The Daily (49)

Coruscare had returned to his quarters for the night feeling as though he'd ran hundreds of miles on foot.

He hadn't recalled feeling this sore after the first visit, he also acknowledged that he had been quite shocked by the events the catcher had ensued.

He rinsed in his chambers hollowed out bathroom. A large room, egg shaped and open to the outdoors. It was dark except for the thick beam of moonlight coming in through the opening. Morning was well on its way and the moon was making its leisurely exit.

The moonlight shimmered off of the small waterfall that had been carved out of the side of the mountain. Only certain rooms had private lavatories, the majority of the inhabitants either utilized the public bathing houses, or hauled their water from a levee system he had created. It had taken him years to dig certain paths for the mountain caps water to fall through. The small tunnels had been hell to work in and as many witches and wizards, solitary from other Folk in nature, hadn't made it into the refugees the beginning, the work needed to be done by hand.

An opening to the outside was created in each water enabled room, just shy of the size of a cottage door, allowing the water to rush out and drain.

He stepped into the small stream and let the water bounce from his back to throw mist into the moons ray, flashing silver. He stared out into the night, bright at the moment as there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

He would use the Catcher again. And this time, no funny business.

He would need to get close to Caeli, find ways to help her connect to her dragon half in order to help wake her.

But how do you tell someone something without actually telling them?

He heaved a heavy sigh and water misted in a cloud in response.

*First, become her friend.*, he thought to himself.

*You make it sound easy.", Greedy chuckled.

Coruscare knew deep down that getting close to Caeli for the sake of helping guide her, was not the only reason he liked the idea. Greedy's sudden appearance made that all-too-apparent.

For so long he had heard of her through everyone else's perspective.

He yearned to learn her himself.

And that is why he had wanted to tell Ventus.

Of course she might already know by now.

He couldn't imagine what look he had on his face as he ogled her daughter in broad daylight and behind her back.

And then she had turned around.

He used his large clawed hand to cover his eyes and massage his temples.

*Idiot.*, he thought to himself.

He stepped from the wash room and snagged a large linen towel from one of the wooden shelves just outside of the egg-shaped room. He toweled himself absentmindedly as he made his way to his bed.

Yes, sleep. The sweet surrender of unconsciousness.

His decent as he fell back on his bed was the last thing he remembered.

____________________________________________

Brego and Aurum laid silently in their dark room they shared.

The moon was bright on this night and a couple of small openings in the wall allowed the light in.

"Are you sleeping?", Aurum said quietly in the dark.

There was silence for a few moments before Brego responded.

"No, obviously.", said the gelding, huffing.

His attitude had slowly continued to sour with each day that passed with Caeli having not woken yet.

Each day they would come to visit for a time and talk to her. Letting her know how things had been going since their arrival there.

Telling over and over that she had saved the life of one of Coruscares generals, a she-wolf with small children. How they had been welcomed there and now are considered residents for all intents and purposes. That she had been whisked away after being gravely wounded and how they hoped she was feeling better everyday.

Brego had started working for some of the local farmers, helping til land and move produce, they insisted on paying him. Apparently there were not many horses on the Ausia mountains.

Aurum had taken to studying and working in the schoolhouse that the mountains children attended. The school was large but humble, all-in-all it employed approximately 10 teachers, not including the head master, who happened to be a Faun, or the librarian who was a large barn owl with snow white wings and dark intelligent eyes. He enjoyed his new work, although it had taken some time to get used to sitting on the pedestal in order for the students to be able to see him. A large snake he was but not quite large enough to be seen from all parts of a classroom if not elevated.

Life had been good, they were treated as guests at the palace, and treated well. Worries of overstaying their welcome was often quelled by everyone's genuine kindness and friendship.

Brego had gotten to know the kitchen staff well as they always bid him to come back for lunch each day he worked. He would walk back to the palace covered in dirt and sweat, and they would bring out bowls of fruits and vegetables. They would often work on washing linens while they asked of each other's day. He would rest for an hour or so and then return to work, their company a nice change from when he had worked with humans. Treated more as a worker and less like a slave.

Aurum had also formed relationships, with not only his fellow teachers but also with the children. He had begun to volunteer to watch the children during their play hour and he himself was accepted as student to a wise old gnome that had extensive knowledge in all things considered plants and minerals.

Their lives had settled into an enjoyable routine. Enjoyable aside from the fact that their dear friends life still hung in the balance.

"Is there more we should be doing?", Aurum said softly to Brego.

"We've asked what we can do and we have been doing it. We were told if we visit and speak to her it could help her come around. We go everyday, and we ask everyday, and there is nothing more. Now stop your thoughts on it and get some rest.", Brego huffed again. He adjusted in his large bed to face away from the serpent.

"I miss her.", Aurum said sadly. He turned to stare at the moon, it had begun to make its decent as morning approached.

"As do I.", Brego said just as softly. "Now rest."

The geldings breathing soon deepened and slowed.

Aurum continued to star into the night, wondering if Caeli's mind was aware of their visits despite her unconsciousness.

He felt a pang in his heart.

He could not bring himself to wonder what would happen if she didn't make it.

She would make it.

She had to.