After Blodwen Round II

[makesthings]

Sameth is lying on a bed in the infirmary, wreathed in poison and trying and trying to get back to consciousness.

Comments

[walksindeath]

The flow eases as Sabriel gradually stops shaping them so often, and lets the flow of the Charter drain away slowly.

She eases herself into a chair next to Sameth's bed, drained but relieved.

[makesthings]

He doesn't let go of her wrist and opens his mouth but his throat hurts so just mouths,

"I'm sorry."

[walksindeath]

"Shhh," Sabriel says automatically.

She hesitates, then reaches out awkwardly to stroke his hair a little.

"You're going to be all right."

[makesthings]

That just makes him sag back onto the bed because he knows it won't, there's so much that he can't do that he needs to do and this just proves it.

[walksindeath]

She strokes his hair back from his forehead again, touch a little more sure as she sits, getting her breath back.

"It's all right," she whispers again.

[makesthings]

He's so tired and feeling like such a fool that he almost feels like crying but he has to be strong.

So he leans towards her on his good side and croaks out,

"Just trying to be as brave as you."

[walksindeath]

Sabriel has to swallow past the lump in her throat.

"I just know what I can do, Sameth. When I can't- When you can't, you run. You could have died."

[makesthings]

"Can't do anything and had to show Mogget I wasn't useless."

He knows that part but at least here, he could actually do more than just flail about.

[walksindeath]

"What?"

Wait. Injured son. Quiet voice.

"You don't have to show anyone anything."

[makesthings]

Its hard to hide under the blankets when your wrist is hurting but Sameth still tries.

[walksindeath]

"Sameth."

Her voice is quiet again, but desperate.

"You are not trained yet. I know I should have helped you more, but however strong you are, there are some dangers you cannot face, and there is no shame in that."

[makesthings]

He should tell her how scared he is of studying and of walking in Death, this would be a good moment but he just can't,

"Sorry."

[walksindeath]

Sabriel sighs quietly.

"I wish I could be there at home," she says.

[makesthings]

"Not your fault, can't change what you are."

And what he'll probably never be and if she was there then he'd have to open the book.

[walksindeath]

"But if I'm supposed to expect you to follow me and I can't even find the time to show you how..."

She shakes her head.

"We shouldn't talk about this now. You're still hurt."

[makesthings]

He knows they'll have to talk about it sometime, Milliways seems to be trying to force them to,

"I know, sorry."

[walksindeath]

"Shhh. Try to relax," she says, as her fingers move silently, pulling forward the marks for sleep, quiet and rest - only lightly, since Sameth is tired already, and so is she.

"Sleep."

[makesthings]

With a small nod, he falls asleep as his body works to heal and he searches for good dreams.

[walksindeath]

Sabriel makes her way over to the unoccupied bed next to his, and curls up herself; half to watch him, half to rest herself.

It isn't long before she falls asleep too.