Private Tales Healing of the Heart

[Sierra]

That arm he slid around her felt as natural as a bow in her hands. She felt safe. Like she might actually have a chance of finding some real rest. Even if she felt like she couldnt get enough of Cilli’s touch.

She forced herself to focus on finishing the bread dipped in the stew. Small bites. She didn’t want to overdo it. She’d already lost too many lunches and dinners on the road.

She paused, eyes traveling to Cillian’s face. That hand in his beard. She tried to picture what it was like remembering parents. Having them teach you something. She hoped for Rose’s sake it was a good thing.

“Are you close with him?”

She reached across the tray and took some water.

 

[Cillian]

"Aye, we were very close," Cillian replied softly and idly played a strand of her hair through his fingers. He watched the way the candlelight caught the dark wet trestle and a ghost of a smile swept across his lips. How many nights had he thought about having her close again? Safe? Even talking about something that usually upset him didn't seem quite so bad with her. In fact, for the first time in a long time, he smiled at the memory of his father and brother.

"He used tae take me brot'er and I on hunts. It were there, out on a campfire, where he taught us 'ow tae cook. At home, me ma would'nae let us in 'er kitchen. She only liked tae share that space with me da," his smile was a little stronger at that memory. The sound of his mother whacking his father with a spoon as he tried to steal fresh strawberries from her basket before they had been washed. The laughter. It had been a happy home, once.

 

[Sierra]

Finishing the water, she leaned forward and moved the tray to the side, settling back in close against him. He said were. Were they not close anymore? Had his father passed away?

She couldn’t remain on the troubled thoughts as she listened. What he described seemed so normal. Was that what normal was like? Instead of archons and proctors. Instead of grueling days in the arena. Instead of dodging fellow students who wanted to kill you.

Her head fell to the crook of his arm, shifting along his chest as she closed her eyes. “A brother?” A smile curled on her lips. “Younger? Does he travel around granting wishes too?”

 

[Cillian]

Cillian subtly shifted himself so that he was laying down too hoping that it might help lull her back to sleep. His fingers continued to trail through her hair as he laughed huskily at her question.

"Older," he had been the annoying little brother who had followed Fearghal everywhere. Looking back he wondered how he had had the patience to deal with him following everywhere he went. He certainly hadn't had such patience when their sister had come along. "Grantin' wishes was not what I always did. My family were Protectors, often hired to shield large troves o' gold or precious things by dragons or King's or heroes tae busy tae stay home and guard t'ier own things," sometimes they were the same thing. "Tis why so many stories depict us with hoardes o' gold," they just failed to mention none of it was theirs.

 

[Sierra]

One of her arms shifted across his torso. As if she wanted to keep him close. To stop him from leaving her as she struggled to stay awake. The way his hand was stroking through her hair. The sound of his husky voice. Just his presence was…lulling. And she felt that strange tug toward him. As if bound by a strengthening rope.

“Well,” she breathed her voice becoming softer. “What about the rainbows?” A shift closer into his side. And for once with her eyes closed. Face relaxed. She nearly looked peaceful.

 

[Cillian]

Another husky laugh though quieter this time.

"Rainbows are how our bridges appear to mortals. T'ere special ways that fae can move through teh world, faster. On certain days of teh year when tae barriers between our worlds are a little thinner, or if a fae ain't glamoured teh way quite right, yer can see 'em," they were quite beautiful even to walk on. Rose hadn't said a word of course when he had taken her along those special pathways reserved for his kind, but when he had given her paints she had drawn rainbows for a good few days until FrauFrau became the focus of her attentions.

Cilli gently drew his fingers from her hair lazily down her spine and back up again in a feather light touch.

"Sleep, Sierra. I'll be right here," he pressed a kiss to her temple.

 

[Sierra]

“You better be,” she grumbled, resting on muscle and warmth. She fell asleep to his steady breaths and beat of his heart. And for the first time in a long time, her nightmares didn’t come again. She dreamt about nothing. Well. Maybe she saw the flash of a rainbow in the darkness for the briefest of seconds.

it wasn’t until the light began peaking through the windows and there was a pitter-patter of little feet along the wooden floors. And then a yelp of delight.

