Raven lunged through the front doors of the castle and drifted as he turned to go down the corridor.
"Retrieve Lynx and send her to Caeli's room immediately.", Raven ordered as he passed Cultivars and Fuschia on their way to the garden.
He ran to Caeli's room, afraid that teleporting her would cause her more pain, the process known to be difficult for those who were unaccustomed.
The doors of her chambers quickly swung open as Raven approached, commanded by his magic and his urgency.
Once in the room, Raven effortlessly transformed back to his humanoid form. The smoke dissipated and he held Caeli in his arms, her head against his chest, her body balled tightly and rigidly as she held her head with her good hand.
"Just a little longer Caeli.", Raven said, trying desperately to sound calm.
He strode to her bed and laid her carefully upon the covers where she clenched her teeth and fought against an unseen attack.
"Caeli, talk to me. Tell me what I need to know so that I can help you.", Raven said urgently, his fear and helplessness strangling him into abject terror.
Caeli writhed, the veins in her temples and neck throbbing painfully and pressing against the surface of her skin. Her fingers red and shaking as they pressed into her skull, as if she were attempting to keep the contents within from an explosive escape.
"My head.", she hissed between gritted teeth.
"Let me see. Take a deep breath and let me see sweetheart.", Raven said, gently prying her good hand from her head. Seeing her in such extreme pain, unsettling him.
Caeli huffed three times in succession before taking a shaky deep breath and allowing her hand to be pulled away from its desperate task.
Raven placed his other hand across her forehead, the surface hot to the touch. The observation did not slow him but did make him worry for another seizing incident.
"Sleep Caeli. Allow the dark in. Allow it to shield you from the pain. Allow it to secret you away. That's it.", Raven said, calming down as she seemed to settle, his influence taking hold, her consciousness being escorted into the disconnection from the pain that would ensue from her lack of wakefulness. "Easy now. That's it love."
Her body began to relax, her breathing slowed then steadied. Her brow relaxed and her teeth eventually unclenched.
Lynx ran through the doorway and to Caeli's side.
"What's happened?", Lynx asked, calm and pragmatic. She first reached out, feeling Caeli's pulse in her wrist, then placing a hand against her forehead to feel her temperature, and patting the back of her hand to gauge her responsiveness.
Raven sighed with temporary relief.
"I don't know. One moment we were talking, the next she become unresponsive, and only a minute later, in excruciating pain. I've forced her into unconsciousness. I hoped that it would halt her ability to perceive the pain, at least temporarily. Thankfully, it seemed to work. For now.", he said darkly.
Lynx nodded in agreement.
"I'll fetch some materials and Calliope, then we'll get started on an evaluation.", she said with determination. She nodded to Raven before hastily exiting the room.
Raven remained crouched at Caeli's bedside, still tall enough to be above her.
"Please be alright.", Raven said in a strangled whisper.
He reached out and gently ran a knuckle across her sweat covered cheek.
"Please."
——————————————————————————
Lynx returned with Calliope in tow, both women carrying arms full of towels, herbs, liquids, and other various things Raven was too worried to recognize.
"Out, my lord.", Lynx said solemnly without looking at him and taking to setting out her materials on the bedside table.
Raven attempted to object but Calliope sternly escorted him out.
Well, as sternly as a five foot woman could when shoving a ten foot dragon out of the room.
He was pushed into the hallway and the doors shut loudly behind him in the woman's haste.
He turned and stopped just shy of throwing himself against the door like a desperate child.
He stood statue still as he reigned himself.
He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Leaning his head and hands against her doors.
He stood like this for hours until the door opened.
Lynx found the Lord standing just in the doorway, his presence startling her.
She cleared her throat and stepped aside to let him in.
Raven nodded and moved to Caeli's bedside.
"The spell you've cast on her seems to have solved the pain she was experiencing. She is still deeply asleep. She has no fever and no physical wounds that we can see. Unfortunately, this means we know nothing, and cannot know anything until she wakes.", Lynx said with a frown, concerned for Caeli.
