Chapter 13-Wounds of the Heart

Finca sat completely straight, her back pressed tightly against the wall behind her as Makiar and herself awaited the prognosis about her daughter from Aurelia. It was safe to say that Finca did not have full trust in the human to which her daughter's life hung before. Unease worked its way into her mind and the white dragoness twitched with discomfort. Makiar simply gazed in her direction and gave a soft growl of encouragement. The red dragoness knew her almost better then anyone else did so such a response was normal.

Finally, entering the main corridor from a small, branched off hallway, Aurelia came into view. Her black hair was pulled back into a crudely done ponytail and the white smock that covered her brown clothing was covered in splatters of red. It was all Finca could do not to start an uproar. That blood must be from her daughter, there was no other way around it.

How is she? Makiar asked as Aurelia walked over and took a seat on the floor before both of them. Any change? Any idea of how bad her injuries are?

Finca clenched her teeth, fighting back the rage that began to pound freely in her head. Makiar had no right to speak for her yet there was no idea what she might say. In that sense, the dragoness was wise to speak for her friend. Aurelia simply collected her hands together and sighed deeply, further irritating Finca.

Answer her question, she hissed raspily, straining her voice to make the rage less noticeable, however such effort failed because Aurelia stiffened some. We both require an answer, Aurelia.

"Verdra is . . . not doing well. The strain on her body from Uria's flight has led to such protective measures that she has placed herself into a coma . . ."

You dare to place blame upon Uria for this! Finca knew her rage was seething from her but it was all she could do to just sit there and not rip the frail human before her into ribbons of flesh. The traitor dragon, Jormundur, is the one behind it. I've heard what went on from Ryta, discovered that her own brother tried to kill my child. He nearly killed me!

"I understand Finca. I was not trying to . . ."

To what, human? I can rip you apart in seconds depending on your answer. Finca snorted, smoke rising into the air for greater effect to her words. She was not denying her nature anymore, nor would have Makiar had it been her who was in that room.

Makiar glanced briefly at her but said nothing. Finca knew the dragoness well enough to understand her concern yet this was a matter for only herself, not for another to take as their own. Verdra was her daughter and she wanted to know how she was doing.

"Multiple puncture wounds, a large portion of scales ripped off, a few ribs cracked, severe blood loss . . . I'm surprised she's still alive," Aurelia answered in calmness as she clenched her hands tightly together to ward off from the cold that had descended upon her bare skin.

Finca sighed, completely at a loss of words. What to say in response to that? Her daughter should not even be alive, not after those wounds. She had barely survived herself so what was the odds of Verdra making it as well?

Can I see her?

"Of course, Finca." Aurelia gave a small smile as they got to their feet and Finca followed her into the corridor. "I would never deny you of a chance like that."

The small room that Finca was led into had barely enough room for both her and Verdra. Her youngest lay barely moving, a fluid seeping into her by way of her nostrils. How could this have gotten so bad? Finca wondered as she scanned the fragmented facial features of her daughter. Verdra was supposed to be a guiding light to all dragons but now . . .

"I know it's hard to look at her," Aurelia whispered as she lay a hand on Finca's shoulder, "but she'll come around."

How do you know that? Finca could barely breathe let alone speak but the question had to asked. She's in a coma so how do you know she'll live!

"Call it a guess." Aurelia smiled softly before excusing herself from the room and leaving Finca alone to be with her daughter.

The few steps needed to reach Verdra's side were painful for Finca. Her child was in this because of her, because she had not paid enough attention to making up for months Verdra spent alone in the wild by herself. This was her fault. All of it was her fault. Finca collapsed to the floor next to Verdra and drew a pained breath. How could she ever forgive herself if her sweet child died before her own eyes?

Finca spent hours at Verdra's side, whispering tender words to her unconscious daughter. Aurelia came by on occasion but Finca would simply request that she leave. The pain was so raw in her chest, so constricting that it reminded her of losing Tamli. He had been gone now for more than six years and yet the pain was as real as it had been when he died laying next to her. How had she gone on then? How could she go on now? Finca watched the chest of her child slowly rise and fall, each movement more precious than the last in her eyes. Verdra was more then just her daughter. She was a legacy of future dragons from the line of the great Nor'ac.

