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Shattered	By : Koori Category: +S through Z > World of Warcraft Views: 8001 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own World of Warcraft, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Chapter Thirty-Two – Sara Conway
“Why does everyone automatically assume I know tailoring and cooking?”
Sara smiled sympathetically as she adjusted the sleeping babe in her arms. “I’ve tasted your cooking, Beth, you can cook … it’s just not edible.”
“Zing!” The man across the table said. “You know if you were able to cook maybe you’d find yourself a husband … settle down, get one of those things of your own.”
“Thing?” Sara said, raising an eyebrow. She was sitting at a table in a pub of Old Town, named Pig and Whistle Tavern. With her were her childhood friend Bethany O’Connell and a gentleman named Arthur Huwe who trained young rogues in the art of daggers and poisons. She and Arthur had met while she trained under Ilsa, after nixing his romantic attempts they had formed a casual friendship.
“Pardon me,” Arthur said, “I meant the precious little bundle of joy that puked up all over my tunic.”
“I warned you,” Sara said, “that’s why I gave you a burp cloth.”
“Men don’t use burp clothes …”
“Then men get spit up on,” Sara said.
“Still don’t know how that much stuff could come out of something so tiny.”
“Wait until you see what comes out the other end,” Bethany said with a wicked grin and the bald human paled.
“Can I get you folks anything else?”
Arthur looked over at the young bartender, “No thanks Elly,” he said, “I just lost my appetite.”
“Just?” Sara said, “Sure it wasn’t the cornbread … or the roasted quail or the half of cherry pie …”
“Or the three flagon of Dwarven mead?” Bethany chimed in.
“Well not all of us can get by on moonberry juice and spring water!” Arthur grumbled back.
Laughing the trio settled their bill and stepped outside. Sara sighed at the rain that greeted them. “None of that,” Bethany said poking her and opening up an umbrella, “we need the rain desperately.”
Sara adjusted her cloak so it wrapped around Violet and pulled her hood over her head. “She was born in the rain, surprised she doesn’t have gills. Are you needed at the Cathedral of Light?” Sara asked. Bethany had been a priestess almost as long as her sister.
“Not today, though I did promise Shellene at Orphanage that I would stop by and lend a hand,” Bethany said. “Guessing with this weather they could use an extra set of hands with the young ones. Do you want to come with?”
“Most days I would have jumped at the chance,” Sara said, “but I’ve learned I should sleep when Violet does or I don’t get sleep. Walk me back to the inn?”
“The inn?” Bethany asked, “Why didn’t you get your old room back at the barracks?”
“Because that’s a perfect place for a baby,” Sara replied with a grin, “plus I’m walking away from the warrior life, someone needs me more.”
“Now that’s the first step to getting yourself a husband,” Arthur said, “might I be so bold as to be the first to throw his hat in the ring.”
“You weren’t so brave when Foster was still in the guard,” Bethany said, she seemed to catch herself and offered a quick apology, “Sorry Sara, I miss him too.”
“It’s okay,” Sara said, “I still have one big brother to watch over me, he’s pretty good with a bow if you remember, Art. But I’ll take your offer into consideration.”
“So it’s a date?” Arthur said, “This Friday, should I pick you up at let’s say 7:00? I’m sure Beth can watch the babe.”
“I’m sorry,” Sara replied, “I’m returning back home by the end of the week. I have things I need to attend to.”
“That’s funny,” Arthur replied, “I have a ‘thing’ I want you to attend to as well.”
“Arthur Huwe!” Bethany gasped, “You behave yourself, she’s a new mother!” As they talked they walked across a low bridge over the canal and into Dwarven District. “You’re staying at The Golden Keg?”
“Must enjoy the scent of soot and ale in the morning,” Arthur said.
“Dwarves and my family have history,” Sara said, “and they make the best breakfast.”
As the forges in question came into view, they noticed a large crowd standing in the rain. Sara could hear angry shouts. “I wonder what is up?” she asked.
