Hiding Behind the Gates

[Dr. Daniel Carter]

The Carter Estate was not really much in the way of a typical estate. It was not fancy, nor was it rich, or really even all that elegant. It was a small brownstone one level farmhouse with black tiles on the roof and a big wrought iron gate with a thing covering of Irish Ivy winding it's way around the property. It was homey. It wasn't a mansion, it was... comfortable. Daniel smiled as he pressed his hand to the gate latch and closed his eyes. Once inside the gate they were safe, safe from the gossip of townsfolk, from questions of fellow professors, or pages from the queen running up to him just in the nick of time. The rule always had been to leave Daniel alone once he was in the bounds of his property unless it was dire.

The gate was unlocked and he pushed it open easily, waving Raven in before him like a gentleman before following her himself and relatching the gate. The gates were unlocked. Dr. Carter didn't believe a single person in Invernis was not worthy of trust, so his house was left open. The garden was small, but well kept with the crocuses finally starting to peek out of the cold ground and the tulips also starting to stalk. There was the faint sound of running water coming from the small pasture out back, and the two horse barn on property sat on the creek that ran through the yard.

"Welcome home." Daniel breathed with a small laugh, as he was carrying his bags. But he walked at his own pace, obviously happy just to be home. This place really meant something to him. There was a smile on the face of the handsome young archaeologist, blue eyes fixed on the house from behind a pair of somewhat goofy looking glasses and a small but genuine smile on a half stubbled face. He dressed like a professor alright- the long wool overcoat and scarf, the pressed collared shirt, the slacks and shined boots. But as he had never introduced himself to Raven as anything else, he preferred to simply be... Daniel.

The house itself was like an extension of him. It was a cluttered mess filled with bookshelves and artifacts from all over the world. The walls were decorated with war masks and ancient maps along with his two diplomas hanging behind his desk under glass. There was a small table and some chairs in the common room as well as a range and a well worn looking couch to go along with the four bookcases stuffed with his journals from all of his expeditions, text books, and other people's writings. The bedroom wasn't much better than the common room, full of bookcases and artifacts displayed on tables and stands all around the room, everything from idols and cincerary urns from the third century to ancient chess boards and scrolls in languages no one spoke any longer. It was easy to see that not only was his living space as messy as his easily distractable mind, but that he really didn't get out too much. In fact the floor was littered with random items, books, scratch paper and the like that it was hard to move when not on tip toes. The only things of particular note was the old woman's clothing trunk in the corner of the bedroom, and the beautifully crafted cane leaning against the bed, the handle very worn from frequent use.

Sitting down wearily on the couch Daniel seemed to take a minute to reconnect and gain his bearings, leaving his bags on the floor. He traveled so often these days it was hard to get time away from everything and just... be. His age now shone on his face as the afternoon sun hit him just right through the big bay window in the common area- pushing thirty, the tired lines of a working man starting to crease on his face. Soon there would be a few gray hairs, maybe in a few years. Some lines next to the eyes. For now he just looked... tired.

Raising his head he offered a genuine and comfortable smile to Raven. "Anything in the house is yours, Raven. Honestly. Food, books, whatever you want you can make use of anything you need. And I insist you take the bedroom, I don't have a second bed. I'll be just fine out here... heck half the time I'm too tired to even make it to the bed anyhow." Another weak smile. It didn't matter now, they were safe. They were home.

[Raven]

Stepping foot into Daniels house had only brought a pause of uncertainty. This was his home…he had said as much as he’d come in the place but…the word was only a breath whispered from her own lips “Home…” she had forgotten where her own home was. It had been too long, she had been so lost and still remained so. The sights and scents of the place only seemed to take her back to a time when she remembered laughter and the round red face of her father smiling up at her from behind a pile of papers…much like the ones stacked about he place here and there.

Her hands were clasped tightly together before her, she didn’t dare touch a thing. Father would have been so cross if she had disturbed his paperwork. There was a smile though as she followed him through, though she was somewhere else, another place and time.
The sunlight streaming through the windows, the particles of dust dancing serenely to find another place to settle. She could see the huge man now, grinning at her and stepping out from behind his desk, his arms open wide to gather her up and hug her till she squealed with delight and the need to breath. The laughter had been missing for so long.

“Thank you” she quickly told Daniel. Snapped from her reverie as he had said she was welcome to anything in the house and insisting on her taking the bedroom. Already he’d done so much for her and yet…it had been so little.

Trembling hand came to the locket that lay at her throat finger and thumb again teasing the treasure so gently. The reason the marking were worn?
It didn’t matter to her, she was somewhat dazed…only she didn’t step further inside, turning and walking back the way they had come, she just needed to breathe a little. Never had she thought to remember ‘Home’ so vividly ever again and it hurt. It was better to feel numb than mourn what she had lost so long ago now. How long had it been anyway?