“MOMMY!” Rose cried out as she crawled up on the bed and became like a rock launched from a catapult. Sierra smiled even as the wind was knocked from her lungs, jerking awake. “Why are you and Cici in a bed?”

 

[Cillian]

Cillian groaned as a sharp little elbow jabbed him in his tender bladder.

He hadn't moved all night and his arm ached for having someone lay on it for several hours straight. He tried to flex his hand and was rewarded with a series of horrific pins and needles that crawled leisurely up his hand to his arm and shoulder. Awkwarld he untangled the numb feeling limb and tried to massage some life back into it as Rose dotted kisses over her mother. He had to smile at the way she took it all in her stride, as though she had known any day now she would wake up to her mother being there.

"Because mummy wanted to dream about tha' rainbow I took you o'er," he smiled and ruffled the girls hair. "I assume you comin' tae find me is cause you're hungry?" he raised an eyebrow. The girl could eat more than he thought something so small could.

 

[Sierra]

Sierra sat up, showering Rose with kisses even as she squirmed. But her little arms only wrapped tighter around Sierra. And Sierra felt the very real trickle of fear her daughter felt at her going away again. She was like this whenever she had to leave and come back from missions. She could also feel Rose trying to be strong. Wanting to be like her Mommy.

And it nearly broke Sierra’s heart.

“I missed you so much but I’m here now and I won’t be leaving anytime soon,” she whispered against Rose’s dark hair. Pulling back to look in those glacial blue eyes of hers. So she knew she meant it.

Rose seemed to relax a little and perk up at ‘Cici’’s comment.

“Brekky brekky brekky!” She chanted and stood, bouncing her little feet on the bed as she hung onto Sierra for support then took a wobbling step to Cillian and launched onto his back, arms circling around his neck and shoulders.

“You’ve turned her into a savage,” Sierra mused with a smile and shake of her head as she eased out of bed, running a hand through sleep-disheveled auburn waves.

 

[Cillian]

"Oof," Cillian grunted as Rose hurled herself onto his back before he could reach the door. It was automatic to reach around and grip her tiny little legs to ensure she didn't fall and hit her head; clearly this was a morning routine the two had been doing for quite some time. He shot a glare over his shoulder at Sierra and then a rather smug look crossed his face.

"I guess mummy isn't gettin' pancakes, eh Rose? More for us," the little girl giggled and wrapped her arms a little tighter about his neck as Cillian strode out the door. Once they were out of the room he gave a sudden roar like a mighty lion and went hurtling through the house at speed much to the child's squealing delight.

 

[Sierra]

"Animals," Sierra grinned with a whisper as she shook her head at their retreating backs. Walking to the closet, she opened it to see some fresh clothes that looked like they might fit her. She opted for a pair of leggings and a loose fitted shirt. She scooped up her belt from last night and wrapped it around her waist.

She opted to keep the bandolier of daggers off.

Just one on her belt she kept on. A quick glance out the window had her eyes sweeping the perimeter. A small frown wavering on her face before she smoothed her features and followed the sounds of breakfast downstairs.

Rose was seated in a chair that looked like it was carved just for her, giving her the extra boost to reach the table. She was already munching on some bits of granola with her little hands, moving them around the table with a big smile. "Juice?" Her eyes swept to Sierra.

Sierra walked over, placing a kiss on top of her daughter's head.

"What do we say?"

"Pwease."

"Good girl," Sierra turned and began rummaging around behind Cilli for a glass, spotting a pitcher of some fresh-squeezed juice. "Want some too? Or do I need to trade you some juice for some pancakes?"

 

[Cillian]

Cillian was stood over the roaring stove with a tea towel flung over one shoulder looking every bit as at home as a man could. He chuckled under his breath when he heard her correct Rose, something he hadn't been able to bring himself to do all this time, and laughed even louder at her jibe. He flipped one of the pancakes in answer before sliding it onto the plate where two more sat. There were fruits already laid out on the beautifully made oak table but alongside the pancake pan were two others, one busy frying up crisp bacon and the other in which he was scrambling fresh eggs.

