Friends
When Topaz heard Jaleeisa greet Azjah, she turned her head from her opponent to glance at the Marchioness. Worry and grief washed over her at the sight. The Marchioness looked even more fragile and old now than she had that morning, little of the woman’s beauty remained. Topaz wondered how many more days or perhaps only hours Azjah had before she would slip out of this world and into the next as she watched Gabriel help her to the chaise.
Out of the corner of her eyes Topaz caught a movement and she quickly aimed a set of wizard blades at her opponent. Bran was definitely a worthy opponent and the fairy would do well to give him her undivided attention while in the ring with him, but worry about her friend kept her distracted and she kept glancing over to the chaise between rounds.
She watched Gabriel as he faded into the tree bark and took on the look of the tree during one of those quick looks and with a giggle she quoted Lupton, “I'm not a tree, I'm not a tree.” Silently she sent a little ‘thanks’ to Gabriel. Intuition told her that to have any hope of Azjah accepting any advice from her, she’d have to keep in good humor. It didn’t matter that Gabriel had no idea how he had helped with that.
Bran’s conversation during the remainder of the duel was equally light and funny. This evening, so the fairy thought, that was well worth a loss and she left the ring with a genuine smile on her lips. The lizard proceeded to do her another unasked for favor by asking Gabriel for a duel. Topaz could not have planned events better had she thought to do so. She threw an impish and very un-Carpathian wink Gabriel’s way. Her brother-in-law would not be disapprovingly glowering at her while safely engaged in a duel.
Seemingly aimlessly Topaz wandered over to Azjah, pausing a few times along to way to greet patrons and to charm a goblin into fetching coffee.
“Good evening.” Topaz managed with a wide, if mirthless, smile.
”Please, have a seat.” The words were barely above a whisper.
“Thank you.” Topaz quickly hid her surprise at the invitation. For the briefest of moments she contemplated pulling up a chair, but just as quickly decided against it. Instead she sat down right next to Azjah on the chaise.
Azjah was not so good at hiding her surprise at the fairy’s action. She retreated slightly and curled up into a ball. Pale blue eyes asking a question her voice did not.
“Did I scare you?” Topaz asked with a little giggle. “This is the closest I ever got to you. I don't bite, you know. Well, unless you're Lucien, who you are not.”
“Unexpected is all. May I ask you a question Topaz?” The woman's voice was low and sounded brittle and dry.
”Sure, fire away.” Her sparkling light blue eyes looked directly into Azjah’s icy ones.
“Your gift this morning was a surprise, and I should have thanked you then, but, I did some research on the glucose.” There was doubt written in her features.
”I guess that research didn't inquire pestering a healer during early morning rush?” Topaz grinned her welcome at the opening Azjah gave her. Further hope that there was yet a chance rose in her. “Le was not too happy, but I told her that it was urgent. Oh wait, don't answer that, you have a question.”
Discoveries
Moderator: Azjah von Drachen Walde
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Topaz
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Azjah lifted a pale brow. “Urgent?” She knew she was not looking her best, but urgent enough to trouble a healer?
“Well, yes - wouldn't want you to pass out and break your neck with the next attack of the shakes.” It had taken some convincing on Topaz’s part to keep Le from immediately seeking out the Marchioness and forcefully admitting to her hospital. In fact, Topaz had ended up ensuring that Le would restrain from doing so by making that an order.
”You do know that my weight is a problem right now, and that glucose is stored as fat.... I am confused by why you would do such given my weight problem now.” It was true curiosity, but there was a slight bite of accusation too.
Topaz watched Azjah attentively, reading body language as well as facial expression. Not the smallest reaction would be allowed to escape her. “I see... Well, just a warning up front, you're going to get the long answer.” Topaz gave a friendly wink with her warning.
”Long answer hmm?” She visibly steeled herself.
Topaz nodded before she delved into the speech that she hoped would safe Azjah’s life. “You're weight is a problem, a serious one at that. But not in the way you think. That baby has to weigh something too, you know. But you're doing harm to yourself too. You’re depriving your muscles and brain of much needed energy. It's kind of like suffocating them. That can leave permanent, unrepairable damage.” Topaz ‘translated’ what Le – the superdoc – had told her that morning.
Azjah kept both hands wrapped around the water glass. But Topaz detected no sign of retreat in her features, so she continued.
”So these little pills have energy that never goes in your tummy, but go directly to those dying places. The fat store thingy only comes into effect when you eat tons of the stuff.” Azjah frowned and Topaz hoped the frown was due to comprehension rather than misunderstanding.
“And it goes there fast. No waiting for soup to get there or steak. So when your head hurts - it does, doesn't it? - you eat a couple or more, and you'll feel better. It’s the same with the shakes and the dizzy spells and the black dots spreading.”
Azjah took a deep breath. “Topaz, I already weigh more than I ever have in my life. I do not see this as being the problem.”
Topaz nodded and searched her mind for what else Le had said about the pills before she would address the weight question. “Though they – the tablets - can be a life saver, recovering from starvation takes a long time, and it does not fix permanent damage.” She paused before she shifted the focus of her explanations.
”It's not you alone that weighs what you do now. There's the baby and all the nesting material your body makes for it. Only you don't have to carry it all on your back, but you get to keep it all neatly tucked right under your heart.”
“And it's much too much.” She winced visibly as Topaz tried to make it sound alright to weigh as much as a cow.
“Look at you, Azjah, at what's you, not the baby.” Perhaps an appeal to her vanity would serve much better than the appeal to her intelligence. She reached for Azjah's hand with a gentle touch. Ignoring Azjah’s wince and her attempt to pull her hand away, Topaz turned the hand palm down and waited until Azjah’s gaze dropped to that hand.
“Well, yes - wouldn't want you to pass out and break your neck with the next attack of the shakes.” It had taken some convincing on Topaz’s part to keep Le from immediately seeking out the Marchioness and forcefully admitting to her hospital. In fact, Topaz had ended up ensuring that Le would restrain from doing so by making that an order.
”You do know that my weight is a problem right now, and that glucose is stored as fat.... I am confused by why you would do such given my weight problem now.” It was true curiosity, but there was a slight bite of accusation too.
Topaz watched Azjah attentively, reading body language as well as facial expression. Not the smallest reaction would be allowed to escape her. “I see... Well, just a warning up front, you're going to get the long answer.” Topaz gave a friendly wink with her warning.
”Long answer hmm?” She visibly steeled herself.
Topaz nodded before she delved into the speech that she hoped would safe Azjah’s life. “You're weight is a problem, a serious one at that. But not in the way you think. That baby has to weigh something too, you know. But you're doing harm to yourself too. You’re depriving your muscles and brain of much needed energy. It's kind of like suffocating them. That can leave permanent, unrepairable damage.” Topaz ‘translated’ what Le – the superdoc – had told her that morning.
Azjah kept both hands wrapped around the water glass. But Topaz detected no sign of retreat in her features, so she continued.
”So these little pills have energy that never goes in your tummy, but go directly to those dying places. The fat store thingy only comes into effect when you eat tons of the stuff.” Azjah frowned and Topaz hoped the frown was due to comprehension rather than misunderstanding.
“And it goes there fast. No waiting for soup to get there or steak. So when your head hurts - it does, doesn't it? - you eat a couple or more, and you'll feel better. It’s the same with the shakes and the dizzy spells and the black dots spreading.”
Azjah took a deep breath. “Topaz, I already weigh more than I ever have in my life. I do not see this as being the problem.”
Topaz nodded and searched her mind for what else Le had said about the pills before she would address the weight question. “Though they – the tablets - can be a life saver, recovering from starvation takes a long time, and it does not fix permanent damage.” She paused before she shifted the focus of her explanations.
”It's not you alone that weighs what you do now. There's the baby and all the nesting material your body makes for it. Only you don't have to carry it all on your back, but you get to keep it all neatly tucked right under your heart.”
“And it's much too much.” She winced visibly as Topaz tried to make it sound alright to weigh as much as a cow.
“Look at you, Azjah, at what's you, not the baby.” Perhaps an appeal to her vanity would serve much better than the appeal to her intelligence. She reached for Azjah's hand with a gentle touch. Ignoring Azjah’s wince and her attempt to pull her hand away, Topaz turned the hand palm down and waited until Azjah’s gaze dropped to that hand.
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Topaz
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”See, skin like paper.” She pointed without touching her finger to the hand. “You can count the veins. And those fingers look befitting an 80-year old.”
”This whole thing is not agreeing with me. I am not surprised.” Her body was struggling with the whole situation.
“Starvation is definitely not agreeing with you.” Topaz guessed that Azjah had meant pregnancy and had to abuse her of that notion.
Azjah lifted a brow, appearing genuinely surprised. “I am hardly starving if I am adding weight daily.”
”Yes, Azjah, you are starving. If you really do not want the baby, and by now you may have to think a malformed child, you should talk with a healer.” Topaz strove for brutal honesty without shocking Azjah into retreat. But she was doubtful that the polite phrasing called the right images into Azjah’s mind.
”There are ways to fix things without making yourself ugly over it and without torture.”
Azjah hastily glanced at Gnimish and Drakhan, then at Topaz. “Your caramel fan is back.” She took the chance to pull back her hand and curl it around the glass again. Topaz was pleased with Azjah’s quick return of attention and rewarded her with a brief respite by grinning a greeting to Drakhan. “Equilibrium has to be reached Topaz.”
