~.✧ Ethira ✧.~ [COMPLETE]

~.✧ twenty ✧.~

There was little rest for me that night as the healer spent many hours within Varien's chambers, diagnosing and laboriously working to lower his dangerously high fever. I wished with all that I had in me to be with him, but I respected the healer's request for space, not even peeking within the room.

There was nothing more I could do but worry so I took the opportunity to simply be with my family for a while, hoping their presence would distract me from my fears. They did help to some extent, but it was hard to go very long without thinking about him.

I took to the guest chambers just next door to Varien's as I waited and after a few fitful hours of sleep, I prepared for the day. Just as I was sliding the last few pins into my hair, a soft knock brushed against my door.

Wondering if it was perhaps an update on Varien, I rushed to answer it. But my heart deflated when, on the other side, my sister stood.

"I'm sorry, I know I'm not the healer," she said upon seeing my disappointed expression.

"No, it's okay." I stepped aside so she could join me within the room.

Closing the door behind her, I turned and adjusted my skirts. When I looked up, I found her eyes on me with a soft expression, the corner of her mouth pulled up ever so slightly. "Look at you."

I chuckled slightly. "It's Kes's handiwork, if you're wondering," I said, gesturing to the maroon dress swathing around my legs. "You remember Keslyn from my letters, don't you?"

She smiled. "Yes, of course. She seems lovely. But that's not what I meant."

I furrowed my brows just slightly as she slowly stepped closer. With a gentle touch, she caressed my cheek. "I feel you've grown up on me in these over three months we've been apart. I hardly recognize the young woman in front of me as my same little sister."

I couldn't restrain my smile. "A lot has changed."

Her gaze sparkled for a moment longer before her expression gradually turned somber. "And to think I'm missing it."

"Oh, Saidy." I pulled her into a hug. She gladly accepted it and rested her chin on my shoulder.

"If it makes you feel any better," I muttered, "I feel as though I'm missing much of your life as well. So we're even?"

Saidy let out a slightly tearful laugh as she pulled away, yet she still held my arms. "It doesn't help in the slightest, but thank you for trying."

"I'm quite serious, though. I leave for a few months and you're off making a family."

Her smile turned elated as she rested a hand to her stomach. "I promise I didn't mean to exclude you from such an important event."

"I know, I know." I took her hand and led her toward the small sitting area to talk. "So how did Larklind take it? And the rest of our family? Have you spoken with them?"