Raven sat on the edge of the bed and nodded.
Bat approached and sat at his feet giving a mournful whimper.
Raven reached out and stroked the creatures mane, attempting to comfort him as much as himself.
"Thank you Lynx.", Raven said softly, staring at the small woman in the large bed.
Her hair was still loosely braided from when she had dressed for their rendezvous. The women had taken the adornments out and dressed her in a nightgown, the covers pulled over her chest.
"I'm going to stay. Should there be a change, I will fetch you.", Raven said without turning away.
Lynx could feel his sadness and angst radiate from him.
She bowed deeply.
"Of course, my lord. I will pray for her this Rest.", Lynx said before leaving the room.
She held back tears as she made her way back to her quarters.
——————————————————————————
Saxum arrived at what he was told was Caeli's room.
He had finished his supper and freshened up before coming down the stairs to look for Lucius.
He could sense that something was wrong instantly.
The workers whispered frantically, some moving quickly to get to their destination.
Saxum approached two maids and asked what had happened.
"Miss Caeli, my lord. She's unwell. His lordship rushed her to her quarters and Lady Lynx was sent to tend her. Little else is know.", the woman said sadly. She recalled how the miss was always so courteous, always saying please and thank you. Always asking how everyone was doing. She even knew all of the workers names.
Saxum was given directions on how to get to her room, the dark lord having not been seen away from her bedside since they had returned.
Saxum knocked lightly on the door and they opened slowly.
He saw no one in the doorway but stepped through.
He found Lucius, sitting in a chair, at Caeli's bedside.
Bat laid at her feet, his large dark eyes fixated on her. His ears perking up each time she made a noise, in hopeful anticipation of her waking.
"How is she?", Saxum asked quietly as he came to stand beside Lucius.
The girl was lying on her back, her white hair having loosened from an already loose braid. Her skin glowing despite the dark circles under her eyes.
Her lips reminded him of dusted rose petals and her lashes seemed as dark as the night.
Lucius sighed.
"For now? She is stable. During our outing, something happened. She was writhing in pain. She couldn't speak so I put her to sleep, I'm hoping when she wakes that the episode does not resume. We can't be sure of anything.", Lucius said coolly.
"Should you need anything, at all, let me know.", Saxum said, patting the Lord of Midnight on the shoulder.
"Thank you my friend.", Lucius said softly.
"What could be causing this?", Saxum asked incredulously, more to himself than anyone else.
"Coruscare claims she had an ailment, one that cannot be spoken of which inclines me to believe it is a product of a spell. It's the only thing that would make it physically impossible to discuss. I know little and I am sure of nothing.", Lucius said with a heavy sigh.
Saxum shook his head.
"She is quite the sight. She was more difficult to see from the ground earlier. She's just as beautiful as I presumed she would be.", Saxum said lightly, attempting to distract his solemn brother.
"She is. She looked lovely tonight. And she's kind, and inquisitive, and understanding. She's everything.", Lucius said, the misery just barely hidden beneath his cool demeanor.
Saxum's heart broke for his friend.
"Take a break. A walk, clear your head. I will sit with her for a bit. Come back when you're ready.", Saxum said as Lucius shook his head. "Don't shake your head at me. Bat and I will take good care of her, won't we friend?", Saxum asked, tousling the creatures mane gently.
Bat wagged his tail and inched closer to Caeli, barely touching the tip of his nose to her hand that lay on the bed.
Lucius slowly stood and leaned forward to brush his knuckles across the back of her other hand.
He nodded and left the room, the door closing quietly behind him.
Saxum sat in the chair Lucius had just been in. He rested his head on his clawed fist and watched the woman silently.
Who was this woman to inspire such feelings in his old friend? And what in the world was going on with her?
Lucius had told him everything, yet not going into great detail. Saxum had not pushed for more information, already shocked that he was sharing so much.
Lucius had always been a solitary and mysterious creature. Their friendship always strong and enjoyable, but never deeper than what Lucius would allow.
