Exton

As soon as Alise and Stoney hear from Ob that it is safe for Alise to be at the tavern they leave the cottage. After arriving at the tavern, Alise goes upstairs. She knocks softly on the door and enters Nicks room. The first thing she sees is Nick, looking very ill. But when she sees Raina she gasps. Her friend looks almost as ill as her lover. Her usually sparkling green eyes are flat and dull, dark circles ring her eyes making her look like she has been in a fight. Her face is so pale it looks like Nicks normal color.

Alise takes a step towards her friend, “Raina, ma souer...” and when she looks up, Alise' heart twists painfully in her chest, her heart breaking at the look of loss and devastation on her friend's face.

Raina's face crumples, “Alise... what will I do without him if we cant fix this?”

Wrapping her arms around Raina, Alise comforts her like a child, holding her and kissing the top of her head. “Rowan says Mortuis is working on it. And Gareth has sent for Inari who he has great faith in it seems. You must stay strong, even when it looks hopeless.”

Raina clings to Alise like a lifeline. Alise opens her mind to Stoney. Mon amour, please send Monty in here. Raina must eat, even if I have to feed her. Ask Star to go to Rainas room and find some comfortable clothes for her....

After talking to Monty, Alise pulls a chair out and sits right next to Raina. Star comes in with clean clothes, fluffy towels and Rainas favorite soap.

Raina looks up, “Whats that stuff for?”

“You. And dont think you are going to argue with me or I will get your brother to help you in the shower..”

The humor was lost on Raina. She said “But I cant leave him...”

Alise is leading Raina to the shower as she talks, “Star can help you in the shower and I will watch Nick. Rowan is still here, she would be in here in an instant if we need her.”

Alise returns to her seat, keeping her promise to watch Nick. She had promised Stoney she would stay out of his reach but Nick seemed to be getting weaker. He would look at her and look away, sometimes thrashing a bit, but not trying to reach her and not making a sound.

Monty brings a tray as Raina and Star come out of the bathroom. Star had brought her sweat pants and a t-shirt and she did look some better. Alise thought. Monty sets the tray down, leaves for a minute and returns with a roll-away bed and fresh bedding.

Alise nods, “This is all perfect Monty. Thank you so much.”

Raina looks at the bed, and back to Nick.

“I know you wont leave him, but you must rest. And you must eat. Monty makes the most delicious omelettes...”

Raina just stares at Nick. Alise and Star exchange glances. Alise takes Rainas fork and feeds her. Tears spring to Stars eyes. Raina is incapable of any thought other than Nick and Alise was determined to take care of her friend when she cant do it herself.

After the meal Alise clears the table. Star offers to take the tray thinking she can take the scraps to her pup. She leaves a bowl of fruit on the table for Raina knowing she can get herself something later.

Raina glances at Alise and Star, “I think he is getting weaker. He wont last much longer like this....”

Alise touches her husbands mind, Re'mi, can you find Erik? Raina needs a break, maybe the widow's walk for a few minutes? She will need help, if Gareth is around or if you dont mind mon amour, helping Erik with her? Star will help with the babies. Can we get a room here and stay the night? I will not leave Raina like this...