“Stay here,” Arthur said, “I’ll go check.” The rogue master seemly vanished from sight. A moment later, he reappeared. “Look like a raptor got loose from the stable masters,” he said, “nothing too exciting some guards are trying to subdue it. But it’s outsmarting them, poor beast is about to meet a quick end with their swords. Some hunter is going to be out of a pet.”
A loud cry came from the crowd and Sara startled. She handed Violet off to Bethany and raced into the mob, ignoring her friends’ shouts. Pushing through the throng she saw three armored guards approaching the raptor, the beast was bleeding from a cut across its snout. A half dozen other guards were trying their best to keep the crowd back. “Omelet!” she screamed, the beast looked toward her and let out a yip. “That’s my pet!” she told a nearby guard.
“You should have kept it on a leash,” the guard replied.
Swearing she ducked under the guard’s arm at the same time pulled his sword from the sheath. Charging forward she raised the weapon and blocked the blade aimed for Omelet. “Back down,” she said. Arthur appeared at her side, daggers drawn.
“The lady says the beast is hers,” he said, “she can control it …” he glanced over at her, “you can control it, can’t you?”
Sara nodded and tossed the sword back to the guardsman she had taken it from and approached the raptor. “Hey boy, you get tired of waiting for me, huh?” She ran a hand over his snout. “That’s going to leave a scar; you’ll look like a tough guy won’t you?” There was a rope dangling from the collar around his neck, the end looked chewed through. She grabbed it and wrapped it around her hand.
“He tried to eat Snookins!” A woman said angrily.
Sara glanced over at the irate woman and noticed a small dog in her arms. “In his defense,” she replied, “your dog looks like his squeaky toy, had he wanted to eat Snookins, Snookins would be in his belly. He was probably just playing. Come on, Omelet,” she tugged on the rope.
“You have a pet raptor?” Arthur asked as the crowd dispersed, his daggers once again vanished into the folds of his armor.
“Yes,” Sara replied, “though I left him at the farm, he must have tracked me. Are you part dog, boy?” Bethany seemed reluctant to join them, keeping an arm’s length away with Violet. “It’s okay, Beth,” she said, “he’s a big pussy cat … a bleeding pussy cat, can you help him out?”
Bethany handed Violet to a startled Arthur then walked over, she reached a hand cautiously out. Omelet studied it for a moment, his eyes crossing comically and Sara giggled. A soft emerald light came from Bethany’s finger tips and circled the bleeding snout; the cut closed leaving behind a faint scar. Omelet’s tongue flickered out and licked Bethany’s hand; she pulled it back. “He says you taste like chicken,” Arthur said as he tentatively cradled Violet.
“He’s saying thank you,” Sara replied. Omelet pulled on the lead, Sara tugged back. “Oh no, no more adventures for you young man,” she said. “We need to find a stable master for you until I head back to the farm.” Omelet jerked harder on the leash and she frowned, tightening her grip. “I said no! I’m wet and I want to go to my room!” The raptor looked at her, the bright blue sapphire eyes were pleading. She frowned, “What is it, boy?”
“Maybe someone fell down the well,” Arthur said as he handed Violet back to Bethany, unable to mask his relief. The healer tucked her shawl around the baby to keep her dry from the rain.
“Maybe,” Sara replied, “okay, what do you want to show me, boy?”
She let the raptor lead her deeper into the dwarven district, her two friends trailed behind them. Sara was sure she was missing out on the rolling of eyes.   They came to a small ally partially blocked by crates. Omelet nodded toward a small opening between the wall and boxes as he sat down. “Let me check it out,” Arthur said. He once again disappeared into the shadows only to reappear a moment later. “Just some bum sleeping off a drunk,” he said. “There is nothing there.”
Sara sighed and pushed back the startled rogue, she had to turn sideways to fit through the opening. There was indeed a huddled figure in the far corner; the rain had long since soaked the cloak pulled up over the person. A piece of chewed off rope could be seen peeking out from under the wrap.
“Sara!” Bethany hissed from behind, “what are you doing?”