All she needed was a moment to compose once again that numbing feeling…only a moment or two to breathe in the chilled air and watch the small crocus’ catch and dance daintily on that breeze. All in another time, and another place…<br>

[Dr. Daniel Carter]

Daniel sank into his chair as Raven took a few steps outside. She wasn't the only one that needed to clear her head. It had been two months... two months of travel to Xexoria to find out what he was looking for, back to Ulster, Raven healing, and finally to home once more. It was all beginning to be a blur- a horrible story he read in some book. Amariette was gone, and for the second time in his life he felt that horrible pain and emptiness that he had experienced when Evelyn left him. The lingering memory of the woman he loved- still loved very much- on his clothes, his sheets, this whole old house just smacked of Amariette Willowbane.

What would he did, he wondered, if she walked through that door right now? Would he stare, would he tell her to get out, or would he run his fingers through her hair, kiss her and hold her, do everything he had promised to...

The answer was, much to his chagrin, that he didn't know. He simply would not know how to react to her. Even Charlie he could handle, but Amariette was still so embedded in his heart that he wasn't so sure if he would have half a mind to be angry with her, let alone the constitution not to drop to his knees and submission if she came for him.

But it had been months now, hadn't it? He'd all but given up on that thought, of her ever coming back. She was gone, back to Chartha with her father and whatever white knight that pretty face could have captured on his way through the small village. It killed him to know- he was Duke of that town now. He didn't want to go there. Perhaps he would appoint an administrator. He couldn't very well resign, Kahlan had made that rather clear. Hands worked over his tired face, blue eyes closed and glasses were set down on the desk. He had work to do anyway.

Raven had been a constant source of strength to him, quietly sitting there waiting for answers to a long standing question. Her loyalty and vigilance alone was what made Daniel feel he owed her at least as much help as his mind could give to her. He was an archaeologist by trade, and it just so happened this young lady needed an archaeologist- a rare thing, he had to admit. But it did feel so... nice... to be needed.

Despite the pain ringing in his head as he stood, dizzy for a moment from rising too fast, he plucked some books, old journals, and reference guides off the shelf and set to work. He had written down what he had seen and remembered from touching the locket and the long and tiresome process of cross referencing and researching the thing was about to begin.

[Amariette Willowbane]

The air never felt so good on Amariette's skin as Lyra stretched her sleek muscles and widened her stride in full gallop along the worn forest path. As the sun descended lower, signaling late mid afternoon, the pair would no doubt reach the Carter homestead by early nightfall. The young woman rider atop her mountain steed felt her heart racing in anxious fear of what would await her, the swirling memories of the last few months flashing befoe her eyes. Theoren. Merope. How had she ever been caught up in such madness? Amariette, a common village girl with wild ambitions and a soft and eager heart had been through Hell and come back with her share of wounds that would take years upon years to heal.

But what of him? What of Daniel?

She could almost feel deep within her very core that she would see him again. Be able to touch his skin and taste his lips, soothe his sorrows and be all that he would need now and forever. Yet, what if she was turned away?

What then would you do Mari? Where then would you go?

It was true fear that welled up in her throat, almost choking the very breath from her lungs so much so, that she had to consciously will herself to inhale lest she faint and fall from her very seat. Tears, hot and numerous spilled down her cheeks in torrents as she thought that her very world had simply collapsed in on her. He had been there, right there beside her, asking for her forgiveness, asking for her comfort, asking, for her very love, despite the mistakes; despite the faults; despite, the human nature. She had turned him away. Literally closed her heart, soul, and mind to him. All which she had promised to be his.

But it wasn't you. It was Merope who destroyed your fairy tale. Now. Now you must win it back.

You can only try.

Swallowing the last of her sobs, Amariette tightened her hold on the reins and rose up in the saddle, leaning against Lyra's smooth neck and willing the horse onward at a faster pace.

Only try.

She would try. For him.

As the sun finally vanished beneath the horizon, Amariette pushed open the gate and lead her horse in slowly by the reins, easing the excited mount into sullen silence that further deepened the night about them. Tying her to a solitary tree just to the side of the front porch, she let her shadowed gaze rise along those familiar steps to the door that awaited her. The wood she would knock upon, the wood that separated her from the man she fought to reclaim. "Daniel...." She whispered, noting the lights that sparkled within. So he -was- home. Had she wished for otherwise? Perhaps arriving to find an empty house and a continuance to her journey? No. The time had come to face him. Face him and ask his forgiveness. Even if he turned her away as she once did him, she had to at least try.

Try for them both.

Sighing, she lowered her head and balled her fists loosely in determination, rounding the porch and drawing up the steps one wooden board at a time. All her senses were on edge and she could hear every creak, feel every gust of wind, smell every bloom of the wild flowers surrounding, see every particle of the door before her, taste her own nervousness. A knock ensued then, faint at first, then more intent upon the wood. She would not cry. She would not let a single tear spill from her eyes before she told him what she needed to say. She would not allow a single piece of emotion to escape her until he knew how much she had missed him, how much she had regretted casting him away.

She would not break down, until she was free.

[Raven]

With the death of another day came another overwhelming attack of apprehension, fear and panic. At least Daniel was moving about and it was to him she made her way as she heard another approach long before any hooves met the turf of the Carter Estate. Raven was still more than the girl or the woman most chose to see.