Inspiration struck then as if the gods had answered the fairy’s request. The Marchioness was a business woman and therefore she had to be good at sums.
“Right now you're two people and a nursery. Of course the sum of crib, baby and Azjah ought to weigh more than Azjah by herself, no?”
Azjah gave a wry laugh. “And it does!”
”So, if the sum now is as much as Azjah used to be, then Azjah now has lost a considerable amount of much needed weight, I'm guessing far more muscle than fat, cause you never had any of that.” Topaz grinned as she thought of another way to put an image to the theory.
“Drakhan looks to be about as much as baby and nest should be – that is how much less of you there is now.” Topaz forced her face to express the grave seriousness of the matter, willing Azjah to understand just how badly she was damaging herself.
“Topaz, your concern is duly noted. But I believe you worry inordinately. Truly.” She glanced at Drakhan and shuddered.
”I know I worry with good reason, even though you'd very much like it to be otherwise.” There was absolutely not even a hint of accusation in the fairy’s voice or expression. Perhaps she should have pointed out Azjah’s much shrunken chest, but the perfect opportunity for doing so had passed.
“I'm sorry I failed to make you understand. I'm really not very good at teaching anything other than sword fighting discipline.” Disappointment at her inadequacy pierced sharply.
Azjah gave her a smile. “Is Lucien going to allow that to continue?” She took the opportunity to change the subject quickly.
”This whole thing is not agreeing with me. I am not surprised.” Her body was struggling with the whole situation.
“Starvation is definitely not agreeing with you.” Topaz guessed that Azjah had meant pregnancy and had to abuse her of that notion.
Azjah lifted a brow, appearing genuinely surprised. “I am hardly starving if I am adding weight daily.”
”Yes, Azjah, you are starving. If you really do not want the baby, and by now you may have to think a malformed child, you should talk with a healer.” Topaz strove for brutal honesty without shocking Azjah into retreat. But she was doubtful that the polite phrasing called the right images into Azjah’s mind.
”There are ways to fix things without making yourself ugly over it and without torture.”
Azjah hastily glanced at Gnimish and Drakhan, then at Topaz. “Your caramel fan is back.” She took the chance to pull back her hand and curl it around the glass again. Topaz was pleased with Azjah’s quick return of attention and rewarded her with a brief respite by grinning a greeting to Drakhan. “Equilibrium has to be reached Topaz.”
Inspiration struck then as if the gods had answered the fairy’s request. The Marchioness was a business woman and therefore she had to be good at sums.
“Right now you're two people and a nursery. Of course the sum of crib, baby and Azjah ought to weigh more than Azjah by herself, no?”
Azjah gave a wry laugh. “And it does!”
”So, if the sum now is as much as Azjah used to be, then Azjah now has lost a considerable amount of much needed weight, I'm guessing far more muscle than fat, cause you never had any of that.” Topaz grinned as she thought of another way to put an image to the theory.
“Drakhan looks to be about as much as baby and nest should be – that is how much less of you there is now.” Topaz forced her face to express the grave seriousness of the matter, willing Azjah to understand just how badly she was damaging herself.
“Topaz, your concern is duly noted. But I believe you worry inordinately. Truly.” She glanced at Drakhan and shuddered.
”I know I worry with good reason, even though you'd very much like it to be otherwise.” There was absolutely not even a hint of accusation in the fairy’s voice or expression. Perhaps she should have pointed out Azjah’s much shrunken chest, but the perfect opportunity for doing so had passed.
“I'm sorry I failed to make you understand. I'm really not very good at teaching anything other than sword fighting discipline.” Disappointment at her inadequacy pierced sharply.
Azjah gave her a smile. “Is Lucien going to allow that to continue?” She took the opportunity to change the subject quickly.
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Topaz
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”Yes, he thinks that if you want to kill yourself, you have the right to do so.” Topaz was quick to use what was meant as a subject change to further her argument. “Oh, you meant the dueling. Oops.” Though she blushed her grin was unrepentant. Perhaps there was hope yet.
Azjah sipped the water. “Yes, I was referring to you and sword fighting.”
“He does grumble a lot about it, but I think secretly he's proud of my accomplishments.” Topaz winked.
“Of course he is. But they have a hard time expressing it.” Carpathians were not prone to praising skills that were meant to kill.
“I just can't imagine him and Gregori bragging about their life mates. ‘Mine makes pretty glass.’ ‘Yea, well, mine is an arch mage.’” Topaz giggled, ready to allow the conversation to take on a much lighter note. Provided Azjah survived her own stubbornness, she would soon be in sore need of cheering up.
”They would find your art difficult to understand. Although, when the Dragonseekers were around, they did have some powerful mages.” The subject of the pregnancy had clearly been closed.
“Aye, it is totally alien to them, like so many things about me and fairies, and like so much of their understanding is to me. Dragonseekers? I smell a story I've not heard yet.”
“The Dragonseekers were very much like the Carpathians, and in fact lived in the same region. There was intermarriage, and a sharing of magic, but the Dragonseekers specialized in magic, and delved into places that many feared. Now the Dragonseekers are nearly all gone, if there are any left now at all.
Topaz finished the calculation she had started earlier while she listen to Azjah and mentioned the result before re-directing Azjah toward telling more of the Dragonseekers. “You would have to eat 986 of the little pills, and not use up any energy at all to gain a pound of fat. So you could try one and see if it fixed that head ache. Do they search for dragons to exterminate them like humans used to do or to seek friendship?”
”I actually do not know why they were originally called Dragonseekers, unless it was the magic they studied.” The lore had not explained the name, at least not that she had seen.
“For friendship then,” Topaz smiled. She could like those Dragonseekers then. “Sometimes a dragon will impart some knowledge in that regard.” Topaz noticed that Gabriel had finished his duel and now was returning to his post. His timing was perfect.
“Unfortunately, the Dragonseekers have gone missing. But you will never miss one if ever you meet one.” She never got the chance to explain what she meant by that comment.
“Missing as in the forest elves have disappeared or is it known how?” Perhaps they were still around, much in the same way as Carpathians though reduced in numbers were still around.
“They vanished with time, to become little more than legend.” She shook her head sadly.
“Like the Carpathians,” She grinned. “So there are probably hundreds of them around.” Topaz jumped up off the couch as she saw Klinton emerge from the portal. Azjah’s husband certainly had to be the one to be able to make her see reason. “We'll talk more about them some other time.” A gesture offered her vacated seat to Klinton.
Azjah sipped the water. “Yes, I was referring to you and sword fighting.”
“He does grumble a lot about it, but I think secretly he's proud of my accomplishments.” Topaz winked.
“Of course he is. But they have a hard time expressing it.” Carpathians were not prone to praising skills that were meant to kill.
“I just can't imagine him and Gregori bragging about their life mates. ‘Mine makes pretty glass.’ ‘Yea, well, mine is an arch mage.’” Topaz giggled, ready to allow the conversation to take on a much lighter note. Provided Azjah survived her own stubbornness, she would soon be in sore need of cheering up.
”They would find your art difficult to understand. Although, when the Dragonseekers were around, they did have some powerful mages.” The subject of the pregnancy had clearly been closed.
“Aye, it is totally alien to them, like so many things about me and fairies, and like so much of their understanding is to me. Dragonseekers? I smell a story I've not heard yet.”
“The Dragonseekers were very much like the Carpathians, and in fact lived in the same region. There was intermarriage, and a sharing of magic, but the Dragonseekers specialized in magic, and delved into places that many feared. Now the Dragonseekers are nearly all gone, if there are any left now at all.
Topaz finished the calculation she had started earlier while she listen to Azjah and mentioned the result before re-directing Azjah toward telling more of the Dragonseekers. “You would have to eat 986 of the little pills, and not use up any energy at all to gain a pound of fat. So you could try one and see if it fixed that head ache. Do they search for dragons to exterminate them like humans used to do or to seek friendship?”
”I actually do not know why they were originally called Dragonseekers, unless it was the magic they studied.” The lore had not explained the name, at least not that she had seen.
“For friendship then,” Topaz smiled. She could like those Dragonseekers then. “Sometimes a dragon will impart some knowledge in that regard.” Topaz noticed that Gabriel had finished his duel and now was returning to his post. His timing was perfect.
“Unfortunately, the Dragonseekers have gone missing. But you will never miss one if ever you meet one.” She never got the chance to explain what she meant by that comment.
“Missing as in the forest elves have disappeared or is it known how?” Perhaps they were still around, much in the same way as Carpathians though reduced in numbers were still around.
“They vanished with time, to become little more than legend.” She shook her head sadly.
“Like the Carpathians,” She grinned. “So there are probably hundreds of them around.” Topaz jumped up off the couch as she saw Klinton emerge from the portal. Azjah’s husband certainly had to be the one to be able to make her see reason. “We'll talk more about them some other time.” A gesture offered her vacated seat to Klinton.
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Topaz
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Topaz left the couple to greet and enjoy another and went in search of a duel. But she did not get very far. A disturbance in the aura around the rings made her shift her attention from the patrons. Artemus stood by the empty ring, his hood was pulled up to where she could not see his face and his hand extended towards the now empty ring. Small orbs of energy spilled away from the healing ward and flowed into Artemus.
“Artemus?” A dark laugh slipped from Artemus as more of those dancing lights flowed onto his hand and vanished beneath his skin. It took Topaz a moment to believe what her senses where telling her. Artemus was draining the ward from the rings. The shock of the completely unexpected action drained the blood from her face. The ward flickered as it weakened.
