Why? A single word. A simple question. Why? there was no answer coming. Her sister's body limply carried in her companion's arms. Why? The last night of the full moon fades into dawn.
The nightmare shrieking in her skull. The pain of learning the fate of her sister. The agony of patience, waiting, planning. The first sight of her, vacant eyed, thin.....bruised. Control, the worst was keeping control, no reaction to give the truth away.
She had waited till nightfall when all was silent. The body had been so cold beneath her hands, words whispered without thought. She had carried the to light body through strange and darkened hallways. Steps from behind, no only her imagination. Unwillingly she had handed over her prize to her companion. The pounding of the horses' hooves a furious tempo, like the beating of her heart. Like the pounding of her thoughts.
Day dawning brightly, smoke rising behind them. Curious, but there is no time. The horses have been pushed to their limits it is time to hide and rest. Steeling herself to the task at hand, she gently uncovers her sister.
Pale flesh that has seen no sun, even paler scars crisscrossing the slight form. Red welts, dark cuts, mottled bruises, the marks of cruelty no one should have suffered. Rage courses through her. Red hot embers of rage burn at her soul. She wants nothing more than to return for vengeance...nothing more save to get her sister to safety.
Another rider approaches, cloaked. Her companion raises her crossbow, taking aim. The rider holds out his hands. I want to help her. Head bowed down, I need to help her. Exchanging glances, a quick nod, the rider dismounts. His eyes saddened, What is her name? I've never known it.
Lasan A shuddering breath, Her name is Lasan...flame. He whispers it softly. Plans are made and remade...he knows of where allies might be. A warrior who's only daughter fell to the same Queen's hands. Safety lies closer at hand than they thought.
The again the moon rises full as she looks out over the open landscape. A full turn of the moon, yet still she watches for any sign that they were followed. The warrior opened his home to them. Her sister still lies unresponsive save for the nightmares that drag strangled screams from her.
Come dawn she will leave her sister here to heal. Tomorrow she will ride out with stranger who seeks forgiveness. Her compaion will stay and watch over her sister. Time to learn the fate of her sister's mate.