He didn't miss a beat pouring more batter into the skillet.

"I suppose I can accept these terms, Duchess," he gave her a roughish dimpled grin then moved to the bacon pan and quietly piled it onto a plate which he took to the table along with the remainder of yesterday's bread.

 

[Sierra]

“Good, fair trade,” she quipped as she poured two cups of juice and brought them over to the table, setting one before Rose and the other for Cilli. Rose scooped it up quickly with her little hands, spilling some juice over the side as she brought it to her mouth.

Sierra went for the pot of coffee for herself. A small cup. Start small. In fact, a part of her nearly got overwhelmed seeing all that food. It was so much more than she was used to. But damn, it looked good. She just hoped her stomach thought so too.

Taking a seat next to Rose, she smoothed some of her daughter’s hair away from her face. Then she watched Cillian between sips of coffee, finding herself quietly admiring him.

“Mummy! I can show you the gardens and lake and the fairy house after food.” Rose smiled. Sierra’s auburn brows lofted as she cast a curious glance at their host.

“We’ll have plenty of time for that,” she mused. Or she hoped they would.

 

[Cillian]

Cillian scraped the eggs onto another plate and added another seven pancakes to the stack before carrying the rest of the feast over to the table. Automatically he began making a small plate up for Rose as she excitedly told Sierra what it was they were doing today, cutting a pancake up into small pieces along with bits of fruit and a tiny amount of eggs and bacon. He set it down in front of her before sitting down opposite Sierra.

"Aye, ye'll be doin' me a favour keepin' her occupied Duchess, I 'ave tae finish an order I'm workin' on," he begun helping himself to food, passing her the plates so she could dictate her own serving size as no doubt they were nowhere near his own. "Rose is a much better guide than me anyway," he mused with a twinkle of mirth in his eyes.

 

[Sierra]

“Is she?” A shake of her head with a small smile. She couldn’t stop the spread of warmth across her chest as he made that plate for Rose with such care. She wasn’t used to anyone else truly caring for her or her daughter. The nanny had been paid and has done a good job but not out of….love? Whatever this was. And for a moment, she felt that bridge between her and the leprechaun strengthen.

She swallowed and focused on the food. A much smaller plate. One pancake. Two pieces of crispy bacon. A small spoonfull of eggs. And a few berries. Rose was busy stuffing her little face.

“I imagine you weren’t able to get much done with this little munchkin.”

Rose opened her mouth between bites. “No, I helped him.”

By ‘helping’ she’d tried on every shoe. Especially the sparkly ones.

“Well,” Sierra chewed and swallowed, stormy-grey eyes on the golden ones. “If there’s anything else I can do to help, just let me know.”

 

[Cillian]

Whatever the girls didn't take, Cillian piled onto his plate.

"Nae lassie, yer fine. You should take Rose up on 'er offer there - spend some time wit yer girl," he smiled in between forkfuls of food. Doing something mundane and relaxing was what she needed after the war she had just fought and gods only knew the things that came after that. The last thing she needed was to be standing over a hot fire in his small forge of breathing in the strong scent of glue. He would much rather her lay in the wild blooms and enjoy the sun on her face.

"She can show you tae swing she helped me make for 'er, it's down by tae lake," he shot a smile at Rose.

 

[Sierra]

Rose grinned, syrup dripping down her chin. Sierra finished what was on her plate. A minor victory and stood to clear dishes. Rose was about finished too.

"Thanks for breakfast," Sierra smoothed Cillian's hair away from one side of his face and pressed a kiss against his temple. Then she swooped over and picked up Rose, cradling her against one hip. Rose pumped a little fist in the hair, another arm wrapping around Sierra's shoulder.

"Outside outside, outside!" She chanted. Sierra winked at Cillian as she carried Rose toward the front door.

