29 Mingan

Mingan had been listening for their return, his argument with John having long since run its course. He and Elloreah would need to leave for Alistair's soon to ease the tensions. They'd come to a truce. John would not make decisions about or for Elloreah, and Mingan would not question John's authority while on his lands.

Mingan sat smoking on the porch just outside the study while John went over his paperwork. Sarah finally made her way down the hall. She lingered briefly in the doorway before John acknowledged her.

"What is it, Sarah?" John grumbled. "Here to scold me for fighting over some fae woman?"

Sarah giggled and clamped a hand over her mouth. "Oh my goodness, John. I'm no fool." She shook her head and started again. "I was actually hoping to talk to Mingan."

Mingan raised a brow and turned to her. "About what?"

"Well, Elloreah and I were talking..."

"Of course," Mingan sighed. "Go on."

"And you know, she's... she's well..." Sarah paused, searching for the right words. "This isn't her home..."

"Obviously. Get on with it," Mingan snapped.

Sarah ignored him and went on. "We all know it's very unlikely she'll be able to return. We think perhaps, what happened to her wasn't an accident. If there was a way to find out more about how and why..."

"And how am I supposed to help her with that?" Mingan snapped.

"Lokni," Sarah said simply. "Can't he see what is, possibly even across realms?"

Mingan shook his head. "I don't know Sarah. I don't even know where he is right now. We haven't communicated since finding the girl."

"Well, do you think you could find out?"

Mingan's hand went to his temple. "Yes, Sarah, I can try. I'll think we'd best bring Elloreah to meet Alistair first. He can alone can truly address her concerns about returning to her world..."

"But what if returning would put her in danger?" Sarah asked, cutting him off.

"I will speak to Lokni," Mingan muttered. "After I take her to Alistair."

Sarah clapped with excitement. "Wonderful!" She bent to give Mingan a peck on the cheek. "Elloreah will really appreciate it..."

"Because her happiness is my concern?"

Sarah gave him a light shove. "You can play at not caring, but you do. You don't fool me."

Mingan gave a non-committal grunt and crossed his arms over his chest, glaring at the blonde woman.

Sarah sighed in defeat and went to her husband. "At least I can count on you for a positive outlook on this. Don't you think it's a brilliant idea?"

He turned from putting up the last of his work. "If it works, I'm sure Elloreah would appreciate learning what she is able."

Sarah clapped. "Then it's decided! Mingan, you'll go off and get Lokni..."

"I'll be taking Elloreah to Alistair. I may, or may not get into contact with Lokni if he is not at Tyrsted."

John put a hand on Sarah's shoulder, stilling her. "What Mingan means is, we'll be taking Elloreah to visit Alistair. He'll do the best he can to see if he can help --"

"Since when do you speak for me, old man?" Mingan snapped.

"When you're in my home, speaking to my wife. Go get some rest, I think that buckshot in your ass might be affecting your mood."

Mingan growled and made a move to climb to his feet. "I'm off then." He made his way stiffly past the couple.

It was then that he heard Elloreah's footsteps, emerging from the kitchen. He paused before limping down the hall leaning heavily on the wall to make his slow progression to the guest room.

He slowed as he heard her approach. She hesitated, and he continued on, mentally cursing his choice to pause to begin with. Her footfalls quickened in an instant and she was beside him, smelling of sun, grass and earth.

"Let me help you," she murmured, sliding a supportive arm around his back.

He stiffened at her touch, waiting for the connection, the rush of her empathic pull. It came, only vaguely and he remembered with some relief the protective rune. He sighed, accepting her aid by draping an arm over her shoulders for support. "Thank you," he relented.

She nodded, and then added guiltily, "I could not wait any longer. I had to know what you thought of Sarah's idea."

He laughed despite himself. "What idea was that?"

She gave him a sharp look before softening into a smile. "About Lokni, the Seer. If he can help me."

"You need to go to Alistair first. Same as I told Sarah. I can't promise we can call upon Lokni, but Alistair will be a good start."

She nodded. "When?" They'd arrived at the spare room. She pushed open the door and helped him to the bed. Mingan settled onto it awkwardly, finding it hard to find a dignified yet comfortable position.

"As soon as I'm able to sit properly," he quipped.

She gave him a considering look. "Why don't you just heal yourself?"

"What makes you think I'd be able to?" he snapped.

"I just assumed..." She gestured at her side and the large, still healing wound that the fabric of her blouse hid.

"That was a special circumstance," he muttered.

She shifted uneasily, taking a step towards the door. "Oh."

"Elloreah," he said softly. "Healing you... it's not something I'd like to get out. Being able to do so... is something I've kept hidden."

"Oh," she said again, before recovering herself. "I cannot even begin to understand why, but..." she stepped forward, hesitantly reaching out to him before thinking better of it and drawing back. "It is difficult to see you like this."

"I'd rather not be in this sort of condition at all." He muttered, giving in and shifting so he could lay on his side. "I've been shot before, but never at this close range. Not with a shotgun, at least."

She smiled reluctantly, stepping back from him, seeming to take the change in topic as a dismissal. He caught her gaze once more. "Elloreah. I may explain it to you in the future. Just do me this one favor until then."

"I will." She said solemnly, making her way to the door. "Get some rest."