Post by Solana on Mar 30, 2024 14:54:13 GMT -5
Chapter Six- Lost
Mauri always said afterwards that she didn't know how she would have managed without Leo.
Since Leo had no priestly education, he made Ronfar's care and the house chores his primary duty. He cleaned, chopped wood, fetched water, did laundry, and helped Ronfar with getting dressed or bathed like a whirlwind. When the house was clean and stocked, he went out hunting or fishing for his family and others in the village. The one chore he allowed Mauri to do as a break from her reading was to cook as he was still as hopeless in the kitchen as ever.
Mauri would have protested that Leo was overdoing it, but she knew that he hated feeling helpless. Caring for them and the house was his way to contribute to the fight for his future brother-in-law's life. He had even started reading some of her books on the lore of the Goddess which he had had some training on in Pentagulia at least.
Meanwhile, Mauri was trying to hide her own despair around Ronfar. They still tried healings, together and separately, which always failed and brought nothing but pain. Ronfar seemed to be losing weight and napping longer by the day. She herself often fell asleep over one of her books, waking to find that Leo had tucked Bronn's beautiful Zulan quilt around her shoulders.
She simultaneously cherished and anguished over their time together, all the more precious because it was clearly running out.
Five days after their arrival in Raculi, Ronfar found something promising in one of his own books.
"Mauri... Mauri! Take a look at this!"
Mauri opened her eyes blearily. She had fallen asleep over her book again at the desk next to Ronfar's bed. "Wha?"
Ronfar laughed, sounding more like his old self, and gently shook her shoulders. Mauri yawned and came to look at the passage that Ronfar was pointing at.
So it was during the full rising of the Blue Star that Althena blessed both worlds, that her children might remember their first home. A time for miracles, where her power flowed freely throughout the world that the restoration of the Blue Star would come ever nearer.
"'A time in which her power flowed freely...'" Mauri read in wonder.
"Exactly! The full rising of the Blue Star is in..." Ronfar frowned, trying to count the days.
"Tomorrow night," Leo filled in. He had just entered the house with a new load of firewood and had caught their conversation.
"If Althena's power is increased in that time, it would be the perfect time to try and overcome this plague!" Ronfar explained triumphantly.
Leo's face took on a hesitant hope. "Will it be enough?"
Mauri had been thinking about that. "I noticed in Zulan that when others would pray with me, I could call up far more of Althena's power than alone. If we could get the other villagers to help-"
"I will go speak to them now," Leo said immediately. He dropped off the firewood and ran out of the house.
Mauri hesitated, then turned to Ronfar to speak her worries. She found herself glad that Leo wasn't in the house for this. "Ronfar, the way this plague has been reacting, this could very well kill you. If I did that..."
Ronfar brought his finger up to Mauri's lips. "Sugarbun, I'm on my way out anyway. I trust you and I trust the Goddess. I'll take this chance, and if anything does happen, I'll accept it." He paused. "But if you blame yourself for it, then I will haunt the hell out of you."
Mauri felt a laugh bubbling out of her. Goddess, how she loved this man! So serious and full of wisdom at some times, and so inappropriate at others. "Very well. Let's start planning how we're going to do this."
Ronfar grinned. "Ah, there's that voice of reason! Let's see..."
While Mauri and Ronfar ironed out how to best take advantage of the celestial event and every possible way to increase their use of Althena's power, Leo went from house to house to see how many could help.
Raculi's population had dropped, but those who remained remembered the care and consideration that Ronfar had shown every single patient. Those who were able demanded to come and help in this attempt to save his life. The mayor had even declared the day an impromptu holiday and requested that non-essential work be shelved.
Leo had ordered that Ronfar and Mauri spend the rest of the day resting. "You will both need every iota of power and every bit of energy that you possess for the healing tomorrow night." Mauri opened her mouth, but Leo cut in. "And YES, I've seen to meals," he answered the unspoken question. "In payment, I'm going fishing. I'll be back later." Picking up his gear, he left for the headland that was a popular fishing spot for Raculi.
Ronfar and Mauri looked at each other. "I think he forgets he's not on the Destiny at times," Ronfar said with a grin.
Mauri shook her head ruefully. "He's my big brother. It comes naturally."
Ronfar laughed and held his arms open in invitation. Mauri joined him immediately, knowing in her heart that Leo was giving them this time together, just in case. They took the opportunity to renew their love and commitment to each other and their goddess.
Afterwards, they lay quiet and sated, trying not to think about the next day. Ronfar was gently stroking Mauri's hair while she listened to his heartbeat, her head nestled comfortably on his chest. "Ronfar?"