Thundering through the small house to find Daniel, to warn of an intruder, or at least provide some sort of warning. She merely swung around the frame of the door as Daniel had gathered the books, breathless and on the verge of total panic she hurriedly rambled “Someone’s coming” wringing her hands as that familiar tingle irritated the tips of her fingers, she tried so hard to breathe…he’d told her once to breathe, to look into his eyes and just focus on him and it had worked. That time it really had worked. What about this time, and the next, and maybe even the time after that. When would it be too late? How long before she couldn’t look into his eyes and breathe any more.

“Its her isn’t it?” – the sound of the horse and rider coming closer was not hard to miss now. “I smelt her when I came in the place. She’s all over it isn’t she” her voice was so very soft and low. She didn’t want to be cast out again, she didn’t want to feel as she had before. “Daniel…” she was terrified. Flinching as that tap upon the door came. “You’re going to go away aren’t you?” she was backing away then. Needing to be as far from the front door and the woman…oh she knew it was a woman, the way the light knock on the door had fallen, the steps upon the porch. There was so much she wanted to say, needed for him to hear but…<br>
There was always a but.

Instinct bade her flee…determination forced her to remain, at least in the hall, just behind Daniel as he would at least have to answer the door. She had to see? She had to know and it was more for Daniel and what he needed she forced herself to remain on the spot. Dogged determination despite the fear, despite the terror…<br>No this time she could not do as she had so many times before…this was something else. For the need to outweigh instinct was important indeed. The features of her face must have relayed a little of that at least. The dark, almost black pools of her vision implored…if only fleetingly it was there. However, her gaze shifted to the door, the shadow she could see beyond. Her hands clenching to fists to stave that tingle that threatened to spread.

It wasn’t fair.

Life beyond that door, beyond the shadow of the woman she knew waited entrance…another life called to her and she was for once making a firm and determined stand. Was that her panting so heavily? As though she had ran for miles and miles from some malicious spirit? Maybe she was…maybe she’d never escape.
So many thoughts…and despite everything, she was… remembering to breathe.

[Dr. Daniel Carter]

Morning had found him asleep on his desk. As the first sun rays crept through the bay window of the common room that served as a library found him, he woke and realized he had once again failed to make it to the couch to sleep. Groggily he made himself some oatmeal and washed his face, still vigilant in his resolve to research that locket until he knew what it was he was looking for.

It was hours before Raven came into the house all a panic, and Daniel, sitting studiously in the same shirt he wore the day before with a day old beard was still scribbling away in a leatherbound notebook taking down ideas on the script’s grammatical formation. The look on the dark haired woman’s face caused a furrow of his own brow. “Raven?” He stood up. “Who’s coming, what are you talking about?” Moving across the room to her he took her wringing hands with concern. “Hey, calm down Raven, come on, breathe. It’s ok. You’re safe here, no one even knows I’m home.”<br>
He made sure to hide from the locals. He was becoming almost like a homegrown celebrity. People often came to the estate looking for favors, advice, or sometimes friendly conversation. It was just the mechanics of living in a small town. However they knew when he was there and the gates were closed that coming in was an intrusion of their newly inaugurated Duke, so to fathom anyone in Invernis rude enough to break that solace without a damn good reason was just … impossible for Daniel.

“Raven, I’m confused, what are you talking about? Who’s coming and why would I leave? I just got here.” He shook his head at her. “I told you I won’t be ready to go until I get this research done and then we’re going to the Academy to get the tools before we go and find the other half of your locket. Why would I put you out?” Was Raven going mad? Maybe it was a part of the curse, delusions of the mind that were tearing her apart- or maybe it was a panic attack. Either way, he didn’t understand why she would ever think he would force her to leave a place he invited her to. “Just calm down, honey. It’s alright, just breathe for me.”<br>
The knock on the door made him look up, tiredly. Sleep was a commodity he did not often get. But Raven’s words reached him then. I smelt her all over this place. Who … was at his door? Giving Raven’s shoulder a distracted squeeze he moved for the knob, heart beginning to sink to the pit of his stomach running through all of the possibilities that it could be. The woman on the other side of the door, however, was the one woman he both longed for and never wanted to see on his doorstep again.

The door opened, and an archaeologist in a wrinkled button down and a pair of dress pants stood in the doorway staring at the woman with the red hair that he had thought walked out of his life two months ago. Why was she here? He was just starting to rebuild, why hadn’t she written or contacted him? Was she just here for her things? Did she even have any things to take away? She had already walked off with everything of value to him… there wasn’t much left to take. He didn’t speak. He couldn’t speak. All he could do was grip the doorknob, and stare, and try to calm that feeling knotting around his gut like a snake around it’s dying prey.

[Amariette Willowbane]

She wasn't prepared for this. Even as the door slowly opened and his eyes met hers she knew it. Amariette felt all nerve drain away and the blood rush from her face, leaving her looking far more haggard than she really was. Her legs were melting beneath her, losing all mass and form. Yet she had not fallen? No, she still stood. Trapped like a rat beneath his shocked gaze. Words escaped her. Her lips parted to speak and not a sound emerged.

