Awakened Desperation

[Amariette Willowbane]

'She's been unconscious since we found her lying on one of the stone benches in the Queen's private courtyard.'The saddened voice of the sick nurse rose to those maids who had come to visit the room during their idle time. Sighs were exchanged and the small group settled their eyes on the figure tucked into the bed, so pale and lifeless, that it could easily have been mistakened for stone. The bold and vibrant red curls were splayed about the white pillow and there was noticeable gray within their midst, a disheartening sight for one so young.

'But she's been in that coma for days now, oh Ma'am, do you think she'll ever wake up?' The youngest of the servants asked, her sparkling eyes visibly faded.

'She was always offering to help us in the castle gardens, I swear she worked marvels with our blooms.' Added the voice of another, older maid, a feather duster clutched to her chest.

'It's impossible to tell girls, otherwise I would have reported immediately to the Queen herself. You know she's been keeping tabs on the girl's condition since we discovered her and as of yet, I have seen no change in her condition.' The nurse fetched a fresh cloth and swirled it in a bowl of warm water to stroke along the young woman's forehead tenderly, an obvious frown on her lips. The group clustered closer about her, watching and whispering prayers amongst themselves as they noted the fresh bandage about her slender hand.'She's fighting a battle that one, I can feel it in my very bones. Whatever spells got her, it's a potent one it is.'

Amariette was indeed fighting, but she did not battle any type of spell or incantation.

She fought herself.

"I failed him. I failed them all. I went with a purpose and in the end achieved nothing, only further peril. Even with the truth of who and what I am, I could do nothing but watch the power envelope him. Now he's gone, gone to destroy all of us. I wasn't strong enough. Mother, you were wrong, I didn't make a difference."

Eyelashes fluttered as a soft exhale caused the huddling group to jump back in surprise. The girl's chest began to rise and fall with deeper resolve and the piercing green irises were opened to the world, the swirl of silver about them shining with the faint winter's rays of mid-afternoon. Turning her head in almost undiscernible hesitation, she let her gaze fall on her entourage, the crowd giving a single, collective gasp at the sight of those eyes. Several maids kicked up their skirts and fled the room, feeling they were better off somewhere far away distracting themselves with cleaning. The nurse only smiled warmly and laid a hand against that of Amariette's, her voice soft and tender once more. 'You have finally returned to us. The castle will be thrilled to hear it.'

"The...castle?" She responded in a very soft voice that was barely audible, her skin remaining almost colorless and sickly. "When....did....."

'Shhhh.....don't speak....you're still very weak dearie...I'll alert the guard and relay your awakening to the Queen. For now, it'd be best if you try to drink some and eat as well. Come now..."With the smile only widening, the round woman motioned to the guard, sending the rest of the maids out as well before turning to retrieve a cup.

"No. I....I don't want it." The feather light voice replied, her face turning away in denial of anything the nurse would offer. It was then that she said no more, and was content to stare out of her only window to the ice covered world without.

[Dr. Daniel Carter]

"You have no right to keep me out of there!" the young doctor insisted to the stalwart guards outside of the castle's infirmiry. "Dr. Carter we were instructed... she's in a coma Doctor, she needs to be kept in isolation so she can be monitored." Daniel was not buying the excuse. Perhaps the Queen had set such a rule in place not banking on Daniel coming back from Xexoria, not that he thought his whereabouts had been known to anyone. He couldn't really remember them himself. "Then I am ordering you to step aside." was the reply as the archaeologist folded his arms over his chest stubbornly. "As your grand duke. That's my finace in there and I'll be damned if I let you keep me from seeing her."

The order couldn't well be ignored, and though Daniel was having a hard time adjusting to the title that he really didn't want he found it useful sometimes. The guard, having little choice, allowed him to pass through but not without bumping Daniel in the shoulder along the way. He ignored it, as the sight of the pale figure on the bed drove him forwards into the room, scattering the nurses as he pushed his way to the bedside, more adamant than anyone remembered the passive university professor acting as.

Beside the bed he knelt down as she moved her head slowly, taking her hand in his and laying the palm against his well stubbled face. Two days without a change of clothes, a meal, a shave or a bath but he was right where he wanted to be. Closing his eyes he said a small prayer to whatever was up there watching over her and murmured into the soft skin of her palm, "I thought I had lost you..."

