A Court of Blood and Feathers

24

Branwenn

"Enlisted some help my bony ass, Siencyn." I snarl to no one in particular as the three of us stand in my doorway.

"Nice to see you too, Wenn, and your bony ass," Del quips, bouning on the pads of his booted feet.

"At least she's talking now," Ianto mentions offhandedly, more to Del who grunts in agreement.

"Now are you going to let us in or are you going to keep us out here to continue getting soggy?"

***

It was strange having the boys back in my presence. The last time I had seen them was a few months ago when I was recovering. I hadn't been the chattiest at this time. Guilt pangs me at how I shut them out. 

It was definitely a bit more crowded in the cottage than I am used too as the two full-grown and leathered Illyrians shuffle and tuck their wings, trying their best not to be destructive.

"Jeez Wenn, couldn't you have picked any other place to live BUT the Death God's cottage."

I eye Delwyn as he picks through my sparse cabinets.

"It gives me the heeby-jeebies to be in this place."

I sigh, leaning against the door frame as they shuffle around but quickly switch to using my arm to prop myself against it. The presence of the flat surface against the absent space on my back was too much and fantom pains tingle down my spine and shoulders. 

"It's been abandoned for almost a century, Delwyn." I point out to him as he finds some old fruit and makes a face.

"Besides, it keeps any unwanted fae away from me. Well, except you two dumb asses and Siencyn. Speaking of which," I hedge, "Where is Siencyn?" I try not to let the hurt creep into my voice. He had left without even a goodbye. Especially after seeing me crumble like that...

I shake my head clearing it and notice the boys watching me, concern and pity in their eyes. I hiss, glaring at them until they look away.

"So, what's it to you? Being here. Is this a bargain with the Old Creaky Ambassador?" I rub the spot over my shirt where the Blackbird marking lay under my linen sweater.

Delwyn snorts as he bends over and finds a few pieces of bread that have yet to go bad.

"No, madam," Del straightens up and knocks over a jar with his wings, shattering it on the floor.

"We're here out of the goodness of our hearts."

Ianto leans against the doorframe that leads to the small sleeping quarters that I've been occupying the past few weeks.

"We are here on our own accord," sighs Ianto, running his hand over his cleanly braided hair, crowned and parted down his head.

I miss the look that Delwyn gives Ianto behind my back, one of guilt and questioning, accusation. 

I'm too tired to care what it was about.

"Well, either way, I think I may go lay down for a bit." I stifle a yawn and go to lean off the doorway when a large presence plants itself in my way.

"Or not," I sigh, looking up to meet Ian's dark eyes.

"We've three months until the gathering, Wenn. Time to get to work."

***

With some rough banter and effort to force me to stand upright without help, it was a struggle. Ian and Del have me stand in the middle room while they help me into my old training leathers.