Waiting And Watching

Writers: AL, Cali
Date Posted: 21st March 2009

Characters: Briata, Talmina
Description: Briata sits at her cousin's side, waiting for her to awaken.
Location: Garnet Valley Hold
Date: month 1, day 3 of Turn 5

Briata

Briata sat at the side of hands working furiously on the tunic she was making for Ishek. From time to time she
glanced at the figure upon the bed, a worried frown creasing her
delicate features, only to focus on her work once more. When would
Talmina awake? The healers had, evidently, drugged her pretty
heavily. Her face was bandaged and she was afraid of what would be
found beneath them. There were holes for her eyes and mouth and nose,
but beyond that, he entire face was covered in white. It was quite
disturbing.

Talmina's mother had been in and out. She seemed to fret so much when
she was there that Briata had practically ordered her to go to bed and
get some rest, promising that she would watch over Talmina until her
return. That was what she was doing now, worrying about her cousin,
wishing she could some how turn back time and stop it all from
happening.

*****

Talmina heard voices, but they were faint like far away. She tried to
listen hard, to understand what they were saying, but it wasn't any
use. Eventually they faded and she was left alone.

*****

"You really don't have to wait here you know." the healer reminded the
new Lady Warder as he checked on the dressings of the poor
girl. "We're going to keep her unconscious for another day, maybe
two."

"I want to wait." Briata insisted as she looked up from her
embroidery. "I told her mother I would. I'll take a break when she
comes back." They would switch off so that someone was always with
her. Neither of them wanted her to wake up alone.

"As you wish." he didn't argue. He'd been there yesterday morning when
she'd been brought in, bloody and unconcious. Her clothes were torn,
but an examination had shown no signs of rape. She'd fought back and
that was something to be proud of. Her attacker hadn't left her
unmarked though. Her face was sliced open, mouth to ear on both
sides. He didn't know what sort of depraved person could ever do such
a thing, but hopefully when they allowed the girl to wake up she could
tell them. She'd never have her looks back, but hopefully the master
healers had been skilled enough to give her full use of her jaw so that
she could live a somewhat normal life.

*********

Briata had fallen asleep in her chair. She had switched out time with
her aunt, doing her best to keep up with her duties but entrusting the
Headwoman and her assistants with a goodly portion for the time
being. She jerked when she thought she heard a sound, her hoop
clattering to the floor. Briata looked over to Talmina, then sighed as
she retrieved her embroidery.

"Sorry to disturb you. I'll be finished momentarily." an older healer
said from the side of Talmina's bed. "Would you like a blanket
perhaps? Or you could lay down on an empty cot if you wish."

Briata shook her head. "Her mother will be back soon, I'm sure." She
smiled, grateful for the healer's kindness. She wished Talmina would
wake up, tell them what happened. There had been no trace of an
attacker, though it was hard without knowing who they were looking for.

**********

Talmina felt something, cool perhaps, on her lips. She tried to open her eyes but couldn't, her whole body felt like lead. She heard the voices again and tried to focus, to understand, but it wasn't any use. She thought she could make out the word 'mother' but then it was gone and she was alone again.

Last updated on the March 29th 2009

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Waiting And Watching