"What is it, sugarplum?"
"What do you think our kids would-will be like?"
Ronfar noticed the quick word change but didn't comment on it. He leaned back and thought about it. "I'd be happy with anything, but I do want a little girl at some point. A girl with your heart and your smile."
Mauri smiled. "How about a boy with your passion for life and sense of humor?"
"Another me? Could the world take it?" Ronfar asked with a laugh. "Or Leo?"
Mauri snuggled in. "Of course, maybe one of each. Perhaps Leo could teach them to be strong and how to wield a sword."
"I could teach them how to cook and play cards," Ronfar suggested.
Mauri chuckled. He could teach them so much more than that. "I could teach them Althena's lore and how to heal and care for others. What would you name our little boy?"
Ronfar blushed, as he had already been thinking about this. "Leon, though Leo would never let me forget it."
"I like it. When we have a girl, I want to name her Celeste," Mauri said.
Ronfar ran a finger through Mauri's hair. "Celeste?"
Mauri nodded. "For the heavens. For the Goddess' Paintbrush in Zulan, and for the Blue Star that will give us our miracle."
"Celeste and Leon," Ronfar said dreamily. "We'll live in my house here with Leo next door. Maybe he'll find a wife one day and give our children cousins."
"They'll all grow up close, and then go on their own adventures while we grow old," Mauri added.
"We'll have it all," Ronfar promised, "So let's get some rest so we can get through tomorrow and make it happen."
Mauri agreed and pulled Bronn's quilt over them. She soon fell asleep in Ronfar's arms, but he stayed awake. It was a dream come true to be holding his beloved again, to watch her sleep and be at peace. He wanted to memorize everything about her- the curve of her neck, the way she fitted herself snugly against him as they slept, the way her eyes would grow soft and dewy after making love.
As Ronfar kissed the top of Mauri's head, he noted that her hair smelled of the wildflowers found outside. Mauri had made shampoo and scented it with the flowers of home to carry a piece of Raculi with her.
As long as they had been childhood friends, then courting, then lovers, Mauri still found new ways to surprise and delight him. He, in turn, tried to find new ways to express his love, though to show Mauri everything he felt in his heart for her would take a lifetime.
As Ronfar gently kissed her again and followed her into sleep, he prayed one more time to Althena that she would bless him with the opportunity to try.
The next morning, Mauri got up early and went to go bathe in the sea. She would spend the day in isolation, fasting and praying, to purify her spirit and prepare herself for the healing that night.
Ronfar had dictated the words that their neighbors would recite while Leo jotted them down, then spent the rest of the day alternating between prayer, checking his holy books one more time, and napping.
Leo had taken charge of preparing the two bonfires on the headland near the coast and gathering those villagers who would help. One villager was keeping a close eye on the heavens, ready to give a warning when the Blue Star was about to rise.
At sunset, Mauri returned from isolation and was ready to work. She looked a bit pale, but her eyes were shining and the tranquility and inner strength Leo had always seen during her work as a priestess were multiplied tenfold. Mauri wore the robe she had been given during her ordination, her hair up in a twist. "Is everything ready?" she asked Leo softly.
Leo nodded. "The fires that you wanted are set up perfectly. We made the leaf bed between them for Ronfar. The villagers and I have practiced the lines. Everything lies with you and the Goddess now."
Mauri took a deep breath to steel herself. "Thank you. Let us begin!"
One of the villagers went to notify Josam to bring out Ronfar. Josam was letting his grandson lean on him, and it stabbed Mauri in the heart to see how weak he had grown in almost a week. He saw her stricken face and gave her a wide grin, that everything would be well. He was also dressed in his ordination robe, though he had lost so much weight that it hung off of his frame.
Mauri stepped up to help Josam get Ronfar to lie down on the leaf bed. It was far enough from the flames that no loose sparks would ignite it. As Ronfar got settled, he brought Mauri's hand to his lips to gently, reverently kiss it. "As I honor you, love, I honor the spark of Althena's love in you."
Mauri returned the favor, kissing his hand gently. "May she work through both of us today, beloved."
It was only a short wait before the very edge of the Blue Star was seen rising over the Minea Sea. It painted a lovely silvery blue path along the surface of the water, pointing directly to Ronfar. "We're ready!" Leo called out.
Mauri bowed to the Blue Star, the home world of their ancestors and Althena's first gift to them all. Then she turned and bowed to the villagers, to Josam and Leo, and to her love. "Thank you, all of you, for your help with this. We are gathered here under the light of the Blue Star to beseech our Goddess Althena."
"Holy Mother, we call to you!" everyone responded.
