A/N- YEAH Kyrette is working again!!!! Everyone applaud and send scratches!
So we left 'Flame in Healers after spending three weeks reliving what had Changed her. Starfall was on his way. What will happen when he shows up at Haven?
Chapter 13- The Waking
Starfall rode a weary dyheli through the streets of Haven. The Guards at the gates of the Palace grounds had obviously been told to expect him because they just waved him through. The dyheli turned toward Companion Field, having her orders from King Tyrsell who Starfall could see standing near the railing. Starfall dismounted near the railing. Several hertasi appeared and began removing the dyheli's tack and took his bags towards what he assumed was the ekele that Firesong had had built here. He noticed there was no one waiting for him and wearily followed the hertasi towards the ekele. His bondbird, a falcon, winged ahead in the same direction.
Starfall still had no idea why Firesong had called for him so urgently. Since that one contact he'd heard nothing from his son. He trudged wearily into the ekele. He was surprised to see three bathing pools where he had thought there was only two. No one else was about so he quickly entered the ekele and then went to soak in the bathing pools. He scrubbed all the accumulated grime from the road. The hertasi brought him clean clothing and some food to eat while he bathed. Soon he was ready to get out. He dressed in the robes that waited for him and sat down in one of the outside chairs, feeling much refreshed by his bath. He selected a book from the ekele and sat down to read and wait for the others to come back.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In Healer's Darkfire stood next to 'Flame's bed. He had sent an urgent message through Kantor to Alberich. The Weaponsmaster came into the room looking at the bed, hoping to see something. Dirk stood by the bed as well and Talia had been informed. She, in turn had informed Selenay. As of right now, no one had told any of the other Tayledras, by mutual consent. Now Dirk and Alberich stood near the bed, while Ayren looking very definitely the worse for wear, was settled on his perch which had been moved closer to the bed. The MindHealer Ralea was also in attendance.
The first sign they had of her waking was when she raised her hand and Darkfire stuck his nose in it. She smiled slightly and scratched under his chin. Finally she rolled her head a bit and opened drowsy looking eyes. She smiled to see the two Heralds and the Healer standing over her. "Heyla. How long has it been?" Her voice was thick and a bit rough.
Alberich sat down on the chair and took her hand. Dirk quickly slipped out to go report to Talia and Selenay. The MindHealer stood there and looked at her. "It's been three weeks, child. You gave us quite a scare. How do you feel?"
'Flame smiled a little. "I feel like Darkfire's been lying on me for a few days. And I'm starved! Would it be possible for me to have something to eat?"
Ralea chuckled a bit and nodded and went to see what could be had herself. Alberich hadn't said anything yet. He had just held her hand. Ayren finally hopped onto the bed. 'Flame attempted to sit up in dismay but found herself fairly weak. Alberich helped her sit up against her headboard. :Ayren. Oh my lovely, what's happened?: Ayren climbed into her lap and nuzzled under her chin.
:I worried for you bondmate.: He explained. She looked over his ragged feathers and his ungroomed talons, and arched a brow. He shifted a bit on her legs careful of his powerful talons. :I worried for you. You blocked all of us out and none could reach you. I worried.: He nuzzled under her chin again. Soul deep despair colored his words. She sighed and scratched him.
:Oh, my lovely. I would never leave you. Never. There were things that I had to do. I did not mean to worry you so.: True regret lay behind those words and Ayren knew them to be true. He nipped at her chin in affection. She ruffled his feathers pulling some out that had become loose and not groomed out.
"I tried to groom him, but he would not allow it." Alberich said softly.
'Flame smiled and looked at him. "It is all right. I had no idea I would be gone so long." Her voice dropped and she stared at Ayren still on the bed with her. "I did not mean to worry everyone so. I relived the Change, Alberich. I think I had to before I came back." He nodded and looked out the window, giving her a chance to pull herself together.
"Alberich, where is my brother?" She looked at him. He looked away from her and sighed.
"Your brother is at council. He has not been told that you are awake yet." She merely nodded and let it alone. Behind them, Ralea came in carrying a large tray full of food. 'Flame chuckled when her stomach growled in anticipation. She couldn't wait.
