Chapter 11: The kiss of Gossamer Wings: Part 1

Raven lay on the soft grey blanket on a bed in Griffin's Claw Inn. Beast Boy had gone to get them some dinner but she had a sinking feeling he was only doing so in hopes of seeing Lark again. She wished she were there to protect him. Lark was a very dangerous girl. Raven shifted uncomfortably, wishing she had thought to cut her hair while they had been on earth. The long now maroon locks fell about her shoulders and she idly shook them off. She should be resting, healing herself, and yet she felt restless. Perhaps she was just overreacting. Beast Boy would be ok. He wouldn't run into Lark and he'd be back soon. He had to be. Having been originally wary that Beast Boy would cause a stir she couldn't hide him anymore. He'd been seen by Lark and doubtless to say someone else had spotted him in the process. As long as he didn't shift forms anymore, they'd be alright.

Raven gave a frustrated sigh and picked up her mirror from the stand next to her. Perhaps she could enter her mind now. She'd tried to do so without the mirror earlier but it had been impossible in her weakened state.

"Azerath, Metri-"she sighed, remembering on Azerath she had to use Azarian when chanting. "Azerath, Capria, Disornay!" she called. The mirror's surface did not change. Raven felt a cold sweep through her and averted her eyes from her reflection angrily. What was going on? How had she gotten into this mess? She struggled to hold in the flood of emotion that came surging through her. She really should heal herself… Raven settled herself and laid the mirror back on the nightstand. Closing her eyes she began to hover over the bed and the healing process began. Nobody really knew how painful that was; she hadn't wanted them to tell her to stop using the power. It was worse to be weak for a long time than to be in pain for a little while. She scolded herself. She should not think when healing herself, it made it harder. Allowing herself to slip into a trance she clung to a last realization before ceasing to think. It seemed, using her powers at all was becoming physically painful.

Raven felt nothing but intense, searing pain and at times thought it would be better to simply wake up and abort the healing. Still, she persevered. She clenched her fists, it hurt so much more this time. Everything hurt more now…

"Raven?" she pulled herself back to reality at his voice. "Rae, how're you feeling?" he asked softly. She managed a very tiny half-hearted smile.

"Ok," she responded in monotone. Her gaze shifted to the covered tray he had at his side. Noticing her look he uncovered it to reveal the contents. There was a good piece of meat that looked to her like a cut of red or maybe silver dragon. The plate also appeared to have a soft piece of bread and some unicorn berries. She looked at him curiously.

"What are you going to eat?" she asked, sounding almost concerned. Beast Boy shook his head.

"No tofu, plus I'm not real hungry. I guess I could get myself some of those weird berries if I do feel like eating… still, I mean who'd of thought Azerath wouldn't serve tofu?" he shrugged and she appreciated his attempt to lighten her situation.

"Still, usually you wouldn't usually let anyone else eat meat either," she replied, her eyebrow raised. Beast Boy shrugged.

"You need food and this is what the little place had. The tavern thing across the street had that… uh, guy… we meat earlier and I didn't feel like running into him," he rubbed the back of his neck. Beast Boy was startled as a sudden wailing was heard outside. Raven frowned. Beast Boy got up to investigate but Raven harshly held him back. Staggering to the window she slammed the shutters shut.

"Beast Boy, cover your ears, now!" she hissed. The startled boy did as asked and Raven stumbled and closed the room's door as well. Her eyes glowed white and she entered his mind.

"Do not uncover your ears until morning, if you have to, shift into an animal that can't hear. Do not leave this room until I direct you, understand?" Beast Boy nodded, baffled by Raven's intense reaction to the wail. Raven cursed quietly. The siren was at it again and Raven would have no part of Lark's little games.

The haunt

Of that beautiful tune,

Sends me away.

It carries me,

To a Place…

I should not go.

Don't leave me,

Beautiful bitterness

That tears my dreams.

Let me feel the pain,

Brought by sacred song,

At least…

Till morning light.


Author's Notes: Well, scubagirl, I can't garuntee Lark won't snag BB but do remember, in the end this IS a bb rae fic, so please don't despair. As far as who she is... well you'll just have to wait for that. And for those who didn't know, my Chapter titles are metphorical hints to the plot, and I always have hints in the chapters of course. Like this chappie give a nice, big, fat clue about what Lark is. And, Blaze-firestorm,I updated even though you didn't die... in fact, I updaed faster! Go figure! Living could be good for a change, eh?