"You who give us life, you who give us love, you who transformed a barren world into one of beauty and wonder, we gather together in your name for the sake of your cherished son," Mauri continued.
"Holy Mother, hear us now!"
"For your own Chosen, for my own beloved. This plague has taken the lives of too many already. In humility and love we turn to you, you whose holy light and love alone can drive out this darkness!"
Golden white light began to build at Mauri's hands, faster and brighter than ever before. It was working! The time of the rising, everyone's hearts beating as one- even in Zulan she had never felt so aware of Althena's holy power.
"Holy Mother, give us your love!"
Ronfar's eyes were shining as they met Mauri's, and then it was his turn. "Great Mother, you who hear every cry of your children, we beg you to come to us now. Destroy this plague with your holy power and mercy!"
The same light began to build at his hands. The villagers and Leo were quiet now, praying from the heart. Mauri felt the power rising, rising like waves in the Minea Sea during a winter storm. She strengthened her connection to Ronfar and then took his hands to combine their prayers.
She was.... burning. From the inside out, from the outside in, she couldn't tell anymore. The heat of the holy light, the heat of the fever, pain from channeling more of Althena's power than she could have dreamed...
Ronfar groaned, his body the battleground between the curse of the plague and the power of the Goddess. "Fight it, my love! We can do this! Just a bit more!" Mauri encouraged him.
"It's... oh, Goddess, it hurts!" Ronfar spat out, then clenched his teeth against the pain.
Leo had come up to them, looking worried. Mauri tried to give him a reassuring word, until the pain blasted through Ronfar's defenses. He started screaming in agony.
Mauri echoed his screams. She could feel the plague drinking in the holy power that they were channeling, using it to grow even stronger.
It shouldn't have been able to do that. NO illness had ever been able to do that! "No! We have to stop this now!" she commanded.
It was far too late. Ronfar was delirious from the pain, unable to stop channeling the Goddess' power. Mauri tried to cut it off from them both, but the phantom pain that roared in her head had made it nearly impossible. She finally managed to halt Ronfar's spell with the greatest effort of her life.
Her own fizzled out of control, and the backlash hit her like a falling boulder. As she collapsed to the ground, a part of her thought she heard malevolent laughter, deep and mocking as she lost consciousness.
For the most horrifying moment of his life, Leo was certain that both Mauri and Ronfar were dead.
Suddenly Ronfar groaned slightly and Mauri coughed. She got to her feet slowly, wobbling all the way even with Leo helping her. Tears ran down her cheeks as she gazed down at Ronfar sorrowfully. "I failed. I... I nearly killed us both."
"But you didn't. You're both still here," Leo reminded her gently. Once he was sure that Mauri would be steady on her feet, he bent down to pick up his semi-conscious best friend.
"Here, child, lean on me," Josam offered kindly. Mauri nodded wordlessly and took his arm to head back to the house.
The mayor of the village came up to Leo looking crestfallen. "Do not worry about the fires, Sir Leo- we will clean this up. I think all of you need a good night's rest."
"Goddess willing. You have my thanks," Leo replied sadly, turning to follow his sister back to the house. The mayor nodded and began calling for buckets of water for the flames and rakes for the leaf bed.
First things first, Leo got Ronfar tucked into bed for the night. The priest looked awful, his complexion having more gray in it than when they had first arrived. He mumbled Mauri's name in a question.
"She's all right. She got up on her feet and walked back," Leo assured him.
"'s good," Ronfar muttered, and immediately fell asleep.
Leo was grateful that was all it took, because Mauri was most assuredly NOT all right. Josam was talking to her softly, trying to reassure her, but Mauri kept shaking her head. Tears trickled down her cheeks.
"All my fault... all my fault..." she kept repeating.
Leo decided to try talking sense into her. "Mauri, what else could you have done? You acted precisely as a good commander must do."
Mauri stared up at him. "Commander?"
He ticked off of his fingers. "You chose the most auspicious time for your battle. You trained and conditioned yourself with rest and prayer to be in your best shape. You even called in reinforcements with the villagers and I to bring you the greatest amount of power possible. There is no shame in losing a battle in which you made every correct choice."
Mauri smiled grimly. "Thank you, brother." She picked up a handkerchief and wiped her eyes.
Leo suddenly noticed a large gash on her arm as she moved it. "Did you injure yourself?"
Mauri looked at it. "Oh, it must have been from the fall. I'll fix it." She quickly chanted the words to a small heal litany.
Nothing happened.
Mauri frowned and tried again.
Nothing happened.
Mauri began to look a bit panicky. "What...? Leo, I can't feel it. I can't feel the Goddess' power!"
