A/N: Sorry, this one has taken me a while to get round to! I feel very guilty. Thank you, Laura Scofield, for your help, support and fun BMT discussions. Please review!
"You still haven't been sleeping well" Sonea said sympathetically as soon as Aurelia stepped into the room. She had returned from her classes looking drained, her eyelids heavy. She forced a big smile, though it was more of a grimace, for Lorkin, who tottered up to her crying, "Lia, Lia!" – the only part of her name that he could say.
"I'm exhausted" Aurelia agreed, flopping down beside Sonea and Rothen, "And I have some reading to do for Warrior skills classes. I'll probably pass out over the page"
"Why have you not been sleeping?" Rothen asked, with a fatherly concern that Aurelia still wasn't used to. She exchanged a quick glance with Sonea.
"I just think that the work is getting to me a little right now. I wasn't prepared to work so hard, if I'm honest" she lied, smiling back at her guardian.
"I'm sure you'll get used to it soon enough" said Rothen gently, "Sonea was always exhausted after classes too – I'm sure you're not the only one who feels that way"
Aurelia said nothing – she was definitely the only one who felt the way that she really did. Rothen squeezed her arm and fetched she and Sonea some raka.
"I'm going to take Lorkin for a little walk, I need some air" Rothen said at last, picking up the beaming little boy and smiling at the two women, "You two can talk about Sonea's experiences as a novice. Believe me, Aurelia, Sonea was at least as tired as you are"
As soon as Rothen was gone, Aurelia let her fake smile fall and sagged back into the chair, cradling the warm cup of raka.
"Sonea...I really miss him" she mumbled, blushing slightly. Sonea gave her hand a small squeeze.
"You've got to try not to think about him, Aurelia. Put him out of your mind" she advised warmly. Aurelia scowled, temper flaring due to her tiredness.
"Like you've forgotten all about Akkarin, I suppose?" she snapped. Sonea flinched, looking at Aurelia with hurt eyes.
"That was cruel, Aurelia. It is also an entirely different situation. Akkarin is...dead. He's gone. Dannyl is still here"
"Oh, I'm so sorry" Aurelia groaned, burying her head in her hands, "I didn't mean it, honest I didn't. I'm just so upset, so tired..."
"I know, I know" Sonea soothed, "I understand. The amount of horrible things I said to Rothen after Akkarin died...oh, they don't bear thinking about!"
"I can't imagine you being horrible to anyone" Aurelia laughed weakly. Sonea raised an eyebrow.
"Akkarin would tell you, if he could...I can be pretty intimidating and mean, when I want to be"
"Were you mean to Uncle Akkarin?" Aurelia asked, "I mean, I know you were when you were his novice, because you resented him then, but after you were exiled together...?"
"I was a lot nicer to him by that point, if you know what I mean" Sonea smirked, making Aurelia giggle, "But I was never afraid to stand up to him, not like most people were. Even in those precious few weeks that we had together as a couple, we had our fair share of arguments"
"But you did love each other, didn't you?" asked Aurelia, "You loved him more than anyone in the world?"
"Oh yes, definitely. I never thought I'd feel like that about anyone...I mean, I had a hint of it with Rothen's son Dorrien, but nothing like what I felt for Akkarin. I can't imagine that I'll ever fall in love like that again, though I know he'd want me to" Sonea's eyes took on a dreamy, distant look, and Aurelia wondered what she was remembering.
"Sonea, I'm sure that's what I feel like. I can't imagine loving anyone but Dannyl!" Aurelia cried in despair, "And he's not a lad, I'm sure of it, especially after that night"
"Did he, um..." Sonea reddened slightly, but she felt that the question had to be asked, to establish an answer that could help Aurelia, "Did he appear to be, um...enjoying it?"
A pink tinge appeared on Aurelia's cheeks, but she was grinning, "Oh yes. He definitely enjoyed it. He was making rather a lot of noise"
Sonea giggled – having had no female friends for a long time, she'd never had a conversation like this before. She felt like a teenager again; not that she was much past those years. Aurelia couldn't help giggling also.
"Well, he was!" she cried, "But then, so was I"
Sonea burst out laughing again, "Oh dear, Aurelia. I don't quite know what to say to that"
They sat there for a minute, chuckling happily, and smiling at each other. Aurelia looked at Sonea.
"I'm glad I came here, Sonea. Rothen's the only person who's ever acted even the slightest bit fatherly towards me – other than Uncle Akkarin that one time. And I adore little Lorkin, he's the only member of my family who actually seems to like me. And you being here is like having a big sister" she paused, "Even if I don't know what to do about Dannyl, even if I'm feeling terrible right now, I'm so glad that I have all of you"
Sonea hugged her, feeling rather tearful. These sweet sentiments from Aurelia, combined with the memories of Akkarin that their conversation had produced, had made her feel very emotional.
"We're glad to have you here, too. Now go and get some sleep. I know it's early, but if you get to sleep now you'll wake up early enough to do your reading before your Warrior skills class"
"Thanks, Sonea. Say goodnight to Rothen and Lorkin for me"
"Of course"
Later that night, after Rothen had returned and Lorkin had also been put to bed, the 'father' and 'daughter' sat together over a glass of wine that they both sorely needed.
"Sonea, what's really the matter with Aurelia?" Rothen asked, taking a sip of the alcohol, his blue eyes bright with concern, "I'm sure there's something that the two of you aren't telling me. You two are like daughters to me – I'd prefer to know if anything is upsetting either of you"
"Oh, Rothen" Sonea sighed, "I wish I could tell you. But it's Aurelia's secret, and Aurelia's prerogative to either tell you or keep it to herself. I'm sure she'll tell you sooner or later. If she hasn't told you within the week, however, then I will – else I fear that you'll be kept in the dark for good"
Rothen nodded, "Alright then. Just keep an eye on her for me, and I will too"
"I already am" Sonea laughed wryly, "I already am"
Once Sonea too had retired to bed, Rothen pulled forward his writing equipment. He knew that Aurelia and Dannyl had gotten on very well, and that having Dannyl return would probably improve Aurelia's happiness greatly. Dannyl had already apologised for his sudden departure in a letter, telling Rothen that he had heard talk of Tayend being gravely ill. To Rothen, this read like a lie, but he had not questioned it. Instead, he set about composing a new letter, though mind communication would have been swifter. Still, it was late, and Dannyl might be abed.
Dannyl,
I know you left the guild eager to spend time with Tayend, but I would greatly appreciate it if you could resolve yourself to return. Aurelia has been very down and distressed by something or other lately, and although she blames it on schoolwork, I am sure that there is something else behind it, though she will not tell me what. I believe Sonea knows, but she also refuses to speak of it. I know that you and Aurelia always got on well together and enjoyed each other's company, and I believe that it would brighten her considerably if she were to see you. It's just a thought, but I'd like it if you could come back. For her.
Best wishes, and hoping to see you very shortly,
Your friend, Rothen.