Many days have past since the "incident." No punishment came to Abi. That alone surprised her more than the fact that the trap had actually worked. Today her silver eyes were full of sadness. Someone had called her a pain and said she should leave people alone. No one knows how truly powerful words can be until they see the joyful little prankster without her smile or that little shimmer that sparkled from the mischief in her mind. Abi decided to seclude herself for a while. So she went to the only place she knew, her playground. She has had this spot to herself for as long as she could remember. A playground is a child's favorite spot, but to Abi this was home. Her little feet carried her over to the merry-go-round. She sat silently and leaned back against a bar, picking up her feet. "no mo messin wit peoples, no mo." little arms wrapped about her legs as she leaned her head against her knees and closed her eyes.
Darien took the hand of his little girl. His daughter always loved to go to the playground. His daughter loved a lot of things, like cats. He took her to a play ground he had never been before. Yes, he has been to most the play grounds in Rhy'Din, but never this one. So this is where he took her. He saw a child on the marry-go-round. He told his daughter not to disturb the sleeping girl and that she could go play now. He let go of her hand and moved over to the sleeping child. As he got closer he saw the girl was Abi. A grin crosses his face as he pulls out a hidden squirt gun. He had planned to get his daughter, Elaine, with it but this would be better. He shot a spray of the water to her cheek and then quickly darted behind a tree.
Abi's nose wrinkled up and she was wide awake. She had heard people approaching but didn't feel like looking up. Silver orbs scanned the area. The sight of Elaine caught her off guard. She had seen the girl before, but where? Scratching her head as she thought she noticed the large footprints leading behind a tree. Abi had a long list of possible people. Especially after soaking just about everyone at the party. Delta had gotten her the day before. That moment of self depression or doubt had long passed ever since she saw her daddy. Especially since he told her to make a funny face at the old hag that said she was a pain in the first place. Well, as she stood up slowly, drenched of course, she followed the footprints like the good little tracker she was. Abi pulled out her famous water weapon and jumped to the other side of the tree. With an innocent smile she pulled the trigger.
He felt the water drip down from his forehead on a path down his nose. He wiped it away and gave Abi a sinister look. Fingers griped the branch above him and he lifted himself up into the tree darting off to a branch hidden by the leaves. Using this a shelter he sprayed the girl unmercifully with his little squirt gun. It felt good to use it. It's been almost a year now since he's used it. He used to have so much fun. Once again he was finding time to enjoy himself. He was having fun attempting to learn how to cook. Though him and his teacher never really ended up cooking. A grin spread as he thought about her. He enjoyed spending time with her and her child, and his own child. His mind slowly snapped back to the water pistol and the little girl at hand. He hoped from the branch with great ease and landed behind the girl holding the end of the gun to her head. "Freeze"
She was deep in the hills chasing after her dinner when her icy orbs came upon the trail that led towards Abi's Playground. Letting her food escape she walked down the path. Her eyes spotted the familiar face of a man. Kagato Valior, one of Lady Aiyana's friends. He seemed a bit lost in thought. Her feet walked on as she wondered what mischief might the little prankster gotten herself into now. As she stepped into the playground she saw the little girl up and on the move. Abi seemed to be chasing after someone or something. Whatever it was, the creature was hidden behind a tree. By the look of the child it seemed like she was safe. Katrina did not wish to get in the way so she swung onto a tree and watched silently.
The Woman watched for a short moment with an amused smile. The man had come close to her, very close. Katrina remained still and silent. It seems as though he was paying too much attention to the child. Abi was safe and having fun. As was the older man that had the child drenched in water. She knew who the other was, although Katrina had not met him directly. The sun was setting and it was time for her to find a place to rest for the night. Icy orbs shimmered as she leaped into another tree and continued her way within the branches. Dinner would be berries and water. Not as filling as a rabbit or deer, but it would do. The perfect spot came to mind and she moved faster now. On her way there she saw Lady Aiyana roaming the woods on her own. She looked as though she needed her privacy. Katrina did not pursue her. Instead she continued on her way towards the place her mind pictured.