"Shhh, you must have pushed yourself too hard," Leo said soothingly. He reached into his belt pouch for one of the emergency starlights he always kept on hand along with healing herbs and handed it to her.
Mauri ate it quickly and a bit more color did show in her cheeks. She chanted again, her fists clenched.
Nothing happened.
"Oh, no. I've never heard of this happening." Mauri was definitely panicking now. "Leo, what can I do? What am I supposed to do now?! I can't help Ronfar like this!"
Leo was starting to feel overwhelmed himself but tried to shove it down. "Get some rest. Perhaps it's like straining or breaking a limb."
"I don't think so, I can still feel it when I'm out of magic," Mauri protested.
"MAURI!" Leo scolded more loudly than he meant to. Mauri quieted, looking up at him woefully. He hadn't seen that look in her eyes since the night they learned their parents had passed, where his little sister was looking up at him as the big brother to know what to do next.
The trouble was, Leo had no idea. Everything going on here was beyond his experience. Finally, he said the only thing he could think of. "All of us are exhausted and overwrought. Get some sleep, little sister. We'll see how conditions look in the morning."
Mauri nodded and hiccupped once, but her tears finally stopped. Leo handed her a healing herb to eat which healed up the gash instantly. She shed her ordination robe, leaving her plain white chemise, and crawled into bed next to Ronfar. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, and even in sleep Ronfar pulled her closer.
Josam had watched the exchange silently, but now came up to Leo to give him a gentle nudge near the door. "I think you need a walk, lad."
"No, I cannot leave my post. They may need me," Leo protested.
"I think you need some time for yourself," Josam said sternly. "I will stay with them. You have also been pushing yourself too hard, and you've been trying to be an anchor for them both in a battle you have no experience in. Go take a walk and take care of yourself."
"I...." Leo sighed. Josam was absolutely correct. "I thank you," he said instead.
Josam nodded and pointed towards the door. "Go."
Leo obeyed without another word. The villagers were still cleaning up what remained of the bonfires and other preparations from the failed healing, so he instead headed towards the Goddess statue placed near the entrance of Raculi. He didn't want company, didn't want to try to stay in control right now.
As soon as Leo made it to the top of the small hill that housed the statue, he fell to his knees. His own tears, held back for so long to be strong for the two people he loved best, began flowing like a river. He stared at the statue, so beautiful and serene, then looked at the ground.
"Goddess Althena, I come to you not for myself, but for-"
No. If he was to pray from the heart, he had to be honest. "I come for myself, for my sister, and for my best friend. Ronfar has been a heart brother since we were children. He is to become my brother in truth, my sister's husband, and the father of my nieces and nephews one day."
He looked up at the Blue Star. As always, its beauty moved his heart and seemed to lessen the mortal squabbles that their Goddess had overseen from time out of mind. Leo could accept that for his own issues, but for his sister and future brother-in-law's heartbreak he could not.
"Ronfar is.... Ronfar," he began, then shrugged his shoulders. "Yes, he can be crude and inappropriate, but he also has a heart larger than Lunar itself. He loves you, he loves Mauri, and he loves the people in this world with every fiber of his being."
Now Leo looked down at his hands. Mauri had risked her very life in the healing attempt and nearly had it snatched away. What could HE offer?
Ah...
Leo drew his blade and made a cut across his palm, pressing it to the earth. "Hear me, Mother of us all, and hear my vow. Let him live. I have given you my service, but I will vow to you my every breath. My sword against your every enemy and my shield between every child of yours and any possible harm. I will uphold your every law and be as a servant to every one of your Chosen. Please, I beg of you... don't let his fire die out. Don't tear apart two people in a love the rest of us can only dream of."
Leo had no idea how long he knelt in front of the statue. It could have been minutes or hours. At long last, he felt the peace in his heart that prayer to his Goddess always brought him.
He knew, in his heart of hearts, that his prayer had been heard. Whether it would be granted, he didn't know, but something in the night's breeze seemed to speak of acknowledgement.
Leo got up, bowed to the statue once more, and returned to Ronfar's house. Ronfar and Mauri were sleeping deeply while Josam watched over them closely.
He glanced up at Leo's entrance. "You seem lighter, my boy."
Leo nodded. "Yes. I have made my offering this night as well. We will see if the Goddess finds it worthy."
Josam didn't ask for an explanation. "May she hear us all. Rest well, and I'll see you all in the morning."
"Thank you," Leo replied. Josam simply nodded as he got up and returned to his own house.
Leo made sure to wrap his palm before climbing into his bedroll. He would not take any herbs for it- he wanted the reminder of his vow.