"Wish me luck," she mouthed back, knowing she didn't really need it. Not when it came to being with her daughter and disappeared into the sunlight.

 

[Cillian]

Cillian watched them go with a smile. Having her close, having here here, it soothed something inside of him. Something he was trying to ignore. He leaned back in his chair with a tired sigh and ran a calloused hand down his face. He still wasn't a hundred percent certain it was what he thought it was. Perhaps it was because she had asked him to look after Rose and thus created a pact of sorts. Yet it didn't feel like any he had had before. If he told her... if he told her what he thought it might be would she run? Would she flee? Or would she stand and face it? He daren't hope that she returned that level of affection after a dusty road trip and he daren't ask soon in case her answer was born out of an obligation she might feel for him taking care of Rose.

With a grunt he pushed the chair back and got to his feet. There was no point dwelling on it until he knew for certain.

Once he had tidied away the rest of breakfast he made his way back to his work shed, leaving the door flung open so he could hear if there were any problems. He only had a few more pairs to make for this ladies new summer wardrobe and then it would be a trip to Endora.

 

[Sierra]

Rose run in the grass as soon as she was set down, hand tight around one of Sierra's. The toddler tried with all her might and weight to hurry Sierra along. They went down a grassy field covered in wildflowers that sloped toward a small, sparkling lake. Rose quickly pointed out the swing hanging over a wide branch of an oak-tree and scrambled on top, tipping her chin back to her mom.

Sierra laughed and began pushing her.

Rose's legs swung in glee. She chattered as she swung, pointing out a small tree-house further in the woods, claiming that was the 'fairy house.' There were flowers painted around the outside and it looked like a doll-house made for Rose and her size to fit inside.

"You two have been very busy."

Rose's face suddenly became serious.

"You were gone a long time."

Sierra felt her chest tighten and she slowed the swing, taking a knee in front of her. "I know. But I love you and I always will. No matter how long I'm gone. Do you understand that?"

"Yea," Rose sniffed once, her emotions shifting from somber to happy again as she hopped from the swing. "Let me show you the gardens!" And they were off again. After a tour to the gardens. Then to the 'fairy house' Sierra and Rose ended up laying in the grass by the lake, the sun warming their faces. Rose quickly fell asleep as Sierra braided her dark hair. Scooping up Rose, she gently carried her back to the house. She'd put her down for a nap and then perhaps they could have lunch.

Or maybe dinner.

She'd lost track of time.

 

[Cillian]

Cillian was just putting the bottle of wine into the basket when Sierra finally reappeared. He froze like a deer caught in the carriage lamp-light and then sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck, eyeing up the bottle as though he couldn't quite decide whether it truly was a touch too far or not.

"I t'ought... we could err... 'ave a picnic outside, whilst Rose had her nap," he stuttered and roughly jammed the wine into the basket anyway. He'd freshened up too. The clothes he'd been wearing earlier were gone replaced by a shirt with no wrinkles in it untied from the throat to mid chest to expose a good amount of tanned skin. It even appeared as though he'd run a brush through his hair. "If ye err... want an' all. No pressure," he coughed awkwardly and stood, hands clasped in front of him, waiting for her answer.

 

[Sierra]

Sierra had just put Rose down, tucked safely in bed, holding tight to a stuffed unicorn with one green button as one eye and the other a blue button. It was a new toy. Eventually Sierra would have to talk with Cillian about spoiling her too much. Even though she'd been through a lot.

Later.

That would be a conversation for later.

She leaned in the doorway of the kitchen as Cillian froze. She couldn't help the trace of her eyes along his form, coming to rest on his face as the golden light from the waning sun splashed across his tanned features. Had he...brushed his hair? Was he...nervous?

What in the hells did he have to be nervous about? She was pretty sure she had some grass and stray dandelion petals stuck in her hair from her time outside with Rose. She'd never seen Cillian quite like this before and studied him closely.

She stopped herself from reaching through her power, blinked and looked away before meeting his earnest gaze again. "That sounds...nice."

A brief smile.

