Ramblings with Ranger: I cannot believe it has taken me this long to update! Argh! School has started back up for me, and it'll be an...interesting year. This is kinda a filler chapter, but there is some needed things. More should happen next chapter. Good news is, I already have part of the next chapter written and a little plot bunny that will probably get me a few chapters worth of hilarity and drama. :) Here 'ya go! Enjoy!
Chapter Twenty-Five
Siobhan didn't know what time it was when she awoke the next time, but everything was completely dark. She let out a content sigh, feeling much better than she had the last time she had awoken. Siobhan remembered just in time not to sit up. She wrinkled her nose. This was going to quickly grow tiresome, not being able to sit up.
Siobhan wondered how things would proceed. She would not be allowed to move for a few days yet, so she did not damage her insides further, and even after she was allowed to walk about she would have to proceed with caution. Her skin had been magically closed together, but the damage done inside her body would have to heal on it's own. Arya could continue her lessons, of course, but there was no way Murtagh would be working with Siobhan for a good two months. The thought of not spending time with Murtagh greatly saddened her, and she wasn't sure why. She brushed the thought away.
Siobhan supposed she had slept through Angela's visit, since she did not remember it. She kicked herself mentally for falling asleep, but the healer in her brain told her that she needed the rest so her body could heal. She scowled, her emotions still conflicted.
Peace, Ailin soothed. The queer one will come again. Siobhan arched an eyebrow.
The queer one? Angela? Siobhan questioned.
Indeed. She is very odd. Ailin replied. Siobhan smiled slightly.
Does she have your stamp of approval? Siobhan meant her words jokingly, but Ailin was very serious in her response.
Yes. I have decided to let her live. Siobhan's eyes widened.
You debated about not letting her live? Siobhan exclaimed, shocked and thinking about the political mess it would create if Angela was killed.
Well, not killing her, Ailin recanted, Though maiming was considered. Siobhan shook her head in wonder.
And why is that? What horrible crime did Angela commit?
She made you scream. Ailin explained simply. That is not acceptable. Siobhan frowned. Angela had made her scream? Then it dawned on her. Angela had stitched her up. Siobhan did not remember this, but knew it must have occurred.
I was in pain, yes, but from the wound. Siobhan allowed. It wasn't because of Angela. She was just doing her job.
Hmph. Siobhan smiled despite herself.
I appreciate your concern, but you can't just kill anyone who hurts me. Siobhan gently chastised. Someone like Aedán is one thing, but... Siobhan trailed off. Think about Murtagh. If you'd offed him when he and I first met, think about what we would have missed.
Yes, but it is my duty and honor as your dragon, but more importantly your friend, to protect you. With my life if need be. Ailin responded firmly. Siobhan softened, though a chill ran down her spine. She hoped Ailin would never have to forfeit her life for her.
I know, and I appreciate it. I really do. Siobhan calmed. She decided to change the topic. Tell me, Ailin, about what you're doing right now. Siobhan felt like she had been asleep for days. Ailín's presence in Siobhan's mind seemed to brighten.
I am sitting in my roost watching the sun rise. Ailin supplied happily. Siobhan blinked. Sunrise? Last she had looked, it was still very much dark outside. Sure enough, however, light was beginning to peek through the bottom of the tent.
Describe it to me, will you? Siobhan requested wistfully. She so loved to watch the sun rise.
Ailin had a talent for descriptions, Siobhan realized. Siobhan could picture the sunrise clearly in her minds eye. It was calming, picturing herself outside in the free air, just her and Murtagh and Ailin. Siobhan frowned. Murtagh wasn't supposed to pop up in her imaginings. It was just her and Ailin. It was just dragon and Rider.
Honestly, Siobhan. Ailin muttered. Siobhan frowned.
Honestly what? Siobhan wanted to know. She could picture Ailin shaking her head.
You are blinder than a... Ailin searched for a word. Blinder than a blind man.
Very descriptive, Ailin. Siobhan giggled.
Siobhan. Ailin said sternly.
Yes, Mum?