What was she doing here? Why had she bothered coming? Better to hide forever than meet those eyes. Those blue eyes she would secretly fear for the rest of her life. What could she say that would make the awkwardness and pain go away? What could she do to change things back to the way they used to be?

Nothing. Not a thing. She could tell the truth. All of it.

Her voice refused to act though, and she trembled involuntarily before his eyes, so much the girl that she had left behind only months ago with the murder of Brigham, her beloved father. Yet there was a clarity that was slowly filling her mind, reaching out to her in desperate recognition.

She had left the girl behind long before that hadn't she?

The temple. The trials of Seoul-Mun. Had she been the girl then? No. She had been the woman. Fierce. Determined. She had taken it to be all of Merope's doing, all the strength and will of the unicorn within her. It had been Merope who had gotten her through. Merope, who had given her the power to claim her own life. Merope, who had held all the might she had ever possessed.

And yet, a thought echoed now.

Then who had driven her out?

If Amariette held no power of her own, no will, no might, no strength, how had she forced Merope from her mind and body on that fateful night?

No. She had not fought the unicorn for herself. She had fought her for him.

"Daniel...." The sound came as a whisper from her lips, even as she stood before him staring into those blue depths as her own mind verged on absolute panic.

The strength had not come from her, but from the thought of losing him.

And now, she would use that strength again. To tell him the truth.

Standing on the porch before the door, Amariette Willowbane balled her hands into tight fists and closed her eyes to steady her words and her body. She gained a decent measure of control and lifted her emerald eyes to him once again, not waiting for any type of response to escape his lips. If for nothing else in the world, she would at least speak her peace and leave, for the woman would never stay against his wishes, and it -was- all about him, wasn't it? Swallowing the last of her nervousness, she pushed forward in her resolve, forming the words even before they flowed from her lips.

"I'm sorry to trouble you, and if you tell me now to leave, I will trouble you no more. You have my word Daniel. But." She faultered, oh how could she faulter! It was going as well as to be expected and she had lost the battle once again. No. She would never lose again. "There are some things you must know if I am to live the rest of my life with some semblance of peace, though even that is but a dream that shall never come true. Daniel.....I....."

Then she saw the young girl behind him and all determination crumbled.

"I'm sorry....." The words were tumbling out now. "I didn't know....if I knew you had someone....this was a mistake."

Turning, she ran.

[Raven]

Someone obviously knew he was home. Who would have called at an empty house? Surely no one in their right mind would have waited on the step of an empty house…<br>
But that was what she had done wasn’t it? Memories flashed blindingly through her mind and she clenched her jaw tightly closed to sae the startled cry. She could see it all now. Winters touch upon the house, the leaded windows long since tainted with the dust and dirt of neglect, the sun bleached velvet drapes in the windows long since vacant of the occasional glimpse of one of them. She had perched high in the boughs of the old chestnut and mourned. So long she had remained at the house, so many tears lost, forgotten and never spoken of…even then she could recall. It was as clear as crystal, memories locked so deep only now once again coming to light.

Daniel’s barrage of questions, his tone only meant to reassure were answered for him. It didn’t matter how much he tried…it was never enough was it. She would fly with the rest, she would become once again a part of the Murder that lurked by the old stone cottages.

And all she could do was watch as the scene unfolded. Each and every fibre of tension was tasted and scented…she knew it well, well enough to recognise love, pain and heartache and despite her own desperation, her own need…she backed away from the door. She backed away from Daniel.

Stunned into a silence that seemed to shroud the small hallway in which they stood with a thick blanket of numbing cold…or was that the irritating tingle spreading up her arms?

Lips parted as though she were to speak but still, even her determination crumbled. Rubbing her arms absent-mindedly, even as the far wall met her back, jolting her to reality. A reality in which she did not want to be in at this moment…to fly and be free would have been better would it not?

“She misunderstands” was all she muttered. “You should go” – perhaps she had been right all along. He would be going away after all. Wouldn’t he?

How could anyone have understood what it felt like to feel trapped, caged as she felt right there and then. Struggling to grasp each breath granted her though she smiled wanly through and past it all. A reassurance of her own for Daniel. He at least needed and deserved that.

[Dr. Daniel Carter]

She started to speak, and then… she ran. She ran away from him again. “What the…” He turned to see Raven backing against the wall. So Amariette thought he already had a new girl and Raven’s panic attack had gotten a little too intense. Damn it all to hell, he thought, leaving the door open. He had already given Raven his word he would help her. A homeless girl with no one else to look after her- and a guest in his house. His responsibility. What would chasing Amariette on a still lame leg do for him anyhow? What would he even say? Nothing of use. She had already made her assumptions for the day.

“I’m getting pretty damn tired of people telling me what I should and should not do.” He quipped as he turned around to take Raven by the shoulders with a gentle grasp, forcing her to meet his blue eyes whether she wanted to or not. “I told you I’m not going to just leave you here, now breathe with me. Come on Raven, calm down. I’m not leaving.” Perhaps throwing himself into the ring with Raven’s illness was the best distraction he could possibly come up with, too shocked to deal with anything other than her, and the throbbing in his head that was growing worse by the second.

