Breanne managed to escape after the beating. Sheer determination allowed her to make it back to the manor just short of opening the front door. She did not have enough strength left to continue, she collapsed as she grasped the doorknob.
"Ms. Wheaton I am happy to see you here . . . again." Alarica felt something. What was that? "If you would please excuse me for a moment I will return." She left for the laboratory out of sight of the Secretary of State. Alarica concentrated as she felt it again. She suddenly opened her eyes after realizing what it was she was feeling. She left the laboratory for her study to speak with Ms. Wheaton "Ms. Wheaton, I am sorry, but I must request that this meeting be rescheduled. There is something that I must attend to."
"I came to this meeting based on your request Ms. Alarica. Now you are telling me you must reschedule. Very well, I will let my assistant know of your request. Good day to you Ms. Alarica." Crystal Wheaton left the manor leaving Alarica to accomplish her goal. That goal was to rescue Breanne. Alarica quickly gathered the necessary supplies with the intention of leaving the manor with or without security. She could not wait she had to leave. As she opened the door Breanne's body fell to the floor of the entryway.
Alarica immediately picked her up to take her to the laboratory. She did not have time to react to the situation only act to save her consors' life. After a careful examination, Breanne had too many injuries and the head injury to heal here at the manor without the proper tools. She needed to go back to Avalon. She was able to stabilize Breanne by placing her in dormancy. It was temporary and she needed to act quickly.
"Elmira work with Ernestine to pack everything immediately. Use as many guards as needed."
"Meus imperium, sister, what is wrong?"
"Breanne has been hurt. I do not have anything here that can help her. I need to go back to Avalon."
"Yes meus imperium, I hope she recovers soon." Elmira immediately met with Ernestine to pack everything for the move back to Avalon. Ernestine was very happy to be moving back home. Elmira did not tell her the move back was due to Breanne's injuries.
"Queen Melisandra, coordinate with your sister to be sure all necessities are coming back with us back to Avalon."
"We are moving sire?" Melisandra was very happy to hear the news and did not bother to ask the reason why. Alarica had another duty to attend to and that was to explain to the children the sudden change of plans.
Leonessa offered to speak to the children about the move to Avalon. Alarica felt it was her duty, therefore would do so even though the circumstances were unpleasant. Alarica gathered the children and explained the events as thoroughly as she could. Melisent was angry. She was angry that her grandmother would do such a thing. Emily only wanted to go to her mama. Alarica promised later that they could all see Breanne before the move back to Avalon. That left Claryvorra in charge of being sure all of them packed what was needed.
Leonessa packed the supplies in the workroom. Alarica packed the laboratory quickly to oversee how the others were tending to the order. Everything and everyone was packed and ready to move. Alarica let the girls see Breanne before the move to Avalon. Leonessa would lead and Alarica would follow.
It had been seven days since their arrival back to Avalon. Ethelmona was to go to America to finish what Alarica had started. Queen Melisandra supervised the unpacking and settling of everyone. Claryvora's caretaker missed her pupil and was very happy she brought friends along with her. Elmira began the legal paperwork for citizenship for Breanne. Breanne was appointed consors for the sovereign and therefore would automatically become a citizen of Avalon. However, to be sure that her citizenship was stable, in the event of Alarica's death, Breanne's citizenship needed to be secured so there would be no question. Because the girls are her natural born daughters, they would be citizens of Avalon as well.
Breanne woke up slowly, confused about the sights and sounds. Where am I? This isn't the house. I don't hear traffic but I hear people marching, where am I? The last thing she remembered was the need to go home. Now she was here, wherever this place is. Too weak to do anything she could only lay there and wonder. Leonessa came into the room to check on Breanne "Breanne, child, are you awake?" Breanne attempted to say anything but found she could not.
"Do not say anything child. Your voice box was badly damaged and will take quite some time to heal properly. It is good to see you well." Leonessa was in tears as she watched Breanne knowing she was going to be all right. Both Alarica and Leonessa worked feverishly to help Breanne to heal. It was good to see their efforts had succeeded in helping Breanne to recover.