As night fell upon the land Finca remained where she was. She had gone for hours without food or water nor rest. Verdra would make it, she promised herself as her eyes grew heavy. Finca growled and jerked her head, fighting the natural instinct of sleep. Sleep would come only after her daughter reawakened to the world once more. A simple twitch caused the dragoness to redirect her attention for a moment to a small white speck that seemed brighter then normal on one of the walls. Her curiosity aroused, Finca stood for the first time in more then ten hours. She could instantly feel the pressure returning to her bones and several of them popped and cracked loudly.

She snorted in mock amusement before arching her back and rolling her massive shoulders. For some reason the speck on the wall grew larger, more brighter. This was not common at all! Finca growled softly and stared at the center of the expanding circle, her gaze unmoving.

The darkness lies within the light.

Those six words echoed from deep in her very soul and Finca trembled. Tamli had once spoken that to her, as a promise of sorts. Could he be trying to reach her now? To open their connection after years of separation due to his death?

Tamli, she whispered faintly, if it is you then give me a sign. Let me know what truth my heart speaks to me of and show yourself.

The circle of light burst into full majesty and Finca took a step back as her mate stepped proudly from within its center into the room. His scales glowed with unnatural light and his eyes still held the warm that was for her alone. Emotions flooded her and Finca could not say anything but instead stood in awe. Her mate, her love was communicating with her after all this time.

I made a promise, and I kept it. Tamli's words felt so smooth to his mate, so warm and tender. She adverted her gaze, ashamed of seeing him in these circumstances.

I waited for so long to have this . . . moment with you. Finca knew her eyes were moist and her voice trembled but those things paled in comparison to being with Tamli once more. But after I lost you I thought that would never happen again. Her eyes met his. Irises locked in a loving embrace. Until now.

Tamli sighed and swept his gaze to his daughter. He lowered his head and brushed her cheek with his snout before returning his eyes to his love. As have I. I never imagined this meeting after everything I went through following the months of torture as my body gave up its life's spark. You remember our last words?

I promised you that I would never let go but I did without knowing it until the next morning, Finca replied as feelings of the deepest pain assaulted her once more for not holding true to her promise to him.

My last moments were spent with you, that's all I cared for. Tamli cocked his head slightly, his eyes narrowing only by inches as his gaze turned more to one in love all over again. When I took my last breath I knew my life had been worth living, with you. His gaze flicked for a second. How fares Makiar?

Pytris was her son by Uria, they both grieve heavily, Finca responded without second thought. How can you be standing before me after what happened? After you died more than six years prior?

Because I am 'dragoon' as the Atlanteans would refer to me now in my state, I am allowed to return as a spirit to watch over the one I loved more then life itself.

All because you had no eldunari? You get that reward? Finca asked as thousands of questions pricked her brain over what Tamli had said.

In the shortened version, yes. Tamli seemed conflicted, at war with himself over something. Finca was not sure what it was but she promised herself that she would find out.

She gaze shifted to her daughter, resting so peacefully and unaware that both her parents now looked down upon her. What would Verdra had said if she knew? Would there be any rejoicing for the simple fact that her father had returned, although in spirit, to watch over her?

What brothers you? Tamli asked as Finca returned her gaze back to him. Besides her . . . condition.

You. The single word, once she had uttered it, felt thick to her mind, almost unnatural. Tamli had never kept things from her before yet was there a difference now. What is wrong, Tamli?

Wrong? You think something is . . .

Answer me! Finca did not mean to mentally scream but it seemed to be needed to get her mate to understand her need for such an answer. Tell me the truth. We have never hidden anything from the other until now, and I want to know why.

Tamli sighed, sitting down as Finca did the same. I suppose you have a right to know, he whispered softly as her eyes narrowed in anger and his returned to their normal size. The dragon who saved our daughter did more then just save her life. He mated with her.

Finca knew that Tamli expected her to lash out in anger but she controlled herself. Her daughter had mated with the one who had saved her, the idea was crazy. Verdra had far greater restraint then that, right?

How? How did this happen? She was too injured to . . .

Apparently not for the way he did it, Tamli responded, amused almost at her reaction.

You mean there are . . . different ways?

Most dragons choose which type suites them best, unlike us. Certain styles fit certain dragons better then others. For example, two dragons that live near the sea would attempt to mate under the water instead of the usual ground or air mating. This often concerns younger dragons as they know not which mating style they prefer but usually things of those sort are figured out . . . I'm boring you, aren't I?

Slightly, Finca admitted, but at the same time I enjoy it. You know so much more since before you died.