[Amariette Willowbane]

As soon as she saw him emerge from the gathered crowd, tears welled and spilled down her face in relief, though there were other underlying emotions she refused to acknowledge at the moment. Unable to move without instant fatigue, she could only sob as she watched him kneeling by her side, her bandaged hand caressing his cheek. "Leave us....please...." The tenderness in her small voice seemed to easily move those gathered, nurses and guards alike who had come to know and cherish her in their own ways, not to mention the Grand Duke who had already voiced his authority at having the displeasure of being denied entry in the first place, and they soon vacated and left the two alone. She would tell him now, she would confess herself in full to the man she always knew would return to her again. Likely it would be difficult, but if he wasn't entitled to her tale, no one was. Her heart ached at the words she felt rising to her lips, her breathing growing shallow and hindered by her rising panic, but he had to know. He had waited for her faithfully and deserved to know the truth.

"I know about the letter Theoren sent you. He felt no guilt in telling me what he had written to you upon our swift departure. There was nothing I could do in the end, not until I was able to return to you and explain myself. But I would have you hear me, and hear me well. It was not as it seemed."

"Daniel, Theoren did come to see me during our stay in Chartha, but I swear to you that my soul and my body are still yours even now, nothing is different at all. I entertained him because I thought that I could somehow save him from the monster that lurked within. I simply had to try, and you knew this to be true the moment after I read him and confessed his secret to you. In the end, he lost the battle in the temple and ended up using me to feed the power of that accursed Phoenix, in fact, I think he was using me all along." She was talking with such intensity that her voice steadily became more and more hoarse to the ears, her face wincing in discomfort and fresh tears spilling from her altered eyes, trailing down her hueless cheeks in torrents. It was more than obvious that she was exerting a great deal of what energy and will she had left to speak with him, her body wracked by involuntary trembling that looked so very painful.

"Understand me, the memory of his lips touching mine sends nothing but chills through my body and makes a disgusting knot form in my stomach, but I promise you, that was the extent of his advances. I allowed him to go no further. Darling please believe me, I left with him because he had intended to take you instead, and at the time you were still very weak and I feared for you as I always do when it comes to the likes of him. I could not say goodbye to you because I knew you would try to stop me once you discovered my plans. I forced him to take me so that you would remain safe, and you have, haven't you? No ill has befallen you since I have been gone yes?"

Her eyes, those deep green depths that were now encircled in silver, were settled imploringly on him, almost in a secret prayer that she had not gone away and left her love to suffer even more tragedy, not when she had tried so very hard to keep him safe and well out of harm's way.

[Kahlan Lothair]

"M'lady?" Came the tentative call from the door after three swift knocks. Kahlan tilts her cold grey gaze upward from a stack of papers in her hands. They were the orders for a journey. One that she had intended to take sooner but had been...caught up in a myriad of events that threatened to spiral out of control.

"Yes?" Her voice is quiet, calm, almost...thoughtful. For the past three days the High Queen had been anything but cheerful. "Come in." Turning to face the messenger, Kahlan plants a hand on her right hip pushing her dark grey leather cloak back. Beneath is a pair of tan breeches, tall dark black boots, and a short sleeved white shirt. It was as if she was impervious to the distinct chill that had enveloped Ulster just days ago. Snow was on the horizon and Kahlan dared not think how harsh the winter might be.

"The Lady Amariette Willowbane is awake. You asked me to prompt you straight away Madam. I apologize if I have--" Raising her hand, Kahlan cuts the woman short and nods. Finally, some good news.

"I trust that Dr. Carter has found his lady?" Was Kahlan aware that the good doctor had even been stolen? More so, how did she know that Carter was with Amariette? In reality, Kahlan knew that once Carter knew of Amariette's condition he would throw the weight of his office behind the order to keep all doors shut. "Please inform Dr. Carter and the Lady Amariette that I would like to speak to them both privately. This means that I entrust you with the job of clearing the good Lady's room of doctor, nurse, and other ears." The young messenger/nurse nods hurriedly and takes off to fulfill the duty given to her.

Left alone again Kahlan peers down to the papers held in her hand. What was on Theoren's mind? Why did it feel as if the very earth beneath her feet was being shaken as if she no longer had foundation? Carefully folding the papers, Kahlan tucks them away in a pocket of her cloak. With the rote mechanical form of a soldier she turns on her heels and strides out of the room toward the sick bay. She had to talk to Amariette and Daniel about something neither might fully understand the weight of until later.