Leonessa gave Breanne a pad and pencil to express her thoughts. Breanne asked question after question to Leonessa who explained everything to Breanne as simply as she could. Breanne fell asleep once again. Leonessa was happy beyond words that her special daughter was going to be alright.
Leonessa met with Alarica to tell her the good news. Alarica had been very worried due to the amount of time Breanne was in a healing sleep. Her duties as sovereign kept her busy enough to focus her mind on other things. Alarica ran to Breanne's recovery room. There it was proof that Breanne was alright. The writing was rough and just barely readable but it proved that Breanne would be coming back. The sovereign would have her consors.
It took three months for Breanne to heal completely and another three months before she got her strength back. All the physical scars were gone; all that was left were the emotional scars. Breanne would wake up during the night, not able to go back to sleep she would wander the palace. She saw her paintings hanging on the walls, framed perfectly for all to see. It was on one of these excursions that she heard a strange noise. She left the palace to see who was there. Leonessa told her, her mother would not be able to follow them to Avalon. She and the children were safe here. So what could it be?
Using a lantern, she walked in the direction of the strange noise, and that was when Breanne saw her. About as tall as Alarica, some parts had feathers and some parts were skin. Half bird half-human whatever it was, needed help that is all Breanne knew. That is all she needed to know. She approached slowly and carefully humming a lullaby to sooth this strange beast. Breanne requested help from a couple of the guards, not wanting to add to the injuries, to bring her into a vacant room. There was a piece of something in its wing. She remembered it is best to leave the object in rather than pull the object out. She secured it leaving it alone until she could explain to Alarica what she needed help with. Breanne did not want to leave it in too long though, it was causing pain, and the piece did not look too big. Apologizing before attempting to pull and thinking of a prayer, she pulled it out of its wing. The beast did not make a sound only seemed to relax a bit.
Breanne stitched the wound closed. She filled a bucket with water and with whatever material she could find she bathed this beast.
The next morning Alarica expected to find Breanne in her bed. She was not there, so where could she be. It was a large palace and while it did take Breanne quite some time to learn the palace, Breanne did eventually learn the lay out. Better than Alarica actually, being lost was unlikely unless she ventured outside the palace. Alarica was about to call for her guards until she saw Breanne walk down the hall covered in what looked like mud and blood?
Alarica did not speak only picked up Breanne to bring her to her the laboratory. Alarica stripped off Breanne's clothes to examine her for any wounds. Breanne did not know what to say. That is until Leonessa came into the room.
"Well, good morning to you all. Did something happen last night? I spoke with the captain of the guards and she stated that two of her guards had assisted a member of the palace with a strange beast into the palace. Does either one of you know anything about this?"
Could I have something to wear please? Alarica tore my dress off. Breanne was beginning to shiver making it a little difficult to sign her request.
"Of course you may, Alarica sometimes gets over excited and does things without explanation." Leonessa gave Breanne a gown to wear to avoid embarrassment and that was when she saw the bloodied gown from the night before. "This blood is not yours. Who's blood is this?"
I took a walk last night. I heard something so I left to see what it was. It's a half bird half man thing. I took out the stick and it bleed lots. I was going to wash up but she grab me before I could. Breanne signed.
"Half human half bird . . . could it be? Breanne, there is a legend that says, there is a world far above ours and on that world are people who are able to fly like a bird. You said you pulled out a stick. Could you show this beast to me please?" Leonessa was intrigued as Breanne told her story. Alarica did not miss the fact Breanne was wandering the palace at night, a time that Breanne should be sleeping.
Leonessa approached the beast and without warning the beast fiercely grabbed Leonessa's hand. Breanne started humming again and petting the beast. It started to relax and therefore let go. Leonessa starting humming a lullaby of her own as she checked the wound. Leonessa smiled with pride as she recognized the stitching. "You did very well Breanne. The stitches are small and even. You did good work. I will send Alarica back here with something that will help prevent infection. I have to speak with the captain of the guards to let her know of our unexpected guest."
Alarica heard and understood everything her mother told her. Alarica approached slowly humming a lullaby as well. She wrapped gauze around the wing to give it time to heal.
Back in the study Alarica confronted Breanne about the conversation that she had just had with Leonessa "Breanne, what were you doing wandering the palace at night?"