Ignoring her friend Sara approached the figure. “Hey, Big Brother, aren’t you a little damp sitting out here?” She knelt down and pulled the hood of the cloak back. Elfin ears appeared but her brother’s face remained downward, resting on his arms on bent up legs. “Big Brother?” she said again, reaching out to brush the wet hair back. The skin was cold to the touch. “Nathaniel!” she cried, this time a soft moan answered her as the elf fell over on his side. “Beth, I need you!”
Her friend appeared at her side, handing her Violet the priestess reached out and placed her hands on Nathaniel’s chest. “What is he doing out here in the rain?” she asked. “He’s dehydrated; a small fever, some bruising on his arms …”
Sara pulled up the elf’s sleeves to reveal dark bruises around his left wrist. “Oh, Big Brother,” she said, “who did this?”
“I think he’s just exhausted, soaked, thirsty and hungry,” Bethany said.
“Is that all?” Arthur asked.
“We need to get him out of the rain and warm.” Bethany continued.
Arthur stepped forward and grabbing the elf’s arm placed it over his shoulder and grasping Nathaniel by the waist pulled him to a standing position. “Up you go!” he said. When it became clear Nathaniel could not support himself the rogue slipped a hand under his legs and picked him up. “Damn,” he said, “the baby weighs more than him.”
Sara and Bethany shoved the crates back so Nathaniel could be carried out. She handed Bethany the bow and quiver lying nearby and then she grabbed Omelet’s leash. “We need to stop by Jenova, so I can leave Scrambled Eggs with her. Mrs. Tillstone will have a hissy fit if I bring him into the inn.”
They walked quickly through the streets, the wind picked up and soon all of them were as soaked as her brother. Bethany walked with one hand on Nathaniel; a warm glow encircled the elf. Sara was worried, what was he doing here?   Before she had left home, she had revealed a little of Nathaniel’s pain, including his inability to feed himself. Was he too ashamed to let their parents help him? She had been gone almost a week had he eaten or drank anything in that time?   How long had he been in Stormwind? After handing Omelet off with the dwarven stable master they hurried into the nearby inn, removing the wet cloaks they hung them on the coat rack. Except for Nathaniel’s who was wrapped up in his.
The innkeeper came forward; the short dwarven woman looked over the rain soaked quartet. “Colin, a round of Dwarven Mead, on the house for these folks they look like they could be warmed up from the inside out!” She hollered out to the barkeep.
“Thank you, Lady Tillstone,” Sara replied, “my brother is very sick, I need to pay for him to sleep in my room tonight.”
“Oh, lass,” the innkeeper replied, “don’t ye worry none about that, you go ahead and get him warmed up. I’ll have Colin deliver yer drinks to the room.”
“Thank you,” Sara said hurrying up the stairs. Opening the door to her room, she ushered Arthur and Bethany in. “Lay him down on the bed.”
“He’s soaked through,” Arthur said, “why don’t you ladies step outside a minute and I’ll strip him out of these wet clothes.”
“He’s an elf,” Sara said, she placed Violet down in her basset and walked over to her brother still cradled in Arthur’s arms. “I’m lucky he doesn’t run around naked and scare Ma half to death.”
“That may be,” Arthur said, grabbing her hand as she started unbuttoning Nathaniel’s cloak. “But I am not an elf and neither are you and I’m not sure Miss Beth can get any redder over there. Please, step outside the room. I’ll have him undressed in a moment.”
Sara rolled her eyes but followed Bethany out to the hallway. “What is he doing here?” her friend asked. “I could tell something was off that first night. His eyes, they looked so sad.   Worse than when we lost Foster … what happened to him … to you?”
Sara sighed. “Terrible things, old friend, the stuff that makes your worst nightmares look like child play.   I had hoped family and friends would fix what has broken inside him.”
“He’s only been back a short time,” Bethany said, giving Sara a hug. “We’ll heal him, don’t you worry.”
“I hope you’re right,” Sara said.
