Lilly walked into the kitchen and sat at the table with a sigh.

Mari Quinn crossed and kissed the top of her bowed head.

"How's he doing?" She asked, reaching for the pot and pouring Lilly a cup of tea.

Lilly glanced up and smiled. "He's still sleeping," she nodded her thanks and picked up her drink.

Mari pulled up a chair and joined her at the table with her own cup. "He is strong," she started stirring her drink.

"He is stubborn," Lilly, sighed.

"He's a man," Mari shrugged.

"I should never have let him work alone," Lilly placed her cup down and rested her head in her hands. She was so unbelievably tired.

"Child," Mari placed a hand on Lilly's arm. "He would not have accepted any help, you know that."

"I should have insisted. Father should have been helping..."

"Your father is too busy with planning issues," Mari reminded her. Sergi Tanger's skills were much sought after. Planning of structures in the principality took him away from his family for weeks on end. There was so much of Mandana still not settled or explored and it was his life calling, as it had been Lilly's grandfathers.

"Then, I should have been there," Lilly turned her head and sighed. "It is our house, there is nothing more important."

Mari shook her head. "It was an accident, nothing more," she tried to be reassuring but her words had little effect on Lilly's tears that couldn't be suppressed any longer.

"He could have died," the flood gates opened and she began to sob.

Mari pulled her in for a hug. "But, he didn't, child and he's going to be just fine," she rocked Lilly gently. "We will help him with the house," she added. "We'll put the word out about the accident and I'm sure there will be a line of volunteers."

"Ben wouldn't want it," Lilly sniffed.

"Well, young Benjamin will not have much of a say in it for the next few days. The boy will be hurting too much to be in a position to do anything about it," Mari sighed as Lilly pulled out of her arms.

"He will be mad," Lilly pulled a handkerchief out of her sleeve and blew her nose.

"It will be done," Mari shrugged. "He will not be able to undo what has been done," she stood and cleared the table. "He will only be mad for a short while," she said crossing to the sink. "And, I am sure you will be more than able to handle him, young Lilly Ashton," she added with a chuckle.

Lilly pulled herself together and shook her head. "I have not seen him truly angry," she carried the empty teapot over to Mari. "I do not believe he has a bad mood," she stated, swilling out the pot.

"Oh, my dear, all men have a bad mood. You are just in the spring of your time together, his moods will come, it is only natural."

"Well, as you say, I am sure I will be able to handle it," Lilly kissed Mari on the cheek and then smothered a yawn in her sleeve.

"I think you should join your husband, my child," Mari smiled as she dried her hands on her apron. "It is getting late and I'm sure Ben is going to need your support when he wakes."

Lilly nodded and yawned again. "Time for bed," she agreed.

"Greta has all you may need," Mari stated, filling a jug of water. "There is a tray in the bedroom and you'll need this," she gave Lilly the jug. "He is also going to the hospital in the morning to let Beuner know what has happened and that you will be at your husband's side for a few days," she smiled.

"Conrad will not be pleased," Lilly, sighed, accepting the jug.

"Conrad will be fine," Mari, grinned. "We had word that Anton finally made Platon," she nodded.

"That's great!" Lilly beamed. "He must be so pleased."

"That he is, I do believe there will be a celebration in his honour at next week. We have to get young Benjamin back on his feet for that."

"Absolutely." Lilly stated firmly.

"Right, Mrs Ashton, out of my kitchen," Mari shooed. "I have stew to prepare for our invalid."

Lilly chuckled as Mari steered her out the room. She paused in the doorway, turned and smiled. "Thank you," she said sincerely. "I needed that."

"Hush, child. Go tend your husband, things will seem better in the morning," Mari pulled her in for a quick hug. "Hope you get some sleep," she smiled and returned to her stove.

Lilly took a deep breath, brushed the front of her skirt and mentally prepared for the night ahead...

Xxx

The sun that crept up over the hillside as dawn was greeted by bird song. The storm had passed, giving way to low-lying, hazy mist and a light breeze that bellowed the curtains of the bedroom. Ben had been praying for daylight for hours as sleep had been impossible due to the pain of his broken ribs and inflamed shoulder. No position had been comfortable, even breathing hurt. He'd spent a miserable night propped upright listening to his wife snore softly at his side. Several times, he'd thought of waking her but she'd been so exhausted when they actually settled down that he hadn't had the heart. The good thing was that his head was finally beginning to clear, the roaring headache was now down to a throb and the nausea had all but vanished.

He was aware of the sounds of Greta and Mari tending to their animals and figured it was time for him to get up and go to work, knowing he had a full day of lectures ahead of him. He just needed a dose of herbs and a lift to the hospital; he could cope with the rest. Pulling his covers to one side, he attempted to swing his legs over the side of the bed but pulled up with a sob when pain shot through his chest.