Breanne felt a kid whose hand was caught in the cookie jar. Her right foot was circling the floor while holding her hands in the back along with a shrug was her only response.
"Breanne, do you need a sleeping potion to help you sleep?" Breanne did not react only looked at Alarica as she asked the questions.
"Okay Breanne, after bathing tonight, you will come with me to the laboratory. I need to see what is bothering you. I need to see your soul. Your physical injuries have healed leaving your soul to be healed. I care about you minime uni. You are more than just my consors. If it were up to me I would leave Melisandra and make you my wife, but I cannot. It is not up to me. I expect your friend to sleep through the day. I need you to ride to the Western provinces to speak with the satrap. Let her know that her presence is mandatory for the soiree to be held to announce your appointment. The satrap should not have any problems interpreting the warrior signs, if she does, come back immediately to let me know. Two guards will follow they know the way. I will check in with the beast on occasion. Prepare yourself for departure I expect you to leave within the hour." Breanne stood there looking at Alarica. Alarica was confused. Did I forget something?
"The children are fine. The caretaker, Lady Leonessa, and I all take part in their education." Breanne embraced Alarica with all that she had. Using a finger gesture, she asked Alarica to bend over placing a kiss on Alarica's cheek. Alarica smiled as a result.
Breanne came back from the western province and she heard squawking from the palace. She ran in to see what was wrong and there was Ernestine held up in the air. Breanne hummed the lullaby that she knew would be familiar and approached the beast without fear. She rubbed the arm at the same time lowering it. The beast understood and lowered Ernestine to the floor that ran screaming out of the room. It exerted all of its energy defending itself against Ernestine. Breanne gently led the beast back to bed, poured a goblet, and left the beast to rest.
Breanne found Alarica and immediately reported to her everything that had been said and done. Alarica was pleased and now that she knew the reason why Ernestine was screaming, she chose to ignore Ernestine's request to immediately see to the beast's execution. Alarica was only sorry that the beast did not hurt Ernestine. The beast had woken up to find its little one, the one that had been kind and gentle. The beast made its presence known and moved to protect Breanne from the stranger.
Alarica, sing something anything before it hurts you. Breanne did not want her best friend to die. Singing worked for her why not for somebody else. Alarica sang the lullaby that she had the last time she tended the wounds. It did not recognize the tunes and began approaching Alarica. Breanne hummed the lullaby that she had all along. While it seemed to sooth, it did not seem to stop it. Breanne moved in front of the beast ad spoke out of desperation" Thop itch, she my friend. She help fix your wing." The beast stopped, puzzled about what she heard. The beast took one of Breanne's hands and moved it to its wing over the band-aid. "I thitched itch, she help choo make itch betcher."
It stood there for quite a while not doing anything. After a long while, "You say stitch my wing and she make it better how."
Breanne felt relieved that there was some form of communication "She putch herbth on itch."
"I am Aegle, who are you little dove." Though the speech was slow, they were at least communicating.
"I am Breanne. Thith itch Thovereign Thyan Alarica of Avalon."
"I am sorry. I do not harm. I came to find little dove. How long before heal?"
"Well, couple dayth maybe."
"I do not know."
Breanne looked to Alarica for help. Alarica resisted however, she believed that if someone starts something they must finish it. Breanne started to use the warrior signs thinking it would help Aegle to understand.
Aegle put her hand on Breanne's "I hear words but not know how long."
"A couple dayth meanth maybe choo dayth."
"Maybe two days to heal. Little dove, please cut binding. Wing stiff from closing, please cut binding." Breanne heard the plea and started to look around for something to cut the binding off when she felt something put into her hand. Aegle gave Breanne her own dagger to cut the bindings though it caused Alarica to prepare herself for a fight. Breanne cut the binding and watched as the material fell to the floor. Checking the wound to be sure it was all right she gently massaged the wing and slowly opened the wing just enough to earn a satisfied groan.
"How abow a bath." Breanne thought a bath would help Aegle to feel better. The wound was still healing and could not get wet as a result. A sponge bath would have to do for now.