As she rounds a corner pulling on a pair of elbow length gloves, Kahlan stops to look out a window. This served to calm her nerves and give the messenger nurse ample time to clear the room in question. Willow was due home tonight. A blissful smile finally cracks Kahlan's hard exterior and she takes a deep breath. If there was one thing that could ever mellow the old woman out, it was the sight of her daughter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The girl hurries into the sickbay room set aside for Amariette so that she might not catch a rogue illness while she lay prone. In less than five minutes the entire room is cleared at the mention of the High Queen coming. The girl looks to Amariette and Daniel and bows deferrentially to them both. "The High Queen would like to speak with you both. She is genuinely glad to see you concious Lady Amariette." Gathering her skirts to hurry out the door, the girl remembers something and looks to Daniel and Amariette for a moment while biting her bottom lip. "Do not be alarmed by her majesty's tone or appearance. She has many things on her mind." She manages a smile before remembering something, "Oh and my name is Viviane if you need anything more Ms. Amariette." And with that the young girl exits the room.

After a brief interlude Kahlan pushes the door open. It is almost as if her presence fills the room clear to the rafters, but it is lessened by the relieved smile she directs toward Amariette. "You are well child, a little sleep does everyone a world of good." Crossing the room to stand next to Amariette's bed on the opposite side from which Daniel has found himself, Kahlan lifts Amariettes hand in hers and gives it a gentle squeeze. "A tougher girl there never was, you have landed yourself a prize Dr. Carter." She glances up and deep into Carter's eyes. Her own eyes are grey and as elusive as the mists that shroud the island that Emain Macha is found on.

"I have one question to ask of you Dr. Carter seeing as the Lady Amariette is yet too weak." Taking a seat near Amariette's bed, Kahlan touches the woman's forehead gently to check for fever and then looks into her eyes to check for other things that may not be visible to the untrained eye. Carefully guarding her thoughts from the seeress, Kahlan rests easily in the knowledge that the woman may not glean anything from her well guarded person. Finally, almost motheringly, Kahlan smooths Amariette's hair back gently from her forehead. "It is a simple request doctor that will not take you from this very castle or your lady's side."

Before continuing she waits for Daniel to either agree to help her or deny it. While she waits she hums a soothing tune that is almost as inaudible as it is audible and thickly laced with old lore from an age that has been almost lost. It serves to keep wandering ears from hearing anything else that might be said.

[Dr. Daniel Carter]

His head lay on the cot as he slumped in his chair, his hands on hers as a fw tears ran down his cheek to her palm on his face. It was all coming out now, all of the frustration and confusion he was trying to keep down. "I don't blame you for a thing... not a thing Amariette. I wish I could have stopped you in time... god, I didn't know he'd take you. I knew what to expect..." he wished he had been in her place. He would have been able to handle it, known what was coming. He was not at all surprised she survived though... somehow he knew if anyone could make it through those booby traps it would be Theoren Roullier.

When she asked her question he slumped further and let her hand slide to the back of his head. A grown man, a scientist, crying at her bedside. Something was wrong. "I... I don't remember, Mari. It's all a haze... and something horrible happened..." In reality he didn't know what to say, who to blame. Was he at fault? He didn't know. There was no memory there. But he knew in his deepest of hearts he would never willingly betray her... he loved her, and even if he did not with a moral fiber so strong, even with what he felt for Charlie it would have never happened if he was in sobriety.

"I remember going home to Invernis... I was waiting here for your return but I had to go back to the Academy... they said they'd send word right away if you were to return... I remember the gates of my estate, I remember a strange woman I didn't know... but after that there's nothing. Charlie... she said I was kidnapped by a woman from Xexoria who wanted me to help her with... some temple, a problem with it? She... used a potion on me..." He lifted his head, red in the eyes as he brought his hands up to show her the cuts and bruises all around his wrists, arms and hands trembling like a scared child.

"Charlie... said she got me out, but I was under the influence of some... love potion. She said she put it in my water... and in hers... and then... damn it, Amariette I don't know if it's true, I can't remember a thing! But she had no reason to lie... I... I would never in my life... not willingly... oh God I would never hurt you like that if I knew..." He trailed off and let his head thump down on the bed again, a numbness washing over him as she removed her hand from him as he sat and quelled his emotions.