“What in Hades are you doing?” Jaleeisa rose from the couch and frowned at Artemus. She too must have felt the drain of energy from the magically warded ring.
Topaz slammed a barrier between Artemus and the sand of the ring, effectively preventing any further damage. “Stop that, Artemus!”
Artemus waited a moment longer before he let his hand fall away and turned his black eyes to Topaz and Jal. “I was feeding, that a crime?”
“Yes, it is.” Jaleeisa stood with her legs spread and her shields shimmered as they were reinforced.
“Do that somewhere else. Even Vanion has enough sense not to do that here.” Topaz glowered at Artemus as she moved closer.
“Since when?” Artemus spoke calmly as he looked at the two, looking entirely too amused.
“Since always.” Topaz was far from amused. “And don't you even think about touching me. You'd die.”
“Their strength will return, and it was an empty ring.” He just looked from one to the other, the smile on his pale lips reflected in his eyes. Topaz was incredulous. Did he truly not know that the wards were connected?
“I promise you this, Artemus: Do this again and I will destroy you.” The warning was delivered with a cold glare. Topaz hated that he had made her issue such a promise.
Jaleeisa glanced an apology to her duelists for the delay before her dark grey eyes moved back to Artemus.
“Oh, I've no intention of touching you Topaz, that is one thing I'll not do. I don't harm friends. It would do well for both of you to remember that.”
”It would do well for you to remember my promise.” Topaz could not believe him not to harm friends when he was so ready and unapologetic about draining the wards while duels were in progress, potentially harming the duelers of the contests in progress. “You may regard the ward as an intimate friend of mine, then.”
“And understand that mine goes along with it, Art.” Jaleeisa nodded in agreement with Topaz.
“Artemus?” A dark laugh slipped from Artemus as more of those dancing lights flowed onto his hand and vanished beneath his skin. It took Topaz a moment to believe what her senses where telling her. Artemus was draining the ward from the rings. The shock of the completely unexpected action drained the blood from her face. The ward flickered as it weakened.
“What in Hades are you doing?” Jaleeisa rose from the couch and frowned at Artemus. She too must have felt the drain of energy from the magically warded ring.
Topaz slammed a barrier between Artemus and the sand of the ring, effectively preventing any further damage. “Stop that, Artemus!”
Artemus waited a moment longer before he let his hand fall away and turned his black eyes to Topaz and Jal. “I was feeding, that a crime?”
“Yes, it is.” Jaleeisa stood with her legs spread and her shields shimmered as they were reinforced.
“Do that somewhere else. Even Vanion has enough sense not to do that here.” Topaz glowered at Artemus as she moved closer.
“Since when?” Artemus spoke calmly as he looked at the two, looking entirely too amused.
“Since always.” Topaz was far from amused. “And don't you even think about touching me. You'd die.”
“Their strength will return, and it was an empty ring.” He just looked from one to the other, the smile on his pale lips reflected in his eyes. Topaz was incredulous. Did he truly not know that the wards were connected?
“I promise you this, Artemus: Do this again and I will destroy you.” The warning was delivered with a cold glare. Topaz hated that he had made her issue such a promise.
Jaleeisa glanced an apology to her duelists for the delay before her dark grey eyes moved back to Artemus.
“Oh, I've no intention of touching you Topaz, that is one thing I'll not do. I don't harm friends. It would do well for both of you to remember that.”
”It would do well for you to remember my promise.” Topaz could not believe him not to harm friends when he was so ready and unapologetic about draining the wards while duels were in progress, potentially harming the duelers of the contests in progress. “You may regard the ward as an intimate friend of mine, then.”
“And understand that mine goes along with it, Art.” Jaleeisa nodded in agreement with Topaz.
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Topaz
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Topaz pointedly turned away from Artemus and bent to one of the shocked goblins, calming it before she sent it for coffee. Though she saw Artemus’ fanged grin as well as the haunted castle he was creating with the stolen magic, she refused to acknowledge either. She joined Jaleeisa in checking the wards of the rings. Only when they both were satisfied that it would be safe to do so did they allow the duels to continue.
”Wow, I never thought I'd have to make that promise to anyone I care for.” Topaz accepted a cup of coffee from a goblin and sat down on the couch beside Jaleeisa. Right now she wanted nothing more than to slip into Lucien’s arms. Anger at Artemus’ actions only grew in intensity as she accepted the event as truth rather than nightmare. And with that acceptance also came grief over the loss of the close friend Artemus had been. Even Lucien had gotten along with him.
“Look Jal!” Topaz grinned at the two goblins that had approached and now were standing in front of the couch. She was touched by their gesture of offering miniature barrels of ice-cream to Jaleeisa and her. “Thanks.”
”Ice cream! A pregnant woman's delight!” Jaleeisa glanced to the goblins with a gentle smile as Topaz reached for one of the barrels.
“Oh, I love our goblins. That's just the thing.” With a grin to Jal she added, “I thought more of it being right after an argument with who was a close friend.”
“Aye, a good idea.” She accepted the other barrel. For a while they each sat quietly, allowing the sweet treat to distract them.
Topaz had just exchanged the empty barrel and spoon with a goblin for a cup of fresh coffee when she noticed Azjah returning to the isle. Her and Klinton had left earlier, and Topaz was certain that they would be pleasantly engaged celebrating his return from his lengthy trip for at least the rest of the evening.
”Welcome back.” Topaz greeted Azjah as she dropped onto her chaise. “But I did not expect to see you again so soon with Klinton returned.”
”Good eventide Jaleeisa.” Lucien returned Jaleeisa’s greeting as he moved toward his mate and slid both arms around her, pulling her off the couch and up against him. She had not even noticed his arrival before then, which said much for her state of mind.
“You are upset, what has happened?” His question was a soft whisper as she hugged him tightly and he lowered his head to kiss her throat. Her distress radiated from her whole being.
“I'm so glad you're here.” Topaz smiled as his obsidian eyes met hers again, but was serious again when she related the earlier events. “Artemus tried to drain the ward from the rings and I had to threaten to kill him. And he was laughing.”
Lucien lifted a brow. “Why did he drain the wards? And why did you have to threaten him thusly?”
“I guess he was hungry,” she shrugged. “He was evil at that moment. Because the wards are here to protect the duelers.” She snuggled deeper into his arms. “May we go sit somewhere?”
“Because he wants to die.” Jaleeisa glanced to Lucien, her anger over the episode still burned in her gray eyes.
”Wow, I never thought I'd have to make that promise to anyone I care for.” Topaz accepted a cup of coffee from a goblin and sat down on the couch beside Jaleeisa. Right now she wanted nothing more than to slip into Lucien’s arms. Anger at Artemus’ actions only grew in intensity as she accepted the event as truth rather than nightmare. And with that acceptance also came grief over the loss of the close friend Artemus had been. Even Lucien had gotten along with him.
“Look Jal!” Topaz grinned at the two goblins that had approached and now were standing in front of the couch. She was touched by their gesture of offering miniature barrels of ice-cream to Jaleeisa and her. “Thanks.”
”Ice cream! A pregnant woman's delight!” Jaleeisa glanced to the goblins with a gentle smile as Topaz reached for one of the barrels.
“Oh, I love our goblins. That's just the thing.” With a grin to Jal she added, “I thought more of it being right after an argument with who was a close friend.”
“Aye, a good idea.” She accepted the other barrel. For a while they each sat quietly, allowing the sweet treat to distract them.
Topaz had just exchanged the empty barrel and spoon with a goblin for a cup of fresh coffee when she noticed Azjah returning to the isle. Her and Klinton had left earlier, and Topaz was certain that they would be pleasantly engaged celebrating his return from his lengthy trip for at least the rest of the evening.
”Welcome back.” Topaz greeted Azjah as she dropped onto her chaise. “But I did not expect to see you again so soon with Klinton returned.”
”Good eventide Jaleeisa.” Lucien returned Jaleeisa’s greeting as he moved toward his mate and slid both arms around her, pulling her off the couch and up against him. She had not even noticed his arrival before then, which said much for her state of mind.
“You are upset, what has happened?” His question was a soft whisper as she hugged him tightly and he lowered his head to kiss her throat. Her distress radiated from her whole being.
“I'm so glad you're here.” Topaz smiled as his obsidian eyes met hers again, but was serious again when she related the earlier events. “Artemus tried to drain the ward from the rings and I had to threaten to kill him. And he was laughing.”
Lucien lifted a brow. “Why did he drain the wards? And why did you have to threaten him thusly?”
“I guess he was hungry,” she shrugged. “He was evil at that moment. Because the wards are here to protect the duelers.” She snuggled deeper into his arms. “May we go sit somewhere?”
“Because he wants to die.” Jaleeisa glanced to Lucien, her anger over the episode still burned in her gray eyes.
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Topaz
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Lucien spared a quick glance at Jaleeisa before he scooped his mate up into his arms and strode toward the treelike and the outer most tables. He dropped onto one of the couches in the shadows of the trees. “Is that the first time someone has tried to do that?” He focused on her heart rate and sought to synchronize them both at a slower, more even pace.
”Yes.” Topaz leaned against him. “At least as far as I know. It was very odd and upsetting.” Lucien soothingly slid his fingers through her hair, working on slowing her heart rate to match his own.