The food was set across her legs, Ayren hopped back to his perch, looking at the food with interest. 'Flame tore off strips of her meat and fed it to him. He gulped it down quickly. She sighed as she watched him eat. "Alberich, could you get my grooming supplies for Ayren?" The weaponsmaster sighed and nodded, but made no move to leave. She looked at him out of the corner of her eye. "What is it Alberich?" He looked slightly guilty but kept his peace. "Tell me."
He sighed and took her hand again. "Firesong tried to see you but Darkfire and Ayren attacked him. Silverfox has been in but Firesong has stayed away. We are worried for his sanity. He has not been pleasant to be around since you collapsed." He rubbed her hand. "As well, as I was coming here I saw Starfall arrive." He felt her tense and then consciously relax. "He's at the vale."
'Flame looked out the window for a moment and then nodded. Starfall was already here. She would have to face him before she was really ready. Still she knew it had to come. Probably before she wanted it to. 'Flame knew that sooner or later they had to settle things between them. She wondered how long she would be able to stall before Firesong and Starfall knew she was awake. Not too long if Silverfox was coming to see her everyday. She wouldn't be able to duplicate the laxness of her muscles. Not to him. He was a highly trained kestra'chern. She didn't want to try to fool him. "How long do I have until Silverfox is here?"
Alberich looked outside again. "Council will not end for a time. You have at least until sundown." She nodded and doggedly worked her way through the large meal. Darkfire ended up with one of her apples. And the roasted rabbit that she had was split between her and Ayren.
When she was done, Alberich took the tray and set it aside. He pulled the bag of grooming supplies out from under the bed. 'Flame smiled and took the bag. Ayren quickly hopped back onto her bed. When Ralea came back in to see if she was done, 'Flame asked if she could have a spare blanket to catch all the debris. Ralea quickly agreed seeing that her most desperate patient was making a full recovery. 'Flame smiled and began grooming her bondbird. Quickly the extra blanket was covered in feathers and talon trimmings. Shadowflame continually clucked and cooed over him. The eagle seemed to enjoy it and Alberich kept his laughter to himself. Within an hour, Ayren was looking much better. Ayren quickly shook himself and hopped off the bed. He was quickly out the window. 'Flame sighed and began to clean up her mess. Alberich gathered up the blanket and took it outside to shake it. Once it was shaken out, he folded it and put it in a basket of soiled linens.
When he was done with that a Healer Trainee entered shyly. "Healer Ralea thought you might like a bath and a chance to get dressed?" She ducked her head shyly under the scrutiny of the two adults.
'Flame laughed. "I would love a bath but it may not be the best idea for me to leave my room." Alberich nodded.
The Trainee also nodded. "We know. If you would like we can bring a bath here to you and you can get dressed."
'Flame looked at Alberich. He was much better at security decisions than she was. He nodded thinking quickly. "If quick you are, then fine will be." He said switching to Valdemaran. "Take long do not." He admonished.
Both the trainee and 'Flame nodded. The Trainee opened the door and motioned in several people all carrying hot water buckets and another two carrying a tub. Following them were several others carrying buckets of cool water. Once everything was set, the servants filed out and Alberich went to stand guard outside.
The Trainee helped 'Flame out of bed and her clothes and into the bath. Quickly she bathed herself, studying her scars yet again. She washed herself then got into her own clothes, chuckling to herself when she saw they were her informal "Blacks". She was glad that she had them. After she was dressed, while the servants quickly cleaned out the bath things, the Trainee quickly stripped her bed and remade it with the ease of much practice. 'Flame sat in the chair on the opposite side of the bed. Darkfire, who'd been out grazing, came back in, shoving his nose into her chest. Alberich came back in as soon as the others were gone. He saw 'Flame and Darkfire, together again, on the other side of the room. They wouldn't be able to hide her recovery for long.
