luke out the door.
"Are you really that upset with him?" Luke asked as they walked home.
"No, but when ever this happens, I always end up stressed beyond belief." Clare said as she could already feel the inevitable stress creeping up on her. Luke rubbed the back of her hand, "You had a lecture for Anni didn't you?"
"Yup, one that would put kings scolding their daughters to shame but Anni's tears made me keep it to myself." Clare sighed.
"Hormones getting the better of her?" Luke asked.
"As usual." Clare sighed again, she had a feeling she was going to do a lot of sighing. Luke rubbed her hand again, "She's probably feeling pretty helpless."
"She is feeling pretty helpless." Clare said shifting Flora.
"She's more like her mother than she cares to admit..." Luke mused.
"Let's hope she get's over this sick thing soon." Clare replied, "Cause that stone is going to take a lot of magic to make."
"You're a good person for caring about her Clare, not many people would do that for someone..." Luke whispered as he kissed her temple.
"Well, it's Anni, she's my niece and a good person herself. She does deserve it...and I want to do this." Clare said as she leaned against him slightly. Luke smiled and shifted Miloh to wrap his arm around her. Clare leaned more against him, "I'm going to have to dig for a rock...joy."
"We have a rock at home remember, I found it in one of the chests we pulled up." Luke told her.
"How big is it, cause obviously I don't remember?" Clare asked.
"It would fit in the palm of your hand." Luke replied, emphasising 'your'. Clare nodded, "Good...we find the strangest things in the sea." Luke chuckled and opened the door. Clare slipped inside and took Flora's coat off then her own after kicking her boots off. Luke took off his own boots then offered to take Flora. Clare handed him their sleeping daughter. Luke kissed her quickly before heading upstairs. Clare began the search for the small rock. It was sitting neatly on the mantle. The rock was small enough it would fit in her hand and it was smooth, also the same shade of blue as Anni's eyes when she was happy. Clare nodded and picked it up before going to the library to search through her spell books. Apparently the twins had woken up, as Luke was pacing the floor like he always did when he was trying to put them back to sleep. Clare shook her head and grabbed her white spell book, Healing was scrawled across the cover in the old language. After five minutes, whoever was in his arms went back to sleep. Clare opened the book and began flipping for the spell she needed. She heard Luke sigh as one of the twins woke up again. Clare shook her head again, if her magic usually put them asleep, they would be knocked out by the time the spell was over. Luke's footsteps moved from the nursery to the master bedroom before going silent. Clare found the spell she needed and read it thoroughly so she didn't get it wrong. Luke's humming just barely reached her ears. Clare closed her eyes and sat in a meditative position, the stone in front of her, the book to her right. White magic floated around her slowly become more visible. She spoke the spell and felt the white tendrils of magic flow to the stone. Luke's humming died away as the house fell silent. Clare's magic continued to flow into the stone until she finished the spell and the magic snapped off as part retreated into the rock and other part retreated back into her. The house was oddly quiet when she finished. Clare unfolded her legs and picked up the stone then closed the book. She stood and swayed before putting the book away. That sway was her cue to go lie down. She went over to the couch, not feeling able to go up the stairs to her bed and flopped on it. A few minutes later Luke came down and picked her up. Clare opened her eyes for a moment before closing them. Luke carried her upstairs and laid her on the bed. Clare sighed softly. Luke laid next to her then wrapped her in his arms, "Go to sleep Angel..." Clare nodded and her breathing evened out. Luke smiled and kissed her forehead before settling down to watch over her. Clare turned on her side and snuggled into his chest. Luke tucked her against him and slipped into thought. Clare shifted slightly and put one arm under his. Luke smiled and waited for her to come around. She stretched before shifting slightly, opening her eyes a crack before closing them again. Luke smiled and stroked her cheek. She finally opened her eyes all the way.
"Hey, how are you feeling?" Luke asked quietly knowing she usually had a headache after using large amounts of magic.
"Ugh..." Clare groaned. Luke cradled her closer and rubbed her back.
"I'll never again use too much magic...my head is killing me..." Clare whispered. Luke kissed her temple gently and held her tight. She buried her face in his chest and closed her eyes again.
