Chapter 22

Rissa watched her pupil muddle through yet another drill.  Afiona might be a great healer but she was dismal with weapons.  They had tried swords, knives, staffs, and axes now and she had been beyond clumsy with all of them.  With each failure she sensed Afiona starting to feel more defeated.  Afiona was by no means weak, for her size she was actually very strong, but she dropped the sword, nearly taking off her own foot, cut herself with the knife, which was dull, and broke a mirror with the axe.  The staff had resulted in Rissa seeing stars when the tip of it caught her in the temple as Afiona turned around.  She had no doubt that given time, and lots of it, Afiona would become proficient with at least the staff, but Rissa sensed Afiona needed something she could master a bit quicker.

Afiona sank onto a bench, the staff left on the floor where it had tangled with her feet.

Rissa sat next to her.  "I'll give you one thing, you are hilarious to watch."

Afiona looked up.  "At this rate I will do the work for them and accidentally kill myself."

"Just because you don't have an aptitude for weapons doesn't mean you can't learn.  I think we just need to teach you to move first.  You move too hesitantly."  Rissa assured her.  "I think we will focus on the staff for now."

Afiona glared at the offending piece of wood.  "Good idea, no sharp edges."

"Also the principle is fairly simple, hit them, and don't get hit."  Rissa said lightly.  "Did you hear back from Lance yet?"

"No."  Afiona's shoulder unconsciously dropped.  "I just sent it yesterday; he wouldn't have gotten it by now."

Rissa smiled slightly, she had pulled in a favor from a Herald with a strong Fetching gift to have Afiona's letters delivered to her son.  He probably got them this morning if not last night.  "I am sure we will hear from him soon."

Afiona straightened.  "I better get going.  I have to meet Mia."

Rissa was well aware that Mia was teaching Afiona riding in the mornings; they had to be careful that they didn't exhaust her for her patients.  "See you tomorrow morning."

Afiona grimaced.  "Tomorrow."  She promised as she left the salle with a slight limp.

Rissa stood a bit more slowly; she was not as nimble as she once was as these early mornings reminded her.  For a week now she had spent every morning, before breakfast, with Afiona.  In just those few days she had come to respect Afiona as well as like her.  She even came to understand some of why Lance was so drawn to her.  

Putting away the staff that had nearly succeeded in breaking the legs of her student she surveyed the salle.  She wondered how many of the students she was teaching or had taught would be heading south in the coming months and how many would die. 

What if one of them was Lance?  She shivered and tried to banish the image of his broken body from her mind.

~ * ~

Afiona was still limping when she reached the stable and Daric.  Nico was entertaining everyone by acting out one of the little stories he liked to tell about what he considered to be great adventures.  Mia was leaning against the wall as Nico scampered and scurried like a mouse, a creature he thought was fascinating, she couldn't hear his narration but it was amusing all the same.

"You look like you lost a war."  Mia commented.

"I did, with a stick of wood."  Afiona grumbled.

Mia chuckled.  "Relax, and give it time."

"She can barely keep from laughing.  Why don't we just stick with one thing?"  Afiona grumbled.

"She is testing to see if there are any weapons you have an aptitude for and to see if your movements have been hampered at all by your old injuries."  Mia explained.  "You've barely started so don't get worried about progress yet.  Are you ready to ride?"

"No, but that isn't about to stop you from tossing me in the saddle."  Afiona leaned against the wall across from her. 

Nico didn't pause in his narration; the mouse was now running from the cat who liked to chase it, as the women spoke, but Afiona Felt him trying to cheer her up.

"Have you seen Medren lately?"  Mia asked with a wicked grin.

"Yes, last night actually.  He said something about a predatory female."  Afiona admitted.  "I think you are scaring him."

"What do you suggest then?"  Mia asked curiously.

"Court him.  Give him flowers, sing him serenades, that sort of think should catch his attention."  Afiona suggested.

"Like wooing a virgin."  Mia chuckled.

:What's a virgin?:  Nico asked with the second sense all children seem to have for topics there parents would rather not discus.

Afiona shot a glare at Mia.  :It's an adult thing.:

Nico wrinkled his nose.  :I won't be a virgin.:

Daric's eyes grew wide at the statement and he snorted in amusement.  Afiona wasn't nearly as reserved, she laughed until her eyes watered, drawing a confused look from Mia.

"He wanted to know what a virgin is."  Afiona explained, gasping for breath.  "And he swears he will never be one."

Mia giggled.  "With those big, beautiful eyes I doubt that will ever be a problem for you."

Nico posed for a second under the praise.  :Tavers says I am gonna be big too because Mama-Afi takes good care of me.:

Afiona scratched his ears lovingly.  "You are very special."

Daric nuzzled Nico in agreement.  :And you know it.:

:I got a Mama-Afi and no one else does.:  Nico agreed.  :We play now?:

"We have to do a bit of work first."  Afiona pushed away from the wall.  "You can watch us."

