This chapter has now been spell checked. Sorry for that, my spell check on Word was malfunctioning and I had to import it into another program to get the spell check working.

Author: Arianna Castellis

Raiting: T (or PG-13)

Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Misty world, she is the master

A/N: Unbeta'ed. All mistakes are mine

Notes to reviewers are at the end of this chapter.

The Knife's Edge

Chapter Six: Falling

Stormdancer's first stop was Leana's cousin Kayle. The older woman's expression at receiving a Kaled'a'in was almost enough to make Stormdancer smile. But the situation was much too such easy amusements.

"How can I help you?" Kayle asked, concern for her cousin evident in her demeanor.

"What can you tell me about Leana's behavior? Was she like this from the day she came to Haven?"

"Good Havens, no!" Kayle was quick to say. "She was fine for the first few months she was here." She looked thoughtful and Stormdancer waited for her to continue her thoughts. "But her Aunt Heln did send her here because she wasn't sure what to do with Leana. She told me the child was acting strangely and could no longer deal with her."

"Tell me about it," urged Stormdancer.

"Well, I don't know a lot of the particulars, but it seemed to start right around the time that Leana's father died. Apparently she went into a deep mourning that concerned Heln a great deal."

"It's normal for a child to react strongly to a parent's death. Especially when that parent is the only one a child can remember."

Kayle nodded in agreement. "But this was apparently worse than Heln had expected. Now understand I really don't know a lot of the specifics, just what I've learned from Leana and Heln over the last year or so. But it was bad enough that Heln was seriously concerned. Leana wasn't interested in life at all. She wouldn't eat or do anything but cry and lock herself away."

It sounded much too familiar to the Kestra'chern than Stormdancer would like to admit. Stories of loved ones pining themselves away after a death happened much too often. Kayle's next words pulled Stormdancer out of her thoughts.

"But, Heln was even more concerned at what happened next. IN a matter of days, Leana went from a deep mourning to a…well Heln didn't know what to call it. Leana seemed to suddenly be interested in life again. She began a bunch of different projects, trying to find her niche, I guess, and Heln was constantly tripping over things in her room. But Leana never really concentrated on one thing. Heln was concerned about Leana staying in the village, so I offered to take her here at Haven."

"What happened once she reached Haven?"

Kayle explained about Leana fitting in at the Collegium. It had been a slow start, but Leana had made some good friends. Kayle hadn't seen any of the melancholy that had concerned Heln so many months previous, but she had noticed a few times when Leana tended to get involved in things. Searching through her father's boxes had left Kayle tripping over things even in the hallway. And Kayle confessed that she believed that Leana had gone at least one night without sleep without the tiring effects. And then Stormdancer heard about the tree.

"It was after that when Leana began to show signs of the melancholy that Heln had described. It seemed a bit extreme for the situation, but I just figured she was still trying to deal with her father's death."

Kayle sighed. "I wish I could be more help, but it was shortly after that when Leana was Chosen and she moved into the Herald's wing."

The thought that had been sitting in the back of Stormdancer's mind began to take form. But before making any judgments, she needed to talk to some of Leana's friends.

"Thank you for your help," Stormdancer told her, rising from the couch. "You've helped more than you know."

& & & & &

Stormdancer spoke with Leana's closest friends and all the stories seemed to be the same.

"…Leana's great, but sometimes she can't focus on her homework…"

"…She just gets sad sometimes. I think it's because being at the Collegium reminds her of her father."

"…Some days she's really happy and other days she seems really sad."

"…sometimes she acts kind of crazy. If she's in a 'good' mood, she tends to dance and drink and just really let loose."

But it was the discussions with Robin and Gena that seemed the most telling. The tow had insisted on speaking with her together.

"We're both her closest friends," Robin had explained.

"And we want to make sure that her trust isn't compromised."

Stormdancer had agreed, knowing there wasn't much of a choice.

The story began the same, but there were differences that Gena and Robin had picked up that other had not shared.