The door to the room opened. “Okay,” Arthur said, “he’s out of his wet clothes and under the blanket.” The rogue held out his hand. “He had this in his pocket; I’m not sure what to think of it.” He held out an object, Bethany startled and it took Sara moment to realize it was a detached plait of long ivory hair. “He scalped someone?”
She smiled and took it from him. “No,” she said tucking it into her own pocket. “I’m guessing it was a gift.”
“Strange gift,” Bethany said clearly unsettled.
“It’s a story for another day,” Sara said.
“I’m going to track down Colin for that drink while you girls take care of him.” Arthur said.
“Did he wake?” Sara asked.
Arthur looked at her funny. “He’s been awake,” he said. “Hunters are good at playing possum.”
Walking into the room she found Nathaniel lying on the bed, his eyes closed. “Faker,” she said with a smile. They eyelids opened and sapphire eyes found her. Walking over to the bed, she sat down and leaned over wrapping her arms around him. His arms returned the hold hugging her close.
“How did you find me?” he asked, his voice was hoarse.
“You lost your raptor,” Sara said, reaching for a pitcher of water sitting on the nightstand, she poured a glass. Helping her brother sit up she brought the cup to his lips, “Open,” she said. As Nathaniel drank deeply from the cup, Violet let out of cry. Sara sighed, “You’re not the only thirsty one.”
“Here let me take over,” Bethany said taking the glass from her. “I can help with this; I can’t give your daughter what she’s seeking.”
Sara moved over to the bassinet and picked up the fussing baby. Unbuttoning her shirt, she slipped her breast out and placed Violet on her nipple. As the infant quieted and started to nurse, she glanced over and saw Bethany lift the glass to Nathaniel’s closed mouth.
“Open,” Sara said, and the lips parted.
Bethany glanced over her shoulder at Sara, an eyebrow raised in an unasked question. Sara shook her head slightly. After another long drink, Nathaniel lay back down on the bed and closed his eyes. “Tired,” he said.
“Nathaniel,” Bethany said, sitting down the cup. “I’m going to do a light healing on you. It won’t be intrusive.   Sleep is the best medicine for you.”
“I just wish …” Nathaniel whispered, already drifting off to sleep aided by the gentle spell Bethany was casting.
“Wish what?” Bethany asked, pulling the blanket down to reveal his chest, but leaving it folded at his waist.
“…she’d hold me again.” Nathaniel whispered, “I felt safe in her arms.”
“Who?” Bethany asked. There was no reply as Nathanial gave into his exhaustion. The priestess glanced over at Sara. “He has a girlfriend?”
“Only if he found one the last few days,” Sara said. “I don’t know who he could be referring to.”
She watched as Bethany ran her hands down Nathaniel’s chest, she rested it on his abdomen. “His stomach is empty,” she said, “I can sustain him for a short time with the Light but he’ll need real food when he wakes. But just liquids, broth and such, to start with we don’t want to put anything too rich and heavy down there.”
Sara nodded as Bethany picked up his left hand and gently ran a hand over the bruising she found on his wrist. Her head cocked to one side and she wrapped her hand around it. “This was done by a hand,” she said, “you can see the fingers and palm; it’s the same up here on his arms.” She pointed to matching bruises above each elbow. “Someone grabbed him there, hard … standing in front of him.”
“Why didn’t he fight back?” Sara pondered aloud. “That would have been an easy hold for him to break.”
The bruising faded under Bethany’s touch. As she finished, Nathaniel whimpered in his sleep. Bethany shushed him and ran a hand over his forehead. Violet was still nursing, Sara hesitated just a moment then said, “Take down your hair, Beth, then lie down beside him and place his fingers in your locks. I’ll take your place after Violet finishes.”
Bethany stared at her aghast for a long moment, as Nathaniel let out another whine. Then she reached up and undid her bun, her long brunette tresses cascaded down. Adjusting her robe she stretched out beside Nathaniel, resting on her side facing him. Taking the hand closest to her, she lifted it gently up and let his hand fall into her hair. As expected the fingers wrapped around it and Nathaniel’s sleep became peaceful once more. “Okay,” Bethany said in a hushed voice, “I shouldn’t complain sharing a bed with a hot elf, but what is going on?”