He sat and took up one of his books. 'Flame was oblivious, being wrapped up in her stallion. He just sat quietly and read, waiting for the explosion when all found out she was going to be fine.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Firesong walked from Council back to the ekele, still worried. His sister was still unconscious. No one would let him near her. Silverfox would be going over after dinner. It wasn't the same as being able to see her himself but it was better than nothing. Aya rode his shoulder easily. He walked through the veil and was surprised to see his father sitting and reading under a tree. "Father!" Firesong strode quickly over to his father. Grabbing the older man in a hug, he was suddenly very glad that Starfall was here.
Starfall returned the hug and stepped back to look at his son. "You look tired Firesong. Have they been working you too hard? Is that why you called me here?" He led Firesong over to sit in another chair. Hertasi brought both of them drinks. Both men sat down.
Firesong sat down and sipped his drink. He thought about the best way to approach his father and quickly thought that the best way was just to tell him. "Father, the reason I called you here is there is something I need you to do for me." Starfall nodded, indicating he needed to continue. Firesong took a deep breath and prepared to tell his father. "Shadowflame is here and she is very ill. I pushed her to tell me things her mind wasn't ready to accept. It hurt her badly. Right now she is unconscious and the MindHealers can't reach her. They don't believe she will survive. It's been three weeks now. I worry for her. I wanted you here because I thought you could help me help her." Firesong sighed. He couldn't look at his father. "You have to help me help her. It's my fault that she's in such desperate straits."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N- Well She's up. And Starfall has made it to Haven. What will he do now that his son has asked him to help his bastard sister?
Can you feel the guilt from Firesong? Poor guy. He is one of my fave Lackey characters but sometimes you have to portray them as human because that's all he is!
So thanking time-
All reviewers thank you! We love you all so much!
Ecetera-cat- keep those fluffy bunny tendencies they're coming! They bit me and Kyrette and were rabid!
mysticmoods- :Thank you, lovely lady, for the scratches for me. I enjoy them ever so much!:
Isn't Kyrette sweet?
'Blade- Jelana will not be encouraging Krathnae anymore. She read a bit of the valdemar history I own and has FINALLY figured out its a joke. And tell Sheherazade to get him back into line!
So here's the chappie up before Thanksgiving. I hope you all have a good one and don't overeat too much!
Here have some of my pumpkin bread, banana bread and pumpkin spice bars. We have extra!
~!*Cat*!~
So we left 'Flame in Healers after spending three weeks reliving what had Changed her. Starfall was on his way. What will happen when he shows up at Haven?
Chapter 13- The Waking
Starfall rode a weary dyheli through the streets of Haven. The Guards at the gates of the Palace grounds had obviously been told to expect him because they just waved him through. The dyheli turned toward Companion Field, having her orders from King Tyrsell who Starfall could see standing near the railing. Starfall dismounted near the railing. Several hertasi appeared and began removing the dyheli's tack and took his bags towards what he assumed was the ekele that Firesong had had built here. He noticed there was no one waiting for him and wearily followed the hertasi towards the ekele. His bondbird, a falcon, winged ahead in the same direction.
Starfall still had no idea why Firesong had called for him so urgently. Since that one contact he'd heard nothing from his son. He trudged wearily into the ekele. He was surprised to see three bathing pools where he had thought there was only two. No one else was about so he quickly entered the ekele and then went to soak in the bathing pools. He scrubbed all the accumulated grime from the road. The hertasi brought him clean clothing and some food to eat while he bathed. Soon he was ready to get out. He dressed in the robes that waited for him and sat down in one of the outside chairs, feeling much refreshed by his bath. He selected a book from the ekele and sat down to read and wait for the others to come back.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In Healer's Darkfire stood next to 'Flame's bed. He had sent an urgent message through Kantor to Alberich. The Weaponsmaster came into the room looking at the bed, hoping to see something. Dirk stood by the bed as well and Talia had been informed. She, in turn had informed Selenay. As of right now, no one had told any of the other Tayledras, by mutual consent. Now Dirk and Alberich stood near the bed, while Ayren looking very definitely the worse for wear, was settled on his perch which had been moved closer to the bed. The MindHealer Ralea was also in attendance.
The first sign they had of her waking was when she raised her hand and Darkfire stuck his nose in it. She smiled slightly and scratched under his chin. Finally she rolled her head a bit and opened drowsy looking eyes. She smiled to see the two Heralds and the Healer standing over her. "Heyla. How long has it been?" Her voice was thick and a bit rough.