"When Leana's in a good mood," Gena said, "She tends to forget what's important. She doesn't want to work on schoolwork."

"And," offered Robin, "She gets really snappy. A simple comment to her is often met with a biting reply." Robin thought about it. "And she has this fear that everyone around her is treating her funny."

"She also won't stop talking," admitted Gena. "It actually gets kind of hard to follow what she's saying."

"And she can't sit still. Sometimes I feel exhausted just being in the same room with her."

Stormdancer felt her suspicions take hold. If what she thought were true, the child would need a lot of help. Now she knew why Silverfox had sent for her. He must have realized from Talia's message that she would be able to help Leana much better than he would. But there was one more issue. "And what of her gift?"

Robin grimaced. "She hates it, really. She is afraid that she is affecting everyone around her. It's blocked half the time and even her Companion can't seem to get a grip on it."

Stormdancer nodded, thinking of how best to handle the situation. "Thank you both for being so honest with me."

"Did we help?" asked Gena.

"Yes, you both did. But I can't tell you much right now. You will have to find the answers from Leana when she is feeling better."

& & & & &

She heard the crackling of a fire first. The sound was far away, as if it were on a neighboring hilltop. Next, she could smell the smoke. That was one thing she hated about cities was the constant smell of oil and smoke. She much preferred wandering through the countryside where the air was clear.

She heard voices murmuring next to her bed. It sounded like Gena, but like the fire, it seemed to be coming from far away. Leana fought to open her eyes. They were gummy and felt like they had been glued together, but she finally managed to get them open. She saw Gena sitting next to her bed with Stormdancer. They swam in front other eyes as if she were looking through bubbly glass at them. She knew she should feel angry or upset that Gena was talking with the enemy, but she didn't seem to have the energy.

"Leana!" Gena exclaimed as she saw Leana wake up. "How are you feeling?" Gena leaned over the bed and grabbed Leana's hand. Leana tried to squeeze Gena's hand back, but was having trouble getting her muscles to work.

"wah…wong…me…?" Leana's tongue felt like it was too big for her mouth. It was almost too heavy to move.

Gena rubbed Leana's hand reassuringly. "Nothing 's wrong. At least not now. You've been through a lot and you just needed rest."

"…wah..appen?"

Stormdancer came over and stood behind Gena. "You had a bit of a fight with Aimee when she came in to investigate some loud noises coming from your room."

Leana had a vague flash of fighting people off. The fear must have shown in her face, because Gena quickly added. "She's fine. Everyone's fine. You just had a bit of fight in you that no one expected."

Leana closed her eyes as she felt shame wash over her. She heard Stormdancer ask Gena to leave and Gena gave Leana's hand a final squeeze. "I'm going to tell Robin that you're awake. He'll want to see you once he's done with his rehearsal."

Stormdancer sat next to the bed.

"Leana, I'm afraid I haven't been much help to you up to this point."

Leana opened her eyes and saw something she hadn't expected. Stormdancer was in pain. Leana felt her heart open a slight crack. Maybe Silverfox had abandoned her, but Stormdancer hadn't done anything but try and be helpful. Even if it was a useless help.

Stormdancer looked deep into Leana's eyes. "I didn't push as hard as I should have and I'm sorry. I was trying to get you to open up to me and I should have been more direct. And now we're in this mess."

Leana tried sitting up in bed, but Stormdancer held her down. "No child, you won't be able to move for a bit."

"…why…not?" Leana asked, finding the words a little easier to say.

"The Healers gave you a sedative. You were fighting off everyone who was near you. It took to Trainees, a Healer and myself to get you under control. The healers want you under sedation until we can guarantee it won't happen again."

Leana sighed, causing Stormdancer to smile. "Now, it won't be as bad as it is now. You'll feel kind of like you're walking through water and it will be more difficult for you to move around, but once the heavier sedation wears off, you'll be able to get around."

