“Claire… honey slow down.”
The voice was breathy and short, as if it took all the energy the poor woman possessed just to utter the words. To some extent it was a small miracle that Claire could even hear them at all. Perhaps she was just so attuned to her mother and her constant array of never ending conditions that Claire was hyperaware of her.
“It’s not far now mother.” I hope. The two words rattled around her mind. It seemed today was the day that Alvadas decided not to play fair. Any other day it would have been just that. Another day. But this… right now Claire couldn’t help but take issue with the ever changing streets.
“Sweetie just… stop.” The words had their intended effect. Claire drew up short and whirled around to face her mother. The poor woman was pale and clearly shaking, sweat dripping down the sides of her face as if the temperature was scorching hot. It wasn’t. Taking a deep breath, Claire looked up towards the sky where Syna’s light just lingered along the edges of the rooftops. It wouldn’t be long before it was dark.
Once it was dark it would be all that much harder to find their home.
Blowing out a long winded breath, Claire made her way back to her mother’s side. Without the constant pushing to keep walking the woman nearly folded in on herself, leaning up against a shadowed wall for the extra support to remain standing upward. Tenderly as Claire could manage she looped her mother’s right arm around her shoulders and held her wrist tightly in her left hand.
“Lean on me mother. We need to get home.” Her mother stared at her for a moment, and Claire could see behind her eyes the urge to refuse her request. Claire had no doubts how exhausted her mother was. It was nearly a constant from what she could gather, since her father had passed away. For as long as she could remember at least. Her mother had never been truly well.
Part of her wondered if she would follow her mother’s footsteps if she were to ever lose a future bondmate.
“Very well little one.” Claire resisted the urge to roll her eyes. It was her mother’s nickname for her despite the fact that she was hardly a child anymore. She was tall and gangly really, on the verge of appearing a teenage compared to human. Still growing to do, but she was now more than tall enough to support her mother’s meager weight.
It felt like forever, stumbling along the alleyway. In truth it was probably only a few chimes because as they had only just reached the juncture between streets before her mother stumbled. She struggled to catch herself, her hand just missing the wall for support once again. Her legs tangled into Claire’s and the two of them fell forward with the sudden loss of balance. Her mother landed first, a thick crack sounding out against the stone and if Claire had time she probably would have blanched at the sound. Instead her arm wrenched backwards and a sharp shooting pain exploded from her shoulder blade.
Swiftly as her sore arm would allow Claire untangled herself from her mother’s limbs. A quick test of pressure against her arm on the ground told her that her arm was probably not broken, but it certainly wouldn’t take weight as pain blossomed once again through her arm. Not that she had any real way of knowing however even if it was. Gingerly cradling her weak arm against her chest, Claire brushed the hair from her mother’s face. Unconscious for sure. Her eyes were closed and her breathing shallow. There was no way for her to get her mother up off the ground now.
“Somebody help us!” Her voice cracked at the volume--not because she was choking back tears--as her head whipped from side to side, looking down the empty streets for anyone that might help.
There was nothing but silence.
A million thoughts flit through her mind… most of them dark and unpleasant. That it might be bells before someone would find them. Too long and too late for her mother. The tears that held welled up fell. It felt like a defeat… all her efforts to help her mother and she was going to die in the street. She was going to need to leave her poor mother in the streets to try and see if she could locate Ionu’s Mercy...
“What do we have here?” A voice startled Claire from behind. Ignoring the pain the shot up her arm as twisted to face the voice, Claire took in the sight of another elderly woman. Her face was far more weathered than her mother’s, but she could recognize the gentleness in her eyes. It mirrored her mother’s eyes in a sense. Brushing the tears off her face, Claire carefully pushed herself to stand before gesturing to her mother.
“She fell and… I can’t help her.” The words were short, adding nothing to how she felt about the situation. They felt stuck behind her tongue, wanting to crawl out and beg the old woman for help.
“Alright my dear. Your arm is hurt as well? That’s alright. You lift her with your good arm and I’ll get the other side. My door is just there.” The woman pointed a bony finger just two doors down from the street corner and Claire didn’t need to be told twice. Bending down she looped her good arm under her mother’s and waited for the woman to do the same. It was kind of a miracle to Claire actually, how easily the old woman was able to help lift her mother and drag her the short way down the street to the door.