“I've seen him 'feed' before, when he soaked up Obsidion's traps and wards.” Topaz had known that Artemus “ate” magic even before than. But that fact had never before scared her. Now, however, it did.
“So he 'feeds' on magic?” His eyes roved over her slowly, paying attention to every indicator of stress she exhibited.
“Yes. He was very, very quick about this evening from what I saw. But I wasn't paying attention the entire time.” The change was definitely bothering her.
“I can tell this troubles you deeply.” Lucien focused on her breathing and heart rate. “You feel he will try this again?”
Before Topaz could answer Rena spoke up. “Has anyone thought about it not being Art?”
Lucien turned his gaze on Rena. “Valid point.”
“That I do not know. He certainly has a lot of incentive not to. But he couldn't have been in his right mind this evening. So promises and known consequences may not mean anything to him.”
Lucien pondered Rena's notion. “Is it possible someone has taken on his likeness?” It was not an uncommon thing for mimics to be used, or in some cases, actual posession.
“If it isn't him it's hidden well enough for the tower nor me to notice.” Though that would certainly be welcome news, it was almost too convenient an excuse to have their friend returned to them. “It would have to be more akin to a possession, but that would have to be well hidden, too, to escape the tower's notice.”
“Aye, and from what I've learned in my studies, even if one of our kind could not smell or sense the change, the Tower would be difficult to fool.” Jaleeisa agreed.
Lucien glanced to the druid. “If he arrives on your shift, make certain you keep an eye on him and stop him from attempting such an act again.” Then he regarded Jaleeisa. “There was no permanent damage Jaleeisa?”
“No, there wasn't. We checked.” Topaz answered quickly in Jaleeisa’s stead. “Or there would be no dueling now.”
Lucien nodded thoughtfully and kept his arms wrapped securely around Topaz. Though she would not cry in public, he felt the unshed tears burning in her eyes. “There is more here than a simple need to 'feed'.”
“Even Vanion doesn't feed here.” Topaz listened to the suggestions everyone seemed to have in regards to preventing Artemus from attempting to drain the magic from the wards a second time. But she did not think any of them useful. “I don't think that there is a limit other than how much magic is available to be drained.” She answered the Druid’s question.
“There are actions to be taken based on what was seen and the risks involved.” Lucien lowered his lips to place a kiss at the corner of his mate's mouth and received a brave little smile in return.
”Yes.” Topaz leaned against him. “At least as far as I know. It was very odd and upsetting.” Lucien soothingly slid his fingers through her hair, working on slowing her heart rate to match his own.
“I've seen him 'feed' before, when he soaked up Obsidion's traps and wards.” Topaz had known that Artemus “ate” magic even before than. But that fact had never before scared her. Now, however, it did.
“So he 'feeds' on magic?” His eyes roved over her slowly, paying attention to every indicator of stress she exhibited.
“Yes. He was very, very quick about this evening from what I saw. But I wasn't paying attention the entire time.” The change was definitely bothering her.
“I can tell this troubles you deeply.” Lucien focused on her breathing and heart rate. “You feel he will try this again?”
Before Topaz could answer Rena spoke up. “Has anyone thought about it not being Art?”
Lucien turned his gaze on Rena. “Valid point.”
“That I do not know. He certainly has a lot of incentive not to. But he couldn't have been in his right mind this evening. So promises and known consequences may not mean anything to him.”
Lucien pondered Rena's notion. “Is it possible someone has taken on his likeness?” It was not an uncommon thing for mimics to be used, or in some cases, actual posession.
“If it isn't him it's hidden well enough for the tower nor me to notice.” Though that would certainly be welcome news, it was almost too convenient an excuse to have their friend returned to them. “It would have to be more akin to a possession, but that would have to be well hidden, too, to escape the tower's notice.”
“Aye, and from what I've learned in my studies, even if one of our kind could not smell or sense the change, the Tower would be difficult to fool.” Jaleeisa agreed.
Lucien glanced to the druid. “If he arrives on your shift, make certain you keep an eye on him and stop him from attempting such an act again.” Then he regarded Jaleeisa. “There was no permanent damage Jaleeisa?”
“No, there wasn't. We checked.” Topaz answered quickly in Jaleeisa’s stead. “Or there would be no dueling now.”
Lucien nodded thoughtfully and kept his arms wrapped securely around Topaz. Though she would not cry in public, he felt the unshed tears burning in her eyes. “There is more here than a simple need to 'feed'.”
“Even Vanion doesn't feed here.” Topaz listened to the suggestions everyone seemed to have in regards to preventing Artemus from attempting to drain the magic from the wards a second time. But she did not think any of them useful. “I don't think that there is a limit other than how much magic is available to be drained.” She answered the Druid’s question.
“There are actions to be taken based on what was seen and the risks involved.” Lucien lowered his lips to place a kiss at the corner of his mate's mouth and received a brave little smile in return.
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Topaz
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Jaleeisa addressed Lucien again. ”And that other thing is…Lucien, I would appreciate it if you and perhaps your brother would go over what Che and I worked up together and see if you feel anything should be added. Che agrees with me. We both know your knowledge is greater than ours.”
Topaz winced inwardly. That was just what she needed, for Gabriel to get a chance to find something else she messed up. She knew beyond a doubt that Artemus had not damaged the ward itself. She was equally as certain that whatever traps even Lucien and Gabriel could come up with would simply be absorbed, just like Artemus had done with Obsidion’s tainted magic. There was no point in bothering with protections or poisons.
“Of course Jaleeisa.” He knew ways to use wards to poison such magic eaters.
“And the items arcane that are there. If he feeds in this way, you may find many of them empty husks. Those that aren't should be warded and protected. Che and I would be honored to aid where we can.” Jaleeisa went on.
“We should have a look at Artemus or whatever it is when we get a chance. Maybe the real Artemus needs some help.” Topaz made the attempt to direct the general conversation into a more logical direction.
Lucien nipped Topaz’s throat playfully. “I have in mind a candlelit cavern with a lovely hot spring.”
“I'd love a candlelight cavern. With you in it, of course.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and brushed her lips over his cheek.
“Good, and I trust it will not be a threesome with this Artemus stealing your focus? I am feeling rather neglected.” He gave a slow smile.
“No Artemus, no Azjah, just you and me, and no Jal or Che.” Topaz returned with a grin. She very much wanted to be alone with Lucien.
“Good.” Lucien’s black velvet laughter wrapped around her. He rose with her in his arms and headed for the portal, giving her just enough time to wave a farewell to their friends before they were gone.
Topaz winced inwardly. That was just what she needed, for Gabriel to get a chance to find something else she messed up. She knew beyond a doubt that Artemus had not damaged the ward itself. She was equally as certain that whatever traps even Lucien and Gabriel could come up with would simply be absorbed, just like Artemus had done with Obsidion’s tainted magic. There was no point in bothering with protections or poisons.
“Of course Jaleeisa.” He knew ways to use wards to poison such magic eaters.
“And the items arcane that are there. If he feeds in this way, you may find many of them empty husks. Those that aren't should be warded and protected. Che and I would be honored to aid where we can.” Jaleeisa went on.
“We should have a look at Artemus or whatever it is when we get a chance. Maybe the real Artemus needs some help.” Topaz made the attempt to direct the general conversation into a more logical direction.
Lucien nipped Topaz’s throat playfully. “I have in mind a candlelit cavern with a lovely hot spring.”
“I'd love a candlelight cavern. With you in it, of course.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and brushed her lips over his cheek.
“Good, and I trust it will not be a threesome with this Artemus stealing your focus? I am feeling rather neglected.” He gave a slow smile.
“No Artemus, no Azjah, just you and me, and no Jal or Che.” Topaz returned with a grin. She very much wanted to be alone with Lucien.
“Good.” Lucien’s black velvet laughter wrapped around her. He rose with her in his arms and headed for the portal, giving her just enough time to wave a farewell to their friends before they were gone.
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Topaz
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Heart Beats
“I'm well, and you and the little one?” Jaleeisa asked as the lizard man arrived on the Isle and after her and the fairy had exchanged greetings and settled into their seats. It was Jaleeisa’s turn to officiate the duels, but the patrons were late in arriving that day.
Topaz smiled wide at the question. Jaleeisa’s hearing should be at least as good as her own. “Can you hear the d-dh-d-dh-d-dh?”
“What dee-duh-dee-duh-dee-duh?” Bran blinked at both women.
“Shh.” Topaz touched a finger to her smiling lips to hush Bran so Jaleeisa could hear.
With a cant of her head Jaleeisa listened carefully. Though he had no hope of picking up the sound, Bran copied her stance. Jaleeisa frowned in concentration. It took her Carpathian hearing, but the sound the fairy described was discernible. “What is that? I can't figure it out. I hear it, just as you described... OHH!”
A smile spread on her face as she listened. “The baby's heart! The little one sounds strong.”
Topaz chuckled happily. “It sounds to be doing fine, doesn't it?”
“Has one of the healers visited with you?” Jaleeisa’s grey eyes glowed softly.
“Healers visiting? No. Is one of them supposed to?” To Topaz’s knowledge, at least two healers were still staying at the palazzo. But she had not crossed paths with any of the guests since the introduction to Prince Mikhail.
Jaleeisa frowned faintly. “One should, just to be sure all is well.”
“Lucien is very good at the healing arts.” Topaz was confident that Lucien was more than able to handle any unforeseen complication.
Jaleeisa’s gaze grew serious. “Aye... and it would be good to know all is well. All our children are treasures.”
