8Disclaimer: Don't own it: remember if wishes were horses, beggars would ride. And I'd have a ton of money. Cheers and enjoy.
A/N: this is all well and good now, that I decided to reformat and edit. There are a few many good people who have reviewed saying that they don't understand quite what in hell is going on here in my little world. So, for your information here it is – The timeline: right after Arrows Fall, after Dirk and Talia got married, before any thing else. But in my little ditty Kris as in Herald Kris, Dirk's blood brother, herald to one Tantris "Featherfoot". In the books he died (Arrows Fall) in Hardorn at the hand of Ancar and Hulda glares evilly at witch. Well I have changed it just a tad; I have Kris living through that ordeal. Herald Lira Hedsfelt is in no way related to Selenay, though they do have a back story. Lira was a trainee at Herald's the same time Selenay was. She is in no way Elspeth's baby sister, one of the twins, though those two rascals are sure to make an appearance later in the show. Everything will be explained in the plot line. If you have any other questions, please drop me a line. Tragically yours, MB.
The Magi
By mingingbent
This is a re-edit: Aug 14, 2005
Chapter Two
"If we don't change, we don't grow.
If we don't grow, we aren't really living."
- Gail Sheehy
000
"So?" the young, newly wed Queen's Own pursed her lips into an estranged line when she spoke.
Another meeting: this time with Herald's Talia (The Queen's Own), Dirk, Alberich, as well as Selenay and Kyril.
"Can you help him?"
Talia was skeptical and showed no signs of hiding those feelings.
"Yes, can you?" The very lyrical, pleasing voice of her husband Dirk questioned as well.
"Help him." Lira worried her bottom lip as she always did when she was thinking hard, "Not likely…"
"What-" Talia broke in, very affronted, before Lira could finish.
Alberich cast a weary eye, telling her to tread carefully. She was walking on broken shards of glass now.
"Only he can help himself, though I may be able to facilitate that."
The Queen's Own calmed a bit and Dirk wrapped a comforting arm around her waist.
"If it's okay with you Selenay, I think or more we – Kadir and I – think we have the perfect plan."
Lira never liked the idea of goodbyes. She always thought they were useless waste of words and emotions, because in the end, it was never really goodbye. Only 'see you later'. But it was a formality she had to live with. She had already shook hands with Kyril and hugged Selenay, promising to take care of the Herald. But a mass amount of Heralds and others from the Collegiums were saying goodbye to her charge, as if they were paying their last respects. It irked Lira, sickened her some. She really wanted to be on the road before noon, or the sun would beat down hot on their skin before they reached the first crossing place. So Lira waited, idly playing with Kadir's mane. She watched on as the seemingly waking dead Herald passed from friend to friend as they offered words of support or gifts for the journey. At least he came to Talia and Dirk. Talia kissed him on the cheek and Dirk clasped him in a tight brotherly hug as Talia beside them choked on her tears.
At least he's quiet. Lira grumbled to herself.
Kadir didn't say anything but she caught the feeling that he didn't like her train of thought.
The sun itched along the back of her neck and Lira fought the urge to scratch it and lost.
:Sticky business he's got into though.: Lira tried to make conversation hoping Kadir would shed some light on his own thought process.
:Well I doubt you'd do any better if the same thing happened to you: He barked.
:Ha…but I would. I don't have any uncles.:
Kadir blocked her out after that.
The first night in the way station Lira could feel him next to her, breathing irregularly, the only sign he was awake. She didn't try conversation, she knew he wouldn't answer. But it felt a tad uneasy resting next to such a shell of a man.
The second night wasn't any better, but Lira did force food on him. Which he ate: mechanical movements guiding him through stiff motions.
In the middle of the third day on the road, Lira whistling along to a bird song after making peace with Kadir, let down her shields. A wave of gloom and sluggishness enveloped her. After getting her bearings, Lira called out to her silent companion.
"Kris….Kris. Why won't you answer me?"
His features remained placid, unchanging, unmoving.
:What do I do:
:You'll figure it out as soon as you get to Ahkdar Noor. You'll figure out something, you always do.: Kadir offered reassuringly.
Lira gave up trying to talk to him directly and just made general announcements hoping for some kind of acknowledgement – but none came.
:Ooo…boy this is going to be a long ride.: