McDowell Family/Kaylan McDowell/illness
Roleplay from Kaylan McDowell
Kaylan shivered from the cold and tried to huddle into her cloak unsuccessfully blocking the harsh wind and rain. Her face was wet, and she couldn’t stop her teeth chattering. Every few minutes her body shivered and her hands stiffened from the icy bolt that coursed through her. For days now she had been traveling from sunup to sundown, only taking a few hours to rest.
Her men were tired, she was exhausted but she pressed on, they couldn’t afford to be late. Everything was slowly going wrong. She had been called away shortly after the costume party and before she knew it, received word that Malcolm was wounded. She had been worried sick. Then out of nowhere, reports started coming in, they were being attacked from all sides and now she had a very uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach.
What angered her most, she barely had a minute to think for herself, let alone stop long enough to send Malcolm word. Hopefully he would forgive her. On top of that her Captain kept hounding her with questions, they were completely natural but in her current state her irritation was just slowly rising, she just wanted a moment’s peace. She couldn’t think straight, her head ached, her limbs were weak and her constant nausea wasn’t helping. That morning he had simply asked her how she was fairing and she completely lost it and snapped at him. He had then decided to stop talking to her altogether.
He even refrained from approaching her, unless he absolutely needed to, lest she finish the job of biting his head off. She knew she was ill…she avoided her healer at all cost and tried to ignore them. She couldn’t let this weakness take over. For she knew if she stopped now, she wouldn’t be able to continue and they would be too late.
She felt a mixture of heat and cold, and an occasional vertigo, the wind picked up again and her eyes burned. Closing them, she tried to return to the night of the costume party and tried to remember the heat she had felt… she just needed heat. The vertigo returned and her eyes fluttered, her cold fingers tried to tighten over Kennocha’s reins but she was too weak and she felt her body slip and the ground rushed up to meet her.
She felt the hood being pulled away from her face and a shake of her shoulders. “Kayyyyllllaaann?” the voice came slowly distorted and some words made it through, but they didn’t make any sense. “Hea….ler!.... buuurnniingg… tooo laaaattte… chiiilllld…” the voices grew deeper, and then stopped abruptly.
She slowly opened her eyes and looked around, realizing she was in her own room. Sitting up, she winced with regret gritting her teeth, she must have been hit to the head the pain was atrocious.
Turning, she noticed steam coming out of a bowl and bread beside it. Closing her eyes, she tried to swallow down her nausea. She removed the blanket covering her and quickly pulled it back. Her wet clothes had been removed, and she was clad in nothing but her skin.
The door opened and blue eyes fixed in that direction to see her healer walk in. “What happened?” she asked suddenly, her voice mixed with a tinge of anxiousness. He raised his hand in a calming manner and approached. “My Lady, you collapsed.”
“Collapsed?” she frowned and tried to remember.
“Now that you’re awake, I need to ask you some questions.”
She didn’t have time to sit here answering questions, she needed to leave. She gave him an ungracious scoff and rolled her eyes.
“Where is your pain?” he asked and she rolled her eyes. “I have a headache,” she answered acerbically.
“Well yes, you did fall off your steed.”
“Thank you for the report,” she replied with irritation. “This can wait. I have too many things to do, and very little time to get it done. I know I haven’t been in perfect health, I’ve had sniffles and the occasional chill but I will be back to myself in a matter of days.”
“My Lady, what other symptoms are you experiencing?” he asked, curiously.
“That’s all,” she pressed but he seemed unconvinced. “Perhaps after some rest,” he started to say. “Rest?” she challenged, “do you have any idea what’s going on out there?” she pointed to one of her windows and he raised his brow at her. “I know precisely what’s happening.”
“Then you know I can’t waste a moment. I have no idea how long I’ve been here, but we’ve probably wasted too much already. Can’t you tell a cold when you see one?” she countered and he dry washed his hands. “Yes I normally can when I’m able to see it. You have avoided me now for days now which lead me to believe there could be more.”
“No,” she said curtly, “nothing else, now leave me.”
“Next time, you may not be so lucky as to be a few yards from your own doorstep. Please be cautious My Lady. You will not be easily overlooked this time,” he promised and she sighed. He inclined his head and left.
She quietly watched the door for a moment and swallowed. She had to be strong and continue, no matter what.
It wasn’t long after that, she was on her way to Greatbridge.
Roleplay from Malcolm Bedwyr
Malcolm was jittery. Mikhail had stepped down, and with Katalynfae in prison...This could be interesting. At least Kaylan would be here soon.
"Should look over those reports..."
His men kept tabs on her, but did not bring non-critical matters to his attention. He wanted to keep her safe, not to be a voyeur. But they did keep tabs on matters of moderate importance in case he wanted a review...Report wasn't terribly long, just a few bits about travel notices, battles, and...
"WHAT?!?! She was sick enough to fall off her horse and you didn't tell me?"
The grizzled man shrugged. "Not part of my job, milord. You wanted word about her getting attacked...This wasn't it."
Malcolm scowled...Then sighed as he mentally reviewed his orders.
"Fair enough. I'll have to come up with some better criteria...But for now, anything of real note, inform me immediately. At least I have a few hours...You, boy...Tell the Healer to get a list to the cooks about good foods for a sick woman, get as many fruits as you can find, and extra blankets. I want half a dozen bricks hot enough to crack by the time she gets here. Now...Move!"
Roleplay from Kaylan McDowell
She had finally reached Greatbridge, and now that she was there, she just wanted to crumple from sheer relief. Her men immediately began to set up camp and she slid off her saddle. The ground wavered beneath her feet and she leaned up against Kennocha to steady herself. Usually she would have helped the men, but she could barely stand on her two legs.
Word had been sent of the election results and she wanted to cry… How much more fighting would they need to do in the face of impossible odds before they realized it was too late? She sighed despondently.
Usually she would have been the first to pick up her bow, to look over the field at the enemy and grin viciously but now…now she didn’t even have a taste for it. Maybe it was because she had so much more at stake than she ever had. Her hand covered her stomach and to her very own surprise, she unceremoniously vomited. Kennocha moved away and she fell to her knees, her hands slapping the ground as she held herself up.
Her healer was immediately at her side and his hand touched her back. “My lady, you should come inside,” he coaxed gently and she tried to catch her breath. He raised her chin and touched her cheek and forehead. “This isn’t a simple cold,” he muttered and her lips trembled as she felt the sickness rise again. She tried to protest, but he averted his gaze as she groaned miserably instead. It was a moment, when she was able to breathe again and he grabbed her arm. She didn’t even object as he ordered some men to pick her up. “Mal…colm,” she whispered, saying the only name she could think of.
Roleplay from Malcolm Bedwyr
Malcolm came running up with a few of his burliest men, the Healer trailing behind. He'd seen Kaylan vomit, and had begun sprinting...
"Oh, hellfire...Need to get her inside...You, whoever you are, meet us over at my camp, you ought to recognize the sigil. I've got a tent prepared already, and that Healer has been working for several hours getting various remedies ready...We go, now."
Malcolm nodded at the men, and picked her up on the stretcher they'd been hauling. He took position next to her head, placing the smooth wood on his right shoulder...Resolutely not looking at her. Had to get her to the tent, get everything dealt with. Then he could break down. Not before.
Roleplay from Kaylan McDowell
Kaylan fleeted in and out of consciousness, she tried to open her eyes but they felt incredibly heavy. She heard bits of conversation, and tried to follow the words but she couldn’t make any sense of them. One of them was so familiar, she tried to follow the sound of his dulcet tone but she lost it.
Roleplay from Zadek Dragul
The word was all over Greatbridge, Braga was under attack and everyone was mustering to get there. His heart was like a lead weight, he feared that Fiona was in Braga with her cousin the Lady Aewyn. If those Perdan dogs hurt her, he would go to hell itself and throttle the King of Perdan himself. He had to find out what was going on. He had seen Alec a little while before, but he had no idea where Fiona might be.
He stopped a unit setting out to march and enquired of the Noble if he had seen Dame Fiona. The reply had been yes...she had set out with her men riding like they were chasing the very hounds of hell to get to Braga.
Zadek turned to his new Captain Sieger, and told him to order the men into action now, "Double time until we catch Dame Fiona's unit."