“I'm certainly not having Gregori ghost through my body!” He may be Lucien’s brother, but there were limits to what liberties Topaz would allow even him. Gregori’s aura was of the kind that advised caution.
Jaleeisa shivered slightly. “I know a little of him from Che, aye. I'd not really want one so powerful doing so either.”
“Bah, if he thinks to try, he's got something else coming.” Gregori did exude power, more so than most of the other Carpathians, but that in itself would not have impressed caution in that regard upon the fairy.
With a gentle smile Jaleeisa continued. “And just think, a wee lass to give more hope to us, or another hunter to protect our world.” Jaleeisa tilted her head and voiced another thought. “And hopefully since you've not been fully converted because of your fae blood, there won't be so many worries.”
“It'll be a fine fairy with nothing but mischief on her or his mind to spite everyone.” She covered her dark thoughts with a light chuckle. Jaleeisa had hit on the reason that would have Topaz forbid Gregori or anyone she didn’t trust completely access to her unborn. She thought Gregori capable as well as willing to mess with nature to ensure that this baby would be Carpathian rather than Fae.
“And wouldn't that tweak the men?!” Jaleeisa chuckled softly.
“Sure, it'll tweak and pinch, too. Can you just picture Lucien with glittery fairy dust all over him?” That image and his potential reactions had Topaz laughing until her belly ached.
“Oh my!” Jaleeisa giggled. “See, that is something I cannot imagine. And no, please don't share the memory! I'd be embarrassed should I burst with laughter the next time I see Lucien!”
Wyheree arrived then and Topaz remembered Bran. “Oh, sorry Bran, it's okay to make noise and talk again.”
“I have the best news!!” Wyheree laughed merrily as she confirmed Jal’s guess. “Yes he did ask for my hand - and I have never been happier! He is truly the most wonderful man in all the known realms.”
“Congratulations, Wyh.” She disagreed with that assessment, of course. She knew Lucien to be the most wonderful man.
Wyheree and Jaleeisa started to make plans for the wedding and the gown Wyheree would be wearing. When Bran asked for duel a moment later, Topaz was happy to oblige.
“I'm well, and you and the little one?” Jaleeisa asked as the lizard man arrived on the Isle and after her and the fairy had exchanged greetings and settled into their seats. It was Jaleeisa’s turn to officiate the duels, but the patrons were late in arriving that day.
Topaz smiled wide at the question. Jaleeisa’s hearing should be at least as good as her own. “Can you hear the d-dh-d-dh-d-dh?”
“What dee-duh-dee-duh-dee-duh?” Bran blinked at both women.
“Shh.” Topaz touched a finger to her smiling lips to hush Bran so Jaleeisa could hear.
With a cant of her head Jaleeisa listened carefully. Though he had no hope of picking up the sound, Bran copied her stance. Jaleeisa frowned in concentration. It took her Carpathian hearing, but the sound the fairy described was discernible. “What is that? I can't figure it out. I hear it, just as you described... OHH!”
A smile spread on her face as she listened. “The baby's heart! The little one sounds strong.”
Topaz chuckled happily. “It sounds to be doing fine, doesn't it?”
“Has one of the healers visited with you?” Jaleeisa’s grey eyes glowed softly.
“Healers visiting? No. Is one of them supposed to?” To Topaz’s knowledge, at least two healers were still staying at the palazzo. But she had not crossed paths with any of the guests since the introduction to Prince Mikhail.
Jaleeisa frowned faintly. “One should, just to be sure all is well.”
“Lucien is very good at the healing arts.” Topaz was confident that Lucien was more than able to handle any unforeseen complication.
Jaleeisa’s gaze grew serious. “Aye... and it would be good to know all is well. All our children are treasures.”
“I'm certainly not having Gregori ghost through my body!” He may be Lucien’s brother, but there were limits to what liberties Topaz would allow even him. Gregori’s aura was of the kind that advised caution.
Jaleeisa shivered slightly. “I know a little of him from Che, aye. I'd not really want one so powerful doing so either.”
“Bah, if he thinks to try, he's got something else coming.” Gregori did exude power, more so than most of the other Carpathians, but that in itself would not have impressed caution in that regard upon the fairy.
With a gentle smile Jaleeisa continued. “And just think, a wee lass to give more hope to us, or another hunter to protect our world.” Jaleeisa tilted her head and voiced another thought. “And hopefully since you've not been fully converted because of your fae blood, there won't be so many worries.”
“It'll be a fine fairy with nothing but mischief on her or his mind to spite everyone.” She covered her dark thoughts with a light chuckle. Jaleeisa had hit on the reason that would have Topaz forbid Gregori or anyone she didn’t trust completely access to her unborn. She thought Gregori capable as well as willing to mess with nature to ensure that this baby would be Carpathian rather than Fae.
“And wouldn't that tweak the men?!” Jaleeisa chuckled softly.
“Sure, it'll tweak and pinch, too. Can you just picture Lucien with glittery fairy dust all over him?” That image and his potential reactions had Topaz laughing until her belly ached.
“Oh my!” Jaleeisa giggled. “See, that is something I cannot imagine. And no, please don't share the memory! I'd be embarrassed should I burst with laughter the next time I see Lucien!”
Wyheree arrived then and Topaz remembered Bran. “Oh, sorry Bran, it's okay to make noise and talk again.”
“I have the best news!!” Wyheree laughed merrily as she confirmed Jal’s guess. “Yes he did ask for my hand - and I have never been happier! He is truly the most wonderful man in all the known realms.”
“Congratulations, Wyh.” She disagreed with that assessment, of course. She knew Lucien to be the most wonderful man.
Wyheree and Jaleeisa started to make plans for the wedding and the gown Wyheree would be wearing. When Bran asked for duel a moment later, Topaz was happy to oblige.
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Topaz
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Topaz had just returned to her seat upon completion of the duel and greeted the people that had arrived while she was occupied when Azjah arrived. Azjah covered the distance from the portal to her chaise, leaning on a staff. Lucien faded into the visible spectrum and moved silently beside the Marchioness.
Despite her worry about Azjah, Topaz beamed a smile to Lucien and walked over to greet him. Azjah certainly looked worse instead of better. Topaz had hoped the modern doctor would improve Azjah’s situation.
“Good evening, Azjah.” Topaz watched Lucien settle Azjah onto the chaise before she stepped up to wrap him into a hug.
Lucien pulled his mate into his arms and gave her lingering kiss to mask his private communication to her. ‘Things are worse than they look.’
Things looked bad enough, Topaz thought, but that did not keep her from enjoying Lucien’s thorough greeting. ‘She isn't listening to the doctor?’
‘She cannot. It has gotten to the point that even he cannot seem to help her keep anything down.’ Lucien threaded his fingers through her hair.
Topaz smiled up to Lucien, her eyes reflected the worry and sadness she felt for their friend. ‘And your forcing her stomach to cooperate isn't working either? She's not eating the sugar tablets either?’ Gabriel may not experience emotions as such and Lucien thought himself without compassion, but Topaz knew they both were suffering like she was over having to watch Azjah’s decline.
‘I can only force her stomach so far, this thing is beyond what I have seen.’ Lucien nibbled along her jaw and tightened his arms around her.
Despite her worry about Azjah, Topaz beamed a smile to Lucien and walked over to greet him. Azjah certainly looked worse instead of better. Topaz had hoped the modern doctor would improve Azjah’s situation.
“Good evening, Azjah.” Topaz watched Lucien settle Azjah onto the chaise before she stepped up to wrap him into a hug.
Lucien pulled his mate into his arms and gave her lingering kiss to mask his private communication to her. ‘Things are worse than they look.’
Things looked bad enough, Topaz thought, but that did not keep her from enjoying Lucien’s thorough greeting. ‘She isn't listening to the doctor?’
‘She cannot. It has gotten to the point that even he cannot seem to help her keep anything down.’ Lucien threaded his fingers through her hair.
Topaz smiled up to Lucien, her eyes reflected the worry and sadness she felt for their friend. ‘And your forcing her stomach to cooperate isn't working either? She's not eating the sugar tablets either?’ Gabriel may not experience emotions as such and Lucien thought himself without compassion, but Topaz knew they both were suffering like she was over having to watch Azjah’s decline.
‘I can only force her stomach so far, this thing is beyond what I have seen.’ Lucien nibbled along her jaw and tightened his arms around her.
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‘She will die along with the baby if something doesn't happen soon. It may have to be Le's most modern hospital gadgets already.’ Though Le had strongly suggested bringing Azjah to the hospice, Topaz was certain that Azjah would not allow that.
‘It is like the conversion process, no matter how much we would like to save our mates from enduring it, we cannot stop it all. The child hangs on by a thread. The heart beat thready and faint.’
‘I sure can't hear it. Our baby's heart is tick-tocking strong and fast, though. I think by now she'd be better of if the baby dies. That way she may at least develop a stronger sense to try and eat something and cooperate with a doctor.’
’That is a harsh thing to wish you know.’
It was a harsh thing to wish for. ‘Yes. But she doesn't even wish to live right now.’ Topaz reached up to playfully and gently tug at his hair.
‘That seems to be part of it.’ He lifted a brow at her. “It is real, trust me.”
“I never doubted it.” Topaz loved the feel of his hair and he deserved the little tug for admonishing her over a perfectly sensible observation. ‘She thinks the baby makes her fat and that it'll ruin her life, to the point of dying being better than having to live with a baby.’