Open your eyes. I'm in your mind, I know your heart. What you are looking for is right in front of you. You would see if you would just open your eyes. Ailin informed. Siobhan frowned.
What are you talking about? Siobhan queried, confused.
Blithering idiots, the both of them. Ailin muttered. Siobhan's frown deepened.
Who are blithering idiots? Siobhan asked cautiously. Ailin remained tight-lipped and would not say. Stubborn dragons. Siobhan muttered.
Oh, because you're not stubborn at all. Ailin returned. Siobhan frowned, confused once more.
But I'm really not that stubborn. Siobhan replied. Ailin snorted.
Yes, you're more bull-headed and obstinate. Ailin retorted smartly. Siobhan couldn't help but laugh. She groaned.
Oh, don't make me laugh; it hurts! Siobhan moaned.
I do not make you do anything. Ailín pointed out. Siobhan sighed.
You know what I mean.
Then why not say what you mean?
Humans use different figures of speech. Murtagh, for example, would understand that when I say 'I have butterflies in my stomach', he would understand that I am saying I'm nervous. Siobhan explained.
Humans are illogical. Ailin declared after a moment. Siobhan chuckled, ignoring the small stab of pain.
Yeah, I guess we are. Siobhan agreed. Ailin didn't even miss a beat before continuing.
Curious that you should use Murtagh as an example, especially when combined with that figure of speech. Ailin observed. Siobhan blushed despite herself.
I... I just... He's my friend! Siobhan defended. And...and it's just...just an expression.
My, my! Awfully defensive, aren't you?Ailin observed. Siobhan blushed again.
Oh...oh... Oh, hush! Siobhan chastised. Ailin hummed, immensely pleased with herself.
Siobhan looked up when Angela entered the tent. "Good morning!" Angela greeted cheerfully. Siobhan winced.
"Morning." Siobhan returned softly. Angela smiled.
"How do you feel?" Angela queried, laying the back of her hand on Siobhan's forehead.
"Much better. Weak, but I feel healthy as a horse otherwise." Siobhan informed. Angela nodded.
"Very good, very good." Angela murmured, visually inspecting Siobhan for any abnormality. "How does your abdomen feel?" Angela asked with a knowing look. Siobhan hesitated.
Siobhan... Ailin warned. Siobhan sighed, knowing she'd been caught.
"I'm fine, honestly. My body is just purging out the poison, that's all." Siobhan replied, trying to dodge the question that was posed. Angela gave her a stern look and Ailin began pressuring Siobhan. "Alright, fine, I'll admit that I'm a little queasy and that I do have some discomfort, but that's normal!"
Angela clucked her tongue. "Healers really do make the worst sort of patients." Angela muttered under her breath. "Yes, it is normal, Siobhan, but you do need to tell me these things." Angela chastised. Siobhan sighed.
"I hate being sick." Siobhan muttered. Angela just smirked.
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How do you suppose Siobhan is faring? Murtagh wondered. Thorn gave his rider a look that could only be interpreted as long-suffering.
Why don't you just go and visit her and get it over with? I'm not psychic, you know. Thorn replied, trying his very hardest to be patient with his Rider.
But she might me sleeping, and I don't want to disturb her. Or Angela might be visiting. Or Arya. I don't want to interrupt anything. Murtagh fretted. Thorn rolled his eyes upwards.
Murtagh, just go. Thorn snapped. The worst Siobhan'll do is kick you out, and she's already done that before! Murtagh gazed out over at the camp from Thorn's roost.
True.
Besides, Thorn added in a gentler tone. Siobhan enjoys your company. Murtagh smirked.
I certainly never thought anyone would say that about Siobhan. Murtagh murmured, remembering his and Siobhan's earlier days. Thorn hummed.
You're certainly not alone, but I speak the truth. Ailin tells me that Siobhan holds you as one of her dearest friends. Thorn replied. Murtagh smiled to himself. He felt the same way about Siobhan. A sudden thought struck Murtagh.
Do you talk to Ailin often?
Somewhat. Thorn replied calmly. Too calmly. Murtagh frowned. He sense that there was something else going on.
Care to share? Murtagh said curiously. Thorn averted his eyes to a passing cloud.