MEANWHILE....someplace else
As Kagato looked up at the blue sky he sighed. He had vanished for the past few days. He had wanted to tell Aiyana where he would be, but couldn't find her. He hoped he still had a job when he got back. He had left because of her. Not directly her, she didn't send him away, but it was her he was thinking about. He had to try and get his feelings straight. He loved her, yes, but she was with someone and happy with him and he is happy about that. But he has to draw the line of how much he would do. He knew he stepped over it that one night by kissing her, but he didn't regret it. It was only a simple kiss, yet he had never kissed her before so it had an odd feel behind it. The worse part though is he felt like he took advantage of her, something he has tried not to do since day 2, day 1 he didn't even know her name. Thinking a bit more he knew he was hoping her and Darien would have a fall out, he is a guy after all and not perfect, but as far as he knows they are back toothier and strong now, and that too was fine with him. As long as she is happy is all that matters. Sure half the people out there think he is full of BS, but what do they know about him anyway. Finished thinking for now he stood up and looked around, the hill he was son gave him a great view and he headed off towards the nearest village, hoping to find some food.
Shadow had spent the days since Abi's little trap incident at Aiyana's Inn, milling about and getting to know the place, inside and out. Yes, soon he would be working there to pay for his room and board, so he thought it best to familiarize himself with the place. And he had another motive to it as well...he wished to learn all he could about the mysterious Aiyana...he wanted to know what it was about her that seemed so otherworldly, so potent and yet hidden. The woman remained a mystery to him that he wanted to solve...and for reasons even he could not fathom. She seemed to have a presence about her, that drew those that could tap into the mystical energies of the universe, to her. Well, from what he saw as the days went on, she seemed to draw people to her, period. He laughed at the thought, as he started to see how many in this land loved her, and seemed to be in love with her. Yes, he was quite the observant one, always keeping to the shadows with one eye open, so to speak, noticing the small details that a lot of people let slip by. Well, those were all mysteries that would unfold in time. He spent his evenings roaming about the lands, making new friends and even taking up the occasional bar tending job. He had to laugh to himself again as he thought about the night that he and his newfound friend Firestar had taken it upon themselves to open up some strangers bar without permission. When they were suddenly confronted by the owners, it was to his amazed amusement that rather than be angry and demand an explanation, the owners simply smiled and offered him a job. The event still brings a chuckle to him every time he thinks about it. Yes, the past several evenings had been interesting indeed. But through it all, his thoughts kept straying back to Aiyana, and the others who were somehow tied into her...there seemed to be several of them now, all tied in somehow, but in exactly what way he did not know. He continued musing on it as he approached Abi's special place, her playground, which he had visited a time or two before. He had made a promise to her the other night that he couldn't keep, and wanted to apologize to her for it. It wasn't like him to stand somebody up, and he was feeling really bad about doing it. So off he went, wishing to make amends, and thinking in the back of his mind with a smile that he still owed her for a couple of pranks that she pulled recently. He was also curious to find out what her and Firestar were "discussing" the other night when he introduced them. A smile played upon his face as he remembered that night, and it spread into a laugh as he approached the playground and saw Darien drop from a tree behind her, a grin on his face and a water gun in his food.
BACK AT THE INN
Many days had passed since, the incident with Kagato and the two Ostellians. Aidan followed them shortly after they left, she however did not.
The days that followed, were hard ones for her. Finding no comfort in her home, she tried her duties as leader, but neither the guild nor forum offered peace of mind. She kept asking herself had she failed somehow. Sitting alone in her rocker at the Inn she contemplated the past week in brooding silence.