“Come outside with me, get some fresh air.” He said, hoisting her arm over his shoulders and helping her outside to sit on the steps, setting her down as gently as possible. An involuntary wince as the sharp stabbing pain on his temple panged a few more times. Somewhere from above, a shadow cast over the sun, and with some kind of relief Daniel looked up and saw the body of the great silver dragon descending onto the lawn.

”Amariette?” Halar asked quizzically as the red haired girl went running past him in a blur. ”Raven?” even more quizzically as he watched Daniel set the black haired one on the porch. Daniel looked up with resolute authority and snapped to the dragon, “Don’t just sit there, get the village doctor, and hurry for God’s sake. She needs help!” Raven was already breathing too hard and too shallow. If she didn’t change something worse could happen, and Daniel didn’t even want to think about that. “Please Raven, just breathe, please calm down… she’s not going to hurt you.”<br>
A look around caught Amariette at the gates fleeing. Fine. What could he do? Why should he have to chase her and explain it all? He was sick of explanations- if she didn’t have the sense to know a man that in love couldn’t bring himself to take another woman so soon after her abrupt dumping of him then so be it. If that’s what she really thought of him… then she really didn’t know him in the first place. He couldn’t very well go after her and get on his knees begging for forgiveness for something he didn’t do. He couldn’t keep splitting his time. Raven needed help and she needed it now. Amariette would either have to run or help him.

[Amariette Willowbane]

Amariette was leading Lyra toward the gates now, hanging her head in shame when she heard the voice that called to her, that distinct draconic tone that could raise armies or ease the most piteous of woes.

Halar had arrived?

Taking a chance look over her shoulder in his direction, her eyes squinted in the darkness and she caught the image of Daniel seemingly panicked over something. The girl? Was something wrong with her?

It was then that Amariette felt a strange sensation descend upon her body, her heart softening despite her grief. Someone needed help. Someone need to be taken care of. And who else was more willing to ease and comfort than her? After all, once upon a time, she had actually served others as freely as possible, doing all that was in her power to aid where she was needed. Had she forgotten all that? Forgotten who she was inside? True, she was empty inside and still grieving over the loss of her father, by her own hands. Yet she could not turn aside someone in need. Not this time. Never again. She would help if she could. She would do all in her power to regain some type of merit in her own eyes. Looking to Lyra, she was surprised to see the mare give an almost understanding nod of the head, signaling that she would wait right where she was for her Lady. It was amazing, but not beyond a certain level of belief.

Dropping the reins, Amariette spun on her heels and trotted across the yard, covering the short distance in a matter of minutes. Slowing, she took hesitant and timid steps toward the frantic girl and her once beloved, casting a questioning glance to Daniel. She had no idea what had come over his guest, but she was positive that she knew a way to soothe the young woman's anxiety. In fact, something had to be done and soon, lest she draw herself into a heart attack, something Amariette had seen before long ago in her own village. Gently, wishing not to frighten the girl anymore than she already was, she advanced further and her body melted into a crouch that brought her to her knees upon the first step before the trembling and hyperventilating woman.

"I promise I won't hurt you, but, I think I can help. You need to calm yourself and breathe deep or you'll faint soon and we may never be able to revive you. Please, let me try to help you." Her voice was soft, caressing, and she reached out with sure fingers to lightly trace the girl's face, meeting the dark eyes that were almost black in the darkness. In truth, Amariette's heart went out to the woman, she seemed absolutely terrified and there was an almost child-like plea in her gaze, to be soothed, to be reassured as only a mother could. Brianne would have been the perfect one to help, but there was only her daughter and her willingness to try. "You have to trust me, I mean you no harm, but I need you to try very hard and concentrate for me. I know you can do it. Believe me, I won't let anything happen to you."

Smiling warmly, she withdrew her hand from the woman's cheek and drew upwards opening her arms and slowly embracing the shivering form close to her body. So much so, that the other was sure to feel her beating heart within and at least recognize her total sincerity. Her embrace was nothing but gentle, completely easy to break should this prove too much for the young woman to endure. Stroking her hair slowly, Amariette let her eyes fall closed and she began to push her will outwards, coaxing her presence painlessly into the body of her patient, a warmth that was soothing and comforting flowing through them both. Allowing her will to move at a slow and cautious pace, she washed over the other girl's senses like a gentle tide and projected peaceful images into her mind, seeking to comfort her very soul so that breathing would be so much easy to control.

White sandy beaches beneath glimmering sunsets, cool forests dappled in the rays of the morning sun, rainbows arching brilliantly over waterfalls, these were a few of the pictures she conjured before the girl's eyes. Strange as it was, she was even able to form scents of flowers, surrounding the girl in an entire field of them. All the while she was slowly pulling away the panic and terror, taking it into herself, absorbing the present strife and leaving only a calm disposition of complete ease behind.

Daniel would recognize it. She had done something like it to him before, as well as Theoren Roullier. However this was slightly different, something Amariette had never tried before, but she prayed to the Heavens that it would work. She so desperately wanted to help.

