From the Ashes

Chapter 59 ~ Times of Healing

    When Tarion opened his eyes next, he found himself back in a familiar location. He was lying on his side near a well of ivory stone, cushioned by soft, cool grass. He winced as the stinging effect of healing magic followed the length of his spine. He swallowed, attempting to draw moisture back into his mouth while he searched for his voice.

    "Morana?" He whispered.

    "Stay still," came her answer. "I'm almost done with your back, and the well water should be taking effect soon."

    He obeyed and closed his eyes again. "What happened?"

    "Astaroth is gone. I think whatever hold he had on the Corrupted Fae is broken now. They all seemed confused and dazed. Gaelen and Neeri are offering help to those who are willing to accept it. Anyone who isn't will be guarded until we know they can be trusted not to hurt anyone."

    Tarion stiffened, then hissed as the muscles in his sore back tensed. He forced himself to relax again before replying. "Gaelen tried to kill you."

    "Gaelen tried to do what he thought would save you and Asterria."

    "You can't possibly forgive him for this."

    She didn't answer right away. Then, "I've forgiven you," she said quietly. Tarion winced, this time from a different sort of pain. "Gaelen deserves the same chance." She rested a hand on his shoulder and some of his tension melted away at the touch.

    "I don't expect you to treat him the same. You have every right not to. But I can't hold this against him. Honestly, I'm glad that there was someone with me who would've been able to make that choice if it was needed. I know I couldn't have asked that of Neeri or my father."

    "I'm glad Neeri is safe, but how did you find your father?"

    Morana sighed, removing her hand and returning her focus to his injuries. "It's a long story."

    "Tell me everything that happened after..." He trailed off, knowing she would understand.

    "All right," she agreed. "But you have to tell me everything that happened to you too."

    Tarion was already shaking his head. "You don't need to know. It's over now."

    "Tarion." She bent over him, her fingers caressing his jaw as she tilted his face towards hers so their gazes met. Her throat bobbed before she spoke. "I need to know. Whatever comes after this, I won't let you endure alone. I want to be able to understand you and I can't do that if I don't know what happened." He pursed his lips, but yielded with a faint nod.

    Tarion listened quietly as she continued to speak while healing him. She told him everything, from the moment she fled Durga's How until they set out to the battlefield. She explained how she'd met Lonan when she escaped Rhidian's attack on her village, and how he'd later revealed himself to her by being able to touch Noxbane.

    She gave his reasons for keeping his identity secret and told him all she'd learned about her mother. She told him of the grueling process Rehema, Neeri, and the Panther, Arlon, had used to restore Neeri's memories and purge Astaroth's fog from her mind.

    She told him about severing Gaelen's bond with Astaroth, and about the male's blood vow. How she realized now that he'd been making it to him, not her, but she still couldn't hold it against him. She finished by explaining the parts of the battle he'd missed while he was unconscious.

    When Morana was done, it was Tarion's turn to speak. He did so, but only gave the details of his imprisonment sparingly. He knew Morana wished to hear what he'd truly endured, but he couldn't bring himself to tell her everything. He could already see the guilt in her eyes and feel it across their new bond.