With the burden of leadership came duties that often taxed her patience. The party...never had she felt disappointed in the Storm Riders. She even fought with Darien which had left her distraught for two days, but some members threw a surprise party for her and she did make up with Darien. A smile touched her lips as she thought of him and she wondered what he was doing. The smile slowly faded and she put down the pants she had been sewing. Dark was behind in his work which made her worry, Kagato loved he told her so. She forced her shaking hands still and stood. Rowen, Selena. The thought of them made her want to weep. She gazed out her window, the setting sun was staining the sky crimson, with orange yellow and purple hues. Closing the drapes she went upstairs to check on her son, who was thankfully sleeping. Going to her room, she stripped and put on her bed clothes...a pale blue nighty that touched her feet and a thin robe, meant to keep her cool. Her bare feet took her to the canopy bed and she sat, looking over items she held dear. A key, a locket and a ring. The key was to Kagato's Tower...a man who said he loved her, a man she used to constantly quarrel with. She loved Darien. The locket, a gift from Rowen. The man who has been her rock through troubled times, abusive men, and two difficult pregnancies. She owed him her life, but could not give him what he wanted most...herself. She remembered years back when he asked her to marry him. Those were simpler times back then. Now, her daughter was bonded to him and she was with him. Not here, not with her. Neither one had spoken to her and still hadn't. A shaky sigh emitted from her silence. The ring, she was a wife to a husband who left to find his purpose in life and had not returned to his hopeful and happy bride. To this day..she does not know where her husband roams.
She loved Darien, that she knew. He was her present, but her past...she was so young, foolish and gullible. Too many things left undone and unspoken. It haunted her. How can the heart be so divided? She didn't want to hurt anyone, least of all Darien. People change..feelings changed. She hoped they would forgive her. She loved them all..everyone of them. They were all dear to her and a significant part of her life.
Restless she stood once more and headed out of the Inn. The night was chilly, but to Aiyana it did not matter. She walked in the woods and deep within she tread. The moon was rising..it was full tonight. She ignored the pain in her uncovered feet as she snagged them on rocks, bark and other unseen things. She headed toward her secret place, the grotto, where HE rested. The air became thick with an alluring sweet smell, there was the clearing just ahead. The area resonated with gentle life-force. Its sweet melody swirled and swiveled, dancing in the air in pure whispering song and illuminated the whole grotto with color and life.
The grass was lush and soft, the color of emerald gave comfort to wounded feet. The bushes and tress held a splendid paradise of flowers of all kinds. Even the Sinyia were opening when the moons' light beckoned them to awaken. But all this serenity and beauty were ignored by the woman who stepped through her shield of her life-force. This was set to keep all others but herself out of this sacred paradise and keep it forever green and alive. This was her special place and her secret, that is why she protected with her spirit.
She moved along toward a large majestic oak tree, whose branches were thick but twisted in their old age. This mighty tree stood lone guard over a tombstone. The dull gray slab was decorated with frail Sinyia, ranging from all the colors of the rainbow. They were small, closed and looked to be withering. Aiyana seated herself in front of the grave, her small hand reaches out to lovingly caress the cold stone as the moon reaches its peak in the sky, the beams sift through the branches and bathes the site with its silvery blue light. Her swirling orbs rest upon the fragile flowers, watching as they stand straight from their wilting tilt and they unfold their layers of soft petals to show their glowing nimbuses. They pulsate in a slow rhythm, the glow slowly blanketing the whole flower in an illuminating glow of colors basking the grave in pale colorful light.
The name lit up and bore in her eyes. "Morgan Vlad Sylverfyre" She always came here when she needed to talk to someone. Someone who knew her, who would just listen, made no movement or sound. However, tonight, she did not utter a single word or phrase. She knew he already knew her pain and she needed to hide nothing. So, in the glow and song of the grotto, without pride, without shame, in the solace she felt he was watching...Aiyana buried her tear ridden face in her hands and wept.
She wept for her friends, in the hopes that they know happiness. She wept for her dreams, that perhaps her members would see how important each one was to her. She wept for her lil ones and her loves, may she keep them safe and make them feel important no matter what. Aiyana wept for the man who gave her the freedom to be herself and gave her happiness she never knew existed. This was the first time she cried over him. Most of all Aiyana wept for herself, to cleanse away doubt and renew her faith that everything was going to be all right.
And there she sat through the night, weeping until she lay down her head on the ground, closed weary puffed eyes and slept, for the first time she was taken from home...in peace.