Lucien scooped her up and heads for a table behind the Marchioness' chaise. ‘She has missed her mother more than I have ever known her to lament her untimely death.’
’Mother... one can only miss what one knew once.’ Topaz could not remember anyone with that role in her life. She gave a soft chuckle at her next thought. ‘Do you think she needs the equivalent of a beating with a stick and mom spooning stuff into her, threatening dire consequences should she dare to throw up?’
‘She was an only child Topaz, and was the center of Ozeana's world. Now Azjah is alone, and right now, the loss is keen.’ Lucien dropped an edelweiss blossom into Topaz's hand. “It has been a while since I brought you flowers.”
“Oh, how lovely!” A smile spread on her face as she looked to the blossom in her hand and then back up to Lucien. She hugged him and rained kisses on his face, overjoyed at his present. “I love flowers!”
“I know you do, and I have been remiss.”
She tucked the blossom into her hair and winked to him. “Most of the time you distract me too much to notice.” His present along with his mention of Azjah’s much missed mother gave Topaz another idea. ‘Klinton isn't around much either.’
“Then I shall work harder at distractions.” ‘No. The Marquis has been away more than I expected. Gabriel tried to speak to him.’
“I like both.” She chuckled softly. If she had to choose between one or the other, she’d opt for the promised distractions. . ‘I could try again and be more forceful about it. There was a time Tormay was less than cooperative. It just seems odd to treat a grown, sophisticated woman that way.’
‘Right now, I am not certain even you with your strong will could accomplish what no one else has been able to do.’ He gave her a slow smile. “So, now that you have a flower and the pleasure of my company, what shall we do with our evening?”
‘It is like the conversion process, no matter how much we would like to save our mates from enduring it, we cannot stop it all. The child hangs on by a thread. The heart beat thready and faint.’
‘I sure can't hear it. Our baby's heart is tick-tocking strong and fast, though. I think by now she'd be better of if the baby dies. That way she may at least develop a stronger sense to try and eat something and cooperate with a doctor.’
’That is a harsh thing to wish you know.’
It was a harsh thing to wish for. ‘Yes. But she doesn't even wish to live right now.’ Topaz reached up to playfully and gently tug at his hair.
‘That seems to be part of it.’ He lifted a brow at her. “It is real, trust me.”
“I never doubted it.” Topaz loved the feel of his hair and he deserved the little tug for admonishing her over a perfectly sensible observation. ‘She thinks the baby makes her fat and that it'll ruin her life, to the point of dying being better than having to live with a baby.’
Lucien scooped her up and heads for a table behind the Marchioness' chaise. ‘She has missed her mother more than I have ever known her to lament her untimely death.’
’Mother... one can only miss what one knew once.’ Topaz could not remember anyone with that role in her life. She gave a soft chuckle at her next thought. ‘Do you think she needs the equivalent of a beating with a stick and mom spooning stuff into her, threatening dire consequences should she dare to throw up?’
‘She was an only child Topaz, and was the center of Ozeana's world. Now Azjah is alone, and right now, the loss is keen.’ Lucien dropped an edelweiss blossom into Topaz's hand. “It has been a while since I brought you flowers.”
“Oh, how lovely!” A smile spread on her face as she looked to the blossom in her hand and then back up to Lucien. She hugged him and rained kisses on his face, overjoyed at his present. “I love flowers!”
“I know you do, and I have been remiss.”
She tucked the blossom into her hair and winked to him. “Most of the time you distract me too much to notice.” His present along with his mention of Azjah’s much missed mother gave Topaz another idea. ‘Klinton isn't around much either.’
“Then I shall work harder at distractions.” ‘No. The Marquis has been away more than I expected. Gabriel tried to speak to him.’
“I like both.” She chuckled softly. If she had to choose between one or the other, she’d opt for the promised distractions. . ‘I could try again and be more forceful about it. There was a time Tormay was less than cooperative. It just seems odd to treat a grown, sophisticated woman that way.’
‘Right now, I am not certain even you with your strong will could accomplish what no one else has been able to do.’ He gave her a slow smile. “So, now that you have a flower and the pleasure of my company, what shall we do with our evening?”
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Though right now she’d rather be alone with Lucien, they both had obligations. “Enjoy each other, of course. Might you like to try your hand at casting spells?” She grinned, knowing he would not be likely to step into a ring for any reason. “At least there's no chance that Dalton'll show up here.”
“I can't do flowers...” She trailed off to concentrate on gaining the cooperation of one of the more colorful and prettily painted moths. After a moment the moth went to entertain Azjah with a little dance.
‘Hmm, it's worth a try. I'd feel terrible should she die and I hadn't at least tried.’ The moth gently touched a wing to Azjah's cheek before it fluttered away again.
‘Do you think Azjah liked my present?’
Azjah lightly touched her cheek where the moth had brushed against her.
‘I am certain she did. She has a softer heart than most anyone will ever know. She keeps it well hidden behind a cold exterior.’ Lucien traced his mate's lips with a light caress of his fingers.
‘The warm tea seems to stay down. Perhaps with your help we can get a few spoons of broth into her.’ Topaz returned her full attention back to Lucien and softly kissed that fingertip.
‘They tried that earlier today.’ Taneth bounced through the portal and she paused long enough to kisses to Topaz, Wyh, Bran, and to Rena.
‘Who are they?’ Topaz returned her greeting in kind. “Have you met Taneth yet, Love?”
‘The physician and Gabriel. She has been given fluids by IV, but she is wearing long sleeves to cover the marks.’ Lucien turned his obsidian eyes on the girl.
“Love?” Taneth squeaked at Topaz and turned to look. “Who is Love?”
‘Oh. I am surprised that she allowed that much.’ Topaz smiled wide and indicated the drop-dead-gorgeous man with her. “That would be Lucien, Taneth.”
“Lucien! Hello!” Tenth blew him a kiss and waved. “He's cute, Topaz. Keep him around!”
“Thank you Taneth, I was planning on doing just that.”
“Excellent idea, Topaz! That's why you're the best!” With that Taneth bounced off toward Jaleeisa.
“You are stuck with me I am afraid.” Lucien lifted a black brow at her, then glanced at Topaz. ‘She had little choice.’
“That's nothing to be afraid about.” Topaz chuckled at the absurd idea and slowly twirled one of Lucien's shirt buttons between her fingers. ‘Should we try now, or should I visit her in the morning?’
‘I would not endeavor such in a public setting. How would you like to lose anything in public?’ Out loud he warned of his impeding departure. “I do have something to do tonight for Mikhail.”
‘True, a visit in the early morning then, before you go sleep.’ She wondered what it was that Mikhail wanted Lucien to do. “I'll have to officiate a duel or three here in a little while. Druid will not be here this evening.”
“I can't do flowers...” She trailed off to concentrate on gaining the cooperation of one of the more colorful and prettily painted moths. After a moment the moth went to entertain Azjah with a little dance.
‘Hmm, it's worth a try. I'd feel terrible should she die and I hadn't at least tried.’ The moth gently touched a wing to Azjah's cheek before it fluttered away again.
‘Do you think Azjah liked my present?’
Azjah lightly touched her cheek where the moth had brushed against her.
‘I am certain she did. She has a softer heart than most anyone will ever know. She keeps it well hidden behind a cold exterior.’ Lucien traced his mate's lips with a light caress of his fingers.
‘The warm tea seems to stay down. Perhaps with your help we can get a few spoons of broth into her.’ Topaz returned her full attention back to Lucien and softly kissed that fingertip.
‘They tried that earlier today.’ Taneth bounced through the portal and she paused long enough to kisses to Topaz, Wyh, Bran, and to Rena.
‘Who are they?’ Topaz returned her greeting in kind. “Have you met Taneth yet, Love?”
‘The physician and Gabriel. She has been given fluids by IV, but she is wearing long sleeves to cover the marks.’ Lucien turned his obsidian eyes on the girl.
“Love?” Taneth squeaked at Topaz and turned to look. “Who is Love?”
‘Oh. I am surprised that she allowed that much.’ Topaz smiled wide and indicated the drop-dead-gorgeous man with her. “That would be Lucien, Taneth.”
“Lucien! Hello!” Tenth blew him a kiss and waved. “He's cute, Topaz. Keep him around!”
“Thank you Taneth, I was planning on doing just that.”
“Excellent idea, Topaz! That's why you're the best!” With that Taneth bounced off toward Jaleeisa.
“You are stuck with me I am afraid.” Lucien lifted a black brow at her, then glanced at Topaz. ‘She had little choice.’
“That's nothing to be afraid about.” Topaz chuckled at the absurd idea and slowly twirled one of Lucien's shirt buttons between her fingers. ‘Should we try now, or should I visit her in the morning?’
‘I would not endeavor such in a public setting. How would you like to lose anything in public?’ Out loud he warned of his impeding departure. “I do have something to do tonight for Mikhail.”
‘True, a visit in the early morning then, before you go sleep.’ She wondered what it was that Mikhail wanted Lucien to do. “I'll have to officiate a duel or three here in a little while. Druid will not be here this evening.”
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Topaz
- Legendary Adventurer
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‘Better plan.’
‘I love you. Thank you for your willingness to help me with this.’ So far her attempts had not produced any of the desired results. “Oh, Mikhail... that reminds me... Jal hinted that one of your healers wanted to see me. Is there something to her assumption?”