"I'll see you in the ring."  Mia warned as she left.  "I have to saddle Lika."

Afiona nodded her understanding, making her way to the tack room for the unpartnered Companions.

:I work too.:  Nico said seriously and preceded them to the tack room.  Afiona collected the relevant gear; hackamore, saddle, and blanket, quickly so she wouldn't be seen.  Daric stood patiently while she saddled him but Nico kept charging at sun motes and getting in the way.

:The attention span of a butterfly.:  Daric commented as Nico stumbled and ended up in a tangle of legs.  Undaunted the colt struggled to his feet and continued his game.

:He is happy, right?:  Afiona asked as she tightened his girth.

:Very.  You are a wonderful mom.:  Daric assured her sincerely.

:You know, we are one very strange couple.:  Afiona commented as she led both Companions outside towards the riding ring.  :You didn't Choose me because I am Nico's mother, did you?:

Daric snorted in derision.  :No, most definitely not.  I knew you were my Chosen before I knew you were raising Nico.:

Afiona relaxed a little and scratched his ears. 

:How is Operation Nosey Bard progressing?:  Daric asked changing the subject.

Afiona chuckled.  :He has been feeling like a hunted deer but I think he is very interested.  Medren swears he knows how his uncle Vanyel felt when his mother, Lady Melena, hunted him.  I doubt he has ever been the pursued, at least not like this.:

:Mia certainly has a way of catching and holding attention.:  Daric agreed.  :I was thinking a serenade under his window would be amusing.  But if she were to suddenly stop showing an interest he might be set even more off balance.:

Afiona shrugged.  :I feel bad for manipulating him like this but he just never backed off.  Not even when I came right out and asked him to.:

:I think he was trying to 'fix' things for you.  From what you have told me of your relationship he often stepped in and fixed things for you.:  Daric tried to offer her some insight.

Afiona paused.  :Back then I needed it.  I couldn't have done it with out his help.  There were times when a sigh would have me scurrying for a corner.:

:And look at you now.  You order around Heralds and Companions like a general.  You have stood up to the Healers.  You are a favorite with the Companions.  You have come a long way.  It doesn't seem like you have so very far left to go, does it?:  Daric caressed her cheek affectionately with his velvety nose.

Afiona grinned and draped her arm over his withers.  "Thanks.  That makes things seem a lot easier."

~ * ~

Afiona tried to roll over into a more comfortable position only to find Nico wedged firmly against her back.  Demon had the front with his head on her arm, snoring softly.

She was restless, she wanted to get up and take a short walk but it wasn't worth disturbing Demon and Nico.  She was eager for the day when Nico would sleep standing next to the bed rather than on top of her.  It wasn't as bad as the first few weeks where Nico needed constant attention and slept for what seemed only a few minutes at a time.  Now he only woke her two or three times during the night.

Demon growled at some dream rabbit and twitched in his sleep as he chased it down. 

After a long day of tending patients and working with the foals under two years old, helping their immune system and seeing that they were all healthy, she should have just fallen asleep but instead she lay there staring at the ceiling. 

Daric was sleeping, she could sense him on the other side of the heavy wooden door.

Wriggling she tried to free one leg from the tangle of blankets.

What she really wanted was someone to talk to she realised.  If Medren was remotely sensitive to mindspeech she would have spoke to him, but even if she could it would only draw his attention back to her. 

If Lance were here I'd see if he had time to talk, Afiona admitted silently.  But then she didn't need someone here to talk to them.  She was actually smiling as she let herself drift into a trance.

When she opened her eyes she was standing at the foot of her bed.  She could See the pulsing glow of the three figures in the bed.  Normally she blocked this way of Seeing.  She could see the ghostly form of her body only because she expected it to be there.  When she was finally taught how to do this she was surprised to discover most did not see this spirit-body.  Unlike a true body she felt no pain in this form unless she was trapped in someone else's body, then she felt what they felt. 

Focusing her thoughts on Lance she felt herself being pulled through the night, as fast as the wind, towards the south.  When she finally stopped she was inside a small wooden building with no windows and only one door.  Carmia was standing in the corner, her head hanging as she slept.  Lance lay on the bed, reading a book by the light of a small travel lantern.  By the creases on his brow it was not a pleasant book.

:Lance?:  Afiona said hesitantly.

Lance jumped, his book falling to the floor with a thump that woke Carmia.  "Who's there?"  He asked.

:Sorry, its me, Afiona.:  Afiona quickly explained.

Lance lay back down.  Afiona could feel the nervousness and the pleasure he felt at her sudden intrusion.  :Is something wrong?:

:Oh, no, I was…just hoping you had time to talk.:  Afiona said hopefully.