All it took was a little fiddling and the door opened like a gateway. The smell of… herbs and flowers filled her sense as well as something she had never smelled before. Something that stung her nose just in the slightest. The woman ushered them to a cot lying against the farthest wall and Claire arranged her mother to be as comfortable as she could manage. A jagged gash spanned across her temple and Claire finally let herself wince. The fall had left her mother bloodied and the sound echoed in her memory. It was almost enough to make her sick.
“I’ve got something to ease your shoulder my sweet. Just for the pain until after I care for your mother.” The woman seemed to appear out of nowhere, handing her a bottle of bluish liquid that Claire swore glowed. Convincing herself that it was just her imagination--the lighting--she opened the vial and downed its contents in one swig. It wasn’t the most disgusting thing she had ever tasted, but it left a bitter aftertaste that she couldn’t help but wrinkle her nose at.
“This will take a bit of work…” The old woman’s voice pulled her from her moment of distraction and Claire finally took notice of the oddest tattoo across the woman’s face. It was a three winding sleek lines that twisted around themselves from across the woman’s right brow, around her eye, and down to edge of the woman’s jaw.
Lifting her hands the woman gently rested her hand across the open jagged skin across her mother’s temple. She closed her eyes and Claire felt herself fidget under the stress. Was sitting next to her mother like this really doing anything? Shouldn’t she be… running around and fetching potions like she had already done for her?
It was only when the woman let out a breath and pulled her hand away that she realized that the gash across her mother’s temple had vanished. The blood that had pooled and dripped from her forehead remained but the wound it self had closed as if it had never happened. Claire couldn’t have stopped her jaw from dropping if she had tried. Edging closer to examine the now flawless skin Claire felt herself breath out one word.
“Wow.”
There was something that came alive in her. Watching her mother stir on the cot, breathing normal for the first time in a season… this woman had done something miraculous. She had saved her mother’s life.
“How did you do that?” Claire could barely get her voice to work. The question was barely above a whisper but the elderly woman simply smiled and touched the mark on her face.
“Rak’keli has blessed me with the ability to heal. Your mother will recove--”
“Can you teach me?” The question spilled from her lips before the woman could even finish her sentence. It was rude she knew, but the idea that perhaps she could learn how to save her mother’s life… it filled her to the brim with excitement.
The woman did not immediately answer her however. She studiously watched Claire, as if she were sizing her up for something. The silence hung heavy, only this time for another reason. With a tired sigh the woman simply shook her head.
“You want this for yourself. It is redeemable that you wish to save your mother, but being a healer is more than just being able to take care of your loved ones.” It was wisdom that came out of the woman, but this time it was Claire that shook her head. She understood!
“Of course it’s about helping save lives.” The woman chuckled slightly before standing up. Placing her hand on Claire’s uninjured shoulder, she shook her head gently.
“It is more than just about saving lives. I don’t think you have the compassion it requires. The drive. And there is nothing wrong with that my sweet. Your mother will wake soon and she will be tired. I have a tonic to help with that and then you two may leave.”
Claire worked her jaw back and forth as the woman shuffled away from her. It wasn’t meant as an insult. She knew that, but the idea that she didn’t have the drive… the heart to do this. It bothered her. There was more to her wonder than just saving her life. Right?
The woman was correct in her assumption however. Her mother woke shortly after and was even on her feet within a few chimes after taking her own vial. The woman repeated the gentle touch to her injured shoulder and what was left of the pain faded into memory.
Claire was aware that the old woman was watching them both with sad eyes as they moved to leave, but she did her best to ignore it. It was only when the were stepping out the door that Claire turned to speak to the old woman once again.
“I will come back to find you. I know we can’t pay you, but I want to learn. I really do.” The earnest in her voice brought a small smile to the woman’s face.
“If you can find me once again… we will discuss this further.” It seemed like an odd statement. Alvadas was an odd city for sure, but Claire was used to it’s winding streets. If her mother hadn’t collapsed she was sure they would have eventually found their home.
-------------
It was impossible. It was as if the old woman had completely vanished off the map of Alvadas. No matter who she spoke to, where she poked her nose around, she could not find the old woman’s house.