Wanted to matter.

[Raven]

It was that she had wanted to panic, nor did she want to be the cause of any more trouble, there had been enough at the infirmary. The fact she had first landed in the gardens practically in Daniels lap her perhaps been a mistake…but he had offered help. He had promised her, soothed her and eased her frayed nerves when she had needed it most. This time…<br>
This time as Daniel had taken her outside to sit…she realised that she couldn’t feel her arm, even as it had been draped over his shoulders…she was breathing. Even as he had stated that he was sick and tired of being told what he should and shouldn’t do, she was answering back. There wasn’t the time, hers grew shorter and shorter and well she knew it.

“You should listen!”

Halar making his presence known only brought her gaze to find the large dragon she had liked the first she had set eyes upon him. A weak smile offered freely though she was burbling hurriedly…<br>
“Its not me that needs the doctor!”<br>
Daniel had turned to watch the woman flee, only she caught the pause. Glancing between the two she held her tongue…Still taking care to take each breath. She was doing exactly as she had been told to. Only they didn’t know what she fought.
Daniel bringing her here, to his house had brought back such a flood of memories she had locked away. It hurt to see them so clear again. The face of her Mother, her Fathers arms wrapping her up so tight, making her feel so safe. It were the memories that followed those joyous occasions she knew she’d have to face all too soon.
The woman had approached, she had come back and that…was a good thing. Even in her own mind it was good. There were things that needed to be said, even she wasn’t so numb to that fact just yet.

It was the soft voice of the woman, more promises…She knew she’d not be harmed but there was the other fight, the internal struggle against that which she knew she was helpless to resist. The call of the wild. The want to feel the wind ruffle through her feathers as she rose higher and higher on the warm currents of air that took her higher.

“I want to stay” there was desperation in her plea. A plea that mirrored that of the woman that offered help…even so much as a touch meant to reassure. A touch that caused her to flinch away. She’d not known anything of the like for so long. Even the embrace that followed, the calming soothing influence of the woman, so selflessly given caused her to stiffen, back away and try to stifle a sob that sounded so much less than human.
“Its too late!” she squawked with desperation.

Amariette, would have surely felt her heartbeat via that embrace, it was far from what it should have been, racing so fast and away. Her breaths were now more of a pant but she had to at least glance over to Daniel, to offer something “I’m sorry!”<br>
Feathers replaced fingers, covered her arms and the rest…it all happened too fast. Too fast to comprehend. Perhaps they looked on in shock, horror or bemusement…she’d not know unless she were told at a later date. The dress Daniel had gifted her was now nothing more than a trapping for the raven that took the place of the woman. Amariette and all her effort…the soothing words and the feeling of calm she had given only sated the bird. Rather than fly from the human world she had wanted to remain in so desperately. Wings were spread wide and shaken as she hopped from the folds of fabric. A defiant ‘Caw’ offered to the two before she flitted to perch upon the rail of the porch. The only thing that had bade her remain was that which Amariette had given. The fear of the Raven Amariette had taken, the need to take flight away from the humans just wasn’t there.

No mistaking who she was for the locket at the birds neck nestled comfortably within the black feathers. The locket she wanted to be rid of, the bane of her life.

[Dr. Daniel Carter]

This was Mari’s specialty. The small smile was caught before it could truly form, but at least she had a modicum of the old Amariette still left in her. For all he knew she was this new Amariette, the compassionless woman that had turned him out before in Emain Macha. But this served to show there was something of her true self left deep in there someplace. He didn’t care about politicking right now. Raven needed help and that came before feelings for anyone and explanations.

But there were things about Raven that Mari didn’t know.

“It’s ok Raven, trust her. Just keep breathing like we always do and keep your eyes here.” He instructed as evenly as possible, keeping his eyes locked on her. For her sake, and for his. So he didn’t have to look at Amariette. So Raven would be ok. But it wasn’t working very well. As he noticed the changes starting once more he could only stand up and back a few steps away, even as she mouthed the words to him, ‘I’m sorry.’ He shook his head as if to tell her there was no need for an apology.

Then there was a flurry of feathers and a squawk and Daniel watched with another sigh as the change completed and Raven settled herself on the railing. “It’s ok Raven.” He said, knowing she could at least in part understand him. Up the steps of his porch Daniel opened the door. “You can use the bedroom if you want to wait there.” He told the bird, finding the whole exchange a bit… silly. Talking to a bird… all be it a sentient bird, but still. Halar watched with one silver brow perked up on the lawn as he settled down on the grass. No need for that doctor now.

Perhaps it was the disheartened feeling that caused him to go back inside, but no other words were exchanged. The Archaeologist simply slid hands into his pockets and with a rather numbly resigned gate walked back into his house, front door open and sat back down at his desk. His hand propped up his aching head, trying to massage out the pangs of pain in his temple that had renewed themselves in the frenzy of care for the dark haired girl.

It was all he could do, with all the commotion and chaos… just cling to the books like he always had. Sometimes ideas were all a body had to survive on.