His scribe hurried up to him and handed him a red rose. Smiling shyly, the boy said "She could probably use this, it might make her easier about her cousin, Sir."
Zadek smiled and tossed the boy a coin. He tucked the rose inside his armor and hurried off behind his men. About 5 miles down the road he saw the red hair flying and knew he had found the lady of his quest. He rode up beside her and asked "Want some company on the road?" with that he handed her the rose.
Roleplay from Alec McDowell
Alec had only just arrived when Zadek came at him wondering if he had seen his Lady. He really had no clue and shrugged, he didn’t even have time to ponder where she could be before the blond man was off again.
He walked over to his men and was tapped on the shoulder. “Sir,” he said quietly and Alec turned to see a soldier. He recognized him as the one he had only beaten a short while ago while guarding his cousin’s tent and frowned at his unexpected appearance.
“Lady Kaylan is terribly ill, I ugh… though… you might want to know,” he said nervously and Alec’s mouth dried up. He looked to his Captain, “Alfried, I need you to get them set up, and to go on ahead without me, get to Braga now. I’ll join up as soon as I can.”
He looked back to the soldier, “take me to her.”
Roleplay from Fiona Onyxien
Fiona didn't even take the time to eat her food she wrapped a few pieces of bread and grabbed a some water. Eugene looked at her and could see she wasn't herself normally she would be filling a flask of mead not water, and she would be barking out orders and pumping her men, instead she remained quiet.
She rode on her horse not looking back, she swallowed hard at the thought of Aewyn surrounded under attack. She closed her eyes and gripped the reigns tighter kicking her horse to speed up.
"Want some company on the road?" a voice familiar voice asked. Looking over Fiona's eyes widened and she felt relief seeing Zadek there at her side, taking the flower from his hand she choked up and slowed her horse to a trot. She was so full of emotions she couldn't seem to keep her head straight until now.
"Zadek" she swallowed hard bringing her horse to a full stop next to his. "Aewyn" she paused and looked up at him with a pool of tears in her eyes "If anything happens to her, I .. I don't know what I would do" she burst out into tears. "She's my family" she looked down wiping her eyes.
"If those dogs so much as lay a hand on her or move a hair from it's place I will hunt every single one of them down if it's the last thing I do" she took a shaky breath "I will bring them the hell they wished they never seen" she looked at Zadek her watery eyes blinking.
"I don't care if they take Braga at this point, I just want my cousin out of there and by my side" she grabbed his hand "We need to get her out of there Zadek will you help me" she waited looking at him listening carefully at her words "Will you help me get Aewyn safely out of harms way" she squeezed her hand around his forearm convincingly.
Roleplay from Zadek Dragul
Zadek looked into Fiona's eyes and knew that if she asked him to march into hell, he would go willingly with a smile on his face. He laid his hand on hers and spoke quietly so that she alone could hear. "We will rescue your cousin, rest assured, those Perdan dogs will not harm a hair on her head, they would not dare. I know she is important to you, I understand about family. My sister is very dear to me as well. I want you to know that no matter what happens, you will always have me to count on as well."
Zadek turned away blushing. Now she would think him an idiot again, but it didn't matter. He had finally said what was in his heart. He would always care for her, and he hoped that some day she would care for him as well. But for now, they would save her cousin, and continue to fight for Fontan.
Roleplay from Fiona Onyxien
She felt relieved at his words and for the first time ever she trusted someone other then her cousin. The sincerity in his eyes convinced her that he would do what he could to see Aewyn to safety and that meant so much to Fiona she couldn't help herself but lean closer in on Zadek.
"I don't know why but I know your words to be true" she leaned and kissed him softly on his cheek. Wrapping her arms around him for comfort her tears finally fell from her cheek to Zadek's neck.
"Thank you Zadek, I'm so happy you are here with me" she pulled back and looked at him. "One day I swear this war will be over and we'll be happy" not putting anymore thought with what she had just said Zadek's eyes looked back smiling at her.
"But we need to get a move on if we're going to get there, I want to be the first to break those lines" she smiled and lifted her head "Today it's for Aewyn first then Fontan" she licked her dry lips and nodded.