"A bath, yes that would be nice. Thank you little dove." Aegle walked back to the room she had previously occupied and waited for her little dove's return with the promised bath.
"Breanne, I appreciate your heart and your dedication. However, your next duty to attend to is to travel to the east the same message that you had delivered to the Western Satrap. Patience, you will need patience for the Eastern Satrap. I will send two guards with you. They know the way. I will see to Aegle's well being. You must depart immediately. Travel safely my minime uni."
Breanne left to prepare herself for departure. Alarica gathered the necessary supplies for a bath. She was interested herself in getting to know this new creature Breanne had found. Alarica started to bathe Aegle until her wrist was grabbed suddenly. "Aegle, it is Alarica. It will be all right. I needed to send Breanne away. I am here instead."
"You send little dove away without help. Dove cannot do anything if cannot speak. I must see to her."
Alarica gently pushed Aegle back on the bed "There are many forms of communication. I would not send her anywhere without proper protection. You must lie still."
Aegle lay back on the bed and seemed to go to sleep. Leonessa entered the room in search of Alarica. Aegle heard an unfamiliar person enter the room. Leonessa bent over to check wound as her wrist was grabbed instead. "It is all right strange one. I am Leonessa. Please let go of me." Aegle eased the hold but did not let go.
"Aegle, please let go of my mother. She came to see you."
Aegle immediately let go only to sit up right with eyes gazing at the both of them.
"Little dove come back?"
"No she has not, I do not expect for her to return until the last meal is served." Alarica was both relieved and nervous.
"Please send her when she come back." Aegle lay back down to sleep peacefully.
Alarica and Leonessa left the room closing the drape behind them as they left. Alarica and Leonessa both were exchanging information as they headed for the bathing chamber. Queen Melisandra, Elmira, and the rest of the family joined them soon after everyone telling a story of her own. As they finished the bath, Breanne returned from the eastern territory. Alarica did not know how Breanne was able to return so quickly. Breanne took a quick peak in to see Aegle sleeping.
"How is it that you were able to return so quickly?" It was an answer that Alarica needed to know.
I just talk to her that's all. Breanne shrugged her shoulders not knowing how to answer the question.
Aegle suddenly appeared at the entryway to the bathing chamber. The girls did not fear Aegle however, Queen Melisandra screamed for the guards. Breanne walked out of the bathing pool to lead Aegle into the chamber and to close the drapes. No guard would enter if the drapes were closed.
"I worry you be safe. Your leader say you would be well."
Breanne nodded her head up down and embraced her gently beneath the wings. Breanne reentered the pool to finish bathing. Melisandra continued to scream, "Are you not going to do anything about that beast? Do not just stand there get rid of that beast! Immediately!"
Breanne rinsed off quickly and left the bathing chamber to escort Aegle back to her room. Breanne immediately went to the study to speak with Alarica about the events that led up to her early return. Alarica was never so amused whenever she received a report. Alarica should have known only her consors would think of something so simple it worked. Breanne had prepared a presentation to save her the trip back and forth and to provide written documentation.
After seeing to her duties, she had a little time before the last meal was called. She wanted to see if Aegle was well and resting comfortably. Breanne checked the wound; she thought that the wound was well healed but the mother side of her said to be extra careful.
"You check the wound often. That is good; it means you are a concerned land dweller. Do you think though you remove the stitches now before my people search for me? I am worried my people would not understand." Breanne thought about that and realized it would be for the better but she could not help but wonder that it would be too soon. Expressing her concerns, Breanne compromised with Aegle to teach Breanne how to call upon her people to give them a message. Agreeing that it would be a good idea, Aegle taught Breanne how to call upon the Aireon people. They are always above circling, watching, and observing the land dwellers. Aegle wrote a note telling her people she would return in three suns after healing from the inflicted injury. Always curious, Breanne tried to read the note but could not as Aegle had written the note in the language of the birds.
Breanne was on her way outside to find a clearing before Alarica stopped her. "Breanne, it will be time for the last meal. Are you not hungry?"