"Shh..." Luke cooed and ran his fingers through her hair. Clare sighed and kept her eyes closed. Luke placed his finger lightly to her temple and let his unnatural warmth ease her headache. It slowly but eventually disappeared. Luke resumed running his fingers though her hair. His soft ministrations and warmth eventually put Clare back to sleep. Luke smiled and carefully rolled onto his back while keeping her snug against his chest. Clare shifted to get comfortable again. Luke yawned and soon joined her. It was a couple hours later when Clare felt someone with small hands tapping her arm.
"Mommy wake up...there's somebody at the door." Flora whispered.
"Okay...okay..." Clare said as she sat up before swinging her legs over the bed and standing up. Luke shifted and rolled on his side. Clare picked Flora up and carried her out of the room and towards the front, "I'll teach you how to sew later." Flora smiled and wrapped her arms around her mother's neck. Clare smiled and opened the front door. Link was standing before her fiddling with the buttons on his coat.
"Yes?" Clare asked as she stepped aside to let him inside.
"Umm...Anni's having a little meltdown and I can't calm her down, I tried but it didn't work." Link said looking very ashamed of himself. Clare sighed and rubbed her head, her headache was coming back, she wasn't asleep long enough, "Okay...let me go tell my husband..."
"I'm sorry, I just didn't know who else to turn to..." Link apologized as Luke came down the stairs Miloh, both rubbing their eyes.
"Don't worry about it..." Clare said her eyes half lidded as they usually were when she had a headache. She set Flora down and slide her coat on, "You stay here with dad okay?"
"Okay..." Flora replied as Luke kissed her forehead and her headache eased. Clare smiled to him before slipping her boots on, "Okay Runt, let's go." Link sighed and slipped back outside. Clare followed him, closing the door behind herself. She could tell Link was upset with the fact he couldn't calm his wife.
"What started this sudden meltdown?" Clare asked as she followed Link back to the Inn.
"Nothing, I asked if she wanted a cup of tea and she burst into tears.." Link replied. Clare nodded, "It's hard to quell sudden meltdowns..." Link nodded, "That was half an hour ago..." Clare sighed and shook her head, "I'm not even going to start..."
"I thought maybe just once I wouldn't have to come begging for help...man was I wrong..." Link muttered.
"You will always need help...Since I met you you've needed help." Clare said as they finally got to the Inn. Link sighed, that was definitely a shot to his ego.
"But...you'll eventually get it...you usually do." Clare said as she pushed the door open. Anni's quiet sobs reached her ears the moment she opened the door. Clare sighed and slipped her parka off before hanging it and then kicked the snow off her boots.
"I'm going to make a pot of tea..." Link said quietly as he skittered away pathetically. Clare sighed and went to Anni's room. The door was open a crack, Anni was hiding in her pillows her hair hanging around her hiding her further.
"Anni?" Clare called. Anni sniffed and pulled herself upright slowly.
"What's the matter dear?" Clare asked as she sat on the edge of the bed. Anni wiped at her eyes trying to calm herself.
"Tell me what the matter is..." Clare cooed lightly.
"I-I have something I have to-to s-say..." Anni hiccupped.
"Then say it dear, I'll listen." Clare said softly.
"I'm-I'm sorry for being a-a burden on you and Uncle. E-Every time you come back you-you have to-to take care of me. And I'll-I'll understand if-if you don't want to-to come back after this year..." Anni said quietly between her sobs. Clare sighed, "Anni, we will always come back, you're not a burden. Though I wish, and your uncle probably does too, you'd take better care of yourself. So you don't need to apologize." Clare said hugging Anni gently. Anni broke down in her arms, crying even harder, "But-but I'm al-always stressing you-you out."
"Because you're always sick, it would be just fine you weren't sick all the time." Clare said.
"I'm-I'm s-sorry..." Anni sobbed.
"Shh...it's alright..." Clare whispered. Anni continued to cry until she paled and darted into the bathroom.
"Well...that spell didn't last long." Clare said, "I must be getting rusty."
"Or her magic cancelled yours out." Link said from the door, a tray in his hands.
"Never happened before." Clare pointed out.
"She wasn't ever this upset..." Link countered.
"Good point." Clare said and sighed. Anni stumbled back to the door, unsteady was an understatement. Clare nodded to Link to help her sit down, since her headache came back, well that's what she gets for using too much magic. Link set the tray on the nightstand and just barely grabbed Anni as her knees buckled. Clare resisted the urges to rub her temples and groan in pain.