[Amariette Willowbane]

There was no word to describe the astonishment on Amariette's face as the girl she had sought to comfort took wing. TOOK WING?! It was was an impossible thought and yet she had watched with her own two eyes. The dark haired woman had changed into a raven, an in the flesh, feather covered, avian. Drawing back with a gasp of surprise, she drew a hand to her chest as the bird gave a call and ruffled its plummage non-chalantly. So this was the young woman's secret? Amariette had knew that she harbored many when they touched for that small matter of minutes, but she dared not intrude upon another's mind, lest she be no better than Merope herself had been.

Lifting her eyes to Daniel as he spoke rather casually to the raven, she calmed easily enough. After all, she had seen far stranger things hadn't she? Even been a part of a few of them? Yet as she opened her mouth to address him, she was only offered the view of his back, the Doctor turning and walking into the house with not even a glance or a word her way.

Was it fair that he treat her so? Hadn't she come back for him? Yet she reminded herself that he had yet to know the truth about what had happened between them. He was entitled to any emotion he felt like having, whether it was convenient for her or not. Nodding, she let her eyes roam to Halar, a saddened pout on her lips. How had she let things crumble once again? Was she doomed to forever hurt him despite her wish for peace?

Sighing, she stood resolutely and walked into the house, leaving the door open for the raven to enter whenever she liked. Following the way he had gone, she strode into the room determined and gently closed the door behind her as to give them the much needed privacy. Trying to curb the rising anger she felt at being treated rather unfairly, she took a few steps toward his desk and stopped, her voice flowing with more resolve now, surprising in itself.

"I know I am the last person you would ever wish to see, but please hear me well before you cast me out of your life completely." There was strength behind those words, but Amariette was trembling nonetheless, tears welling in her eyes that she had to consciously hold back. "Daniel, I never wanted to turn you away. It was never my wish to drive such a rift between us. All I ever wanted was to be with you and be happy. Being with you -made- me more content than I have ever been in my life. I loved every minute we spent together, and that night, when you asked me, I swear to you that I dreamed of nothing more wonderful than to become your wife. Please, believe me, for I would tell you the truth no matter how painful. It wasn't I who turned you away........it was.......the unicorn."

She was mad. He would think her insane even as she spoke the words, but she had to continue. She couldn't stop now or she would never finish. Amariette would flee this place and never return. Even now, her words were choking up and several tears spilled down her flushing cheeks. The woman wasn't showing the emotion behind those tears just yet, she wore the same passive features and only her voice wavered further.

"Merope, the creature inside me. She came alive Daniel, when I was in the temple of Seoul-Mun with Theoren. I don't truly understand what triggered her to rise, but I was aware of her presence when I returned to Emain Macha. Do you remember?" There was a pause, and when he didn't answer she had no choice but to go on. "I was hurting, I had failed you all and when you told me of what went on between you and Charlie. I couldn't believe it, I couldn't take it so I....I ran. I ran so deep within myself that Merope was able to come to power. She dominated my body Daniel, but I didn't care, she had fooled me, tricked me into believeing that she was my friend and would do all in her power to help me. Little did I know, that she, well, she......she meant to do terrible things while in control of my body.."

Amariette had drawn towards him now, her waist pressed to the edge of his desk as she stood shivering with balled fists before him, tears now spilling down her cheeks in torrents. It was taking all the will she had to go on, but she had to get it all out, HAD to free some of the grief she still carried over the entire ordeal. Slowly, shakily, she went on.

"It was Merope who turned you away. It was Merope who said all those rude and hurtful things to the only man I have ever loved with all my heart and soul. She held no compassion for you and felt that what she was doing was the right and proper thing for me, she believed it to be what I needed. Daniel, we left Emain Macha because she had wished to see my father. I didn't understand why. I didn't realize.....until.....it was....too late."

Turning her head away, she drew a loosely balled fist to her chin in visible distress, the hot salted water droplets running down along the knuckles from her eyes. "She felt it was her duty to seek justice on my behalf against everyone who had caused me pain, caused me grief, caused me to doubt myself. I.....she.....killed my father as he slept in his bed. She drove a dagger through his heart and there was nothing I could do until it was too late. He died and his blood, my FATHER'S blood was on my hands." There was silence then, so thick that it felt as though it would suffocate her. Amariette couldn't look at him, couldn't bear to see the look in his eyes as she declared herself a murderer. But there was yet more. Could she say it?

"I fought her then, but she subdued me easily. I had no power to stop her. No strength of my own. But I discovered her next target and I couldn't believe it. It was you Daniel, she was planning to come after you. She meant to kill you using my own body to do it. When I realized this, I couldn't allow it to happen. I would never allow myself to do such a thing, no matter who had taken over my body. I attacked her, I expelled her from my mind and my body with a power I never knew I possessed. It was because of you Daniel. My love for you was all that I had to sustain me. All I have ever had since, to make me draw breath."

