The Wounds of a Friend

Writers: AL, Heather
Date Posted: 16th July 2014

Characters: Reven, Relea
Description: Reven runs into his new sister-in-law, but isn't quite himself.
Location: Green Valley Hold
Date: month 7, day 17 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Arippa

Reven

Relea

Relea's body still wasn't too happy. Her stomach clung to a constant
state of light nausea. Fortunately, it wasn't enough to keep her from
eating or to force her to lose what she did eat, but that didn't mean
that she_felt_ well. She didn't particularly desire to eat, but she
did so for she knew it was necessary. Even worse, though, was the
fatigue. She rose for the day, would work on hats for a couple of
hours, then feel like she'd been running around the hold like poultry
with its head cut off. She had to admit, her position as Coran's wife
and the work that she did allowed for more flexibility. Unlike many
in the Hold, when her eyelids pulled down their veils in an attempt to
force her to sleep, she could actually listen for a while.

However, it also meant she was in her quarters far more than normal.
Walks outside, even on the nicer days, were becoming more rare. When
was the last time she'd visited the garden? Perhaps some fresh air
would do her good, and hopefully she'd have enough energy to get here
there and back without having to stop for a nap in the hall.

Her trek was interrupted, however, by the sight of a familiar figure.
Although he'd returned with little fuss, Relea had certainly known
about Reven. Coran might have wanted to keep the details from her,
but she'd asked that he not hold back. Honestly, Reven looked a lot
better than the visage her mind had formed. Her eyes automatically
strayed to his hand, then quickly away. It wouldn't be polite to
stare.

A moment's hesitation was followed by a decision to approach, an
expression of concern and gladness both alighting upon her face.
Though not as well versed as Coran, Relea knew Reven understood quite
a few basic signs. "Hello, Reven." She made the sign for his name, a
combination of 'R' with the word 'Holder'. It was the sign she had
given him, and used whenever she spoke about him.

Despite being glad to be home, Reven had spent most of his time since
his return trying to avoid people. Except for his father, Arippa, and
Coran, he didn't even really want to see his mother. He hated that
'aw, poor fella' look that people insisted on giving him. Most days
Reven sequestered himself in his room and refused to have anyone in.

When he saw Relea in the hallway he had the wild urge to turn and duck
out of sight, but of course it was too late for that.

"Hi." He signed back with his good hand, leaving his left hand tucked
into the pocket of his vest.

"Welcome back." Relea made sure to slow down. Coran was getting more
used to her speed, but she didn't spend as much time with his brother.
"How are you feeling?" There was a myriad of answers she expected, but
she doubted he would really indicate his true state. Still, she asked
regardless.

Frightened. Sick. Panicked. Jumpy. Tired. Paranoid. A jumble of
different answers came to mind, but Reven gave the standard answer,
and one that he could actually sign back, "I am okay." He had enough
training to automatically inquire, "How have you been?"

Relea wrinkled her nose. Yeah, it was just as she had expected.
Although he signed one thing, she could read more behind it. He was
tense, his shoulders stiff, his colour paled in comparison to when she
had last seen him. Even though they stood together, his gaze shifted,
as if he were on the look out for something - or someone. Underlying
it all, the weariness that plagued him could not be hidden. He wasn't
okay at all - and he was obviously self conscious about what had
happened to his hand, especially with the difficulty of signing one
handed. "I'm okay." She responded in kind, then impulsively she
stepped forward. Eyes as deep as the sky before the last rays of the
sun have disappeared to allow it to turn to ebony peered up into his
lighter blue ones. She held them there for a moment, then slowly
signed. "But you are not."

The look in Relea's soul piercing gaze was eerie and Reven
automatically found himself taking a step back, "Well, of course I am
not, but that doesn't mean I wish to discuss it out here in the open
with you." Couldn't people just respect his privacy? Why on Pern would
he want to dredge up the horrible memories of his captivity to relive
in front of others?

"I didn't ask you to discuss what happened." Her hands replied
slowly, and she managed a small smile. "And I won't ask you to, but
please don't tell me you're okay when you're not. We are family now."
There was a brief pause before she added. "I am worried about you."

Ah, yes, Reven had been too busy with his own situation to even think
about the fact that his little brother had married again. He felt a
twinge of guilt. He had been usurping Coran's time and the other man
hadn't even mentioned it.

"Yes, well, so is my mother but I tell her I am okay, too. I even say
it to Arippa. See? I am already treating you like family." Reven felt
that his kidnapping had been a sure sign of weakness on his part to
the residents of Green Valley. He would give them no more cause to
think that he was weak.

Relea shook her head and lifted her hands once more to 'speak'. "No.
You are treating family like strangers."

"I am protecting my family," Reven amended, although he was beginning
to feel a headache developing. This was exactly why he had been
avoiding people.

"We don't want to be protected." Coran had done that, tried to
protect her from the worst of it. She was certain he'd sugar coated
the gory details, even though it hadn't been necessary. "We want to
be allowed to love you, for better or for worse. That's what family
does. Love each other, share burdens, cry together." At least,
that's what family was supposed to do. Leaton had never been like
that, but Relea had experienced love from others - before they had
died. "Don't talk about it with me if you don't want to. I won't
ask, I promise. But don't shut us out either. It'll only make things
worse. And definitely don't shut out Arippa. If you can't talk to
anyone else, talk to her. She's your wife, your mate."

Reven's temper flashed, the unstable holder could not withstand a
scolding, even if given in love and concern, "I have tried to be
polite but apparently your tact is as good as your hearing." The words
were harsh and unlike the man, "I don't wish to discuss anything with
you or anyone else. If you have any further questions you can direct
them to your husband the way a wife is suppose to." The man turned,
heading back in the direction he came, hoping to be able to retreat
back to his room without seeing anyone else.

Last updated on the July 28th 2014

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The Wounds of a Friend