The entrance of the girl made him want to turn around and tell her it was not a good time for the Queen to visit. Not only did he not look the part of a duke, dressed in desert clothing with a three day beard and sandy and dirty head to to, but he stayed his tongue, waving her off without even lifting his head. When Kahlan came in he made a concerted effort to sit up and look as though he had not just been crying, straighten himself a bit. The woman was cold, of what reason he knew not. He wasn't sure he wanted to given his own problems at the moment.

The offer of a job to him made him want to tell her that he did not feel up to her prescence... could she not see that he had just arrived to see his fiance? Was now really the time? But he swallowed his frustration and tipped his chin up to look at her. "Of course, your Majesty... what is it that you need me to do?"

[Kahlan Lothair]

When he tips his chin up and tries to look brave Kahlan ponders what he might have been through. In all honesty she was one to look past the grime of travel for she was often covered in it herself. It wasnt her business. Her long hair, usually loose and framing her face, is now in a bun with but a few whisps trailing free to touch the smooth skin of her cheeks. If she had any other choice she would have taken it. This she then expounds upon.

"If I had another choice, Daniel, I would have taken it. You are the only person within range that I can rely on. I apologize for the short notice and the bad timing." Pulling her hand away from Amariette she glances upward to the rafters for a moment as if in deep thought. "I need you to see that Willow makes it into the castle tonight and into the hands of Amelia. I am leaving on a trip that cannot be delayed as much as I wish it could be."

There is a crack in her shell and she is very well aware of it. The real reason she was leaving would stay with her and the destination of the ship she was leaving on would not be disclosed. "I expect to be back soon." Reaching her hand over Amariette's body, she intends to shake his hand. Just as her guarded thoughts are hidden from the Seeress so they would be guarded from Daniel by both the leather of her gloves and the barrier in her mind.

"You have the thanks of the High Queen, and the thanks of a weary and worried woman." She manages a smile but it is half hearted. What could have come over the woman in such a short amount of time?

[Amariette Willowbane]

Words failed her, thought failed her. Amariette could only draw her hand away and stare toward him with such a mix of emotions filling her eyes that one could not percieve what she was really thinking at all. Yet there was pain, unmistakable pain in her face that seemed to betray her mind even before she managed to speak. The reply was low, so low, that one could hardly believe that it had been uttered, "Lies...." There was anger, a bold and brilliant flash of electricity in her gaze that sparked instinctively and then died away when she noted the tears on his cheeks and the trembling of his voice. What could she do? How had he expected her to respond?

But the time for that was disrupted as the attendant appeared through the door and announced the arrival of the Queen, the girl drawing her hand further away from Daniel so that they were unable to touch. Lifting her eyes and turning her face from him to appraise the Queen, she knew that something was terribly wrong and with little strength she had, she tested her will and powers against the woman's defenses and found herself closed off. Sighing deeply, her chest rising and falling in weary sorrow, she was compelled and content to remain silent, yet within, though she dare not show her grief to the Queen, Amariette was weeping bitterly, screaming in outrage and tearing her fingers through her hair. On the outside, the young girl was attentive, listening to Her Majesty's request as it was directed to Daniel and the safety of the girl-child Willow was placed in his hands.

She was at a loss, and for a second or two, Amariette questioned her reality as defiantly as anyone even could, given her situation and the information she had been given. Fury, betrayal, pain, sorrow, all these feelings had collected into a great void of despair within her mind and soul, her body feeling as though it were shrinking in on itself, the bones melting into nothing and the skin burning as though it were on fire. Removing her eyes from the rather distant Queen, she drew her gaze skyward and merely stared upon the rafters, praying that somehow, she would be given that final sweet peace that she so desperately desired now. She had wanted to return. But now, what had she returned to? Theoren was gone, still a helpless victim to an even more powerful inner adversary. Queen Kahlan was leaving and designating the care of her daughter to Daniel. Brigham had kept her true nature a secret and lied to her about all that she knew of her mother. And Daniel, Daniel, she couldn't even bring herself to look at him, to address him in any way, shape, or form.