“A habit he picked up on our travels,” Sara said, choosing her words carefully. “He needs it to sleep.”
“That’s what the ponytail is for?” Bethany asked. “He uses it for a sleep aid; guess crawling in bed with you every night might raise eyebrows. Who did he scalp to get it?” She stared down at the sleeping elf. “We will get him healed both inside and out.” Bending down she kissed Nathaniel’s forehead, her nose wrinkled. “He stinks like he’s been sleeping in the street for a week. You’ll have to request new linens.”
“Why would Pa let him go?” Sara asked, “He knew the challenges he is facing. Being home safe and sound is where he belongs. My parents are great at healing bruised souls.”
“Whoa,” Arthur said as he stepped in the room, “all had to do to get you in bed is sleep on the street?” In his arms was a tray of beverages.
“In your dreams, jellybean,” Bethany said, “I’m helping in his healing.”
“Uh huh,” Arthur said, sitting the tray down. Taking a drink off it, he walked over to Sara and offered it to her. “I drank the stout knowing it wasn’t your thing,” he said, “Hot apple cider for you, my lady.”
“Thank you,” Sara said taking the warm mug. She could pick up the scent of the cinnamon and smiled, “smells divine.”
Sitting the cup down, she discreetly unlatched her daughter and covered back up, before draping a cloth over her shoulder and gently patted Violet on the back. After getting a burp out of the babe, she laid her down in her bassinet and picked up the cider. She scalded her tongue slightly trying to drink it quickly.
“Don’t hurt yourself,” Bethany chided, “no rush, I like playing bed warmer.”
Arthur let out a loud groan. “And on that teasing note,” he said, “I’m going to take my leave. Thank you for the wonderful lunch, I hope your brother mends quickly.”
“Thank you,” Sara said standing and hugging him. “You be safe.”
“I don’t see too much action these days,” Arthur said, “worse thing happens to me is when a student mishandles their poisons. I have antidotes on hand or built up resistance to them. But I appreciate your concern my lovely. Lady O’Connell …” After a bow she saw him to the door and shut it behind him.
“Let me take your place,” Sara said moving the bassinet closer to the side of the bed. She reached over Bethany and gently untangled her hair from Nathaniel’s fingers.   After Bethany had slipped out of the bed, Sara took her place and let the fingers find her curly locks. “Just wish he wasn’t such a hair puller,” Sara said. “I’m going to take that nap. I’ll make sure to get some broth in him when he awake and send word for you if his condition worsens. You should probably head to the orphanage, Beth, guessing you are being sorely missed.”
Bethany sighed, “There is more going on than you are saying. I hope someday you trust me enough to open up about it.”
“With time, promise,” Sara said. The two women embraced, Bethany draped a quilt over Sara’s, checked on Violet and then saw herself out, locking the door behind her. Sara watched her brother sleep for a short while before giving into her own tiredness.
Knocking awoke her; she sat up drowsy and looked around. The room was darker; the light outside the window was gone. The clock on the wall told her it was early evening. She was surprised to find herself alone in the bed. She looked around frantically but the room was empty, except for Violet who was awake but peaceful in her bed. The knock came again louder. Her daughter answered it with a whimper. Adjusting her clothes from sleeping in them, Sara picked up the baby and walked toward the door. The knock came a third time. “Open up, Sara!” It was Pa’s voice.
She hurried over and unlocked the door, he barged in without waiting. “Where is he?” he said.
“I don’t know,” Sara said truthfully. “Pa, I found him in the street half starved …”
“And you let him go?” Pa demanded.
“No,” Sara said as Violet increased her volume. “I fell asleep,” she said, “having a baby is tough on your sleeping habits when I awoke he was gone … why did you let him leave in the first place?”
