A/N: Just a short collection of bits and pieces based on recent events.
~~ Savannah ~~
As the Clave meeting wrapped up, Savannah rose to her feet, scanning the crowd as everyone went to either mill around or leave. For once she hadn't been accompanied by Jesse, as he had other business to attend to. It was a good thing really – she intended to break up with him sooner rather than later – so some distance helped.
She had her own jobs to attend to in Alicante, and she went to leave, before pausing at a hand on her arm, stopping her. Turning around, she faced her brother, brushing off his hand. "Savannah," he greeted, scanning her. "I thought I might see you here. I trust your work in the other Institutes went well?"
She hid an inward sigh. Of course she'd run into him. She was still annoyed at the fact that he'd confronted Blake, and she'd pointedly refused to engage in conversation with him about it, afterwards. "It went well. I'm sure you would have heard about some of my efforts. In any case, the Council was pleased."
"That's good to hear," he replied, giving a pleasant smile. "I'm back at Madrid, as you probably already know, but if you need me to come back to help you sort anything out, feel free to reach out."
"Oh, I'm sure you're much too busy running the Institute there," she said, dismissively. "It would be best if we both just focused on our own things.
He lowered his voice. "I spoke to Naya and Devi at the Accords event. I don't think they're inclined to cause any further upset or trouble, but it's best if you avoid them." He eyed her, as if to check she was listening. "We can't afford any more mistakes at the moment. Just keep your head down and concentrate on your work. If I hear of any more issues, then I'll have to make another visit."
She narrowed her eyes, subtle annoyance in her posture. Not everyone could get on her nerves like her brother could. "Don't threaten me. I can handle my own affairs. Just keep out of them."
"I'm only trying to help," he sighed, before straightening.
"I don't want or need your help," she retorted, before giving him a fake tight smile. "I have things to attend to. Safe travels back," she said, before pushing past him as she made her way through the crowd, wanting to head out.
Starting out of the building, she reminded herself to not let her brother get to her, exhaling slowly. She shouldn't give him the satisfaction. Instead, she focused on her walking, keeping her steps brisk and purposeful, as always in Alicante. However, she was stopped at the sound of a vaguely familiar voice.
"Savannah," the Shadowhunter boy, Bryan, called, and she paused, turning to look back at him. He worked in archiving, sorting through files and the like, and she found it could come in handy having connections with someone like that. He was a little puffed, as if he'd had to run to catch up with her – practical kinds of work had never been his thing.
"Yes, what is it?" she asked, gesturing for him to continue.
"I found those files you asked for. The ones on that former Unseelie faerie. What was the name again…?" He trailed off as he thought for a moment, adjusting his glasses. "Oh, yeah. Blake Lattimer. I have them out, ready for you to look at, if you want to drop by my office."
Ah yes, she had asked him to find them for her, not long after she'd talked to Lily. She paused for a long moment. It was so, so tempting, the thought of taking a look inside of them. She was more than a little curious to see what their contents held, and what other secrets she could uncover about Blake. Finally and reluctantly, she spoke. "I don't need them anymore. You can put them back," she said, dismissively.
"Oh. You don't?" he said in confusion with a slight frown.
"Something came up and I don't have the time anymore," she said as an excuse, even if it went against every fibre of her being. Shit. Why did she care so much about what he thought? It wasn't like her to not do or take what she wanted. It was messing with her head in a bad way, unused to letting others influence her. Still, she couldn't bare the thought of his certain anger and feelings of betrayal, and she couldn't risk that or him never talking to her again. She was already walking on thin and uncertain ice as it was, unsure of whether he would even stick around.
Sighing, she turned away. "Thanks anyway. I'll talk to you later," she said, barely waiting on a response as she started away.
~~ Steff ~~
Making it back to her room after visiting Luca in the mundane city, Steff closed the door behind her quietly. Walking over to her bed, she plopped down onto it, laying on her back with her hair splayed out around her. Raising a hand to her lips which were curled at the edges in a subtle smile, she stared at the ceiling for a long moment. The interaction with Luca had been completely unexpected. She'd been entirely surprised that he would have any interest in a shy and bookish girl like herself, having expected him to have a very different type. It was strange but also kind of nice to have someone show interest in her, in such a way. Most had always seen her as a friend, and she wasn't used to being wanted or desired. He was undoubtedly a good kisser as well, and she'd never been kissed like that before, finding it was new and different. It was entirely breathless and exciting, and it hadn't left her questioning his thoughts or intentions. As unexpected as they might be.
Still, she felt more than a little guilty about it. She'd been waiting for Connor, and it felt wrong to have kissed someone else. Even if she hadn't initiated it the first time, she had then actively participated afterwards. It was hard to know where she and Connor stood however, and the uncertainty hung in the air. Would he be interested in pursuing her anytime soon – if at all – or was his job too all-consuming? It was hard to tell, when neither of them were good at initiating things or having conversations around the topic. But she cared about him, and it only felt right to see if something more was there.