The woman had closed herself off to all of her surroundings once again, retreating into the swiftly withering shell that was her body. What did it matter now? What reason had she to go on after suffering defeat not only at the hands of a dark creature of myth, but at the hands of human desire? There was no consolation for her. No peace that would feed her mind and rekindle that fire that had burned for so long in her soul, the drive to fight, the drive to survive. The ruler of Ulster seemed to be suffering in some inexplicable way, and just before the arrival of the attendant, Daniel had been crying as though his entire life had crumbled within his very hands. But, she felt nothing now. Only this growing emptiness that was her heart. Charlie had gotten what she wanted, whether it had been by accident or not. Theoren had claimed his prize, the jewel that would lend him the force to destroy mankind in the hopes of defeating the Phoenix. Kahlan was going away forsome unknown reason. Her father, her father sat smugly by his fire, thinking her still naive to her fate. And Daniel, he had been victimized after all, but even more so because of it, so had she. Physically she could feel her heart breaking, splitting into shards that tore through her chest and poured out her crimson essence for all to behold. She almost wished it were real. She almost wished she could make it real. Then, only then did the tears form. But they were not clear droplets of salt. They were silver. Her very blood, the blood of a unicorn.

[Kahlan Lothair]

Reaching down as she rises slowly, Kahlan scoops Amariette's hand up and squeezes it. As hard as the woman might try to hide her feelings, she cannot hide that she is becoming a shell of what she once was. Her brows furrow together slightly as she watches the woman for a moment and something stirs inside of her.

Let me see! I want a closer look! It says with a vengence as one essence dares to try to overcome the rest. Jerking slightly, Kahlan lets go of Amariette's hand and manages another smile. No fair! I want, its pretty! Turning her back on the two, Kahlan closes her eyes and then reopens them. Vertical slits of the most draconic nature peer at the exit for a moment before they revert to normal, or as normal as this woman's eyes can become.

"Thank you for accepting doctor. You will be rewarded upon my return." She says all of this with her back to them both. Something was pushing the dragon inside her awake, and that could mean trouble. Especially if the beast was angered, though for now she soothes it with a light soundless melody.

Forcing her body to comply with her wishes, Kahlan grabs the doorknob and throws the door open and exits without looking back. If she did, they might just realize that she is far more than just a simple immortal woman. Far, far more.

Her next stop would be the Jasper. A certain lady captain owed her a favor and Kahlan whole heartedly accepted that debt tonight. The Jasper was not as fast as Theo's ship but it would suffice as being the second fastest.

Maedryn, I am coming. He cannot stop me, and may He help anyone else that tries to.

[Dr. Daniel Carter]

As Kahlan left he let his head drop back down to the bed. Oh couldn't Amariette know by now how dedicated he was? "Mari..." His voice was barely a whisper. "I won't lie... I had feelings for Charlie at one point... I don't know maybe I still do... but she's a collegue, and a student..." He folded his hands over his head as if protecting himself from something awful about to fall on him. "And I would never ever... I couldn't hurt you like that. I can't remember... I don't know what happened. All I know is that... I... I don't want it to be true. I wouldn't have if I... she said I was drugged at the time, she says that's why I can't remember..."

The tears welled up again, maybe for the fact that he felt so much guilt and so much violation, not only by Charlie but by Isabella as well, the vague and hazy memory of the temple prior to his dousing coming back to him slightly. His wrists burned pink and red from the ropes. "I only remember a little... I woke up... I was in a temple, I couldn't move... I was gagged and bound to a pillar. I remember Charlie coming to get me, a script on the wall I couldn't recognize, and then it's all a blank." He was mumbling into the sheets again, one hand gripping the side of the bed so hard now that his knuckles were almost as white as the linens, the other grabbing a fist full of hair just trying not to break down.

He felt like he was losing his mind, his life, everything. He didn't even know if he had done something she needed to forgive him for. "I'm so sorry..." he murmured, his face contorted in pain as he kept his head in the sheets. "I love you so much... I never meant to hurt you..."

[Amariette Willowbane]

"You may still have feelings for her.....I was under the impression that no such feelings existed. At least, you never told me of such. What else haven't you told me....Daniel?" The words were spoken in a voice that was not her own, the girl's tone menacing and grave. Amariette was changing, it was more than evident, but in the same moment, it was terrifying to be the one of the outside looking in. Her eyes remained closed, the silver tears wetting the pillow with their gleaming essence and her hands balled into loose fists that were unable to tighten. Something was stirring within her, a force she was doing her best to deny and subdue, her face growing more and more passively slack as slight tremors shook her body every now and again. He was crying now, pleading with her, she could hear it, but the girl's soul was numbed to it, deadened by all that she had endured in such short a time. Images flashed through her mind, memories of her father's smiling face, 'Trust me Mari, I know what's best.' Brianne Willowbane, 'You have quite a task ahead of you and you will succeed.' Theoren with his 'I have everything under control' grin. Daniel's voice, 'I'm here now baby...'