‘All of us are trying Topaz, as I said, Gabriel tried to speak to the Marquis as well.’ Topaz was not the only one who found her efforts frustrated. “Shea is always working on discovering why our women cannot conceive or deliver a baby that survives. So I am certain she would want to see you as well.”
Jaleeisa gave a shake of her head to Topaz. “I just asked had one seen you yet. Not that one wanted to. To assure yours and the baby's health and perhaps give a few more clues.”
Lucien nodded, hearing Jaleeisa. “Shea is curious how you progress.”
“But just for chit chat, right? You can do all the checking up on the wee one, can't you? I sure don't want Gregori ghosting around or a complete stranger.” That idea was distasteful. ‘The Marquees... he seemed so excited to have a baby. It doesn't match his absences.’
Jaleeisa defended her butting into their conversation. “I thought that perhaps she might find something that our race might have lost in the fact that Topaz has not been fully converted because of her fae blood.”
“That may play a role in this, of course.” Lucien allowed. ‘No, it does not fit, and yet, he is away more than he is present. And he does not believe this is something she can control. It was a difficult morning prior to his departure.’
“Right, so anything learned will be completely useless. And they can just all stay out of my body.” Topaz would fight any attempt made in that regard. ‘I bet. I sure would make things very difficult for you should you take the notion to take off to parts unknown without me for nights on end.’
“No knowledge is completely useless.” ‘Never happen my love, never happen.’
‘I'll remind you of that.’ A soft chuckle accompanied her thought.
Jaleeisa nodded to Lucien as she prudently removed herself from the conversation. Topaz did not return her wave as Jaleeisa headed for the portal a moment later.
Azjah glanced toward Lucien and Topaz. “Lucien? Would you summon Gabriel or Eoin?”
Topaz knew that Lucien would do no such thing, but escort the Marchioness back to the Palazzo himself. She squeezed him tightly. “I will see you when we're both done with our duties.”
He kissed her lingeringly. “Time travels too slowly when you are not at my side.”
“I agree totally.” Topaz already looked forward to when they would meet up again.
Lucien turned his obsidian eyes on the Marchioness. “You are ready to return to the Palazzo?” At Azjah’s nod he hugged Topaz tightly, then rose and moved toward the pale haired woman.
“Good night Azjah. I'll come visiting in the morning, so don't hide too well.” Topaz thought it fair to give a warning of the battle to come. At least she expected that it would be a battle.
“I have no strength to hide Topaz. Good night to you.” Lucien covered the Marchioness’ slow progress toward the portal with invisibility.
‘I love you. Thank you for your willingness to help me with this.’ So far her attempts had not produced any of the desired results. “Oh, Mikhail... that reminds me... Jal hinted that one of your healers wanted to see me. Is there something to her assumption?”
‘All of us are trying Topaz, as I said, Gabriel tried to speak to the Marquis as well.’ Topaz was not the only one who found her efforts frustrated. “Shea is always working on discovering why our women cannot conceive or deliver a baby that survives. So I am certain she would want to see you as well.”
Jaleeisa gave a shake of her head to Topaz. “I just asked had one seen you yet. Not that one wanted to. To assure yours and the baby's health and perhaps give a few more clues.”
Lucien nodded, hearing Jaleeisa. “Shea is curious how you progress.”
“But just for chit chat, right? You can do all the checking up on the wee one, can't you? I sure don't want Gregori ghosting around or a complete stranger.” That idea was distasteful. ‘The Marquees... he seemed so excited to have a baby. It doesn't match his absences.’
Jaleeisa defended her butting into their conversation. “I thought that perhaps she might find something that our race might have lost in the fact that Topaz has not been fully converted because of her fae blood.”
“That may play a role in this, of course.” Lucien allowed. ‘No, it does not fit, and yet, he is away more than he is present. And he does not believe this is something she can control. It was a difficult morning prior to his departure.’
“Right, so anything learned will be completely useless. And they can just all stay out of my body.” Topaz would fight any attempt made in that regard. ‘I bet. I sure would make things very difficult for you should you take the notion to take off to parts unknown without me for nights on end.’
“No knowledge is completely useless.” ‘Never happen my love, never happen.’
‘I'll remind you of that.’ A soft chuckle accompanied her thought.
Jaleeisa nodded to Lucien as she prudently removed herself from the conversation. Topaz did not return her wave as Jaleeisa headed for the portal a moment later.
Azjah glanced toward Lucien and Topaz. “Lucien? Would you summon Gabriel or Eoin?”
Topaz knew that Lucien would do no such thing, but escort the Marchioness back to the Palazzo himself. She squeezed him tightly. “I will see you when we're both done with our duties.”
He kissed her lingeringly. “Time travels too slowly when you are not at my side.”
“I agree totally.” Topaz already looked forward to when they would meet up again.
Lucien turned his obsidian eyes on the Marchioness. “You are ready to return to the Palazzo?” At Azjah’s nod he hugged Topaz tightly, then rose and moved toward the pale haired woman.
“Good night Azjah. I'll come visiting in the morning, so don't hide too well.” Topaz thought it fair to give a warning of the battle to come. At least she expected that it would be a battle.
“I have no strength to hide Topaz. Good night to you.” Lucien covered the Marchioness’ slow progress toward the portal with invisibility.
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Topaz
- Legendary Adventurer
- Posts: 1283
- Joined: Fri Apr 02, 2004 5:31 pm
- Location: The Beacon
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Topaz’s shift just came to a close when Rhaine stepped from the portal. Though the fairy was eager to be off for Le’s hospital and then home to Lucien, she could not let this opportunity slip by to gain some information on what plagued Artemus.
“I meant to ask you something, and you glancing over at that tower reminded me.” Having gained the self proclaimed vampire’s attention, Topaz continued, “Do you know of a creature that works with shadow or umbra magic, may even be made out of that stuff, and tends to grow fangs in whatever it posesses? Someone said you might be the one with a helpful answer.”
“Where...” Raine choked at the description. “Where did you see it?”
“In Artemus, or in a more of an around Artemus sort of way. I didn't get to gather much information, what with it eating magic.” It had taken the sentient magic hours of careful scanning to confirm the posession and hints regarding by what type of creature.
“He did tell me he found some compromise with the Girrash.” Rhaine mused out loud. The tired look that was on her face when she first arrived was gone as if it never existed. “But eating magic?! That's weird for the shadow cat.”
“Compromise with such a creature? It's called a girrash then. Is that some sort of wraith like creature?” Topaz doubted that the creature she had glimpsed was a shadow cat. “Yes, he tried to drain the energy from the ward last week. I put a stop to that, of course, and the ward's fine. But it was quite a surprise that Artemus would do this, so I took the next chance I got to check on him.”
“Girrash is an extra-planar shadow feline, somewhat of a morpher.” Rhaine stood up and got herself a bottle of water.
Topaz was thoughtful. “Is it possible that Artemus needs some help, or could this sort of behavior be part of the compromise?”
Rhaine took a drink from her bottle and then again looked at Topaz. “A Girrash is quite bloodthirsty, and aggressive, but not a magic eater. Art has found this compromise a long time ago, and never behaved this way.”
“So maybe what possesses him uses the girrash as well?” It was a logical if scary conclusion.
“It may.” Rhaine shuddered with a quick glance at the tower of earth. “I know of several kinds of beings that may feed on magic.” Rhaine was one of them.
“What could it be then?” Topaz suspected that Rhaine new more.
“Umbran magic...” Rhaine paced back and forth as if to aid her thinking. “That's a clue I guess.” Suddenly she gave the tower a wide-eyed look. “The book, you son-of-a-cat, if you got to it again!”
“Book, what book are you talking about?” Topaz remembered an incident from a while back where Artemus had mentioned a spellbook that had not agreed with him.
Rhaine shook her head. “Not that we can get a hold of it at the moment. About a year ago, a few months before meeting Shandren, Artemus was almost obsessed with studying umbran magic. He got that book from somewhere - he said it was kept in some old potion store. I had no reasons to think it was a lie. But he was hiding it all the time, and once it simply came to the isle.”
“Odd, so he caused the posession himself?” He’d not be the first to have that happen to him.
“I doubt that. Artemus may be power-hungry but he is no fool - at least I hope so. He said something about a fight, that he bested someone when the book pulled him in. He was so glad that he gained some skill with that umbran magic. Why would he poke his nose into the book again?”
“So, anyway, that's specualtion.” Topaz looked for a way to close the conversation. If she wanted to catch Le before she went to sleep she would have to be on her way shortly. “What do we do to help him get rid of the possessor?” It did not really matter how Artemus had managed to get himself posessed.
Rhaine shrugged. “I had not seen that umbran being he fought, so I'm hardly the one to help here. The book used ancient scripting of Baator to display the spell, perhaps that may be another clue. I have to see him in any case.”
“Be careful though,” Topaz cautioned. “The Druid, the other one, told me he went visiting the tower, next thing he knew he was at home with about 12 hours missing from his memory.”
“I would be surprised if he could erase my memory.” Rhaine smiled slightly. “Vampires have rather non-standard memory mechanism. And I don't think he issued any order to his golem guards to keep me out.”
“It should at least prove difficult.” Topaz allowed, grinning. “Let me know what you find out, if anything, please, and what best to do to help him?”
“I'm afraid my judgment would be biased in this case. In the end, I'm not a mage of the Isle. Better if I simply tell you if I find out anything, and if there is any existing data that we can use.”