After an hour Caeli began to stir.
Saxum moved to the edge of his seat and leaned forward.
"Caeli?", Saxum asked softly.
Caeli's brow began to furrow and her eyes fluttered open. Bat crawled excitedly to her side, licking at her hand.
"Hello?…", she asked hesitantly once she woke. "Where is Raven?", she asked precariously. Unsure of who the very large green dragon was, or what he was doing by her bedside.
The creature had bright gold eyes, and one set of horns modestly adorned with simple silver bands. His frame massive but not quite as large as Raven's.
His chest mostly bare aside from a cross section of fabric, his waist covered with the same material in a toga like fashion. Silver bands adorned the portion crossing over his shoulder and seemed to attach a small length of fabric that pooled heavily behind the dragons back.
She sat up and absently returned Bats affections as she turned to the stranger.
Saxum chuckled.
The woman was impossibly gorgeous.
Fresh awake and her lips were slightly swollen, her eyes glossy and her body radiating the warmth she had accumulated in her sleep.
Her scent radiated milk and honey, a vast contrast to the more popular floral smells amongst women Folk in that day and age.
Her eyes were enormous and shaped like almonds, her brown irises flecked with red, causing them to resemble rich mahogany.
He could understand now.
"Good morning angel. It's a pleasure to meet you finally.", he said in almost a whisper.
He took a deep breath and composed himself
"I am Saxum, an old friend of 'Raven's'. He's been by your side all night, I forced him to take a break and get some fresh air.", he said.
"What happened?", she asked.
"I'm told you suddenly were experiencing some pain when Lucius brought you here and put you to sleep. That is all I know.", Saxum said apologetically.
Caeli suddenly recalled the events leading up to the moment Raven had put her in the bed.
It took Caeli a moment to process and understand what she was being told, but then she nodded. Raven had mentioned a friends arrival would be happening soon. And seeing as he hadn't lunged across the bed to eat her, she deduced that he was likely telling the truth. Her guard easing some.
She brought her good hand to press on a particular spot at the back of her neck, attempting to relieve the throbbing there.
"Thank you, I wish he wouldn't worry about me so much. It's a pleasure to meet you my lord, I apologize that it was not under more appropriate, or expected, circumstances.", her voice rasping and involuntarily sultry.
It's effects on Saxum were both shocking and frightening.
Her eyes closed, the lithe muscles working beneath the black night gown as she massaged the base of her neck.
Her neck stretched long as she moved her head gingerly from side to side.
She took a deep breath and dropped her hand before opening her eyes to meet Saxum's.
She smiled woozily but warmly at him.
Saxum steadied himself mentally and swallowed hard.
"Truthfully the pleasure is all mine. When Lucius spoke of you, my wildest imagination could not compare to the reality. It is very nice to meet you.", he said with a charming smile.
"Thank you for being a good friend to him. I get the impression that he's not had many over the course of his long life, I'm pleased to learn that he has people who care for him in such a way. I presume you are here for the Harvest? He mentioned a friend arriving a few days beforehand.", she said, becoming more herself as the minutes passed, the throbbing subsiding and her mind becoming more aware.
"Lucius mentioned me? Well now I'm positively flattered. You are correct my lady, I did in fact receive an invitation from our dark lord. I simply had to meet the woman that he spoke of in his letter.", he said with a flick of the wrist.
Caeli laughed. She liked Raven's friend.
"He mentioned ME as well then, did he? Hopefully in a good way.", she said, raising a brow and smiling.
"In the best way.", Saxum said, whispering as though there were others to hear.
Caeli laughed once more.
"I shall fetch him. He will want to know you are awake. Be sure to rest my lady, for we shall wilt without your company.", Saxum said, rising and lifting her hand to his lips in parting, earning a smile that warmed his heart.
"Thank you my lord. Once again, it was a pleasure to meet you and I appreciate your consideration and caring. I hope you have a good night.", she said.
He stepped back and bowed.
"Goodnight angel.", he said with a wink, leaving the room.