Stormdancer studied Leana for a minute. "Don't fret over anything, Leana. I think I may have some answers for you. But you'll have to trust me so that we can work through it together."

There was a light knock on the door. "I imagine that's your young man. I'll leave you to catch up in peace." Stormdancer rose. "Leana, I'm just a call away if you need me."

Leana nodded, thinking she'd never take the kestra'chern up on it, but grateful all the same for the offer.

As Stormdancer left, Robin came bounding into the room.

"Hey Lena," he said. Leana smiled up at him. "Gena said you weren't really feeling up to talking, but I thought maybe you'd like to hear some music?" he lifted his gittern with a grin. Leana shook her head.

"…no…music…please."

Robin nodded, slightly crestfallen. "I guess I can just keep you company," he offered. "Unless you want me to go?"

Leana shook her head slowly. "…stay…"

Robin sat on the edge of the bed. "How 'bout I read you a book?"

"…sounds…good…"

Robin picked up the book on Leana's nightstand. It was a tale of high adventure and one that he was surprised Leana was reading. He leaned against the headboard, stretching his legs along the bed. Leana snuggled close, putting her head into Robin's lap and let herself drift off to sleep.

& & & & &

Leana glared at Stormdancer as she paced around the room. "Leana, you must talk to me at some point."

"About what?" demanded Leana. The worst of the sedation had worn off, leaving Leana feeling as if she couldn't move properly, but her temper was still simmering under the surface. Not that she could do anything about it. The only good part of the sedation was the fact that she couldn't go to weapons practice until it was over. "You never ask me anything that's important. It's always random things about my friends and family."

"I'm trying to find out what's upsetting you, Leana. But if you won't talk to me, I can't help."

"What's bothering me?" Leana asked. "I'll tell you what's bothering me. I'm stuck in a city that I don't know with a gift that is going out of control. The people here seem to either be afraid of me or won't leave me alone. I'm under sedation and I can't seem to get agry when I want to. For some reason I go from wanting to climb trees and dance all night to hating myself enough to want to die. I can't stop talking when I get upset and I hate the fact that Silverfox sent you here instead of coming to help me."

Stormdancer stopped her pacing and looked at Leana. "Is that why you won't talk to me? You think Silverfox didn't want to come and sent me as a substitute?"

Leana looked at the ground cursing her inability to keep her mouth shut. Stormdancer came to sit by Leana. "Leana, it is very true that Silverfox received your message and forwarded it on to me. But it's not for the reason you think." She kneeled on the floor in front of Leana and caught her eye. "You see, Silverfox had a feeling that I would be able to help you more than he could. I've dealt with some emotionally injured people before. People who were injured in a way that others can't seem to comprehend."

Leana digested this for a moment. "You mean, Silverfox wanted to help me?"

"Yes, of course he did. He pleaded with me to make the time to come here and help. He said he would consider it a personal favor if I would take a look at the situation and do what I could for you."

"I'm sorry," Leana said. "I didn't know."

Stormdancer shook her head. "No apologizes necessary, Leana. I should have known something about me was upsetting you. Now, about this mess we seem to find ourselves in. What do you say we work together on it? See if there's a solution."

"Can you help me?' whispered Leana, afraid of the answer.

Stormdancer gave a small smile. "I can now that you've asked me for help. That's always the first step."

TBC

NOTES TO REVIEWERS:

Thanks to everyone who has reviewed. I love the feedback. In general, yes we'll find out what's wrong with Leana and we'll find information on her gift. I don't think it will end up being AU. And guesses as to what's wrong with Leana are welcome.

Serami Nefera – We will find out what's wrong with Leana. Promise. And any guesses are welcome!

Shadowwolf Ackers – I chose to have a kestra'chern instead of a Healing Adept because I was under the impression that Healing Adepts dealt more with healing the land and kestra'cherns dealt more with healing the heart and soul. Maybe my interpretation is different…

Silver Magiccraft – Thanks for the info on the word okay. I use it a lot and now I know how to spell it ;)