Mai hurried through the woods, later than usual. Her thoughts centered solely on Mikhel, she knew her son.....he would not settle into the peaceful sleep of a baby until she had rocked him. The conversation with her friend Angel had been delightful, intriguing....as they always were with Angel...but before she knew it, the moon was high in the sky. Her daily journey through the splendor of trees and clearings was rushed this eve, she did not even pause at the clearing she loved so well. This eve she merely gave it a heartfelt acknowledgment...and sent her love to Caden. The sudden rustle of brush hit her ears at the same time as the slight movement that played in the shadows of the woods caught the corner of her eye. Her first thought was of Joey...he often appeared from the inky depths of the trees to surprise her on her way home. but instantly she knew it was not him. Instead, she caught the light color of a robe, and she stopped....eyes straining to see through the shadows. Fingers lifted, at first to perhaps wave as she took a breath, but instead they intertwined around a strand of golden hair brushing her shoulder, her lips curved in a knowing smile as she watched her friend 'Yana making her way through the woods. She knew where she was going.....though she had never followed her, and she had good reason to think she knew why she was seeking her peaceful retreat. Heavy-hearted she stood silently, watching the woman who had given her so much. She knew that Aiyana's burdens were heavy, her heart torn, and many decisions awaiting her. She wished fervently that she could give this woman answers, peace, help of any kind. but, as she often had found herself before, She could only wait....and watch. Light footsteps carried her to her cottage, where she sang a sleepy lullaby to Mikhel. The babe sweetly asleep, she returned to the main room. Several candles of perfect hue selected.....and a gem of clear iridescent sparkle held gently in the palm of her hand, she sat quietly at the rough table in the center of the room. As the candles sparked to life, bathing the room in dancing patches of candle light, she whispered words of ancient gods and goddesses, wrapping her hearts wishes in her breath, sending it to the four corners. she felt a sudden warmth, a comfort, and ease. she knew....there was someone who would help 'Yana he would aide her, give her strength, give her love. his form remained shrouded in the flicker of candles, not at all clear to her searching eyes. Thoughts strayed to Joey and his quiet watchfulness. He saw so much that others missed. Perhaps she would take him back to Aiyana's. He was so much like...her.
The light from the silvery moon gleamed off the instrument in his hand. His fingers danced over its cool surface as his breath played over the top of it, giving it life in the form of song. Kagato's eyes remained closed as he played his melody and only began to open when he was done. He floated over the forest, a haunting place at night. That was where he kept his watch, always looking for those who fights were deeper then skin and hidden from eyes. Yet he knew only his music could help them, for anything else they never wanted. His fingers went over the runes carved into his silver flute, a story with each that only he knew. He hoped one day to share them with others. As he prepared his next song a presence touched his. She had not known him, she would when she walked close to him, nor would anyone else who had her state of mine. He did not bother to look for her, he knew where she was going. Once he had almost been there too, but called to her from the edge. Not even he dared to cross over to her sanctuary. He had never met the man she loved, who would always hold her heart, but he knew he was a great man and that they might have been great friends. No man could ever replace him and only a fool would try. He let out a sigh as he brought his flute back to his lips, his eyes closing as his breath escaped his lips and the knowledge of knowing who was chosen and it wasn't him. His haunting melody slide out from his flute and filled the air, letting all who hear it find an inner peace or a deadly struggle.
Weeks have passed since that water battle with Darien. it ended with them both hugging each other with laughter. It is great to be a child, but even better to grow and still have a chance to act like one. Abi often opened those doors to the "old people." There weren't many kids her age that she knows. Her whole life she has been surrounded with adults and the "cootie lovers." Once she had a best friend, but she was killed long ago. Then there was Gabby, a little scoundrel that came and left so often she wasn't sure what he was up to. One good thing is that she still had his dragon.
With a whistle and a skip this little prankster in disguise made her way across the woods. Today she had no idea what she was going to do. Most days she didn't have a clue, but then again when your 7 it really doesn't matter. Perhaps a "spaw" or a meeting with one of her friends. Maybe she will see her daddy today or maybe even her aunty Fia. Abi has a few relatives in the realm, but only two are pure blood. The rest have adopted her into the family, including her daddy Luc.