Whether it would count for anything was up to the Goddess now.
Mauri always said afterwards that she didn't know how she would have managed without Leo.
Since Leo had no priestly education, he made Ronfar's care and the house chores his primary duty. He cleaned, chopped wood, fetched water, did laundry, and helped Ronfar with getting dressed or bathed like a whirlwind. When the house was clean and stocked, he went out hunting or fishing for his family and others in the village. The one chore he allowed Mauri to do as a break from her reading was to cook as he was still as hopeless in the kitchen as ever.
Mauri would have protested that Leo was overdoing it, but she knew that he hated feeling helpless. Caring for them and the house was his way to contribute to the fight for his future brother-in-law's life. He had even started reading some of her books on the lore of the Goddess which he had had some training on in Pentagulia at least.
Meanwhile, Mauri was trying to hide her own despair around Ronfar. They still tried healings, together and separately, which always failed and brought nothing but pain. Ronfar seemed to be losing weight and napping longer by the day. She herself often fell asleep over one of her books, waking to find that Leo had tucked Bronn's beautiful Zulan quilt around her shoulders.
She simultaneously cherished and anguished over their time together, all the more precious because it was clearly running out.
Five days after their arrival in Raculi, Ronfar found something promising in one of his own books.
"Mauri... Mauri! Take a look at this!"
Mauri opened her eyes blearily. She had fallen asleep over her book again at the desk next to Ronfar's bed. "Wha?"
Ronfar laughed, sounding more like his old self, and gently shook her shoulders. Mauri yawned and came to look at the passage that Ronfar was pointing at.
So it was during the full rising of the Blue Star that Althena blessed both worlds, that her children might remember their first home. A time for miracles, where her power flowed freely throughout the world that the restoration of the Blue Star would come ever nearer.
"'A time in which her power flowed freely...'" Mauri read in wonder.
"Exactly! The full rising of the Blue Star is in..." Ronfar frowned, trying to count the days.
"Tomorrow night," Leo filled in. He had just entered the house with a new load of firewood and had caught their conversation.
"If Althena's power is increased in that time, it would be the perfect time to try and overcome this plague!" Ronfar explained triumphantly.
Leo's face took on a hesitant hope. "Will it be enough?"
Mauri had been thinking about that. "I noticed in Zulan that when others would pray with me, I could call up far more of Althena's power than alone. If we could get the other villagers to help-"
"I will go speak to them now," Leo said immediately. He dropped off the firewood and ran out of the house.
Mauri hesitated, then turned to Ronfar to speak her worries. She found herself glad that Leo wasn't in the house for this. "Ronfar, the way this plague has been reacting, this could very well kill you. If I did that..."
Ronfar brought his finger up to Mauri's lips. "Sugarbun, I'm on my way out anyway. I trust you and I trust the Goddess. I'll take this chance, and if anything does happen, I'll accept it." He paused. "But if you blame yourself for it, then I will haunt the hell out of you."
Mauri felt a laugh bubbling out of her. Goddess, how she loved this man! So serious and full of wisdom at some times, and so inappropriate at others. "Very well. Let's start planning how we're going to do this."
Ronfar grinned. "Ah, there's that voice of reason! Let's see..."
While Mauri and Ronfar ironed out how to best take advantage of the celestial event and every possible way to increase their use of Althena's power, Leo went from house to house to see how many could help.
Raculi's population had dropped, but those who remained remembered the care and consideration that Ronfar had shown every single patient. Those who were able demanded to come and help in this attempt to save his life. The mayor had even declared the day an impromptu holiday and requested that non-essential work be shelved.
Leo had ordered that Ronfar and Mauri spend the rest of the day resting. "You will both need every iota of power and every bit of energy that you possess for the healing tomorrow night." Mauri opened her mouth, but Leo cut in. "And YES, I've seen to meals," he answered the unspoken question. "In payment, I'm going fishing. I'll be back later." Picking up his gear, he left for the headland that was a popular fishing spot for Raculi.
Ronfar and Mauri looked at each other. "I think he forgets he's not on the Destiny at times," Ronfar said with a grin.
Mauri shook her head ruefully. "He's my big brother. It comes naturally."
Ronfar laughed and held his arms open in invitation. Mauri joined him immediately, knowing in her heart that Leo was giving them this time together, just in case. They took the opportunity to renew their love and commitment to each other and their goddess.
Afterwards, they lay quiet and sated, trying not to think about the next day. Ronfar was gently stroking Mauri's hair while she listened to his heartbeat, her head nestled comfortably on his chest. "Ronfar?"
"What is it, sugarplum?"