“I didn’t let him leave,” Pa said, he rubbed a hand over his face. There was stubble on his jaw and dark circles under his eyes. “I’ve been searching Stormwind for two days; you would think an elf with a giant raptor would stand out more. I wasn’t even sure he was here with you.” Pa suddenly looked over at her; there was a flash in his eyes. “Did you know?”
“Know what?” Sara asked, sitting down on the bed trying to shush her daughter.
“Foster,” Pa said and she looked up at him surprised. “Did you know he was still alive?”
“I’m not sure the undead qualify as alive,” Sara said, her father paled. “But yes, I know Foster is a Death Knight. He was the man that was with us in the forest, he was also the one that saved me and Nathaniel from that hell.   He asked us not to tell you, saw no good in it. And by the look in your face, I tend to agree with him. He’s gone, up to Northrend fighting the Lich King.”
“Nathaniel told you?” Sara frowned.
“He talks in his sleep,” Pa answered pacing the room. He stopped and picked up some clothing lying across the back of a chair. It was Nathaniel’s still wet from the rain. Sara startled, had her brother left naked? “I didn’t like what he was saying,” Pa glanced around the room. “I’m afraid I didn’t take it very well. Frighten your ma, she went to get Grant.” Walking over to the door, he locked it, placing a chair in front of it. He then opened the wardrobe and pushed back the dresses inside, looking. “Then she arrived back just in time to hear her eldest may not be as dead as we thought. She didn’t take it any better than I had, started having one of her fits. I tended to her, sent Grant to get your sister. By the time we got Norah calmed down and I went looking for your brother, he and the raptor were gone.” He glanced over at her where she sat on the bed and a look of understanding crossed over his face. “I first thought he had brought the reptile hunting, to get some fresh air. And then morning came and evening and I knew he had run off but with your Ma so delicate it was another day before I could look for him. Unlike when he was a child I couldn’t rally friends to aid in the search, so it was just me asking a lot of people if they had seen a man and a raptor.” He walked around the bed to the other side. “You’d be surprised how many hunters have raptors as their guardians.” Suddenly he dropped to the ground startling her. “Hey, Baby Boy,” he said gently, “we have to stop meeting like this.”
Something warm pressed against her legs hanging off the edge of the bed and she let out a yelp pulling them up. Glancing down she saw the bare back of the elf pressed against her side of the bed, as far away from Pa as he could get. “Um, Big Brother …” she said kneeling down, “what are you doing?’
“Go away,” Nathaniel said his voice still hoarse.
“Hey this is my room,” Sara replied.
“I’m not leaving,” Pa said.
“Then I will,” Nathaniel said.
“Stop that,” Sara chided rubbing the bare back lightly with her hand. “You sound like you’re three years old.”
The elf scurried out from under the bed; Sara averted her eyes and focused on her daughter. Pa got up and sat down in the chair in front of the door, the room had no windows so it was the only exit.
“Cover yourself,” Pa said, “there is a lady present.”
Nathaniel collected his clothes and Sara shook her head, “no way,” she said, “they are still soaked through and smell like you’ve slept with a raptor.   You’re sick you need to get your ass back in bed and get some broth in you. Stop being so bullhead, Pa just wants to help.”
“Help?” Nathaniel said, “I rather have Foster’s help at least when he hurt me I knew it wasn’t really him, just the lingering curse.”
“I never raised my hand to you,” Pa growled darkly.
“The bruises Bethany healed earlier say otherwise,” Nathaniel replied sharply. “Please, I’m tired of people trying to fix me. There is only one person in this world able to help me and he wants nothing to do with me. Please, I just want left alone.”
“So you can die on the streets?” Sara demanded; her daughter let out an unhappy cry at her tone. “By the Light, Big Brother, you aren’t capable of taking care of yourself, poor Omelet was eating rats because you weren’t able to take care of him. Please, stop doing this …” she put a hand on the arm he was struggling to put into a wet sleeve. “Please, we’ve lost so much; please don’t make us lose you too. Whatever Pa did, I’m sure he didn’t do it on purpose …”
“Sara,” Nathaniel said pleading, “you should have seen him. He was so angry, I can’t handle that. Rage like that brings me back to the hell where I’m cowering naked in the shower waiting for the crop to fall!”