Sharp pains shot through her. Two lids sealing tightly as she doubled over and fell to her side. Something was wrong. This little girl was sick. There she laid on the side of the road, curled into a little ball.
"Will you go please?"
He sighed and his head drooped down. He let the words play over and over in his head. He knew how much stress she was under. He knew how much work she did and how exhausted she must be. He knew she wore herself out every day for a group of people that were very unthankful. But still these words hurt him. They struck somewhere deep inside. He wanted to help. He wanted to be the one she turned to when nothing else in the world made senesce. But he wasn't. In a way he felt useless. He picked up his head and looked about him. He had been wondering around with a clouded mind all week. Now he had something new to push through his brain.
There were trees at both sides and a dirt path in front of him. He loved the woods and so once he got his bearings he made his way through the patch of trees. He left the path, not knowing that little Abi far up ahead on that road...
"will you go please?" Normally when someone tells him this he completely backs away from the relationship. That is what he did the last time. But look where that lead him. He had thought his best friend Kelsey really meant that. Now she was married to his good friend Ed, and she was very depressed. No, he would not make that mistake again. He had promised Kelsey that he would not leave someone he loved again. He promised Aiyana that he wouldn't hurt her. He was determined to keep all these promises. For the first time since Kelsey and him needed their ill-fated relationship he has actually found love. In the love there was happiness. He did not want to lose that too. But still..."you will never understand"
In a fit of rage she over turned her desk and slammed it against the wall. If anyone were to see that, they would be startled that the small woman had that much strength in her. Opening the door nearly pulling it off its hinges, "hearing" Aidan in the back of her mind snickering at her and she rather rudely and obscenely told him to "shut the fuck up".
This was so not like her and she was grateful she could see nor sense anyone near to see her like this. Her anger was always dealt with in private at this level anyway.
She went outside to cool down and forget her troubles with family, job, and leadership duties and to regain her outward calm and patience. Walking along she thought about Darien and what she said. Thankful he left when he did so he could not have seen what happened back at the hall, but still she sighed. She hurt him, that she knew, she could feel it when he let go of her.
She took a short cut instead of going down the normal road, thinking of ways to apologize to him when she saw a lil form lying very still ahead. As she got closer she realized it was Abi, and everything went blank as instinct reeled in and unknowingly her feet took off running toward the child and she knelt down, letting deft capable fingers run along her body to probe for wounds...as her psyche, probed for internal.
The child was out cold. She had been lying there for a few nights. Her skin was paler than usual and cold to the very core. Internally she was burning up. Her stomach boiled and bubbled. Breathing was slower than normal and that body trembled uncontrollably. Abi has never been this sick. The three people that usually take care of her were out of the realm. Kat is traveling to who knows where. Kendra is finding the passage back to their home planet. Luc was busy doing something. There are millions of others who could be listed, (but I do not want to write a 20 page reply. hehe.) A few scratches were on her arms from predators that roamed the forest. That violet cloak that was a present from her dear adopted father was covered in dust by the travelers who did not even notice or care to notice the child on the side of the road. Silver eyes remained open, an erie glow coming from them.
Aiyana let out a quick low hiss. This child was in critical condition and no quick or normal healing would help her...it was beyond that. She bit back an oath that she left her pack with it's essential healing contents inside it, back at the office. She had to do something fast, her fingers retreated from the lil body to undo the girls cloak and cover her with it. The cloak Kat gave her was in storage for next winter, but she had to keep her body warm and her head cool.
She gently cradled Abi in her arms and headed for her Cavern, near here. It was another one of her secret places...it was her thinking spot and ironically the place where she gave birth to Selena. It would be damp there, but she would be dry and safe. She followed the stream that would lead her to the huge rack face surrounded by 3 waterfalls. Upon entering her steps echoed somewhat, but it was hard to hear above the rushing waters of the outside. Inside she laid the child down in the moss bed she made in years past and went to light torches she made in the walls. This is where she lived for almost two years. Once she had light she took out some cloths from her pocket, she carried these to keep her hands clean. She went to the small ledge. (a 6 inch drop and dripped in one of the many pools of water.) She came back and placed it on the child's forehead staring at her blank glowing eyes.