I've had time with the dragons of old. My father has taught me much in only six short years.

You've spoken with Mirage? With our father?

That is what I said, was it not?

Finca looked away, focusing her gaze back on her daughter. Was this the same dragon who she had turned from a human to become her mate? Was he still even himself? Certainly this new knowledge was useful to them both, but had it overtaken the dragon he was?

Is it still you? Finca asked with uncertainty as Tamli blinked with confusion and swished his tail along the wooden floor.

What do you mean, love? I am myself that will never change. He sighed and turned his gaze to their daughter as well. We both gave up so much for this child but it was worth it.

Was it worth the cost though? I nearly lost my life and you lost yours. How can we deem that as a worthy sacrifice? She almost lost us both, Tamli!

Finca knew her temper was rising yet she allowed for such to occur only to show her mate how true her words were. Verdra had almost grown up without a father or mother to guide her development. Tamli glanced at her for a second before looking away, a slight growl rippling from deep in his throat.

I know you're mad at me, he sighed, but take not the blame on our child. Verdra was not the cause of my return. You were. I saw how much in pain you were over her condition and knew that I couldn't stay away any longer . . .

Why then did you not come when I was attacked by Jormundur? I was in danger of dying yet you came not to my aid. Where lies the logic in your behavior there? Finca snarled softly, narrowing her eyes in mute anger.

Tamli sighed once more and continued to gaze upon their child. His eyes did not waver as Finca ran her tail along his spine and growled with utter disappointment. Her anger was justified, acceptable even.

I regret not what has been done, my mate. Tamli stole another glance at her as Finca snarled faintly, lifting the edges of her jaw to show her sharp teeth off.

I do. She hissed in response. Her eyes burned with anger as she slapped the ground nearest him with her powerful appendage. Because of you, Arxa is looming before us as a presence that is near impossible to stop without destroying Narssia in the process. I do not want Ryta to feel the pain that my children almost felt had the separation of Makiar and myself not gone as well as it had.

Yet you find reason to blame me for this? I had nothing to do with it! Tamli snapped back, growling fiercely as they both turned to face the other, eyes narrowing into slits on both sides.

The fight that threatened to brew was going to be one of mass destruction. Finca slapped the ground again with her tail and Tamli raised his threateningly overhead. A low growl erupted from deep within the throats of both and the dragoness sank into a crouch.

Bring it, Tamli snarled as Finca waved her tail overhead as a sign that he should back down before the fight even started.

Tamli sank into a similar crouch as that of his mate when Finca stuck. Her moves rained like lightning along his body. Bursts of Shadowfire enfolded his body in smoke and made it hard for him to detect where she was during the fighting.

A quick blow to his side was enough to topple him and, as he fell to the ground, a sudden familiar idea hit him. Finca backed up slightly in readying for another strike but was suddenly hit by a faint icy stream that originated from the maw of Tamli.

She had forgotten about his control over ice and now it seemed that he had far greater control over it then he had shown when she had first discovered that he could manipulate the frozen air around him.

You've grown since our first mating took place, she growled softly as he got back onto his feet and stared her down, irises ablaze with fury.

Tamli said nothing in response and instead fired off a blast of Light. This was easy countered by a quick burst of Shadowfire from Finca, who then growled and concentrated on the air around her as sparks of blueish light flared from her body.

Finca closed her eyes as she reached further for a skill she had never used before but knew she had. She was a descendant of a dragon of Light and should be able to manipulate even time itself since her own father had been capable of such actions. Tamli growled softly and sent out another burst of Light but the attack faded before it even got near her.

A wave of blue light spread out from Finca and she opened her eyes to watch everything slow to almost no movement at all. Her guess had been right about also having the use of time as a power. Tamli had just fired off another Light burst as the time ability had activated and so the attack had not gone very far. Finca snorted in amusement and moved to stand behind him, her jaws at the ready for another Shadowfire to surge forth.

The effects of the time skill did not last long but it allowed Finca to get behind Tamli and as soon as time began to return to normal she let loose her Shadowfire upon him. Smoke drifted from his back as Tamli crumpled to the ground, his breath coming in shallow gasps.

You win, he managed to utter while he caught his breath and heaved himself back onto his feet. You used . . . Time? How can you have that ability? Mirage was the only dragon that I knew that had it so how . . . ?

I'm not sure really, Finca confessed. I've always thought I might have it due to my parentage but this is the first time I've ever used Time before.