“That would be appreciated.” Topaz smiled and made her fare wells.
“I meant to ask you something, and you glancing over at that tower reminded me.” Having gained the self proclaimed vampire’s attention, Topaz continued, “Do you know of a creature that works with shadow or umbra magic, may even be made out of that stuff, and tends to grow fangs in whatever it posesses? Someone said you might be the one with a helpful answer.”
“Where...” Raine choked at the description. “Where did you see it?”
“In Artemus, or in a more of an around Artemus sort of way. I didn't get to gather much information, what with it eating magic.” It had taken the sentient magic hours of careful scanning to confirm the posession and hints regarding by what type of creature.
“He did tell me he found some compromise with the Girrash.” Rhaine mused out loud. The tired look that was on her face when she first arrived was gone as if it never existed. “But eating magic?! That's weird for the shadow cat.”
“Compromise with such a creature? It's called a girrash then. Is that some sort of wraith like creature?” Topaz doubted that the creature she had glimpsed was a shadow cat. “Yes, he tried to drain the energy from the ward last week. I put a stop to that, of course, and the ward's fine. But it was quite a surprise that Artemus would do this, so I took the next chance I got to check on him.”
“Girrash is an extra-planar shadow feline, somewhat of a morpher.” Rhaine stood up and got herself a bottle of water.
Topaz was thoughtful. “Is it possible that Artemus needs some help, or could this sort of behavior be part of the compromise?”
Rhaine took a drink from her bottle and then again looked at Topaz. “A Girrash is quite bloodthirsty, and aggressive, but not a magic eater. Art has found this compromise a long time ago, and never behaved this way.”
“So maybe what possesses him uses the girrash as well?” It was a logical if scary conclusion.
“It may.” Rhaine shuddered with a quick glance at the tower of earth. “I know of several kinds of beings that may feed on magic.” Rhaine was one of them.
“What could it be then?” Topaz suspected that Rhaine new more.
“Umbran magic...” Rhaine paced back and forth as if to aid her thinking. “That's a clue I guess.” Suddenly she gave the tower a wide-eyed look. “The book, you son-of-a-cat, if you got to it again!”
“Book, what book are you talking about?” Topaz remembered an incident from a while back where Artemus had mentioned a spellbook that had not agreed with him.
Rhaine shook her head. “Not that we can get a hold of it at the moment. About a year ago, a few months before meeting Shandren, Artemus was almost obsessed with studying umbran magic. He got that book from somewhere - he said it was kept in some old potion store. I had no reasons to think it was a lie. But he was hiding it all the time, and once it simply came to the isle.”
“Odd, so he caused the posession himself?” He’d not be the first to have that happen to him.
“I doubt that. Artemus may be power-hungry but he is no fool - at least I hope so. He said something about a fight, that he bested someone when the book pulled him in. He was so glad that he gained some skill with that umbran magic. Why would he poke his nose into the book again?”
“So, anyway, that's specualtion.” Topaz looked for a way to close the conversation. If she wanted to catch Le before she went to sleep she would have to be on her way shortly. “What do we do to help him get rid of the possessor?” It did not really matter how Artemus had managed to get himself posessed.
Rhaine shrugged. “I had not seen that umbran being he fought, so I'm hardly the one to help here. The book used ancient scripting of Baator to display the spell, perhaps that may be another clue. I have to see him in any case.”
“Be careful though,” Topaz cautioned. “The Druid, the other one, told me he went visiting the tower, next thing he knew he was at home with about 12 hours missing from his memory.”
“I would be surprised if he could erase my memory.” Rhaine smiled slightly. “Vampires have rather non-standard memory mechanism. And I don't think he issued any order to his golem guards to keep me out.”
“It should at least prove difficult.” Topaz allowed, grinning. “Let me know what you find out, if anything, please, and what best to do to help him?”
“I'm afraid my judgment would be biased in this case. In the end, I'm not a mage of the Isle. Better if I simply tell you if I find out anything, and if there is any existing data that we can use.”
“That would be appreciated.” Topaz smiled and made her fare wells.
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Topaz
- Legendary Adventurer
- Posts: 1283
- Joined: Fri Apr 02, 2004 5:31 pm
- Location: The Beacon
- Contact:
Topaz had stopped by the hospice again. Le had been expecting her and even had anticipated the fairy’s request. Along with the evaporated milk especially created for Azjah's needs, Le dispensed a long list of advice and warnings. On the whole she was supportive of Topaz’s idea to at least try to make the Marchioness eat something.
Just in case Azjah would hate the idea of milk, Topaz also had a fat free broth prepared - no fat because that would be too harsh on a stomach that was empty for so long. When she went to visit with Azjah, both were at body temperature on a ridiculously small tray in similarly small bowls.
“Good morning, Azjah.” Though she did wonder if Azjah had been asleep at all. The Marchioness certainly looked like she belonged in bed and not behind a desk. In fact, she appeared insubstantial rather than a living and breathing being.
“Topaz, good morning to you.” Azjah was looking intently at the glimmering box in front of her with a frown on her face.
“Is there any place I shouldn't set this? Do you prefer milk or broth?” Topaz used her best “mommy” voice as she walked the rest of the way into the room and to the desk.
Azjah gave Topaz a distracted look and she slammed her right hand hard against the table, muttering into the box before her. “You may set it anywhere Topaz. I? I would like just the tea Dyson brought earlier.” She frowned at the flickering box again.
“Thank you.” The fairy wasn’t about to let a little fit at a flickering light box disturb her. She set the tray within easy reach and, leaning against the desk, picked up the egg holder sized cup and the tiny spoon. “That tea has no nutrients, but if it helps you can pretend it's tea. Le said the milk would be better, so we'll try that. Are you ready Lucien?”
“Excuse me?” Azjah lifted her pale blue gaze to Topaz.
Topaz dipped the spoon into the milk. The spoon held no more than a few drops at a time, barely enough to get one's mouth wet. She lifted the spoon to Azjah's lips and coaxed, “open up.”
“Really, this is not necessary. I do not desire milk at the moment.” Azjah frowned deeply. Topaz had just been waiting for such an opportunity and as Azjah’s lips parted to protest, the spoon went between them.
“You do, too. You just don't want to admit it.” Topaz explained patiently and calmly, ignoring the protest and her own misgivings at treating Azjah like a stubborn toddler while using every bit of none-Carpathian fairy charm to aid her intentions to get nourishment into Azjah.
Azjah was clearly stunned. She wore an expression almost exactly like Tormay had so many years ago in a similar situation. ”I can't. You don't understand.” Azjah slid as far back into her chair as possible, but Topaz ignored that as well.
“I understand fully and you can.” Topaz nodded as if agreeing with Azjah’s worries, her voice remained soothing. “Lucien's going to help. And I won't tell anyone if it doesn't work.” The refilled spoon again approached Azjah’s lips.
”Topaz, stop this. I have not been able to keep anything down for days, even with help. “Azjah warily watched the fairy.
Just in case Azjah would hate the idea of milk, Topaz also had a fat free broth prepared - no fat because that would be too harsh on a stomach that was empty for so long. When she went to visit with Azjah, both were at body temperature on a ridiculously small tray in similarly small bowls.
“Good morning, Azjah.” Though she did wonder if Azjah had been asleep at all. The Marchioness certainly looked like she belonged in bed and not behind a desk. In fact, she appeared insubstantial rather than a living and breathing being.
“Topaz, good morning to you.” Azjah was looking intently at the glimmering box in front of her with a frown on her face.
“Is there any place I shouldn't set this? Do you prefer milk or broth?” Topaz used her best “mommy” voice as she walked the rest of the way into the room and to the desk.
Azjah gave Topaz a distracted look and she slammed her right hand hard against the table, muttering into the box before her. “You may set it anywhere Topaz. I? I would like just the tea Dyson brought earlier.” She frowned at the flickering box again.
“Thank you.” The fairy wasn’t about to let a little fit at a flickering light box disturb her. She set the tray within easy reach and, leaning against the desk, picked up the egg holder sized cup and the tiny spoon. “That tea has no nutrients, but if it helps you can pretend it's tea. Le said the milk would be better, so we'll try that. Are you ready Lucien?”
“Excuse me?” Azjah lifted her pale blue gaze to Topaz.
Topaz dipped the spoon into the milk. The spoon held no more than a few drops at a time, barely enough to get one's mouth wet. She lifted the spoon to Azjah's lips and coaxed, “open up.”
“Really, this is not necessary. I do not desire milk at the moment.” Azjah frowned deeply. Topaz had just been waiting for such an opportunity and as Azjah’s lips parted to protest, the spoon went between them.
“You do, too. You just don't want to admit it.” Topaz explained patiently and calmly, ignoring the protest and her own misgivings at treating Azjah like a stubborn toddler while using every bit of none-Carpathian fairy charm to aid her intentions to get nourishment into Azjah.
Azjah was clearly stunned. She wore an expression almost exactly like Tormay had so many years ago in a similar situation. ”I can't. You don't understand.” Azjah slid as far back into her chair as possible, but Topaz ignored that as well.
“I understand fully and you can.” Topaz nodded as if agreeing with Azjah’s worries, her voice remained soothing. “Lucien's going to help. And I won't tell anyone if it doesn't work.” The refilled spoon again approached Azjah’s lips.
”Topaz, stop this. I have not been able to keep anything down for days, even with help. “Azjah warily watched the fairy.
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