The Lady's Progress

Writers: Devin, Suzee
Date Posted: 29th July 2014

Characters: Benani, Ervina (NPC), Elida (NPC)
Description: Benani seems to make a cry for healing.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 7, day 26 of Turn 7

Benani

Benani was sitting on the carpet in front of her Fireplace. Her arms
were around her knees and she rocked back and forth as her current
companion watched from nearby.

She was startled at the tap on the door but Elida was up and to the
door to open in a crack and then after a murmured conversation closed
the door and approached.

"My Lady," she smiled. "There is a woman here to see you. She is a
healer and just wants to talk if you would like."

Benani looked at her for a moment and then nodded.

Elida returned to the door and opened it for the woman to enter then
quickly closed and locked it behind her.

The healer stepped inside, silver-white hair tied into a neat bun.
"Lady Benani, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Ervina."

"Welcome Ervina," she said automatically. No one could fault her
training. "Please have a seat."

"Thank you, my Lady." The woman took the offered chair. "You have a
lovely home."

"Thank you," she replied as if by rote. "Did you come far?"

"From Far Island Weyr. I moved there after the craft ban to continue
my studies." Ervina folded her hands in her lap. "I am holdbred,
though."

There was something comforting about the healers voice and Benani
relaxed a little even though she hadn't realized quite how tense she
was. Recognizing that she sat on the floor she got up and sat in the
chair opposite her visitor. "Elida, can you bring some refreshments?"

Elida dropped a curtsey, "Of course My Lady," she said with a hint of
surprise. It was the first time Benani had actually asked for food to
be brought in some time.

Ervina was pleased at that small show of progress. "How are your
children? Twin boys, yes?"

"Yes," Benani smiled. "Zathan and Benaris," she took a deep breath and
tried to relax even more. Of course the thought of her boys always
helped with that. "They're very cute. I missed them very much when I
was gone. But now I'm back."

"And how do you feel about that? Being back?" Ervina asked carefully.

Benani looked at the other woman for a long moment. No one had asked
her that question "I'm glad to be back," she said carefully. "But it
doesn't feel safe. He's still out there. He'll never let me go,"

"That is a very understandable thing to feel. He took you from your
home, and you worry he could do it again."

"Yes," she nodded and looked down at her hands. "he did things, made me
do things." She looked up with pain in her eyes. "I can't..."

"We'll talk about those things when you're ready." Ervina had
developed a degree of professional distance, but she couldn't help
feeling for this poor woman. The mindhealer had seen and heard a lot,
but Benani's case was one of the worst she'd ever dealt with.

"Okay," she said then looked up at the other woman.

Elida chose that moment to return with the refreshments and Benani sat
back in her chair without voicing the question that had been on the
tip of her tongue.

Ervina took a glass from the woman and thanked her. Then she waited
quietly until the servant left.

"Do you think you can help me," Benani asked hoping she could look
forward to a time when she didn't feel scared in her own home.

"I'm certain I can. You may not be able to become the person you once
were. Some scars stay with us," she said gently. "But I can help you
heal, to be happier and healthier."

Benani nodded and her eyes teared, "Thank you," she whispered.

Last updated on the August 7th 2014

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The Lady's Progress