"G'd," he gritted his teeth and closed his eyes, allowing himself a few seconds to adapt to the pain that the change of position caused. He could do this.

After a minute or so he attempted to pivot his body so that he could sit on the edge of the bed but he had to concede that the pain was too much as he sank back onto his pillows with a grunt.

"Ben?" Lilly's sleepy voice called his name. "Are you all right?"

"I have to go to work," Ben, sighed.

Lilly sat up, rubbed her eyes and turned to access her husband who was deathly pale, his breathing shallow and panting in obvious pain. She reached and carded her fingers through his sweat soaked hair. "No work today, Ben," she smiled. "You get a sick day today."

Ben turned his head with a groan. "But, I've got so much to do," he protested, bringing up his free hand to rub his temple as the throbbing in his head amplified to a stabbing in time with his pulse.

Lilly placed the back of her hand on his forehead to check for fever and smiled when his skin felt cool under her touch. She then continued to run her fingers through his hair. "Not today, my love. Quinny is travelling to the hospital to inform Beuner. You are not well enough to leave your bed and you get your own personal Helena for a few days," she smiled.

"I don't need a Helena," Ben huffed but his argument bore no sustenance when he groaned with a wave of increasing pain.

"You need some pain relief," Lilly sighed, cupping his face with her hands.

"No, I'm fine," Ben, protested.

"You are as white as the sheet beneath you," Lilly chuckled. "Did you sleep at all?"

Ben shook his head. "It hurt too much," he admitted.

"Why did you not wake me?" Lilly scolded.

"You were so tired," Ben shrugged and then exhaled with another surge of pain.

"You, stubborn, stubborn boy," the sting was taken out of Lilly's words when she leaned in and kissed him tenderly. "I will fetch you something to eat and then you are having a good dose of Morphine, understand?"

"Okay," Ben grudgingly accepted the verdict and closed his eyes.

Lilly carefully got out of bed, very aware that any movement would hurt her husband. She grabbed her robe and went in search of breakfast.

Xxx

"Morning," Greta greeted when a dishevelled Lilly walked into the kitchen. "How is he?" He asked, pulling on his overcoat. His horse and buggy were ready to take him to the hospital for the day.

"In pain," Lilly sighed as she crossed to the stove.

"I was just coming to check on him before I departed," Greta rummaged through his medical bag, checking he had all he needed for his shift.

"I have him in hand," Lilly replied as she poured boiling water into a teapot.

"Did he sleep?" Greta asked as he pulled on his rain hat.

"No," Lilly shook her head and reached for a tray. "He is so damn obstinate," she slammed two cups onto the tray. "He let me sleep while he suffered, didn't say a word. Just suffered on his own," two bowls received the same treatment as the cups as Lilly continued to rant. "Damn obstinate, stubborn, selfish man..."

Greta crossed and placed a hand on Lilly's shoulder. "He is hurting child," he sighed. "Tread carefully, he needs your support not your scolding," he turned his Platon so she faced him and brushed her hair from her face. "He is a long way from home and he's hurting. Treat him as a patient, care for him and tend to him as you would any of your other patients," he advised gently and Lilly sighed deeply.

"I know, Quinny," she conceded. "But I've never seen him like this. He's usually the strong one, looking after me. I feel out of my depth," she admitted.

"In sickness and in health, is this not the vow the Tau'ri exchange when they join in life partnership?"

Lilly nodded slowly and tried to blink away the tears that suddenly sprang into her eyes.

"I had to tend to Mari after we joined," Greta continued. "She came down with the summer fever and was very unwell for many weeks. Our bond strengthened because of her illness, she had to allow me to care for her and I did so willingly," he smiled. "As she did when I became sick after drinking tainted water, it is all part of being a joined couple," Greta kissed Lilly's forehead gently. "Your father cared for your mother during her carrying season and for you and Cara during your childhood maladies," he added, nipping her nose.

Lilly returned the kiss she'd been given. "You are a wise Platon," she smiled. "And, you are right, of course," she chuckled.

"That's my girl," Greta laughed. "Now, do you need me before I go?" He asked, picking up his bag.

Lilly shook her head as she reached for the pan of oats on the stove. "No," she turned and smiled. "I am going to feed my patient and then give him an injection with a big needle," she waggled her eyebrows. "He will sleep then," she grinned.

"Is his concussion improved?" Greta questioned, snapping his bag shut.

"I will double check but he was feeling fit enough to try and get up to go to work," she ladled two spoons of cereal into the bowls. "If he keeps this down, he's getting the Morphine," she nodded, picking up her full tray. "I will tolerate no argument!"