"What do you think our kids would-will be like?"
Ronfar noticed the quick word change but didn't comment on it. He leaned back and thought about it. "I'd be happy with anything, but I do want a little girl at some point. A girl with your heart and your smile."
Mauri smiled. "How about a boy with your passion for life and sense of humor?"
"Another me? Could the world take it?" Ronfar asked with a laugh. "Or Leo?"
Mauri snuggled in. "Of course, maybe one of each. Perhaps Leo could teach them to be strong and how to wield a sword."
"I could teach them how to cook and play cards," Ronfar suggested.
Mauri chuckled. He could teach them so much more than that. "I could teach them Althena's lore and how to heal and care for others. What would you name our little boy?"
Ronfar blushed, as he had already been thinking about this. "Leon, though Leo would never let me forget it."
"I like it. When we have a girl, I want to name her Celeste," Mauri said.
Ronfar ran a finger through Mauri's hair. "Celeste?"
Mauri nodded. "For the heavens. For the Goddess' Paintbrush in Zulan, and for the Blue Star that will give us our miracle."
"Celeste and Leon," Ronfar said dreamily. "We'll live in my house here with Leo next door. Maybe he'll find a wife one day and give our children cousins."
"They'll all grow up close, and then go on their own adventures while we grow old," Mauri added.
"We'll have it all," Ronfar promised, "So let's get some rest so we can get through tomorrow and make it happen."
Mauri agreed and pulled Bronn's quilt over them. She soon fell asleep in Ronfar's arms, but he stayed awake. It was a dream come true to be holding his beloved again, to watch her sleep and be at peace. He wanted to memorize everything about her- the curve of her neck, the way she fitted herself snugly against him as they slept, the way her eyes would grow soft and dewy after making love.
As Ronfar kissed the top of Mauri's head, he noted that her hair smelled of the wildflowers found outside. Mauri had made shampoo and scented it with the flowers of home to carry a piece of Raculi with her.
As long as they had been childhood friends, then courting, then lovers, Mauri still found new ways to surprise and delight him. He, in turn, tried to find new ways to express his love, though to show Mauri everything he felt in his heart for her would take a lifetime.
As Ronfar gently kissed her again and followed her into sleep, he prayed one more time to Althena that she would bless him with the opportunity to try.
The next morning, Mauri got up early and went to go bathe in the sea. She would spend the day in isolation, fasting and praying, to purify her spirit and prepare herself for the healing that night.
Ronfar had dictated the words that their neighbors would recite while Leo jotted them down, then spent the rest of the day alternating between prayer, checking his holy books one more time, and napping.
Leo had taken charge of preparing the two bonfires on the headland near the coast and gathering those villagers who would help. One villager was keeping a close eye on the heavens, ready to give a warning when the Blue Star was about to rise.
At sunset, Mauri returned from isolation and was ready to work. She looked a bit pale, but her eyes were shining and the tranquility and inner strength Leo had always seen during her work as a priestess were multiplied tenfold. Mauri wore the robe she had been given during her ordination, her hair up in a twist. "Is everything ready?" she asked Leo softly.
Leo nodded. "The fires that you wanted are set up perfectly. We made the leaf bed between them for Ronfar. The villagers and I have practiced the lines. Everything lies with you and the Goddess now."
Mauri took a deep breath to steel herself. "Thank you. Let us begin!"
One of the villagers went to notify Josam to bring out Ronfar. Josam was letting his grandson lean on him, and it stabbed Mauri in the heart to see how weak he had grown in almost a week. He saw her stricken face and gave her a wide grin, that everything would be well. He was also dressed in his ordination robe, though he had lost so much weight that it hung off of his frame.
Mauri stepped up to help Josam get Ronfar to lie down on the leaf bed. It was far enough from the flames that no loose sparks would ignite it. As Ronfar got settled, he brought Mauri's hand to his lips to gently, reverently kiss it. "As I honor you, love, I honor the spark of Althena's love in you."
Mauri returned the favor, kissing his hand gently. "May she work through both of us today, beloved."
It was only a short wait before the very edge of the Blue Star was seen rising over the Minea Sea. It painted a lovely silvery blue path along the surface of the water, pointing directly to Ronfar. "We're ready!" Leo called out.
Mauri bowed to the Blue Star, the home world of their ancestors and Althena's first gift to them all. Then she turned and bowed to the villagers, to Josam and Leo, and to her love. "Thank you, all of you, for your help with this. We are gathered here under the light of the Blue Star to beseech our Goddess Althena."
"Holy Mother, we call to you!" everyone responded.