Ailin is a good friend. Thorn said simply.
Mmhmm. A good friend. Murtagh muttered.
It's the truth. Thorn defended. Murtagh smirked.
You're getting defensive. Murtagh observed, managing to keep the glee out of his tone.
Don't be ridiculous. Thorn snorted. There is no more going on between Ailin and I than there is between you and Siobhan. Murtagh arched an eyebrow, but pressed no further.
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Siobhan's eyelids drifted up and down; she was losing the battle with sleep. She just knew Murtagh would be coming to visit, and she wanted to see him. Just sleep! Ailin encouraged, exasperated with her Rider. He can come back another time.
But I don't want him to...to visit and me...me be asleep! I'm sure he'll be busy and... and I don't want to impose on his...on his busy sched...schedule. Siobhan managed sleepily.
It's not like you're going anywhere. Ailin pointed out dryly. He can come back another time.
But... Siobhan trailed off, struggling to stay awake.
Besides, the odd one dosed you good with those herbs. It's not like you would be lucid company, even if you could stay awake. Ailin continued.
Not...the...point...Siobhan murmured as her eyes drifted closed. Ailin hummed, knowing that Siobhan had finally succumbed. She was a stubborn one, Siobhan was. Perhaps she was too stubborn for her own good, Ailín mused. Knowing that Siobhan would be asleep for several hours yet, Ailín took flight and took off hunting.
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Siobhan awoke to find the sun high in the sky. At least, she thought it was high in the sky. She couldn't really see. Sighing, she bemoaned the fact that she would not see the light of day for quite some time. Siobhan would miss the outdoors.
"How do you feel?" Arya's voice startled Siobhan, who whipped her head around to realize that Arya was sitting comfortably in a chair beside her bed. Siobhan winced in pain, her sudden movement having jarred her abdomen.
"Weak and groggy." Siobhan answered honestly. She was too tired to try to mask her comfort level. Arya nodded.
"Yes, Angela mentioned that as a side-effect." Arya acknowledged. Siobhan sighed.
"How long have I been asleep?" Siobhan asked, yawning. Arya seemed to consider.
"I do not know the exact span of time. However, I estimate that you have been slumbering for five hours." Arya responded. Siobhan pursed her lips. Yes, she suspected that this would be happening for the next week or so. "You must drink." Siobhan sighed and tried to lift her head. Arya aided the Rider by placing one hand under her neck and pushing upwards, while gently tipping the goblet so that the water ran slowly into Siobhan's awaiting mouth.
Siobhan collapsed back onto the pillow with a tired moan. "Blasted poison." Siobhan muttered under her breath. It felt odd, being on the other end of the healing spectrum. Being the healer, that was what Siobhan was accustomed to. Being the patient, not so much, and she had never been a good patient.
"Yes, it is rather nasty." Arya agreed, contemplating.
"I'm going to go mad." Siobhan informed, looking over at Arya seriously. "I can't just lay here for two months."
"Many humans cannot." Arya concurred. "However, you shall not be completely unoccupied while you heal." Siobhan let out a sigh of relief. "We shall continue our lessons in the Ancient Language, and perhaps magic towards the end of your confinement." Siobhan smiled, pacified for the meantime.
"And will Murtagh be able to visit?" Siobhan asked before she could stop herself. Whatever herb Angela had given her had loosed her tongue. Arya nodded slowly.
"With a chaperone." Arya explained solemnly. Siobhan nodded.
"Of course," Siobhan responded readily, surprised that Arya even felt the need to add that last bit. Propriety forbid an unmarried woman and a man to be alone together. This was something she had explained to Ailín, who had mixed feelings on the rule.
"Murtagh came to talk while you were asleep." Arya said suddenly. Siobhan looked up.
"Really?" Siobhan asked, trying to keep the hope and happiness out of her voice. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Arya nodded.
"Indeed. He expressed his concern for your well-being, as well as his wish to 'stop by' and visit'." Arya continued. Siobhan smiled openly then and settled further into her cot.
"I would like that." Siobhan murmured. Perhaps her confinement would not be so terrible after all.