"Have a cup of tea Clare, that's exactly what it's for." Link said as he easily picked Anni up. Clare grabbed a cup of tea and sipped it, it did nothing to quell the pounding in her head, though she acted like it did. Link carefully laid Anni back down, the poor girl asleep, her energy gone. Clare finished her tea, "Do you think she'll have another melt down if I'm gone."
"I'd say stay for another five minutes, she'll be awake by then, and tell her you're going." Link replied as he covered her.
"Better make me another cup of tea..." Clare sighed softly. Link nodded and hugged her gently, "Thank you..." He whispered.
"Yeah yeah..." Clare said trying to make it sound like her usual blah. Link eyed her for a moment before disappearing to make her another cup of tea. With Anni asleep and Link gone, Clare could quietly rub her temples from the evil headache of doom.
"You're not a very good liar..." Anni whispered.
"True but I was told I was a good actor...how are you feeling?" Clare asked glancing at Anni.
"Tired, my stomach's acting up again..." Anni whispered as she placed her hand on Clare's elbow, instantly Clare's headache disappeared.
"Anni...what did I say about magic?" Clare scolded as she dug out the small blue stone.
"Absolutely nothing..." Anni replied with a soft smile, which was true, she hadn't said anything about magic this year.
"Fine but now I'm saying something, no magic until at least another 2 months." Clare said handing the small stone to Anni.
"Okay..." Anni replied as she took the stone.
"If you drop that in water a vapour will form and act sorta like the spell I usually do, this is the first time I've tried it." Clare said pointing to the stone. Anni nodded then snapped her hand to her mouth as her stomach rebelled again. Clare quickly said the spell she usually did, earning her a spike straight to the brain but she brushed it off. Anni smacked her hand, "No magic for you either, for at least three days."
"I've been through worse." Clare said taking her hand away.
"Either you do as I say, or for once, I'm not listening to you." Anni threatened quietly.
"Okay okay, no more magic for three days." Clare said holding her hands up. Anni nodded and settled.
"So I take it your feeling better?" Clare asked with a raised eye brow.
"No..." Anni replied.
"Well, I've got children to attend to, and probably a worried husband, and just so you know, we'll be here for a very long time, so you better get used to it." Clare said standing. Anni nodded, "Could you do me a favour?"
"Yes?" Clare answered and asked.
"Could you remind Link to make sure the twins and Sophie do their homework?" Anni said quietly, she was beginning to slip from consciousness.
"If you don't think up any more weird things like you being a burden." Clare said as she tucked Anni in after laying her down.
"Okay..." Anni replied as she fought against her own body.
"Now get some sleep, you, if anyone does, need it." Clare said as she brushed Anni's bangs gently. Anni naturally surrendered and slipped off. Clare smiled and went down stairs, "Link, Anni told me to tell you to make sure your kids do their homework." Link nodded he was just finishing the laundry as the front door opened and Sophie shooed the twins in, hissing at them to keep quiet. Clare smiled to them and ended up with two little blonds attached to her legs.
"Is mommy okay?" Luna asked.
"She's fine, but sleeping right now so you have to be quiet." Clare said as she bent down to talk to them eye to eye. They both nodded, "Will we get to see you more?"
"Yup, I'll even bring Miloh and Flora up once in a while." Clare said as she smiled to them. They both smiled and hugged her. Clare hugged them back before releasing them, "I've got to get back to my kids now, I'll see you later alright?"
"Okay." They replied.
"Go do your homework kids, then you can have your snack." Link said quietly. Clare smiled when she heard the twins whine quietly before going to do as told. She hugged Sophie quickly before putting her boots and coat on.
"But dad, I already did my homework at lunch, can I go lie with mom?" Sophie asked. Clare smiled and left waving bye to Link. Link waved her goodbye, "Alright, but go change first." Clare smiled and closed the door behind herself before making her way home, a slight chill to her bones and a soft cough. She looked at her hands to find herself as pale as her young niece.
"Great...I've got a cold..." Clare grumbled as she tossed the hood of her coat over her head and tucked her hands in her sleeves after stuffing them in her pockets. At least the house would be warm and Luke would be more than will to doot over her. She hurried back home, coughing slightly. She could smell the soup Luke was making for dinner.