She could relate to them both in different ways, which only made it harder. But she had the most history with Connor, and she knew that was hard to disregard.
Closing her eyes, she groaned. Since when had her life become so complicated? Really, she would have been happy with simple and mundane, over having such confusion. Neither did she want to hurt anyone's feelings.
The sooner she saw Connor again to talk things through, the better.
~~ Elena ~~
The sound of monitors beeping and alert alarms had long ago become a familiar sound to Elena. The beeps, whirs, and squelches – she knew them all off by heart, whether they belonged to the IV pump, heart monitor, or the mechanical ventilator. The ICU was always one of the most distressing places for patients and families, but it was where she could do her best work. To be blessed with a healing gift, was not something that she took lightly. She dedicated all the time she could to her patients, not minding if she went home wearily afterwards.
Checking to make sure there were no other staff nearby, she pulled over a chair and sat down near the patient in the last bay. It was a young gentleman, who had been in a motorbike accident. He'd been in a coma for the last couple of days, his body shutting down in an effort to heal. Tentatively, she reached a hand out to touch him, closing her eyes. She could sense him there, in his unconsciousness. It would only take a moment for her to draw him out of it. But the injuries were bad, and it was best if he stayed out of it for now while it healed, knowing the pain would be too much. Soon though, she would bring him back to reality, once he was able to handle it. It was a careful balancing act – she had to assess his injuries, and also consider how the hospital would react if someone miraculously came out of the coma and was fully healed too quickly.
Reaching out with her magic, she felt it sink down past his skin, starting to stem some bleeding and knit some of his bones back together. She could only do little bits at a time, lest someone ask too many questions. But she always did what she could.
Drawing back, she opened her eyes again, watching his even breaths. He would be fine in a number of days' time, she could make sure of that. It was strange, but it was easy to become fond of patients, finding she grew to know things about them, in different ways. It drew her away from her own loneliness, having others to focus on. She had an especially fond spot for children, hating to see them in pain. If there was some way she could remove pain from the world, then she would. But alas she could only do so much, a little bit at a time.
Rising to her feet, she moved on to her next patient. There was always work to be done, and she found that she didn't mind keeping busy.
~~ Grace's Letter ~~
Dear Kellan,
I hope this letter makes its way to you, although I know there's no way to guarantee it. Also, I'm being cautious about what I include in this, in case it is read by others.
I don't have the patience for writing letters usually, but things have changed. I have a diary actually – you might be surprised to know – where I have tried to document my younger memories, so that I never forget them. They were the happiest times for me – spent with my family.
Not that I am… unhappy now, in case you're worried. Things are just different. At the moment I'm travelling to Alicante once a week to study specialty languages under a mentor. I imagine you are likely studying Seelie languages yourself. It's a funny thought, that we might be studying similar things. I hope to learn more about the fae languages, in the hopes that one day I'll be able to help with fae related matters. Of course, there's the unlikely dream of being a diplomat to the Seelie Court, but I'm aware of how silly such dreams are. As if the Clave would ever allow that. Perhaps you'll find it a funny picture – me sitting down and studying such things when I've always preferred to be out doing things. I'm aware of the irony.
I wanted to say, that I'm sorry if I made your life harder, because of my actions. That was never my intention. It was worth it though, for us to be a family again, even if only for a brief moment in time. I will forever cherish it. I am happy that you're at the Seelie now, rather than the Hunt. I hope they are treating you like a Prince… It's still a lot to wrap my head around, you being a Prince. But I always knew you were meant for greater things. You've always been so kind and caring and inquisitive and smart. I only hope to have half the qualities that you do. The Seelie is lucky to have you, and I hope they realise that.
I'm also dying to know about how things are going with your love interest. Of course, I can't hint at any details in this, but I saw the way you talked of them. How your eyes lit up with obvious admiration and respect. And I'm happy for you, really. If you have found someone you're happy to be with, then it makes me glad to imagine you there with them. It makes everything feel a little better. You have plenty of love to give, and all I can say is that I hope they appreciate that and don't take it lightly. Oh, and if they break your heart, then I will come after them.
In other news, Zach and Gabby got married just the other week. She made the most beautiful bride, and it was one of those rare moments were I actually caught Zach crying. Dad is still there with them, so don't worry, he will be well taken care of, I'm sure. While I'm still stuck in New York, at least I was still given permission to attend the wedding. We all missed seeing you there, but just know that you were in our thoughts.
Sorry this is kind of more like my thoughts being blurted out than an actual letter…
Love forever,
Your sister
