More snow has fallen since we've been eating. That child will never survive this cold, even though he is and Asmodian. We are strong, but not that strong. Death will come for us at any time, especially if we are careless. I cannot leave this child alone, no matter how belligerent he is. Turing around I start to walk back into the diner only to find him standing right behind me.
Startled I step back. He is shivering just standing in the doorway. Just then one of the wait staff comes running up with some blankets. Taking them from him, I shake them out. They are the nice, warm, thick Xillix ones. Bending down, I wrap them both around the child.
He grabs the ends and pulls them tight across his chest. Already his lips are turning blue from the cold. Bending down again I ask him, "would you like a warm and safe place to stay tonight?"
He looks at me suspiciously. What place would that be! What do I gotta do for this?
I don't require any services or kinah from you. I have some friends who have a warm home and would love to have you as their quest. Or at least I hope they do I mused to myself. Jaisea won't mind. She's always ready to help anyone in need. And I certainly can't take him. I won't be home at all for the next few days. This storm looks doesn't appear to be letting up. There will probably be a good foot of snow on the ground before tomorrow comes.
Are they nice people? He asks.
They are my very best friends, I say to him. The very best you can have.
Ok then. I guess I can stay, but only for one night!
As you wish. Picking him up in my arms I spread my wings. He is very light and the flight to Herrel's house is only a few minutes away by air. He gasps, clutching at me tightly.
You're a Daeva! He cries. His eyes are squeezed tightly shut.
Don't be afraid. I promise I won't drop you. And yes, I am a Daeva. He just clutches me tighter, shiver with the cold or perhaps fear. I wonder what has happened to this child that makes him afraid. In a few minutes, we land outside Herrel's house. I crunch through the snow, purposely making noise so they will hear me coming.
Sure enough, Herrel pulls open the door. He looks amazed to see me. Grinning at him I say, I brought you and Jaisea a present. Pulling open the door he waves us in. Snow flurries follow us, lightly dusting the entryway floor.
Jaisea comes out from the kitchen, dusting some flower off her hands. Oh Madrion, what are you doing here? And who is your friend? Why he's half frozen to death. My little friend cracks an eye open, peering at Jaisea from under his lashes. His grip on me hasn't slackened in the slightest.
I found him sitting on the street corner, half frozen. She gasps. Well let's get him into something warmer. Coming forward she holds out her arms to him. Go on I whisper, she won't hurt you. I handed him over to her. He's frightened Jaisea. I don't think he's ever flown before. She looks at me startled. Then she smiles. Not to worry love, we'll get you all fixed up in a jiffy. She hurries off to the back room, no doubt to get his entire life story out of him.
Herrel gestures at me to join him in the living room. Care to share Madrion? He asks. I shrugged. I was in Pernon; going to check out the festival. Since Tardy's gone, there's not much reason to stay home. I found him on the corner. Looked like he'd been there for a while. I couldn't just leave him. I fed him and brought him here. I didn't know what else to do. I shrugged sheepishly. I'm really sorry Herrel.
Herrel shrugs. What else could you have done? It's ok by me. Jaisea will get his story out. He turns to gaze towards the room where Jaisea went with the boy. His face glowed with love for her. Madrion turned away slightly startled by a stab of pain. Damn it, why did Tardy have to take that stupid assignment. Angrily I clenched my hands. It still hurt that she was gone. Taking a deep breath I tried to relax.
I turned back to find Herrel watching me. What is it Madrion?
It's nothing. I just…. It's nothing. I shrugged, embarrassed. I didn't want my friend to know how much I sometimes envied him his happiness.
Herrel shrugs. Ok. You want a drink? I just got some of the good stuff. Nicely aged.
No thanks man, I can't stay. I wanted to get out of this house. What was wrong with me? My chest feels tight and I almost feel angry. Thanks anyway. I've got some errands to run. Please let me know if Jaisea finds out anything, and we can decide what to do tomorrow.
I quickly left, almost running down the path. Jumping up into the air I spread my wings. I headed back towards Pernon where I hoped to lose myself in the celebrations.
Jaisea came out from the bedroom. Herrel, didn't you ask Madrion to stay? Why did he take off so fast. I have some goodies for him. Angrily she stamps her foot. Herrel chuckles at her. Still trying to boss everyone around aren't you.
I am not!
Yes you are. Reaching out, I grabbed my wife and pulled her close. Kissing her on the nose I said. I did ask him to stay. He seemed in a hurry to leave. Something is up, but I don't know what it is. And you will NOT badger him either my love. She glares at me for a moment then relaxes.
So how is our guest?
He's sound asleep. Poor child. He looks malnourished. I delved him, but didn't find any major damage to him. He's been neglected and most likely abused but nothing too serious. We'll see if we can find out anything more in the morning.
Yes, I hope morning is a long time coming. Turning her face up to mine, I kiss her lips. She tastes like cookies. Yes I do hope morning takes a long time to come.
To be continued…
