(Untitled)

[forbiddensailor]

[Upstairs, in the room that Hotaru and Edward share:]

The door to the room opens without much effort, revealing a medium-sized room.

There are bunk beds off to the right, and a window, reminiscent of that on a space port, next to the top bunk. A small table to the left side contains a laptop.

The room is quite empty, otherwise.

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[prince_arithon]

Arithon sets her on the bed, and waits by the door. When Moiraine gets here, assuming she comes, he'll be out and gone. Its better that way.

[forbiddensailor]

Hotaru remains immobile, and pale.

[prince_arithon]

Arithon remains on edge, and helpless.

[blue_ajah]

*She comes to the door, slowly following the scampering Tashka. Moiraine looks in the room and sees Hotaru lying on the bed and Arithon standing by the door, and the Aes Sedai turns as pale as ash. Her voice is controlled, but there is a hint of strain in it.*

What has happened, that you would send for me?

[prince_arithon]

"There was a battle. I did not see all of it. She has some form of something not unlike magic, herself. It rendered her thusly."

His voice is short tempered with worry. Obvious worry.

"I know no other Healer."

[blue_ajah]

*It is obvious what he is asking. Moiraine thinks of the last time she attempted to Heal Hotaru, and the Aes Sedai wills herself not to faint.*

I might try to aid her, then, but ...

*She looks at Arithon, meeting his eyes directly for perhaps the first time since ... Meara.*

That which is within her. It is still bound?

[prince_arithon]

"It is."

He nods, and realizes that Moiraine probably isn't going to do anything if he leaves. And may not if he stays. His eyes, bright, bright green, are understanding.

And fearfully worried. He likes Hotaru. She's one of the few (four) people he does like.

[blue_ajah]

*She sees both the worry and the understanding in the green eyes that are no longer like her own. She knows the reasons for both, but for one quick moment, Moiraine struggles with herself. She does not want to be in this room, with this man who harmed her so, required to trust his word, and facing the child who carries the seeds of one of her deepest fears within her while Moiraine prepares to do, again, that which before might have destroyed her.

Duty is heavier than a mountain. She sighs, and moves to Hotaru's side, looking down at her.*

Can you tell me anything more about what happened before she collapsed?

[prince_arithon]

"Lady, I can not."

Is the quiet response, and then;

"I will remain, if you so will it, to keep the demon from breaking free if it has a chance at that."

[blue_ajah]

*It takes an act of will for her not to jerk away from the bed. Perfect composure-- she will not break it, not now, but she cannot control a slight flinch. Moiraine looks back at Arithon for a moment.*

Since you were the one to bind it, then perhaps that might be a good idea, if it might break free. *Her tone is even, almost too even, and strained.* But I shall... I shall do what I can for her.

*A golden glow surrounds her then, and very slowly, Moiraine reaches out to the small girl lying on the bed and lays a hand on her forehead. Silver threads of light spin into existence above Hotaru and the Aes Sedai and drift over the girl, searching, delving. Moiraine's eyes close, and her breathing slows just slightly, and evens.*

[prince_arithon]

He simply watches. He has no fear, no hatred, of light. Just cursed hatred of Lysaer.

[blue_ajah]

*She is deep in the power now and it is a joy and a relief. Moiraine weaves, and the light searches further; the Aes Sedai frowns, briefly, as she finds something unexpected, and then moves on. She avoids the sense of that which is bound, and then withdraws and opens her eyes. The threads fade, but the glow around her does not.*

It is strange; there is something about her that is not alive, not flesh and blood and bone, but I cannot tell if it harms her. There is no injury besides, only exhaustion, and that I can aid to some degree.

*She places one hand on each side of Hotaru's head and channels quickly, washing away the girl's fatigue. Moiraine steps back very quickly, then, and allows the glow around her to fade. She turns to Arithon, and her tone is neutral and calm.*

I have done what I might.

[prince_arithon]

"Thank you."

He states, and moves away from the door in as wide a circle from her as possible. He also, and this may or may not offend her, offers a small stack of gold.

[blue_ajah]

*Moiraine watches him carefully as he moves, her glance flicking back and forth between him and the girl on the bed. Her tone is level and remains composed.*

Do not. I will not accept it. It is something that I ... had to do.

[forbiddensailor]

Hotaru, in the meantime, awakes in a start.

Her eyes flutter open.

She is, first, surprised to find herself prone.

She is, second, surprised to hear two, and only two familiar voices, whereever she is.

And speaking of that - "Wh... where am I?"

She grasps up to her throat in a panicked motion, then sits up as fast as she can manage.

"What happened?" she asks, urgently.

[prince_arithon]

He shrugs at Moiraine. What is important is that he offered, not that she accepted. Not paying the Healer is a good way to end up not healed.

"You collapsed, e'alith ka."

He states it quietly, and watches her from a position on the wall a distance away;

"I brought you here, and the Lady Moiraine checked you for harm."