"You who give us life, you who give us love, you who transformed a barren world into one of beauty and wonder, we gather together in your name for the sake of your cherished son," Mauri continued.
"Holy Mother, hear us now!"
"For your own Chosen, for my own beloved. This plague has taken the lives of too many already. In humility and love we turn to you, you whose holy light and love alone can drive out this darkness!"
Golden white light began to build at Mauri's hands, faster and brighter than ever before. It was working! The time of the rising, everyone's hearts beating as one- even in Zulan she had never felt so aware of Althena's holy power.
"Holy Mother, give us your love!"
Ronfar's eyes were shining as they met Mauri's, and then it was his turn. "Great Mother, you who hear every cry of your children, we beg you to come to us now. Destroy this plague with your holy power and mercy!"
The same light began to build at his hands. The villagers and Leo were quiet now, praying from the heart. Mauri felt the power rising, rising like waves in the Minea Sea during a winter storm. She strengthened her connection to Ronfar and then took his hands to combine their prayers.
She was.... burning. From the inside out, from the outside in, she couldn't tell anymore. The heat of the holy light, the heat of the fever, pain from channeling more of Althena's power than she could have dreamed...
Ronfar groaned, his body the battleground between the curse of the plague and the power of the Goddess. "Fight it, my love! We can do this! Just a bit more!" Mauri encouraged him.
"It's... oh, Goddess, it hurts!" Ronfar spat out, then clenched his teeth against the pain.
Leo had come up to them, looking worried. Mauri tried to give him a reassuring word, until the pain blasted through Ronfar's defenses. He started screaming in agony.
Mauri echoed his screams. She could feel the plague drinking in the holy power that they were channeling, using it to grow even stronger.
It shouldn't have been able to do that. NO illness had ever been able to do that! "No! We have to stop this now!" she commanded.
It was far too late. Ronfar was delirious from the pain, unable to stop channeling the Goddess' power. Mauri tried to cut it off from them both, but the phantom pain that roared in her head had made it nearly impossible. She finally managed to halt Ronfar's spell with the greatest effort of her life.
Her own fizzled out of control, and the backlash hit her like a falling boulder. As she collapsed to the ground, a part of her thought she heard malevolent laughter, deep and mocking as she lost consciousness.
For the most horrifying moment of his life, Leo was certain that both Mauri and Ronfar were dead.
Suddenly Ronfar groaned slightly and Mauri coughed. She got to her feet slowly, wobbling all the way even with Leo helping her. Tears ran down her cheeks as she gazed down at Ronfar sorrowfully. "I failed. I... I nearly killed us both."
"But you didn't. You're both still here," Leo reminded her gently. Once he was sure that Mauri would be steady on her feet, he bent down to pick up his semi-conscious best friend.
"Here, child, lean on me," Josam offered kindly. Mauri nodded wordlessly and took his arm to head back to the house.
The mayor of the village came up to Leo looking crestfallen. "Do not worry about the fires, Sir Leo- we will clean this up. I think all of you need a good night's rest."
"Goddess willing. You have my thanks," Leo replied sadly, turning to follow his sister back to the house. The mayor nodded and began calling for buckets of water for the flames and rakes for the leaf bed.
First things first, Leo got Ronfar tucked into bed for the night. The priest looked awful, his complexion having more gray in it than when they had first arrived. He mumbled Mauri's name in a question.
"She's all right. She got up on her feet and walked back," Leo assured him.
"'s good," Ronfar muttered, and immediately fell asleep.
Leo was grateful that was all it took, because Mauri was most assuredly NOT all right. Josam was talking to her softly, trying to reassure her, but Mauri kept shaking her head. Tears trickled down her cheeks.
"All my fault... all my fault..." she kept repeating.
Leo decided to try talking sense into her. "Mauri, what else could you have done? You acted precisely as a good commander must do."
Mauri stared up at him. "Commander?"
He ticked off of his fingers. "You chose the most auspicious time for your battle. You trained and conditioned yourself with rest and prayer to be in your best shape. You even called in reinforcements with the villagers and I to bring you the greatest amount of power possible. There is no shame in losing a battle in which you made every correct choice."
Mauri smiled grimly. "Thank you, brother." She picked up a handkerchief and wiped her eyes.
Leo suddenly noticed a large gash on her arm as she moved it. "Did you injure yourself?"
Mauri looked at it. "Oh, it must have been from the fall. I'll fix it." She quickly chanted the words to a small heal litany.
Nothing happened.
Mauri frowned and tried again.
Nothing happened.
Mauri began to look a bit panicky. "What...? Leo, I can't feel it. I can't feel the Goddess' power!"