The sound of a chair scraping against the floor made her look up. Their father had unlocked the door and walked out without saying a word. “Pa!” Sara cried. She glared over at Nathaniel, his cheeks wet with tears. He sunk to the ground. She pressed her daughter into his surprised arms and ran after Pa. She stopped him on the stairs. “Don’t leave,” she begged.
“He compared me to Vance,” Pa said, his voice weary. “I didn’t mean to hurt him. I was scared …”
“So is he,” Sara said, “please, I love him but I can’t handle this by myself. Please, Pa, don’t run away from him.   He’s hurting and scared, he doesn’t know what he wants, who he is … our entire trek home Foster and I reassured him once he was back here you and ma would be able to heal his broken soul. Please, don’t abandon him or me … not now, not after everything we’ve been through.”
“Baby girl,” Pa said resting a hand on her cheek, “you’re stronger than you think you are. I have no doubt you can help him find his way. Ten years ago I could be the man both of you think I am, but with your Ma being so delicate right now ...”
“And you’re stronger than you think you are, and I know Ma is,” Sara said, kissing the grizzly cheek. “He needs you … not me, please.”
Pa smiled at her and kissed her forehead. “Let me catch my breath,” he said, “get a drink from the bar; it’s been a long couple of days. I’ll be back, promise.”
“Can you bring up a bowl of broth when you return?” she asked.
“Of course,” Pa said, “I’ll bring something for you as well, guessing you haven’t had dinner yet.”
She kissed him again and returned to her room; Nathaniel was where she had left him. Still holding Violet, her tiny hand wrapped around his finger, as he was looking down at her. Her daughter’s cheeks were wet from the tears of her Uncle. Kneeling down in front of him, Sara brushed away the long bangs that had fallen over his face. “Please, don’t cry,” she said gently, “it will be okay.”
Nathaniel looked up, the deep pain that she had seen once or twice before was back in his eyes. “I don’t think it ever will be,” he said, “I don’t know how to stop the hurt. I get better and then fall back into this hole inside me. I’m losing strength to dig myself back out.”
Sara stood and offered him her hand, “then let us help, we’ll keep pulling you out.” He adjusted his hold on Violet and took her hand letting her pull him to his feet. She grabbed a blanket from the bed and wrapped it around his nude body. “Not with the elves, Big Brother,” she said. She moved the rocking chair back from the doorway to beside the bed and he sat down. Violet let out a soft cry that was echoed by a sob from her uncle. Sitting across from him on the bed Sara rubbed her hands on his arms. Her own eyes brimmed with tears. “Please,” she said again, “don’t cry.”
Shaking his head, he handed back the baby and rubbed a hand over his face. “I miss him, Sis,” he said. “He kept me centered … why did he leave me?”
“Because he was afraid,” Sara said, as she started nursing.
“He’s not afraid of anything,” Nathaniel said, his eyes focused on his hands clasped in front of him.
“He’s terrified of losing you, he’s scared of facing Pa after what he did … he rather face the Lich King than Pa.” Sara chuckled. Her brother didn’t share in her laughter, instead rested his face in his hands. She reached into her pocket and pulled out the ivory ponytail, she laid it on his lap. “He’s still with you,” she said, “in your heart, he’ll always be there. Remember your times together, find his strength there.”
Nathaniel picked up the ponytail and ran his fingers through the strands. Suddenly they tightened around it and he tossed it away. It hit the wall and fell down in the corner. Sara sighed. “As you were falling asleep earlier,” she said, “you were asking for someone … said you felt safe in her arms. Were you asking for Nignath?”
Nathaniel looked up at her the pain from earlier had been replaced by longing. “No,” he said, “someone else that seems lost to me forever.”
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Shattered