She was being driven mad in her fury, her anger at all she had tried to do, all she had failed to accomplish, and all that had been done to her injustly. Now, now this, this man was weeping beside her bed and she could not find the will nor the heart to comfort him. The winter backdrop without held no comparison to the ice that formed itself within her very core, the pulsating and resonating hum that droned onward in her mind, blotting out all sounds of voices and all manner of pleas from her beloved. 'I have been wronged, by so many. Father lied. Mother withheld. Theoren manipulated. Kahlan abandoned. And Daniel. Daniel betrayed. They are all wicked, they all deserve nothing from me, from my kind. They deserve the Fate that awaits them, the fires that are just waiting to consume them all for eternity.' Her inner voice was fierce and commanding, a spirit alive within her that was not her own, in fact, the persona that had been Amariette was steadily withdrawing, being pushed deep within where she could hide and cry in despair.

There was a new presence now, a presence that promised her protection. Promised her safety. Promised her care. "I want you to leave now Daniel. Go so that I may think on things. There is much to digest and my energy is waning. Leave me in peace to be alone." It wasn't a request, not the soft, gentle plea of the tender village girl so many knew and loved. The voice was completely different, deep and older, feminine, but powerful, filled with resolve, courage, and determination. Amariette Willowbane had succumb. She had retreated far into herself and only the other remained. He would know it for what it was if he had the present of mind to see. The unicorn had awakened. The unicorn had assumed control. The creature of legend, of myth, the bringer of justice to the weak and abused had risen to grace within it's shell and taken advantage of the girl's despair, soothing her and promising her vengence as it weaved its will about her surrendered consciousness. "I no longer wish to look upon you...."

[Dr. Daniel Carter]

"Alright." Was the quiet response, the torn man got up, not even giving her the benefit of a look. He couldn't let her see him cry. Something in him knotted up, his heart felt like it was sinking into his stomach and somehow he felt not only like he had just screwed up his second potential marriage but also that he was being done a grave injustice. He thought she would understand, that she might know him well enough to know... god how could he ever even dream of it? He left without another word.

The guards tried to ask a question but he pushed past with hands in his pockets, a slight flash of anger on his face at their attempt to accost him. The rest of the journey to his room was silent in bitter agony. Hot tears stung him again once he closed his door, putting his back to it. Things were still for a time and then, in a sudden lash of anger he picked up a fragile vase from the nightstand next to the door and hurled it full force across the room with a yell and broke down once more to tears as it shattered on the wall, a myriad of water drops and flower petals sliding down the stoneface in its wake.

He slid down to the floor, his back to the wooden door with his hands gripping his hair, the tears unable to be stopped. Why didn't she understand? He would feel betrayed if he were her too, but... for the love of god what he said was the truth. He knew it was the truth. Was he really a demon for looking at orhaving sparks of interest in other women? He was completely loyal to Amariette, he would have found a way to give her the moon if she had demanded it... and yet here, broken in half and confused, left wondering what had happened to him in the past two days and scared as a child... she turned him out. Had he not given her the benefit of the doubt when he had received a highly suggestive letter from Theoren? Had he not pushed his way to see her and made her his first priority? Where was the compassion he thought he had seen from her?

Maybe it was never there at all. But wasn't that a stupid thing to say? Of course she had to have compassion someplace... maybe it just wasn't there for him. Maybe he should heed her words and just... leave. Damn it all, if it hadn't been for Kahlan's request he would have. At least he could get ready for the trip... tomorrow. Yes. Tomorrow he would pack, go back to Invernis, finish the dig and complete the semester at the Academy, go back to helping his mother on the farm. After Willow was safe and sound in the castle, that was what he would do.

Having a solid plan seemed to help him enough to stand up and make his way to the book shelf. The old bottle of whiskey that he never touched was still sitting there on the shelf collecting dust. It would have to do in terms of companionship for the night. There was a click as the door locked, the sound of liquid pouring into a glass, the sound of ruffling papers and the scratching of a quill on parchment. When morning came it would find, with its first light, Daniel face down in his books, a quarter of a whiskey bottle left, and an overturned shot glass fallen from an empty hand.