Part of her wondered if the woman was even still within the city. Or perhaps her age had taken it’s toll on her? Perhaps the worst part was the realization that she had never even gotten the woman’s name. Claire had never felt more selfish in her life. The woman had saved her mother, and she had the gall to ask for lessons without even asking her name.
But she had been true to her word. She had searched every day with every free minute she could. And it had already been a full season without success. Claire half expected that feeling of joy and wonderment at watching her mother’s healing to fade, but it hadn’t. If nothing it drove her harder. The old woman may have been out of reach, but the idea of becoming a healer had not.
She had taken up with a woman who ran a private practice with medicine. A half Isurian woman who had too much work and not enough help. Elma was a little rough around the edges, but more than willing to share what knowledge she possessed. But between running around the city, caring for her mother, and assisting Elma… well she was feeling a bit thin around the edges.
“You’re going to wear yourself thin little one.” Her mother’s voice echoed behind her as Claire sat in the nearly dark bedroom they shared. Only a candle remained lit and despite the fact it was poor lighting, Claire was trying to pour herself over the little notebook in front of her.
“Elma lent me her notes on herbalism this morning. Where she got the money for the paper I’ll never know, but it’s… amazing. Did you know all the uses honey has alone mother? It’s simply… indescribable.” Despite her words she could feel the weariness tug at her eyes. Her mother picked up on it too because her hand met the back of Claire’s neck and gently rubbed circles into the base of her neck.
“Then give up looking for the woman who helped us. She was a saint, but there is no telling where she may be right now. You can’t spend your life looking for her.” Part of her knew she was right of course… but she had dedicated her life to this now. She may never receive the mark of healing, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t learn how to help in other ways.
Though since her encounter she had taken the time to try and learn of Rak’keli herself. She had even tried her hand at praying a few times. For a path to this woman who served her, for luck when she knew it was going to be a hard day with Elma. It wasn’t much, but Claire figured it was a start. Everything needed a start.
“I cannot do that mother. But I will promise to try and get more rest.” Standing, Claire patted her mother’s hand and kissed her cheek before blowing out the candle.
----------------
“Ow! This is all your fault slave!” Claire winced at the words. They weren’t true, and it wasn’t often that she came across someone who felt this way, but this boy--apparently one that had moved two seasons ago from Ravoc--was quite the harasser. She had gone for a morning practice flight, and the boy had managed to spot her transformation. Now whenever the two crossed paths it felt more like a war zone than a simple walk home. Especially since he was considered old enough to be a ‘man’.
Not that Claire ever viewed him as such.
“Oh stop whining. Let me look at you.” In all honesty it wasn’t her fault. The little shyke had tried to shove her backwards after he spotted her on her way home from Elma’s. Claire had barely had time to dodge his arms, but without her body to push his weight carried him forward. He couldn’t manage to catch himself, not to mention her own foot caught his and sent him tumbling forward.
The end result was… well it appeared to her--with still very limited knowledge--a broken ankle with several deep scraps dug into the palms of his hands and forearms from trying to stop his tumble. It certainly wasn’t life threatening, but it had to hurt. His ankle however was swelling rapidly. It would need attention sooner rather than later.
“Don’t touch me!” He fairly shrieked and Claire rolled her eyes at his dramatics. As if being so close to her would make his condition worse. Standing, she brushed her hair back away from her face and glared at him.
“Maybe if you weren’t so intent on making me feel like less of a person just because I’m Kelvic, you’d watch where you were going!” Turning on her heel she stormed past him, completely intent to leave the wailing boy alone on the streets. It wouldn’t take long for someone to find him. In fact if he really tried he could probably hobble around the street and find Ionu’s Mercy before long.
But it wasn’t right.
Claire came to stop. It may have not been her fault--entirely--for the tumble. But it was something she had learned with medicine. You didn’t leave someone who needed help. Perhaps what made her feel worse… was she herself did not want to leave him. He was mean, vindictive, and if the shoe was one the other foot he would certainly leave her alone in the dirty street alone.
But he needed help. Even if it was just to Ionu’s Mercy.
Sighing heavily she turned slowly, spying the boy out of the corner of her eye. Even if he deserved the broken ankle, she wasn’t the one to make that sort of choice. Her choice had been to help even when it wasn’t worth any gain.
Much like the elderly woman who had helped them.