:I was just reading.:  Lance glanced down at his book.  :How's your training with mother going?:

:I am completely hopeless!:  Afiona said with a touch of defeat.  :I nearly killed myself with the staff, not to mention what happened with the sword.  We are lucky we didn't have to call a Healer to patch me up.:

Lance chuckled.  :It will get easier with practice.  No doubt you are nervous so you will be clumsy, but as you gain confidence you will become more graceful.:

:Lance, I spent the majority of my life cowering in corners, I have never been graceful.:  Afiona said dryly. 

Lance was obvious not pleased with her comment, he looked angry.

Afiona would have bit her lip, if she could.  :I shouldn't have said that.:

:Why not?:  Lance immediately looked worried.

:Because you looked mad.:  Afiona admitted.

:Looked…:  Lance repeated and looked around the room.  :Exactly how did you see how I looked?:

:I have far sight.:  Afiona reminded him.  :I can see you quite clearly.:

Lance swung his legs over the edge of the bed.  :Where are you?:

:Look to your left, I am about four feet from you.:  Afiona explained.  :You can't see me.:

:Don't you find it draining?:  Lance's eyes focused on the spot she should have been.

:Less draining than trying to sleep with Nico and Demon.  They have me pinned so tightly I can barely breathe and I couldn't sleep.:  Afiona moved to sit on the edge of the bed next to him.  He had no idea she moved.  It was odd but this was actually easier than when he had been near her in the flesh, she felt safe.  Of course no one could touch her in this state.  She was fairly certain that was why she had fled to it so often in her youth.  :You look tired.  You should get some sleep.:  Afiona's transparent hand moved to brush a strand of hair out of his eyes but passed through him.

He shivered slightly.  :Where are you now?:

:Beside you.:

Lance studied the space where she was sitting.  :This kind of reminds me of being haunted.:

:Do you want me to leave?:

:No!:  Lance assured her quickly.  :Unless you are getting tired.:

A chuckle interrupted them.  :You two are so adorable.:

:Carmia!:  Lance glared at his Companion.

Carmia blithely ignored him.  :How is my grandson?:

:Oh, happy as a lark.:  Afiona assured her.  :And trying desperately to make everyone happy.:

:Soon you will have to teach him to sleep standing up.:  Carmia chuckled. 

Afiona agreed ruefully. 

:When are you going to visit your cousin?:  Lance asked.

:After Demon dies.  If I am not needed, then I will go.:

:And if you are needed?:  Lance asked.

:If I am needed in Haven of course I will stay.  But Tashir's Companion is the best suited for our problem.:

:What problem:  Lance asked with concern.

:Nico is a mindhealer, and a powerful one at that.  He is still a baby but he has been trying to make me happy by thinking happy thoughts at me.  I guess that explains why I have charge of him for now.:  Afiona sighed.  :He is such a sweetie, and he means well, but it is getting awkward.  He is manipulating almost everyone.:

:That is…not good.:  Lance said uncertainly.

:You are the master of understatement.:  Afiona said dryly.

A strange internal tugging interrupted her before she could say anything more.

:I have to go.:  She said as she felt herself pull northward.  When she opened her eyes she found Nico and Demon still sandwiching her, both still sleeping.

:Daric?:  She called, guessing the source of the pull.

:What happened?:  Daric half demanded.

:I just wanted to talk to someone so I went to see Lance.:  Afiona complained.

She Felt Daric's mental sigh of relief.  :I was worried you had another nightmare.  Sorry for interrupting then.:

:No problem.:  Afiona wriggled, trying to get more comfortable.  :Thank you anyway.:

Outside Daric studied the sturdy door thoughtfully.  :Would there be room for me in there?  It is getting cold.:

Afiona laughed and shoved Demon, who awoke with a grumble and shifted enough to allow her to pull herself out of the blankets.  Tiptoeing across the cold floor she opened the door and was blasted with the icy air.  Daric gave her a helpless look, quivering like a leaf.

"Big softy."  Afiona accused but stepped aside to allow him entrance.

The room, once too large for her needs, felt cramped with the Companion.  She grabbed a towel she used to dry Nico after tumbling in the snow and brushed off the snow that clung to his back and mane.

:How is Lance?:  Daric asked as he leaned into her strokes.

:He is in good health.  I miss him though.:  Afiona sighed.  :I thought you were sleeping otherwise I would have talked to you.:

Daric nuzzled her arm affectionately.  :You don't have to worry about my feelings, Chosen.  I am glad you are still trying to reach out to him.:

Afiona gave him a warm hug.

:Mama-Afi.:  Nico scrambled out of bed and looked around frantically before seeing her and his papa in the center of the dim room.  :Papa!  Want to play?:

Afiona sighed and rested her forehead on Daric's neck.  :It is not play time.  It is sleep time.:

Nico looked at his father hopefully.

:It is sleep time.:  He echoed firmly.

Reluctantly he let Afiona tuck him back into bed.

Afiona paused to survey her strange little family.  She had come a long way from the little waif she had been.  Tugging blankets and rearranging her pillows she crawled back into bed.  This time she had no trouble falling asleep.