All Together Now (H 2.2, L 2.4)

I place both of my hands gently on her shoulders, just as I've done several times with my own kids. "I'll do whatever is in my power to keep you safe and make you feel a sense of belonging, for however long you end up choosing to stay in the future. You will have privacy with Lucky. I'll stand near the doors and I'll have Javan in the tower keeping an eye out." And a rifle near to hand, just in case.

I stand back, taking my hands off of her. "You can join the others in the kitchens, if you like. Word to the wise, don't let Jackdaw intimidate you...or persuade you to drink more than you should. He can be very...charming." I advise wryly.

I have to admit, Litch's promise to be near and to have Javan watching gives me a certain amount of comfort. I nod my thanks.

When he warns me about Jackdaw, the nod turns from gratitude to knowing. "I have witnessed his charm at the Belly. I'll be aware." I head toward the kitchen then, grateful to be through the intensity that is always a solo conversation with the Talon's leader.

I walk out of the room behind Helix, but when she heads toward the kitchens, I turn instead towards the sick bay where I had heard Shrike was recuperating. I tread the ground outside the door softly, not wanting to disturb those who are sleeping. I open the door quietly and slip inside, looking for my prize fighter.

Helix, please go here.

Litch,

You head into Shrike's room and find her at Aloe's bed, watching her sleep peacefully. Shrike has stripped off her wet clothes and sits there on the side of the small bed, singing a soft tune to Aloe. She finally hears your approach and turns to look at you. Shrike's face is bruised, and her body carries many scars. She is lovely in the way a tiger shark can be lovely - sleek and dangerous despite the rips and tears of violence and memory.

I cross the room to sit down on the other side of Aloe's bed. I reach over to the little girl's face to gently brush a couple of strands of hair back from her face, then caress her head tenderly. I don't ask what more can be done. It's not fair to put Shrike through that mental agony. I make a note to confirm with Syd if there is any hope of finding medicine or a cure elsewhere. Instead, I gently hum the song I mentioned just a bit ago to Helix that was Zephyr's favorite lullaby, occasionally adding words in my rasping baritone.

When the song is finished, I reach with my other hand for Shrike's shoulder. "You've been a good mother for her, Little Sister." I encourage, using the affectionate nickname I have for her. "She couldn't have had a better caretaker or protector than you, lass. Perhaps it is a small mercy to go peacefully in sleep, instead of battling through pain only to grow and find more of it. The Gray Wing is merciful to the little ones. She carries them in her wings as well as the warriors."

"It is no sin to be unready to let go. Our tether to this world and the things and people in it are not without purpose. For if we had no ties, we would be unable to recognize the paradise that awaits us. We would be adrift." I stand to walk over to her side of the bed, sitting next to her, hands clasped in my lap. "If you are willing, we could beseech the Gray Wing together. Perhaps She holds the answer we seek. Fair warning, though: She may also tell us that Aloe's time is now. The decision is yours and yours alone, Shrike."

I give a mere nod and grunt of acknowledgement, then stand to reach inside my coat with it's many pockets. I pull out a knife and a bag of powder. Inside the pouch are ground up feathers, bones, and ash. Components for rituals when I'm away from my altar. I reach inside to pull out a pinch of the dust and sprinkle it over the bed, Shrike, and the floor. I next take the knife and take her palm, making a small cut on the surface of her skin that will bleed, but is also easy to clean and bind later. Then I do the same to my own hand, pressing my flowing lifeblood with hers. We are the supplicants, on behalf of Aloe's vessel. No need to cut the child.

As I make the preparations, I begin my chanting calls, inviting Shrike to join in. I do not soften my voice or the volume, even though it's likely we can be heard in the dining hall, not to mention by our Tower guests in the room with us. "Gray Wing above. Enlighten the path before us. We implore you to spare the life of this young one. Delay her ultimate destiny to join you in everlasting flight. Show us how we can prolong her service to you in this world. Please, help us."

The Grey Wing's words are...cryptic, as they often are. The picture she paints is filled with symbolism, but I struggle to interpret it. "Oh Wonderous One, where am I to find this abyss? Must all of the Talons undertake this endeavor? What is the nature of the sacrifice?" I limit myself to three questions, though I have dozens more. I am troubled by the oracle she grants me. I already feel as though I have dropped fragments of my soul in the last decade. Certainly, I feel like parts of me have been washed away. How much more is required of me?

I don't immediately go to Shrike's aid, but sit and dwell both on the vision I received and the power of the Grey Wing that I can still feel in the room and within my body. I savor it. It's like a light, cool breeze on damp, warm skin. It's refreshing and alien at the same time. It's lifegiving. But soon it dissipates completely. I rise over to offer Shrike my hands and help her to her feet. "Did you see what I saw, Little Sister?"

"Aye, lass, we will." I assure her. Internally, I'm questioning whether or not I can convince Helix to make this journey. The girl seems reticent enough as it is. I look down on the sleeping Aloe. Perhaps Helix might be persuaded if it's for the child. Who can say what propels her forward through dark waters? But the time to find out is nigh. "Let us go share our news with the others. It's time for a family meeting. I'll go to those in the dining hall. You look for the others. Let's gather everyone together in the chancel." I direct, referring to the area under the basilica where religious services were held before the floods came. It's a bigger space than my own chambers and can comfortable fit all of the Talons.

I stand, but before exiting, I turn to her. "The Grey Wing said a sacrifice is required. That could mean anything, so be prepared. And...well, one thing at a time, eh?"

"Aye, and so do you lass. Certainly more than what's left for me." I murmur softly after she departs. I don't intend to leave anyone behind in the abyss. Who knows what kid of sacrifice the Grey Wing desires? Perhaps it truly is a life for a life, but She had mentioned a part of my soul, a part of my humanity would be the payment. So be it. I trudge over to the doorway and turn down the hall towards the sounds of the others drinking.

End Scene