Tuesday, April 19, 2011









Laila looks up from helping the sylph change Stars sheets as Alise and Mya enter the room. She has a warm basin of lightly scented lavender water on a small table. Once the bottom sheet is changed, Laila and Alise remove Stars soiled clothing and bathe her gently. They speak to her as if she were awake, telling her how beautiful her son is, that its almost evening. They tell her to come back to them, everyone misses her and none as much as Erik and Mera.

After threading the tubing and bag through the arm hole of the clean shift, Rowan hooks the plastic line back into the pump. She smiles at the tender care Stars friends give her, their love for her shown plainly in their actions.

Mya started to splash her good arm in the basin and Rowan tells her to go ahead and bathe, “Just dont get the cast wet.” and Mya tosses her clothes off and slips in the warm water with a long content sigh.

Wish slips in the room and walks slowly to the bed. She smiles shyly and reaches out to touch Stars hand.

As Laila pulls the sheet and blanket up she asks, “Can you help me with her hair? I want to braid it for her.”

Wish nods and soon her and Laila have the silver blond tresses combed and tied in a single thick braid.

Alise helps Mya dry and slip into a clean shift of her own. A sylph carries away the basin and Alise straightens Myas bedding for her.

“Mya arm hurt now..” Mya slips her casted arm into the sling.

Galen brings her a tiny amount of a herbal medicine mixed with a bit of honey and soon Mya is fast asleep. Alise tucks her in and pulls the shade down partway blocking the late afternoon sun.

Erik enters the room and pauses. The room was clean and neat and so much calmer from the chaos of a few hours ago. His eyes light on Star. She looks better, a little color in her cheeks, her hair neatly braided. Her pale green shift is sleeveless and the crescent moon scars stand out in sharp relief against the fairness of her skin. He swallows hard and moves to the window. Pike has followed him silently and gives Erik a grin when Erik notices his presence.

“You'll be able to see the fairy lights soon, more than before, many more.. I will share their hope and wishes with you...”

Erik nods and turns from the window in time to see Laila kiss the side of Stars face.

As the women finish up and get ready to leave Erik says “Thank you ladies... you have done so much for us....”

“Its nothing that she wouldnt have done for any of us.” Laila smiles, and she and Alise leave the room.

Rowan finishes putting her things away. She tells Erik as she works, “There is one last bag of blood to be kept on reserve. When this bag...” and she nods her head towards the bed “is empty, I will start clear fluids again. Everything has improved, her vital signs, her lab work...” Rowan sighs. “This waiting is the hardest part..”

“It is... thank you Rowan... for everything... I know Star loves you and thinks of you as her mother..”

Rowan blinks back tears and goes to Erik and the baby, putting her arms around them and kissing the little one gently on the head. “He looks just like you. Star will be so proud when she sees him.”

“She will be...” Erik says, struggling for control of his own emotions.

“I'll be in and out....” Rowan leaves and Erik moves to the bedside, cradling his son in his arms.

"Star... I hope you can hear me. We have a son, Star... a son. He's beautiful. You have to get better, love. You have to wake up and see your son... our son. He has to learn what a wonderful mother he has..." My control slips then, just for a second. "I love you, Star. I'm going to be here every minute, and I'm going to be here when you wake up, to make the introductions. You rest now, and get better. I'll be right here, right within call.

Sleep well, beloved."

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