Reunions (E 2.1, H 2.1, L 2.1)

I stiffen at the suggestion of treatment considering how the last brush with medical exams went.

"Luckily, no," I answer, turning from my bed to face them, studying Syd with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "I managed to survive the window exploding and being carried off by a bionic woman without getting hurt." I look at Syd. "Who did they send to kidnap you?"

"I'm sorry Miss Helix, I'm not quite understanding." It's hard to tell if Helix is joking or not. "I'm moreso finding refuge here at the moment. Someone is trying to kill my... family, and I'm trying to prevent that from happening. Since home isn't exactly welcoming at the moment Litch has offered to let me stay here for a while. Zephyr and the other Talons have been nothing but welcoming."

As I look Helix over I can see signs of exhaustion setting in - it has probably been a while since she has had a decent rest. "Would you mind if I went to make you an herbal drink, Miss Helix? Just something to aid in resting."

I look over to Zephyr, "The timeline I'm working on to get the supplies for Aloe and others is getting shorter. I want your thoughts on making it over to the Fountain as soon as possible."

I'm not sure that I convinced her, though she does concede that it's possible for Jackdaw to behave in the best interest of another...in theory. "I'm surprised by it myself and I don't quite believe it, uncharitable though the the thought may be." I pause, watching her listen and work, but not giving more. "I'll...have a word with him." I promise her.

I hold Kestrel's gaze as she reveals her part in Plover's personal decision, without response. When she finishes, I nod a few times as I process the new information. "Aye, well...perhaps it was for the best. Perhaps it was a small mercy in the end." And...perhaps I should have reacted then as I am to her now. My response to my mate is more controlled than it was to my daughter. I suppose it comes down to the trust I have in Kestrel's wisdom and experience versus the limited amounts of either with Plover. But I still feel some remorse.

"Do you think there are other ways to serve the Gray Wing than just through death, Kes? Are we fated to follow this current where it takes us...or this there another way?"

Syd's response raises suspicions in me. The way he speaks, his offer of an "herbal drink," the manner in which he stands there so straight and attentive...he's not from this world - the world of Talons and Sipps and Boaters and Bellies. Someone trying to kill his family is the only part of him I could relate to, except I don't have a family either.

When Zephyr declines to leave with him, I frown. "I don't need a babysitter." My gaze shifts to Syd. "Or tea." I pause processing his presentation and his perspective on my captors. "If the Talons are so welcoming, why isn't your family here with you safe and sound?" I look between Syd and Zephyr, expecting that either of them might answer.

Helix's response startles me, "I didn't mean to offend," I begin, but then she asks why the family isn't here, and my mind flashes back to the sanguine scene of Princy on the floor.

Because I wasn't smart enough.
Fast enough.
Strong enough.
Enough.
Do they even think of me as family? I look down the hall toward where I left Parker and Paisley.

"I... they're..." I struggle to find the words. "No deficiency of the Talons separates me from them. In fact, by a sheer miracle, some of my family just arrived, one of which still desperately needs some treatment."

For the rest of the Talons, I might be tempted to hide my weaknesses - physical and mental. But not from my Mynah or Kestrel. and Kes is especially adept at reading people. She would know if I was hiding something. "Those lasers really did a number on me." I admit, before adding. "And I'm not young and spry anymore, much as I try to deceive my own body into pushing through the pain." Aging is difficult, especially in our line of work.

I can hear one of the birds croaking in the distance, the stone walls of the old cathedral carrying its call down to us. Mage, most likely. His voice is deeper and almost melancholy, whereas Minstrel's warbling sounds almost joyous. Well named, that pair. Kestrel's comments about our role in this world and the cacophony from Mage makes me think about how close our livelihoods resembles that of our little mascots. Both of us help keep this world clean, free from the detritus that spreads filth and further death.

I move away from my place leaning on the wall and walk over to her. My fingers brush back loose curl away from her cheekbones and I lean down to give her a soft kiss. "It isn't my place to ask for another path. If the Gray Wing wills it, She will reveal it to me. But sometimes even the High Druid needs reassurances from those he loves the most." My hand drops from her face to the small of her back and I pull her in to my body, my lips grazing her jawbone and neckline.

"You're right, Kes. You're always right." I murmur. "I wonder sometimes if Plover might prefer to serve in other ways besides combat. If Edmund...er, Syd wanted to join up with us permanently, I doubt he would choose to fight. That's surely a kind of precedent, right?"

My eyebrows pull together at Syd's stumbled explanation. If his family is here, and hurt, why the hell is he offering me herbal beverages like he has all the time in the world to help? There is something very, very wrong with this man. I just can't put my finger on what it is.

My gaze shifts to Zephyr, flicking momentarily to the bird on her shoulder. I idly wonder if the bird talks to her like the Whispers talk to me, a ridiculous notion but one that I can't keep out of my mind.

I exhale a breath. "A host," I repeat to Zephyr. I look at Syd. "A refugee." I shake my head slightly, at the thoughts in my head more than anything. They seem so confident in who they are, what they're doing. Even if I had those answers for myself, I don't have the luxury to live them out. Instead, I am what I have always been - whatever I need to be to survive.

"Fine," I say softly. "Then why don't you show me around?" I look at Syd. "Good luck with your family." If they die, I'm sure I'll be hearing from them.

I nod at Helix and thank Zephyr for her lead. It still appears that I've upset Helix, but I'm not sure why. Maybe when I see her next she'll be at least more willing to talk. Then again, I consider, it is just as likely she'll be even less willing to speak with me. Still, I have a job to do.

I turn down the hall and head find Javan.

The way the bird watches me makes my mind feel exposed. It’s silly of course, but I can’t shake it. I don’t acknowledge the pretty comment. I’m suspicious that Litch tasked Zephyr with buttering me up just to make me do what they want, so I can’t trust her. I can’t trust any of them. Especially not that Syd guy.

"Animals in general?" I repeat, then I shrug. "They’ve mostly been for eating or for chasing away from my food." I think of my leeches, my pets. I do treasure them, but they’re not so much a luxury as a necessity - a necessity I no longer have unless Litch actually gets my things from the Sipps or finds Pasty Patsy to buy me more. "They’re utility, I guess. What does the bird do for you?" Does he whisper in your head?

I open my mouth to respond when Janelle's knock interposes. "Alright." I accept simply. To Kestrel, I assure. "I don't want to crush her spirits and she does well in looking out for us on the job. I won't mention anything to her." I kiss her forehead and turn towards the door and out into the hall with Janelle. "What do you need from me?"