Bat nudged her once more.
She smiled and hugged the creatures head tightly to her chest.
"I'm alright my dear friend.", she sighed, the gargoyles presence and affection bringing her comfort. Grounding her.
Only minutes later Raven came into the room without knocking.
"Caeli?", Raven asked as he came to the bedside and sat down to reach a hand out, pressing the back of his hand against her forehead. She had fought many fevers before and if she were to develop one again, he wanted to know as soon as possible.
Caeli reached up with a soft smile and removed his hand from her head.
"I'm alright, I promise.", she said reassuringly. The dragons concern radiating from him.
Caeli kept his large hand in her own and softly brushed her fingers across the top, attempting to calm him.
Her touch was soft, her skin even softer. The smell of honey wafting through the air as she made slight movements to brush his skin.
Her touch and her desire to comfort him piercing through his heart.
*Does loving someone this much always hurt no matter the circumstance?*, Raven thought incredulously to himself.
Her kindness cut through him almost as much as her pain or sadness.
"Really my lord. The pain has subsided. I am told you took great care with me, thank you for that. It seems at every turn I inconvenience you.", she said laughing sadly and averting her gaze to his large hand. Her fingers still absently drawing soft circles on his palm.
Her ministrations sent jolts of electricity through his body with each caress and calmed him at the same time.
He wondered if it was a spell he was under. There was no better explanation for his constant reaction to the woman.
He sighed.
"What do you remember?", he asked slowly. Unsure of how much she would recall, hoping that she would not forget the moments they had shared together in recent days.
Her fingers halted their movements.
"I think, it was use crouched at the waters edge. I remember searing pain inside of my head as we crouched beside the waterfalls pool, I vaguely recall you bringing me here and laying me in bed. Not much after that though.", she said with disappointment.
There was something about losing memories that felt incredibly disconcerting, and frustrating. Especially when it kept happening.
"Good. Good.", Raven said with relief. "Do you remember what happened to cause you such pain?", he asked.
Caeli shook her head.
"That part I am unsure of. I don't remember.", she said in despair.
Raven took her hand once more and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"That's alright. There is no rush. For now, you need to rest.", he said, not wanting to upset her more.
"What of the seamstress? Was she not to come tonight?", Caeli asked woozily.
"She will be back tomorrow once you're feeling better.", he replied.
"I hope I haven't inconvenienced everyone too greatly. I feel such a burden.", she said with some frustration.
Raven shook his head and leaned closer.
"There is not a soul in the vicinity that feels you have been an imposition. I promise you that.", he said firmly. "Now try to rest, you need it.", he said as he stood.
Caeli shocked both him and herself when her good hand shot out to grab his.
"Stay. Please? I am afraid. I had no warning, or way too anticipate another episode. I'm still not even sure of what happened.", she said, trying to have courage but struggling to keep her fear in check.
Raven's heart swelled. She wanted him to stay.
Was he dreaming? Would he wake in a moment to return to cruel reality?
He turned back and returned to his seat.
"Of course.", he said in a whisper. Still waiting for her to change her mind or for the world to melt away to reveal that it was some heartless illusion meant to cause him pain.
Caeli smiled shakily at him and leaned back against the beds headboard, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.
Raven basked in her presence and happily watched her in silence for a few minutes before recalling something.
"I didn't have the chance to give this to you. It was part of your surprise tonight.", Raven said, standing and moving to one of the bedside tables to retrieve a parcel wrapped in brown paper.
Caeli's eyes slowly opened, sleep threatening to take her back. She smiled softly.
"What is this? Another gift?", she asked teasingly.
Raven chuckled.
"Actually, yes.", he replied, handing her the package.
She slowly opened the paper to find a thick journal and a beautiful quill made with a black feather, the light causing it to flash blue. A ravens feather.
"How beautiful.", Caeli said in a whisper, running her hands across the soft leather cover of the journal and the feather end of the quill.
