Between the Veil and Crown

Kylin 19

Whether it was the tonic or just time, Kylin's muscles loosened and he was able to walk around. However, his right arm remained useless and he still found it difficult to turn his head to the right. To keep his arm from merely dangling at his side, it was tied up in a sling. As for turning his head, he had to remind himself to turn his whole torso to look to his right.

Amelia took his progress as hopeful steps and encouraged him to move around more. Such encouragement led to daily walks, albeit short, around the med bay. They were never alone, as Selim would tail behind them. Whenever there was a lull in conversation, Kylin could feel the daggers Selim glared into his back.

Occasionally, a Ranger would stop by and visit. But from what Kylin could gather, things were very unsettled at headquarters, and Amelia and the Rangers' own healer, Morganne, did what they could to prevent that atmosphere from intruding into the med bay and disrupt the recovery of their patients. While Kylin and Favel had been the only ones hit with the venom, there were still two others who had been in the battle against the flower who needed attentive care.

His infrequent visitors kept him informed of what was happening. They told him that Rei had arrived before the vigil for Favel and Harn was over. Ivelios himself had been badly wounded, but refused to let Morganne or Amelia attend to him -so much so that he stopped coming to the med bay. Scout parties were frequently being sent out to catch any trace of the flower, but so far not even the dogs were picking up anything.

After a week, Amelia finally deemed him fit to walk farther than the interior of the med bay.

She accompanied him to the openings of the stone part of the headquarters, allowing him time to soak in the fading rays of the autumn sun. Even the chilly breezes that swept around the open hallways was a welcome change to the med bay.

They were coming up to the bridge to the tree, on their left, when Kylin heard someone call his name somewhere to his right. He turned to see, momentarily forgetting he could only turn his head so far. Before he could correct his error, he heard running footsteps heading towards him. Arms wrapped around him in a tight hug, causing him to stumble slightly.

"Gentle!" Amelia chastised, startled. "He's still recovering!"

"He's still standing," Selim said with disdain. "He's recovered enough."

The perpetrator released him and stepped back, giving him a chance to get a look at his assailant.

It was Marta, one arm curled around a bouquet of flowers and a face shining with relieved happiness. "It's so good to see you up and about," Marta said breathlessly. She noted the arm in the sling and glanced at Amelia.

"We still don't know," Amelia said in response the unasked question.

Marta's happy expression gave way to a troubled one.

"I'll just be left-handed for a while yet," Kylin gently teased. When it did not ease her expression, he changed the topic. "Where are you taking the flowers?"

By way of making her feel better, it did not. "I was going to visit some graves today," she said quietly.

Kylin matched her solemn tone. Since his conversation with Amelia, he had been avoiding confronting the loss tied with the battle. Sure, it was mentioned in conversation, but it was easier to handle when it was the focus of the topic.

And he would have sidestepped the confrontation once again had Amelia not had other plans.

"Selim and I must take our leave, then," Amelia said. Marta opened her mouth to protest, but Amelia held up her hands. "No, no. I want to get back and make sure Morganne isn't overwhelmed." She turned to go, gently patting Kylin's shoulder as she left. "I will see you when you get back."