"Enjoy, Platon," Greta smiled.

"And you, Platon," Lilly smiled back. "Send our apologies to Conrad and our congratulations to Anton," she called over her shoulder as she made her way out of the kitchen.

"I will," Greta called back as he opened the door.

He left for the hospital with absolute confidence in his new Platon and that fact gave him great comfort.

Xxx

"Use the container," Lilly crossed her arms.

"No."

"I am not going to drag you to the bathroom. Use the container," Lilly shoved the pot at her husband. "We will not be arguing on this point, Benjamin."

Ben took in his wife's 'no nonsense' stance and had the sense to back down. "Turn away then," he huffed, grabbing the pot.

"As I told you many times, I have seen it all before."

"Turn away. Please," Ben spat. He was hurting and tired.

"As you wish," Lilly shrugged and turned. "Though, I do not appreciate your tone of voice Mr. Ashton," she huffed, crossing her arms again.

"And your bedside manner is not the best, Platon Ashton," Ben retorted as he positioned himself to relieve his bladder.

Lilly sighed and ducked her head, realising that she had not heeded any of the advice Platon Quinn had given her. She waited until Ben had finished and then began to apologise.

"I'm sorry, Ben," she sighed, accepting the full container from him. "I am afraid my nerves are shredded. I do not mean to take it out on you."

Ben rubbed at his forehead. "It's okay," he mumbled, miserably. "I'm not exactly a model patient," he acknowledged.

Lilly placed the container on the table and crossed to sit at Ben's side. She picked up his free hand. "This is new territory for us, hey?" She smiled tenderly.

Ben turned his head and returned the smile. "I suppose it is," he sighed. "I'm just so tired and I hurt so much," he admitted, rubbing his temples again, the added stress of the argument was causing his headache to return.

"Are you ready for some Morphine now?" Lilly reached over and ran her fingers through his hair.

"Yeah," Ben conceded.

"How's your head?"

"Aching."

"Aching as in concussion or aching as in tired and fed up?"

"Tired and fed up."

"Any nausea?"

"No."

"Dizziness?"

"No."

"Blurred vision?"

"I just hurt," Ben, sighed. "No concussion, just bloody painful ribs and shoulder," he shifted slightly and whimpered in pain. "Please can I have some Morphine, Lilly?"

"That bad, huh?" Lilly smiled sadly.

"That bad," Ben agreed.

"Hurt too much to work now?" Lilly began to tease.

"I'm not going to beg," Ben literally sobbed and Lilly knew she'd pushed things too far.

"Hold tight," she sighed. "I'll just fetch the Morphine," she patted his blanket-covered leg, sympathetically.

Ben tried to smile reassuringly but only managed to grimace when pain shot through his ribs again.

"Hold tight," Lilly repeated and crossed the room to the med tray. She sympathized with her husband's pain so much that she found tears welling in her eyes again. She hated to see him like this. Brushing away her tears, she measured out the drug, knowing that the dose would soon give him relief.

Xxx

Lilly read the back of the box that the Morphine vial came in and sighed, noting that one of the side effects was nightmares. She had been sitting at Ben's side for an hour now, mopping his brow and soothing him as he tossed his head from side to side and mumbled incoherently. He'd slept for a good three hours and she'd been pleased to see him get some relief from the pain and had taken the opportunity to shower and tidy up. She was just about to join Mari for some lunch when Ben cried out in his sleep and she'd rushed to his side expecting him to wake up but he'd continued to cry out and moan.

"Shh," she soothed as she straightened his covers that he had kicked off in his restlessness. She really wanted him to wake up and tell her he was okay as she was beginning to think she'd made the wrong decision giving him the Morphine.

"Is he okay?"

Lilly turned and smiled at Mari as she entered the room with a tray of food. "He's fine," she nodded with a confidence she was far from feeling.

"Are you sure, child?" Mari placed the tray on the table and perched on the end of the bed. "He looks awful."

"It's just the medication," Lilly smiled, reassuringly. "It can help him with the pain but it does have a few side effects."

"Are you sure he doesn't have a fever," Mari asked, watching Lilly dab the sweat off Ben's face.

"His temperature is normal," Lilly turned and smiled. She'd been taking it religiously every fifteen minutes as the thought had crossed her mind as well but, if anything, his temperature was slightly on the low side. This could be explained by the amount of Ice Lilly was using to combat the swelling in his shoulder.

"Well. The boy looks far from well to me," Mari shrugged.

"He'll be fine," Lilly adjusted the pillow under Ben's arm and turned to face Mari. "Is that lunch," she asked, nodding towards the table.