"Abi, can you hear me?" no Response. Aiyana sighed and her hands went to her bodice unlacing her dress, removing it wearing her silk shimmy and undergarments and placed the dress as a blanket on the child to shield her from the dampness.
Worry creased her forehead, she honestly did not know hat was wrong or what to do and she loathed the thought of invading the girls mind, not knowing if barriers were set or if the girl would attack. There WAS a way of course, but Aiyana was wary to try it as she didn't know what might happen...it was always different for each person, but she saw no other choice. She lifted the child's cold limp hands and placed each hand on a streak. To those touching it would feel warm and feel odd, like tingles and vibrations. Some said they saw visions, others saw her and still others would see things and would run in terror from her. Would it be the same for Abi? Aiyana would not know, she experienced nothing, all she would do was ask permission from Abi mentally could she come "in."
The streaks started their hum and pulsated with light and crackling energy. Aiyana concentrated and merely brushed the surface of Abi's Conscience. ~Abi....Are you there? It's me Aiyana....~
Abi's mind is like a complex puzzle. There are the normal things that a child like her would think of (cookies, spaws, and pranks). Then there were the other things that plagued it. Thoughts of her past ( blood, death, pain, shall I go on?). It seemed to swirl and sway with different mists, the most dominant of all the colors in her mind being the silver. The voice echoed for a few moments. Then magical walls blocked anything from entering or leaving. Being that Aiyana was only in the very surface, she was safe. Had she dared to dig further her very mind would be at stake. ~Missy Yana, Missy Yana, I bery sick. Need be taken to temple. Need silver rose smashed into drink. It need be poured over mes. Me body no can die, but it hurts. Mes no can wake ups~
A temple the child was saying. ~What temple Abi, can you tell me where the temple is, I could take you there or bring the drink back here~ She was wary of leaving the child. Besides Aiyana was honest to herself and admitted she did not know what to do or understood something she had no knowledge of. However as a retired Priestess, she had a very open mind about other cultures religions and rituals. Though Aiyana was not stupid to dabble in something without specific instruction, or she was confident in her knowledge and ability of something to do it right, she was willing to learn so she could help another in need. ~I'll help anyway I can Abi and make sure you wake up and feel better....~
~Temple, any temple. Need somewhere sacred. Dat way mes can channel energy.~ Her cousin was sick like this once. She remembered Cala doing the ritual. Mystical flower, sacred ground, the rest must be up to her and the little knowledge she has of her people. She must remain within the temple for a small while.~Pour smash rosy over me. Mes can tink rest~ She would have to conjure the words in the language spoken by her people. It was hard for the child to muster up the strength even within her mind. The illness was draining away her energy.~pwease hurry~
She nodded solemnly listening, the guild cathedral would do, she wasn't too sure of the Rhy'Din Cathedral, she was there a few times and did not approve of what she saw...besides the guild was much closer and offered privacy. She did not waste anymore time as she scooped up the child and ran as fast as she could to the appointed place. Powerfully muscled legs from years of dancing, running and acrobatics got them there in about ten minutes, with Aiyana in her shimmy and underwear, carrying what appears to be just a bundle of clothing in her arms. Yes, a strange and perhaps an amusing sight..but this was Rhy'Din.
Awkwardly opening and shoving the heavy double doors, she carried the small child to the front next to the alter she set Abi down. ~We are here Abi~ she let the child know as she hurried began the preparations. Going behind the alter she opened a small cabinet to remove a small ceramic bowl and a stone device that was round and had a handle on each side of it. She set them on the alter, saying a quick prayer to herself for Abi, for she honestly did not know what to do. Bending over the child she fumbled through the pockets of her dress used as a blanket and found the dried roses she kept in them. There were 6 silver roses..given to her by Abi, Kagato and Darien. They were just dried flowers she had removed the stems. Placing them in the bowl she began to ground them with the stone device.
