![Image](https://i.imgur.com/tgKMmyq.jpg?1)
Timestamp: 4th of Winter, 519 AV
The Fall had been a taxing season. It was their first harvest and there had been a lot of work in preparing and storing up provisions for the winter, so they didn't have to rely solely on the already food-strapped Zeltiva to survive. The Meraki had lost a few members, an anticipated attrition, given the commitment required in building the guild and its home from scratch. And a majority of the guild's income still came from Kelski's jewelcrafting alone. On top of the efforts of the Guildmistress to not only survive, but to thrive, Kelski had taken the care of her brother fully upon herself.
Kal was Dess's best friend, but the Damazar was a warrior, not a caretaker. He possessed compassion, perhaps more than the other warriors of his familial order, but it was not in him to be able to nurture the comatose K'etir. Ember didn't have the fortitude to care for her father, it upset her too much to see him in such a state. But Kelski, to whom Kalistan was a stranger, tended to her sibling as if they had grown up together. She did it without complaint, but Dess sensed the weight of all his bondmate carried upon her shoulders.
The Gem and Dess spoke more often. While he was still learning how he could help her to grow, she made sure Kelski's well-being remain a priority for him. The Gem knew how much he cared for her mother, even though he didn't always know how to express it. And Dess discovered just how much the Gem loved Kelski, and worried for her. Kelski was a driven Kelvic, ambitious and expected much from herself. Like a child poking her step-father to take care of her mother, the Gem helped Dess see when the weight grew too heavy.
Dess carried in a load of firewood to store near the hearth in the small room the Gem had made for Kalistan. Kelski seemed to have been checking on Kalistan, for she was tucking in the blanket spread over the unconscious man. Dess paused to look at his friend, who's eyes he had not seen open since before they had parted ways and the Damazar left for Sunberth.
The Gem nudged at Dess.
[i][b]
Her brother's lack of progress frustrates her. She hoped Gilthas could do more for him. She needs a distraction, Dess. Get her outside, she needs to stretch her muscles and fill her lungs.[/b][/i]
Dess often did just that, encouraging Kelski to go on a run with him. He knew better than most the effect physical exertion had on mind and mood, to give clarity and a sense of refreshing.[i] "I have an idea, something I have been wanting to do with her for a while."[/i] He replied, patting the stone wall affectionately, as if able to tangibly assure his Architectrix friend. Dess tossed more wood into the fire, then looked again to the unconscious Kalistan, who hardly resembled the man he knew. Fingers brushed over the Ke'tir mage's arm as Dess bit the inside of his lip and left the room.
He stepped outside the doore and waited for Kelski to join him. "Would you come outside and with me for a bit? I would like to work on some hand-to-hand, no weapons. I think we could both use the training, and the distraction." His hand rested lightly on his bondmate's shoulder, his thumb bushing against her collarbone. It was a sign of affection most would not understand.