Alberich sat down on the chair and took her hand. Dirk quickly slipped out to go report to Talia and Selenay. The MindHealer stood there and looked at her. "It's been three weeks, child. You gave us quite a scare. How do you feel?"
'Flame smiled a little. "I feel like Darkfire's been lying on me for a few days. And I'm starved! Would it be possible for me to have something to eat?"
Ralea chuckled a bit and nodded and went to see what could be had herself. Alberich hadn't said anything yet. He had just held her hand. Ayren finally hopped onto the bed. 'Flame attempted to sit up in dismay but found herself fairly weak. Alberich helped her sit up against her headboard. :Ayren. Oh my lovely, what's happened?: Ayren climbed into her lap and nuzzled under her chin.
:I worried for you bondmate.: He explained. She looked over his ragged feathers and his ungroomed talons, and arched a brow. He shifted a bit on her legs careful of his powerful talons. :I worried for you. You blocked all of us out and none could reach you. I worried.: He nuzzled under her chin again. Soul deep despair colored his words. She sighed and scratched him.
:Oh, my lovely. I would never leave you. Never. There were things that I had to do. I did not mean to worry you so.: True regret lay behind those words and Ayren knew them to be true. He nipped at her chin in affection. She ruffled his feathers pulling some out that had become loose and not groomed out.
"I tried to groom him, but he would not allow it." Alberich said softly.
'Flame smiled and looked at him. "It is all right. I had no idea I would be gone so long." Her voice dropped and she stared at Ayren still on the bed with her. "I did not mean to worry everyone so. I relived the Change, Alberich. I think I had to before I came back." He nodded and looked out the window, giving her a chance to pull herself together.
"Alberich, where is my brother?" She looked at him. He looked away from her and sighed.
"Your brother is at council. He has not been told that you are awake yet." She merely nodded and let it alone. Behind them, Ralea came in carrying a large tray full of food. 'Flame chuckled when her stomach growled in anticipation. She couldn't wait.
The food was set across her legs, Ayren hopped back to his perch, looking at the food with interest. 'Flame tore off strips of her meat and fed it to him. He gulped it down quickly. She sighed as she watched him eat. "Alberich, could you get my grooming supplies for Ayren?" The weaponsmaster sighed and nodded, but made no move to leave. She looked at him out of the corner of her eye. "What is it Alberich?" He looked slightly guilty but kept his peace. "Tell me."
He sighed and took her hand again. "Firesong tried to see you but Darkfire and Ayren attacked him. Silverfox has been in but Firesong has stayed away. We are worried for his sanity. He has not been pleasant to be around since you collapsed." He rubbed her hand. "As well, as I was coming here I saw Starfall arrive." He felt her tense and then consciously relax. "He's at the vale."
'Flame looked out the window for a moment and then nodded. Starfall was already here. She would have to face him before she was really ready. Still she knew it had to come. Probably before she wanted it to. 'Flame knew that sooner or later they had to settle things between them. She wondered how long she would be able to stall before Firesong and Starfall knew she was awake. Not too long if Silverfox was coming to see her everyday. She wouldn't be able to duplicate the laxness of her muscles. Not to him. He was a highly trained kestra'chern. She didn't want to try to fool him. "How long do I have until Silverfox is here?"
Alberich looked outside again. "Council will not end for a time. You have at least until sundown." She nodded and doggedly worked her way through the large meal. Darkfire ended up with one of her apples. And the roasted rabbit that she had was split between her and Ayren.
When she was done, Alberich took the tray and set it aside. He pulled the bag of grooming supplies out from under the bed. 'Flame smiled and took the bag. Ayren quickly hopped back onto her bed. When Ralea came back in to see if she was done, 'Flame asked if she could have a spare blanket to catch all the debris. Ralea quickly agreed seeing that her most desperate patient was making a full recovery. 'Flame smiled and began grooming her bondbird. Quickly the extra blanket was covered in feathers and talon trimmings. Shadowflame continually clucked and cooed over him. The eagle seemed to enjoy it and Alberich kept his laughter to himself. Within an hour, Ayren was looking much better. Ayren quickly shook himself and hopped off the bed. He was quickly out the window. 'Flame sighed and began to clean up her mess. Alberich gathered up the blanket and took it outside to shake it. Once it was shaken out, he folded it and put it in a basket of soiled linens.