"He probably already knows I'm sick..." Clare rasped, her voice getting rough. The twins were building a snowman near the door. Clare smiled and pulled her hood off so she didn't look like a walking three and walked forward.
"Mommy?" Miloh asked as he hurried over to her.
"Yeah it's me, and I know I look like a walking three." Clare said as she picked him up.
"You're sick." Miloh stated as he placed his now un gloved hands to her cheeks.
"I never had the best immune system in the winter..." Clare said as Flora ran over to her next.
"Get in here." Luke ordered from the door where he stood with a blanket and tea. Clare picked Flora up and went over to him. Luke shooed her inside and shut the door, "Go wash up for dinner you two, while I take care of your mother." They nodded and Clare set them down. Luke quickly stripped her of her coat and boots before wrapping her in the blanket and sticking her on the couch in front of the fire. Clare coughed lightly as she held the blanket closed. Luke shook his head, took her hands and placed a cup of hot tea in them. She smiled lightly to him before sipping the warm tea.
"I don't understand you sometimes..." Luke muttered as he checked her temperature, "You give Anni a lecture on not taking care of herself and then you're the one that ends up sick."
"Better me than her. And my immune system is never good during the winter anyways." Clare said after sipping her tea. Luke muttered that it was better when she wasn't using her magic excessively. Clare huffed and sipped her tea.
"Now don't be like that, I'm just worried and running my mouth off..." Luke sighed. Clare sighed also, "You know how I get when I'm sick..." Luke sat next to her and pulled her against him. She leaned against him and closed her eyes. Luke rubbed her arms trying to get her warm again. Clare shifted and coughed lightly. Luke shifted her, "Drink your tea and maybe I'll have you cured by Tuesday."
"Okay okay..." Clare sighed and sipped her tea. Luke kissed her temple and pulled her into his lap.
"At least it's only a cough..." Clare said as she finished her tea.
"How's Anni?" Luke asked after a few minutes.
"She's been better." Clare replied with a sigh. Luke shook his head, "I don't like the sound of that."
"She'll get better though." Clare said as she stretched before relaxing.
"Mommy?" Flora said quietly.
"Yes?" Clare asked as she looked at her daughter.
"I'm cold..." Flora replied.
"Come here then." Clare said holding her arms open. Flora immediately crawled into her lap. Clare wrapped the blanket back around her gently making sure she could still see. Flora snuggled against her and sure enough the young girl was cool to the touch. Clare made sure she had her daughter completely wrapped before moving her hand to cough. Flora nuzzled her chest trying to ease her mother's cough. It settled quickly and she kept that hand on the outside of the blanket so she didn't get Flora sick. Flora only snuggled closer to her.
"Did you eat yet Flora?" Clare asked as she ran her other hand through her daughter's hair lightly. Flora nodded. Clare hummed, "I haven't..."
"Would you like some soup dear?" Luke asked.
"Please." Clare replied. Luke carefully set them down and went to get her a bowl. While he was gone, "Have you decided what you wanted to make first, when I teach you how to sew?"
"Miloh needs a scarf." Flora replied.
"Okay, that's easy to make." Clare said as she coughed lightly into her hand.
"Mama, you should rest..." Flora said quietly.
"After I eat." Clare whispered. Flora nodded and snuggled back against her. Clare ran her fingers though her daughters hair absently. Luke returned with a bowl of soup for her. Clare shifted and opened her arms, "Thanks dear." Luke smiled and handed her the bowl and a spoon. She smiled and started to eat her soup.
"When you're done straight to bed." Luke said as he took Flora.
"Okay." Clare said, spoon in her mouth.
"Come on you, bed time." Luke said. Clare shook her head with a smile before she continued to eat. Luke carried Flora upstairs after taking Miloh's hand. Clare finished soon after then stood to go to bed. Luke was waiting for her at the foot of the stairs. She went over to him, pulling the blanket closer around her. Luke scooped her up and carried her up the stairs. Clare covered a soft cough with her hand.
"Let's get you to bed..." Luke whispered. Clare nodded and pulled the blanket to her chin before leaning her head on his shoulder. Luke carefully laid her on the bed. She slid under the covers and closed her eyes. Luke laid next to her. Clare turned her head away and coughed before snuggling into his chest. Luke rubbed her back and held her close. She slowly drifted off into sleep.
"Sleep tight..." Luke whispered.