"Shhh, you must have pushed yourself too hard," Leo said soothingly. He reached into his belt pouch for one of the emergency starlights he always kept on hand along with healing herbs and handed it to her.
Mauri ate it quickly and a bit more color did show in her cheeks. She chanted again, her fists clenched.
Nothing happened.
"Oh, no. I've never heard of this happening." Mauri was definitely panicking now. "Leo, what can I do? What am I supposed to do now?! I can't help Ronfar like this!"
Leo was starting to feel overwhelmed himself but tried to shove it down. "Get some rest. Perhaps it's like straining or breaking a limb."
"I don't think so, I can still feel it when I'm out of magic," Mauri protested.
"MAURI!" Leo scolded more loudly than he meant to. Mauri quieted, looking up at him woefully. He hadn't seen that look in her eyes since the night they learned their parents had passed, where his little sister was looking up at him as the big brother to know what to do next.
The trouble was, Leo had no idea. Everything going on here was beyond his experience. Finally, he said the only thing he could think of. "All of us are exhausted and overwrought. Get some sleep, little sister. We'll see how conditions look in the morning."
Mauri nodded and hiccupped once, but her tears finally stopped. Leo handed her a healing herb to eat which healed up the gash instantly. She shed her ordination robe, leaving her plain white chemise, and crawled into bed next to Ronfar. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, and even in sleep Ronfar pulled her closer.
Josam had watched the exchange silently, but now came up to Leo to give him a gentle nudge near the door. "I think you need a walk, lad."
"No, I cannot leave my post. They may need me," Leo protested.
"I think you need some time for yourself," Josam said sternly. "I will stay with them. You have also been pushing yourself too hard, and you've been trying to be an anchor for them both in a battle you have no experience in. Go take a walk and take care of yourself."
"I...." Leo sighed. Josam was absolutely correct. "I thank you," he said instead.
Josam nodded and pointed towards the door. "Go."
Leo obeyed without another word. The villagers were still cleaning up what remained of the bonfires and other preparations from the failed healing, so he instead headed towards the Goddess statue placed near the entrance of Raculi. He didn't want company, didn't want to try to stay in control right now.
As soon as Leo made it to the top of the small hill that housed the statue, he fell to his knees. His own tears, held back for so long to be strong for the two people he loved best, began flowing like a river. He stared at the statue, so beautiful and serene, then looked at the ground.
"Goddess Althena, I come to you not for myself, but for-"
No. If he was to pray from the heart, he had to be honest. "I come for myself, for my sister, and for my best friend. Ronfar has been a heart brother since we were children. He is to become my brother in truth, my sister's husband, and the father of my nieces and nephews one day."
He looked up at the Blue Star. As always, its beauty moved his heart and seemed to lessen the mortal squabbles that their Goddess had overseen from time out of mind. Leo could accept that for his own issues, but for his sister and future brother-in-law's heartbreak he could not.
"Ronfar is.... Ronfar," he began, then shrugged his shoulders. "Yes, he can be crude and inappropriate, but he also has a heart larger than Lunar itself. He loves you, he loves Mauri, and he loves the people in this world with every fiber of his being."
Now Leo looked down at his hands. Mauri had risked her very life in the healing attempt and nearly had it snatched away. What could HE offer?
Ah...
Leo drew his blade and made a cut across his palm, pressing it to the earth. "Hear me, Mother of us all, and hear my vow. Let him live. I have given you my service, but I will vow to you my every breath. My sword against your every enemy and my shield between every child of yours and any possible harm. I will uphold your every law and be as a servant to every one of your Chosen. Please, I beg of you... don't let his fire die out. Don't tear apart two people in a love the rest of us can only dream of."
Leo had no idea how long he knelt in front of the statue. It could have been minutes or hours. At long last, he felt the peace in his heart that prayer to his Goddess always brought him.
He knew, in his heart of hearts, that his prayer had been heard. Whether it would be granted, he didn't know, but something in the night's breeze seemed to speak of acknowledgement.
Leo got up, bowed to the statue once more, and returned to Ronfar's house. Ronfar and Mauri were sleeping deeply while Josam watched over them closely.
He glanced up at Leo's entrance. "You seem lighter, my boy."
Leo nodded. "Yes. I have made my offering this night as well. We will see if the Goddess finds it worthy."
Josam didn't ask for an explanation. "May she hear us all. Rest well, and I'll see you all in the morning."
"Thank you," Leo replied. Josam simply nodded as he got up and returned to his own house.
Leo made sure to wrap his palm before climbing into his bedroll. He would not take any herbs for it- he wanted the reminder of his vow.
Whether it would count for anything was up to the Goddess now.