Amariette had moved now, around his desk to his chair, emerald eyes reddened and irritated with all her tears, yet she seemed not to care. He knew the truth, and it -was- the truth. All of it. Did he not believe her? She would not be surprised if he didn't. He had never known about her secret heritage, only Brigham had harbored that secret for all these years. But now, he was dead. Stopping before Daniel now, she dropped to her knees in total submission, willing to take his words whether they be for good or not. "I'm nothing without you...please.....forgive me for all the pain I have caused you. I love you even now and I will do anything you ask of me Just tell me what you want me to do and I swear to you, I shall do it."

[Raven]

How odd it must have looked, for such an exchange to take place. An observer might have even laughed. As it was Halar remained…the doctor didn’t and wouldn’t come. Raven would know once she actually settled enough to reappear as herself…though at times she had to wonder which of her identities now was her true self. The raven had been a part of her life for so long now.

However, she was spoken to. Daniel offered once again the bedroom and she was coherent enough to understand those few words. Though she didn’t move from the rail just yet. Choosing to ‘Caw’ once again at both the woman and Daniel as they had gone into the house. No her own entrance would follow soon enough. Wings were spread as she took flight, caught up on a passing current as it passed the corner of the house. Just a birds eye view of the Carter Estate…the peace, the solitude and tranquillity of being able to do just as she was. Fly…<br>
To fly away would have been a mistake, Daniel would have never found her if she had returned to the Murder. Would they still want her or would they cast her out? The query was moot, she was already circling back to the house…the door left open with much consideration. A call of appreciation as she swooped in low enough to traverse the porch and even the door. Mindful enough to pull in her wings so paintings remained on the walls…<br>
She’d wait a while in the quiet of the bedroom. Any voices from the other rooms would not be heard, the raven was far too wrapped up with preening. A sharp beak teasing at the miniscule feathers beneath her wings.
It was all a part of the calm she needed, a routine as it were. One she had found that worked after a while. It would be nice to be able to apologise properly for her conduct. Her re-integration into the human world would prove to be a trying episode…only as the curse remained, the longer it was left. The more resigned to her fate of always being the Raven, she was becoming. How long before it ran its course and her chance became irreversible?

Perhaps Daniel might even find the answer in his writings. Had she the mind to consider it, she might have asked, she might have even looked. Desperation called for different measures.

[Dr. Daniel Carter]

The pleas fell on deaf ears. Not deaf because he did not want to hear, deaf because he was so numb he was not sure he could focus even if he wanted to. His head continued to pound as she spoke her soliloquy. It was not her? Half of him wanted to laugh, bitterly. But the other thought back to those days months ago when he had looked into the eyes of a man gone mad from the being eating away with his soul. If Mari had been possessed, just as he had been drugged when Charlie had taken advantage of him, how could he hold her accountable for it?

Daniel was surprised by his pragmatism, given the situation, but then again, sometimes when you get so down and so weighty that you can’t even keep your head straight, it’s all a body has just to try to sort it out as slowly as possible. The usually quick mind of the young scholar was churning slowly as the throbbing continued like a silent alarm in his mind.

Without really thinking about what he was doing, Daniel rose from his chair. It was like some kind of unconscious synergy, he thought to himself, as he felt arms wrap around Mari and letting her lean her head on his chest. Blue eyes still stared torpidly ahead as he laid his cheek on the top of her pillow of red curls. He couldn’t feel, and yet he was guided by emotion. Empathy caused him to stand and hold her, comfort her in the wake of the loss of her father, the murder of her parent, and the thrashing sea she must be floundering in. Pain caused him to hold back any other emotion he might have felt, so even with such a beautiful and compassionate gesture there was still a chill and a certain rigidity to his movement.

What now, was all he could think. Take her back? Her take him? Man and wife, still go on with their wedding, their plans? Or part ways and spend the rest of his days thinking about what ifs and dwelling in regret? Blue eyes closed, to tire anymore to even cry. There was nothing, there was simply numbness. In time he was sure they would find the right path. In time. But that still left them now, two lost souls in a world gone to hell clinging to each other for an answer.

“I don’t know, Mari.” The words were soft, barely audible, but they were the god’s honest truth. “I wish I did. But I just don’t.” The tone almost seemed to hold defeat in it. But what else could he do? She was homeless now. Surely she had Chartha but good god, stay in the house of her murdered father? So soon? He couldn’t fathom it. He would be a cruel man indeed not to make the offer. “But I wouldn’t dream of sending you away with no place to go.” He drew back and sat heavily into a chair, rubbing his left temple in agitation. “Raven is staying with me. I met her in Emain Macha after you turned me out. She asked for my help locating an artifact pertaining to her… interesting gifts. I’m going with her to the Catacombs to find it. I made a promise and I intend to keep it.”<br>
He stopped for a moment, letting that sink in. Perhaps she was not familiar with the surroundings of Invernis, but Chartha was in the same duchy and not more than a few hours carriage ride away. The Catacombs, so said legend, were haunted and not even the brave and rebellious town children dared set foot near them, for they stank of something so unholy there was no price that could make them go inside. Daniel, however, as much the scientist that he always was, believe in no such stories.

“I told her she was to use my bedroom and I will not take it from her. For now, use the couch, I have plenty of camping equipment from digs to use.”<br>