Forgotten

-28-

The battle did not last long. Sansa actually felt surprised at how short it seemed to be. When the noise of chaos slowly died down, she took a step in the direction of the pack. However, Epione stopped her, her hand coming up to hold Sansa back.

"Let me go and see," the female whispered.

Sansa took the elder's hand, surprising Epione as she shook her head, "Let's go together."

Epione seemed at a loss for words before a small smile graced the female's face.

Together, both she and Sansa retraced their path through the woods.

The cries could be heard. Just as Epione had predicted. Sansa felt her hand tighten on the strap of her bag and knew that her role was soon approaching.

As they emerged from the trees, Sansa for the first time in her healing career, felt a wave a nausea hit her from the sight she saw.

She closed her eyes, trying to calm herself before opening them.

Esmond.

She looked around desperately for him and saw him laying upon the ground- Randolph and several others crying over him.

Sansa rushed to his side, pulling off her bag and pushing the others away.

She quickly checked his pulse feeling something heavy in her heart as she took in the thin beat.

"I need clothe, hot water and as much alcohol as you have."

The males around her stared down in stunned silence. Sansa whirled on them, her voice rising to a scream, "Go!"

Quickly they moved, hurrying to obey her orders.

Sansa felt the next hours were a blur. She had never commanded others like she did in those moments.

I can tell you have...maybe some Alpha...

Esmond's words came back to haunt her as she leaned over him. There was nothing she could do now to help him. It was up to him as Doctor Nox had always told her. Up to the patient to decided where they wanted to open their eyes to.

Without hesitation Sansa rose, grabbing her bag and moving on to the next pack member who seemed in the most critical condition.

"You can't just leave him!" Sansa turned fiercely on Randolph. In the past hour she had grown tired of his constant hovering. She wished he had made himself useful and helped Epione with the others instead of watching her work on Esmond.

"I am a healer," she hissed, "and I am doing my job, move aside or I will make you move."

The male wordlessly stepped back, allowing her to pass. His mouth hung open in astonishment as he watched her rush by.

Sansa moved from one pack member to the next, feeling tears fall from her eyes as she took in those she could not save.

What was this fought for?

She knew she should not question it out loud. Knew that families had been torn apart, worlds had been shattered, and lives changed forever in the span of a few minutes. But really... what had been the point of this.

Pride? Justice? To not be repressed. To have the power to hold ones head up, look into the sky and scream at the pure ability to know you were free.

Sansa felt like screaming now. She felt like screaming with those who were in pain. To look them in the eyes and say, well you're free- does it feel different? Do you feel better?