They crumpled easily and became powder fast. Sweat beaded her forehead as her muscles grew taut from strain, trying to draw as much moisture from the petals she could. ~Almost ready Abi, just keep holding on...~ At the first sign of moisture she sighed in relief and started to hum a lullaby she remembered as a child, and as the powder become less and less solid she found herself singing aloud.
"Hush now, my sweet one
night drifts slowly on by,
sleep as you gently drift into dreams.
If they seem uneasy, and not what they seem.
Sleep and remember this lulliby,
and I'll be here with you and the rising sun."
As she sung she removed the dress and cloak from Abi and as she sang the last verse she poured the moisture across the child's body. The words slowly died in sweet soprano and all Aiyana could do now was wait in silence.
As Aiyana smashed the flowers a soft glow of silver surrounded them. The petals held great power and they came from one source, one place, Abi. They were the roses of her people. The first few drops of the liquid were absorbed quickly. Her skin changed to its true color of blue. A small silver crown encircled her little head as a mark of a three-eyed three-toungued happy face appears on her shoulder. Slowly her lips parted and soft whispers escaped her lips. Nismuora Je, Bigaila." Then her words went mute as a bright beam of light seeped into her. Time and space seemed to cease. What felt like hours were only a few minutes. Eyelids fluttered open, the glow surrounding them was sucked up by them. A few coughs and then a tired smile and the little prankster was back to normal, whatever that was. Slowly her humanoid form returned and the crown upon her head vanished. Arms wrapped about Aiyana. "Tankies missy Yana!"
She felt small arms wrap around her and Aiyana smiled dreamily coming out of the stupor she was in as she watched the child in fascination just movements before. Brief Warmth flowed through her cold flesh as she hugged Abi feeling relief she was all right. "Feel better?" Winking at the child she rose slowly as her vision reeled and dizziness swept over her, she blinked a few times, recovering quickly enough to make it seem like she was still awed. Internally however she screamed...something was wrong..again. Before Abi could question her, she reassured the child she was just cold and tired as she began to put her dress back on.
Changing the subject she suggested "Since you're better, why don't you find Darien he was walking near here...he looked rather lonely maybe you could cheer him up? I'll catch up in a lil bit, I just need to get finished dressing." She smiled as the child scampered off giggling as no doubt her mind was devising a scheme, when Aiyana got the feeling she was being watched. He shoulders slumped, her body suddenly sluggish as she turned to find Aidan standing right there and she gasped startled...she hated it when he did that.
Still as a statue...he felt nothing hearing her surprised frustration. He usually killed people before they uttered a sound or even before they knew he was there. He had been traveling and following the two Ostellians and his clothing showed it. Oddly his sword was not in its sheath. Aidan respected any holy ground and that meant being unarmed.
He studied the petite form that was his sister, though she was trying very hard to hide it, but the bond between them..she could hide nothing from him. He felt odd. "This is the fifth time this year Aiyana, what the hell are you doing to yourself?" She gave a muffled reply that she didn't know..that it came and went. Her skin was oozing sweat from every pore, her streaks shimmered and become opaque then returned to normal. His hand cupped beneath her chin and lifted her face to have a look. Fine as can be except her eyes. She had no pupils nor were they swirling their right color. black and brown, the whites were grayish...she blinked a few times and the color drained, returning to normal..but the swirl was sluggish. "You're very Ill..you can't keep up this charade, you're wasting your energy trying to keep it at bay.
"What would you have me do?" she spat the words in a rage he rarely saw. She was scared, it reeked through her entire being.
Aidan admitted her never saw the like of this before and his instinct told him this was serious if her colors were changing. Guess he would pay a visit to Kagato and his Tower to look up some of his books. "Will you be all right, or should I carry you home."/ She glared at him and he nodded as she walked with regal dignity out of the Cathedral. When she left his line of sight, he moved in fluid grace of a warrior in the direction of the tower.