"Soup and homemade bread," Mari confirmed with a smile. "Thought it would be easy on Benjamin," she crossed to the table and began to lay out the food.

"Potato?" Lilly joined her friend, after checking that Ben had settled for the time being.

"Of course," Mari smiled, knowing very well that her potato soup was Ben's favourite. "I've saved him some on the stove in case he was still sleeping," she explained, taking a seat and breaking the bread. "Come sit, relax, eat," she ordered. "We can watch Benjamin from here," she pushed a bowl towards Lilly as she took the opposite seat.

Lilly smiled gratefully, gathered in a spoonful and blew it before popping it in her mouth. "It's good," she nodded.

"Of course," Mari smiled and dunked her bread in her own soup.

They both sat in silence for a while enjoying their meal, one eye each on Ben at all times. When he started to snore softly, they relaxed and started chitchat about the day.

"Greta will be back at day break..."

Xxx

"Lilly?"

Lilly glanced up from her book and smiled at Ben who was sitting up, rubbing his eyes tiredly. She patted Mari's knee on her way to her husband's side.

"Hey," she greeted warmly, taking a seat at his side.

"What time is it?" Ben yawned.

"Near supper time," Lilly smiled, brushing his hair off his forehead. "You have been sleeping a long time, my love."

"Is there any water?" Ben glanced round the room.

"Sure," Lilly turned and poured him a glass from the jug at his bedside and then helped him drink.

"Thanks," Ben rested his head back when his thirst was sated.

Lilly placed the half-empty glass back on the table and took his hand. "How are you feeling?" She asked tenderly.

"Better," Ben nodded. "Bit foggy, but better," he smiled.

"Any pain?"

"Dull," he nodded, knowing full well that when the Morphine totally wore off it would return but, at the moment, it was under control, thank goodness.

"I was getting worried," Lilly bowed her head and picked at a loose thread on Ben's quilt.

"Why?"

"Because you wouldn't wake up and you cried out in your sleep. You called for Doctor Fraiser to help you."

Ben reached for her hand. "It was the Morphine," he explained. "It doesn't agree with me," he admitted. He'd only had the drug once after a painful leg wound while on active duty with the Air Force and had been told his reaction wasn't pretty.

Lilly looked up and smiled. "I checked the box," she said with a hint of pride in her voice. "And it said that it could give patients nightmares," she nodded.

"Well done," Ben praised, squeezing her hand lightly. "It's wearing off a bit now and I feel much better," he reassured.

Mari crossed the room to his bedside. "Well enough to have some of my potato soup? She asked.

"Absolutely," Ben grinned and Mari squeezed his leg.

"Hold tight," she smiled. "I'll be back in a while," she gave Lilly's shoulder a comforting pat on her way out of the bedroom.

When the door closed behind Mari, Ben patted the space next to him. "Come here," he smiled at his wife, Lilly crossed to his side and curled up on the bed, resting her head on his good shoulder. "I'm not hurting you, am I?" She asked when he suddenly winced in pain.

"No, no," he reassured her as he placed his good arm around her shoulders. "You just jiggled my arm slightly," he admitted and smoothed down her unruly curls as they tickled his chin. "How are you doing, Lilly?" He asked as Lilly sighed deeply.

"I am fine," she turned her head to face him and smiled.

"You sure?"

"Well, I was scared," she admitted.

"Me too," Ben smiled sadly.

"You fell such a long way."

"I don't remember."

"Then that is a blessing."

Ben pulled her closer when she shuddered. "It's okay. I'm going to be fine," he kissed the top of her head. "A few broken ribs won't keep me down for long."

"You need to rest," Lilly began to rub his abdomen gently.

"I know," Ben, sighed.

"There is no rush, my love."

"But the cottage needs..."

Lilly reached up and placed her finger on his lips. "Others will help," she smiled tenderly.

"But I want to..."

"But you can't. It is going to take you time to recover. Others will help and you must let them," she smiled. "It is our way on this planet," she added, curling into his body again.

"I know," Ben sighed and tilted his head back onto his pillows.

They both sat in silence as Lilly absentmindedly petted her husband's stomach and Ben absentmindedly petted his wife's hair. They were in the same position when Mari returned with the bowl of soup, the only difference being that Lilly was now snoring softly.

"Shh," Ben turned and smiled at the Platon's wife as she placed the tray on the end of the bed.

"I see you have your hands full," Mari whispered.

"Looks like it," Ben nodded.

"Then, I shall feed you myself," she grinned.

Ben rolled his eyes and sighed but allowed the elderly women her fun.

It was an alien situation for him but he was beginning to realise that he needed to accept help when it was offered.