Healing the Triplets
Desmarin and Clarica left Jaina talking quietly with Goshyn to stand by Alara Solo-Maul's bed. Desmarin gazed down into Alara's ashen face and frowned. He could not remember a time before this that she was ever so still. Ever since she and her brothers were born, she had always been in motion. She was bubbly and vivacious, always talking and doing things.
Desmarin placed a hand to Alara's cold forehead and shed his body before Clarica could stop him. She grasped his other hand and held it tightly. The need to help his young adopted cousin was so strong, he ignored his weary body.
Unlike the darkness that had surrounded him when he entered Goshyn's mind, he found himself surrounded by a bright light. He sensed only serenity at first, before his essence connected with Alara's.
She was standing still, gazing around in wonder and confusion. Her red-gold eyes widened in surprise when she saw Desmarin.
"Des? What's going on? Where are we?" Alara asked him.
"We are in your mind Alara. Only my essences is here communicating with you, not my body."
"Why are we surrounded by this blinding light?"
"I believe you are being given a choice." Desmarin told her.
"What's the choice?"
"To cross over into the Force or stay with your family."
"I want to stay with my family." Alara said without hesitation.
"Take my hand." Desmarin held out his hand to her.
Alara slipped her hand into his and Desmarin gestured for her to close her eyes. He closed his own and returned to his body. He drew strength from wife to keep on his feet as his eyes locked on Alara's face.
Alara's eyes flew open and she smiled at Demarin. A gasp to her left drew her attention to her older brother's face. Tears stood in Tapion's eyes as he locked them with his sister's. Waves of emotion flooded through Alara, letting her know how terribly scared he'd been about losing her and Casio.
*Tap, I'm here.* she sent love flooding back at him through the Force. *Casio hasn't left us yet.*
*I feel him slipping.*
*We won't let him!*
Alara reached over and intertwined her fingers with his. Together they sent healing warmth into their younger brother.
Wearily, Desmarin moved around Tapion's bed to Casio's. He started to put his hand on his ill cousin's forehead, but Clarica stayed his hand.
"You are too weak, my husband. I shall aid young Casio."
Desmarin nodded, linking his hand with Clarica's. He felt it when his wife's essence left her body and entered Casio's. Intense heat surrounded her. Darkness too. She blinked and found Casio huddled in a corner of the heated darkness, unable to move.
"Casio?"
Casio blinked blurry eyes at her. "Clarica?"
"Yes?"
"Where are we?"
"This is your mind. I am only with you in essence. I have come to help you break free of the virus weakening you." She held out her hand to him.
Casio hesitated a moment before slipping his fevered hand into her cool one.
"Close your eyes." Clarica instructed him softly.
Casio did as she asked.
Clarica closed her eyes as well. Holding his essence close, she returned to her body. Desmarin steadied her weary body as both gazed down into Casio's fevered face.
Alara and Tapion held their collective breath. They could feel Casio stirring in a way he hadn't a few moment before.
*Casio?*
Alara held hjer breath as Tapion called out to their younger brother.
*Tap?* Casio's voice was weak. *Alara, where is she?*
Tears flooded Alara's eyes at hearing Casio's voice. *I am here Cas.*
*We all are.*
Their father's words were comforting to all three of the younger Solo-Mauls.
Jaina hurried from Goshyn's side to her children's. She paused momentarily to kiss Alara, before moving over to Casio's.
"Mom." Casio's voice was weak from misuse, but his smile was bright.
Jaina leaned over and hugged him, her eyes swimming with unshed tears that she blinked rapidly back. She straightened and turned to look at Desmarin and Clarica.
"I don't know how to repay you." She told them.
"We're family Jaina. You owe us nothing. I am glad we were able to help. "Desmarin told her.
"We must go on now." Clarica said. "We wish to see the rest of the family before we have to retire for the day."
"Thank you for everything." Jaina said sincerely.
"You are welcome."