"You have a gift Caeli. Your yearning for answers and knowledge are great, as are your abilities to observe and theorize. You are a researcher and adventurer Caeli, at heart. I can see it. Your love for everything around you, your desire to learn more, to understand. I thought you might appreciate a place to keep all of your notes on all of the things you will find here in the Midnight Forest. The plants, the animals, the people.", he said.
Caeli was shocked. No one had ever said something so deeply kind to her in all of her life.
A researcher? Did she have the makings of all of those authors that wrote encyclopedias and guides? The very books she hoarded and loved all her life?
"You truly believe so?", she asked softly, her hopes high.
"Absolutely. You are fast on your feet, your capacity to critically think would certainly be considered above average. Your love so great that it gives you drive, ambition, and the strength to achieve your goals. I think you could do anything if you put your mind to it.", Raven said.
Caeli's heart felt like bursting.
There had never been anyone in her life that had told her such things and with such fervor.
*Could we be true friends once more?*, Caeli wondered to herself.
After his words, she had involuntarily wondered if he was the best friend she had ever had, and that was saying something considering the uncertainty of their friendship before her most recent episode.
Considerate and supportive of her interests. Going to great lengths to encourage her hobbies and strengths.
The only other person she recalled doing so had been her mother for the brief time Caeli had stayed with her in the past.
The similarity made her heart ache. She wanted her mother.
The similarity also brought her comfort to know that having such a person was not outside of reach as she assumed before, knowing that she'd never see her mother again.
She felt a lump form in her throat and she mentally instructed herself not to cry.
"Thank you my lord. Your gift, your words, and your support mean a great deal to me. I'm not sure how I could repay you.", she said, lifting her eyes to meet his gaze.
"Stay. Rest. Train and research but stay, at least until you're fully healed. I'd be beside myself if you left before you could protect yourself.", Raven said sadly.
Caeli realized with his statement that she would indeed have to leave. It seemed obvious now that Raven had said it out loud but she was shocked to find how little she liked the idea.
But he was right. She would eventually leave to find the answers she searched for.
Raven knew her need to find the truth would be too great for her to remain there. Her need to be free and to understand a fundamental part of her person.
She would leave the Midnight Forest.
She would leave him.
Caeli nodded.
"I will stay. Until I am ready. Truly.", she said at his disbelieving glance. "In return for all that you have given me, I promise to only leave once it is safe to do so.", she said putting out her hand, fisted with the pinky out and pointing to the ceiling.
She laughed at Ravens flash of consternation in his glowing eyes.
"It's called a "pinky promise". My mother and I used to do it all the time. Well, all the time when I was Traveling. It is a gesture of my legitimate intention to keep my promise. You can never break one or you will have bad luck for life.", she said with mock sternness.
Raven chuckled and hesitantly reached his pinky out to her.
They laughed as they realized their drastic difference in size made it impossible for her to wrap her pinky around his.
She switched to her index finger and wrapped it around his large clawed pinky instead and pulled his hand in an up-and-down motion.
"It is done. Now I am bound.", she said with a laugh.
Raven nodded, satisfied.
"Very good. Now rest.", he said, pulling the covers over her and taking her gifts from her to set them on the bedside table.
Her eyes were heavily lidded and she could not deny the desire to sleep.
She laid on her side and sighed leisurely.
Her eyes slowly closed, her good hand tucked under her chin and her legs bent.
Bat circled before laying on her feet and closing his eyes.
"You will stay?", she asked dreamily, her eyes still closed.
Raven patted Bats head before leaning back.
"Yes, I will stay for as long as you'd like.", he said in a whisper, watching her fall still.
He listened as her breathing slowed and her heart beat steadily.
"For always, should you let me.", he said, his affections for her causing a tightness in her chest.
He realized in that moment how often Caeli slept, and how much he enjoyed it.
Listening to her steady breathing, her body warm, her heart strong.
Occasionally she would sigh and the sound would wash over him like the gentle waves of the Oceana.
Her sleep allowing him escape.
*My muse. My comfort. My sleeping beauty.", Raven thought to himself.