So she stomped her way back over to the boy. Her face locked in determination as she crossed her arms over her chest. She didn’t have to always like the choice, but following her heart was important.
“I’m going to help you up. You can call me every dirty name you can think of, take as many showers as you need to get my ‘stink’ off later, but you can’t just sit here in the street.” And the result was silence. In all reality it was more of a glaring contest. The two of them locked eye to eye to fuss out which of them was more stubborn in their beliefs.
“If you tell a soul I’ll kill you.” Claire didn’t actually doubt this comment. But the boy pushed his bloody hands into the street and Claire hooked her hands under his arms to help him onto his one good foot. Much like she had done with her mother nearly two seasons ago, she dragged his arm over her shoulder and supported his weight each time he limped forward. The worked together down the remainder of the street in a this slow fashion until they reached the end.
What she saw was not what she expected. Instead of Ionu’s Mercy or some steady point in Alvadas, she recognized the street from seasons before. The old woman’s door rang out in her head like a bell and without hesitation she began to lead the boy forward--doing her best to ignore the whining in her ear.
It only took two knocks before the door opened and revealed the woman she had been seeking for so long. The elderly woman just smiled and stepped aside so that she could bring the boy inside without question. Claire deposited the boy on the cot and proceeded to put some distance between them so that the old woman could work on him without his constant hurling insults at her.
They spoke few words as the woman set about healing the boy’s ankle. It must have taken much more effort than the shallow gash that had plagued her mother. But the old woman held her head high, ushering the boy out nearly as quickly as he had come in. Despite the animosity that she had against the boy, it had still been as amazing as the first time.
“Thank you for this. I couldn’t just… leave him there. No matter how nasty he is.” Claire sighed and rubbed her fingers over her eyes. She felt drained and tired, but there was no regret for helping him.
“Perhaps I was wrong about you my dear.” The voice that reached her ears was not that of the old woman. Slowly uncovering her eyes she met the gaze of a woman who was most certainly not the one she had witnessed ticks ago. She had piercing eyes and dark hair. The mark that had adorned the woman’s face was gone, replaced with years of youth. Claire couldn’t help but stare once again.
“You showed great spirit bringing him here despite his obvious disdain for you. And do not think I haven’t noticed you have determination to find me again either. You have great potential to become a healer.” It took Claire a moment longer than she would have liked. This had been a test… no not a test.
A show of faith…
“You are…” For some reason she couldn’t bring herself to say her name. Alvadas did not have a temple for Rak’keli’s worship, so she had simply tried to glean information from people around her who might know. To say her name was to admit she was coming face to face the being she had been praying to for seasons. Incorrectly for all she knew.
“Rak’keli… yes. I will bless you with my mark, but only if you promise me something in return.” Claire felt her jaw work up and down, but her voice seemed to fail her. Instead she nodded her eyes and the beautiful goddess smiled gently at her.
“You keep your love of medicine alive. You continue to help and heal those around you to your best ability. Even if they all are like him.” The goddess jabbed a finger over her shoulder to the door and Claire couldn’t help but give a weak laugh.
“It started off for my mother, you were correct. But the more I studied… there was something about the day you healed my mother. It was more than just the action, I wanted to be able to do the same. Help those that cannot help themselves. I promise so long as I am able to fulfil this request to do so.”
Rak’keli nodded, gently reaching out to touch the side of her Claire’s face. It felt like lightning had hit her, shocking the side of her face just briefly without the pain. Pointing to a mirror on the wall, Claire turned to view the mark that had once adorned the elderly woman’s face now placed upon her. Three twisting lines flowing seamlessly along her face from eyebrow, down her cheek, to her jaw line. The marks shifted along her jawbone and came to an end just over her pulse resting in her neck.
“My goddess, you bless me.” Claire bowed her head and Rak’keli nodded to Claire before motioning to the door.
“I look forward to watching you work little one.” Claire jolted slightly at the nickname her mother used, but smiled nonetheless. Before she could make her way out the door however Rak’keli’s voice called out to her.
“You know I couldn’t heal your mother entirely. There isn’t anything one can do for a broken heart.” Claire stopped, hand hovering over the doorknob as if the words had frozen her. She had suspected of course. Her mother’s illnesses never seemed to come from those around her. No matter how much her mother loved her, she would always miss her father. One day it wouldn’t be enough.
“I know.”
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