"I'll grab a blanket." She disappeared into the other room before returning with one tucked beneath her arms. "You have quite the place here. Rose showed me the gardens and the swing by the lake." She'd only seen the house from the outside when she'd arrived last night. Her trip with Rose opened her eyes more to the glenn. And she was sure there was still a lot more to see.

Not to mentioned she still had no real explanation to how she'd ended up here from when she'd left Vel Anir.

 

[Cillian]

"Oh, aye?" Cillian's grin dimpled his cheeks beneath the stubble as he scooped up the basket - wine included - and looped it over one arm. With his other he took her arm in his and wandered back outside into the afternoon sun. Light played across the rolling field of wildflowers and turned the river into a sea of diamonds. A wind blew through, pleasantly warm despite the time of year. Artists would have - and had - wept to paint it. Failed to do so even. But despite that Cillian only had eyes for the woman who walked at his side.

"Tha's some o' 'er favourite spots. She wouldn' show me for days," he chuckled. Of course he had known where she was at all times but it was quite another thing to have a child come take your hand and show you the important places they had created for themselves. Cillian took her down to the river though and helped her set out the blanket in the soft sand there.

"'ow are yer feelin', Duchess?" he asked as he set out the food, glancing up at her with concern in those golden eyes.

 

[Sierra]

Sierra couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt, sudden and sharp against her chest as Cillian spoke of Rose. And while she'd raised a strong girl and there had been no other way to get Rose out of the city safely, she'd still done that to her daughter.

Left her.

Made her leave.

The weary dreadlord sat on the blanket, legs crossed in front. Fingers shifted auburn-hair behind one shoulder, the sound of the water splashing against the sand and Cillian's voice bringing her out of deeper thoughts. She blinked. When was the last time anyone ever asked her that?

"I'm," she hesitated, habit making an easy lie ready on her tongue. She swallowed. "Overwhelmed," a quiet admittance. "Everything I've done has been to try and protect Rose. To help it so kids didn't end up like me and my classmates. And even doing that, have I scarred her? Would she see me as a monster for what I've done?"

A sigh as her fingers absently smoothed the fabric of the blanket they perched on.

Cool-grey eyes lifted and locked onto his twin, warming suns as the gentle breeze from the river whispered across her skin and through her hair.

 

[Cillian]

"Sierra," Cillian's tone had a note Sierra probably hadn't before. Authoritative. Strong. In a way, disapproving too. He wore a frown to match but it was all tempered by the tender way he put her hand over his on the blanket and shook his head. "Ye can't be so 'ard on yerself. Yer were in a situation few ever find 'emselves in, and you did so with a babe at foot. Yer did what were right for 'er," there was a passionate conviction to his words. Cillian had seen the strength Sierra had taught her daughter in every moment Rose had been with him. Had watched in utter delight as despite the odd sense of knowing the child had had about what was going on, that she had still felt loved and free to be a child.

"You made tha' little girl feel loved, but more importantly safe."

 

[Sierra]

There was something electric about the way his eyes peered into hers. When her calloused fingers rested against his hand. No, jolting. And there it was. A feeling she couldn't explain.

Her thumb ran across his skin.

"You did, too." Her voice was as fierce as his. Her gaze swept around the river. The field they crossed. The flowers in the dappling sun. The cottage she knew lay behind them. "All of this. Bringing her here." The lines of her furrowed brow began to smooth out.

"And maybe you brought me here, too? I've seen powerful and nearly unexplainable magic but I've never camped somewhere, taken a breath and ended up somewhere else. And as much as I want to talk about leprechaun magic, I think I'd like some wine first." A small upward tick of her lips.

When they first met and smuggled the set of kids out of Vel Anir, he'd told her what he really was. He'd shared a little about his family. And for awhile, she hadn't believed him. She'd heard stories of the fair folk but she'd never met any. Which made sense since she'd been trapped as a cog of a larger war machine who mainly fought the elves.

But she'd believed him when they'd parted. When he came to take Rose. When they'd said what could've been their goodbyes.