When he was done with that a Healer Trainee entered shyly. "Healer Ralea thought you might like a bath and a chance to get dressed?" She ducked her head shyly under the scrutiny of the two adults.
'Flame laughed. "I would love a bath but it may not be the best idea for me to leave my room." Alberich nodded.
The Trainee also nodded. "We know. If you would like we can bring a bath here to you and you can get dressed."
'Flame looked at Alberich. He was much better at security decisions than she was. He nodded thinking quickly. "If quick you are, then fine will be." He said switching to Valdemaran. "Take long do not." He admonished.
Both the trainee and 'Flame nodded. The Trainee opened the door and motioned in several people all carrying hot water buckets and another two carrying a tub. Following them were several others carrying buckets of cool water. Once everything was set, the servants filed out and Alberich went to stand guard outside.
The Trainee helped 'Flame out of bed and her clothes and into the bath. Quickly she bathed herself, studying her scars yet again. She washed herself then got into her own clothes, chuckling to herself when she saw they were her informal "Blacks". She was glad that she had them. After she was dressed, while the servants quickly cleaned out the bath things, the Trainee quickly stripped her bed and remade it with the ease of much practice. 'Flame sat in the chair on the opposite side of the bed. Darkfire, who'd been out grazing, came back in, shoving his nose into her chest. Alberich came back in as soon as the others were gone. He saw 'Flame and Darkfire, together again, on the other side of the room. They wouldn't be able to hide her recovery for long.
He sat and took up one of his books. 'Flame was oblivious, being wrapped up in her stallion. He just sat quietly and read, waiting for the explosion when all found out she was going to be fine.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Firesong walked from Council back to the ekele, still worried. His sister was still unconscious. No one would let him near her. Silverfox would be going over after dinner. It wasn't the same as being able to see her himself but it was better than nothing. Aya rode his shoulder easily. He walked through the veil and was surprised to see his father sitting and reading under a tree. "Father!" Firesong strode quickly over to his father. Grabbing the older man in a hug, he was suddenly very glad that Starfall was here.
Starfall returned the hug and stepped back to look at his son. "You look tired Firesong. Have they been working you too hard? Is that why you called me here?" He led Firesong over to sit in another chair. Hertasi brought both of them drinks. Both men sat down.
Firesong sat down and sipped his drink. He thought about the best way to approach his father and quickly thought that the best way was just to tell him. "Father, the reason I called you here is there is something I need you to do for me." Starfall nodded, indicating he needed to continue. Firesong took a deep breath and prepared to tell his father. "Shadowflame is here and she is very ill. I pushed her to tell me things her mind wasn't ready to accept. It hurt her badly. Right now she is unconscious and the MindHealers can't reach her. They don't believe she will survive. It's been three weeks now. I worry for her. I wanted you here because I thought you could help me help her." Firesong sighed. He couldn't look at his father. "You have to help me help her. It's my fault that she's in such desperate straits."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N- Well She's up. And Starfall has made it to Haven. What will he do now that his son has asked him to help his bastard sister?
Can you feel the guilt from Firesong? Poor guy. He is one of my fave Lackey characters but sometimes you have to portray them as human because that's all he is!
So thanking time-
All reviewers thank you! We love you all so much!
Ecetera-cat- keep those fluffy bunny tendencies they're coming! They bit me and Kyrette and were rabid!
mysticmoods- :Thank you, lovely lady, for the scratches for me. I enjoy them ever so much!:
Isn't Kyrette sweet?
'Blade- Jelana will not be encouraging Krathnae anymore. She read a bit of the valdemar history I own and has FINALLY figured out its a joke. And tell Sheherazade to get him back into line!
So here's the chappie up before Thanksgiving. I hope you all have a good one and don't overeat too much!
Here have some of my pumpkin bread, banana bread and pumpkin spice bars. We have extra!
~!*Cat*!~