I'm fine. I just be a minute. Breanne did as she had been instructed, but no one had come down. She thought she failed and thought to ask Aegle for assistance as Aegle's people surrounded her. Alarica had watched Breanne in fascination and found herself surrounded as well. Breanne held out the note that Aegle had written. One of the flock members read the note and nodded its head, but no one moved. Breanne started humming the lullaby that she had been humming with Aegle. Aegle heard and answered Breanne wondering why Breanne had summoned her. Aegle immediately pulled Alarica out of reach to place her closest to the palace entrance. Communicating with her people, they bowed and left immediately.
Aegle reached for Breanne's and Alarica's hands to go back to the palace to have the last meal together. "Do I have permission to eat with you?" Aegle was feeling stronger under the care Breanne and wanted to know more about the land dwellers. Permission granted, everyone sat at the table. Melisandra and Ernestine were disturbed by Aegle's presence. Leonessa was happy to see the guest feeling well enough to have a full meal. The girls were just fascinated at seeing such a being. The meal was completed in silence except for the occasional giggle from Emily.
Aegle asked to speak with Alarica. Aegle had been thinking that it was time for the Aireon people and the land dwellers to come together. "Leader, I think it time for the Aireon people and land dwellers to form a bond. I have seen much, heard many stories, and think we would benefit from this bond." Aegle felt a need to stretch her wings. The expanse of the study allowed her to do so, feeling pleasure as she spread her wings to their full extent. Alarica was stunned to see such a thing.
Upon closing her wings, "Do you say yes?"
"Yes, I am sorry. Yes, I agree we could form a treaty. Avalon has been at peace for many centuries. We have lived under the Cloak of Secrecy for many centuries as well; I feel that it is time to reach out our hand. Grab a hold of that hand any hand that is reaching for assistance or for peace. I would be very happy to discuss a treaty with you."
"I will discuss with little dove."
"All right, would you like me to remove the stitches?"
"Little dove will remove when it is time. I will speak with you later. Be patient with little dove. She still has visions of a hand that hurt her. This vision troubles her. I cannot take the vision. I can only see." Aegle left to go back to her room, leaving Alarica behind in the study thinking.
Breanne tried to go to sleep that night. She could not help remembering the dream that returned every night. If it had not been for a dog that suddenly showed up to distract them, she would have been struck dead. She took that opportunity to escape, running, and hiding until she reached the manor. It was easier to stay awake that to go to sleep dreaming of her death.
Alarica had been searching for a solution for Breanne's insomnia. Having healed the body it was now time to heal the soul. In order to do that, the mind and the heart need to work together to help heal the soul. It meant time as well as using Alarica's powers, but it would be possible. Anything is possible, especially if the necessity is great enough. Leonessa and Alarica had worked out a plan to aid Breanne in sleeping through the night. All that was left was to pray to the deity.
Breanne lay awake for a while before feeling the need to leave the sleeping cushions. She began to rise before she was pushed down again onto the sleeping cushions. What was happening? I thought I was safe. That smell, I know that smell. She stopped struggling to let this person or thing do what it needed to do. It completed the spell, Breanne fell asleep not knowing that her dream would have a different ending.
Breanne woke up the next day much later than usual it was nearly midday. After preparing herself for the day, she checked Aegle to see how she was progressing. Aegle was sitting on her bed waiting for Breanne to come.
"Your leader say, you sleep well now. I wait for you to walk with me."
"I'm going choo remove da thitches." Breanne pulled from her pocket a small pair of scissors to cut the stitches. After having done so, she gave Aegle a sponge bath to prepare her new friend for departure. "I dink you ready choo go now. I hope you make itch home. Come back thoon choo thay hi." Breanne started to cry thinking she would not see Aegle again. Aegle however, had other plans. Now that the stitches were removed, she could repay the kindness given to her by someone who understood what it meant to be hurt and bound.
Breanne completed the negotiations with the people of Aireon. Alarica was truly impressed. Never had a consors, in all of Avalon's history, ever discussed or negotiated a treaty. Breanne would be documented as the first to ever have done so. The negotiations were not an easy task with the language barrier, but leave it up to Breanne to think of a way to surpass that barrier and complete the negotiations.
This left Alarica wondering, what other miracle her consors was capable of doing?
The end.