Roleplay from Zadek Dragul
Zadek felt his heart soar as Fiona kissed his cheek. He wrapped his arms around her protectively and smoothed her hair. As she moved away from him and spoke, he knew that there was nothing in this world more important to him than getting to Braga at this moment.
He turned to yell at his men that they would be moving for Braga with all possible speed and listened to the words echo from Fiona.
"Well, then, let's get moving." He kicked his horse in the ribs to set him in motion and they headed for Braga.
For Lady Aewyn, and for Fontan!
Roleplay from Alec McDowell
A short while later, Alec was standing in front of a tent looking at a sigil he didn’t recognize. “Is Kaylan in there?” he asked the guard posted at the front, and he looked at him. “I can’t let you enter Sir,” he swallowed at the green eyed stare Alec gave him. “Look you tell whoever’s in there, that I’m here to see my cousin,” he hissed. “Not you or anything is going to keep me from that, you got it?” Before waiting for the guard to announce his presence, he got impatient and pushed him out of the way, to enter the tent.
When he did, he stopped in his tracks. She was lying in a bed, as Malcolm held her in his arms. He could see from where he stood, the other man was terribly anxious. Alec’s own face reflected his anxiousness and his body tingled with dread. She looked so pale and helpless. Malcolm’s hand brushed over her forehead and he looked up as he approached them. “What happened?” Alec asked fearfully unsure what to say.
Roleplay from Malcolm Bedwyr
Malcolm sat, wincing slightly, on a very placid horse headed to Oligarch. Needed to remember...Not getting wounded was part of the plan. Of course, he'd had other things on his mind...
Alec's face when he saw Malcolm in bed with Kaylan had been priceless...Although his incessant jokes about it, possibly to cover his worry over Kaylan's illness, had gotten old quickly...
The worry he'd felt when Kaylan had announced with a weak smile that she was better, and could go fight...That had been at the back of his mind until he'd been knocked out...
The vague memories afterwards of the few minutes he'd swam back to wakefulness...Seeing that Katalynfae had won the election, gods be praised...And of the orders that had been lost en route to his unit to turn back...
And now...Hearing about the attack on Westmoor...Wondering how the diplomatic games would play out...Wondering where he and Kaylan would end up in all this...It was going to be a long ride yet...
He winced again as his side twinged. And going to be even longer if he didn't pay better attention to the road...
Roleplay from Kaylan McDowell
Kaylan was tired from battle and walked away, trying to steady her feet. She had left Greatbridge telling Malcolm, she was fit to fight…. Now she was regretting it. She wasn’t fit at all... She was terribly weak and had wanted nothing but to stay with him, but she was bound to follow her orders.
She didn’t remember much, other than the darkness filled with glimpses of light. And words… soft words whispered in her ears. “I’ve never felt this way before...Can't lose you...not now...”
She spotted her captain and smiled at him. “Good work, now let’s return the favor. Make sure the men enjoy themselves,” she said as she looked over to the destruction around her and grinned viciously.
Another memory surfaced making her forget what was before her and she could almost still feel his hand lightly touching her face, “Gods...don't know what I'd do...” the fear in his voice was still heartbreaking.
Her Captain frowned at her sudden silence and the faraway look on her face. “Are you alright?” he questioned with concern and she blinked. “Yes, I was…. Just thinking…”
He waited with expectation and she didn’t elaborate and walked away, trying her best not to show her weakness. She was about ready to collapse again, but tightened her grip on her bow instead. “Come back to me, love...” Malcolm’s voice returned and she sighed emotionally as she closed her eyes, remembering the tender kiss that had brought her back. Now his voice was constantly with her…and she couldn’t help replaying the words he had kept reserved until that moment. How she loved him… and now she just wanted to be back with him.
The last few days had been devastating. There were so many losses, and slow rising fears that weren’t diminishing in the least. What would she do if she lost him? Just thinking of it made her insides grow cold and her hand reached up to her abdomen to still the sensation.
Roleplay from Kaylan McDowell
Kaylan sipped the warm tea Alec brought her and the second the taste hit her, she screwed her face at the bitterness and gagged.
She pushed the cup back at him with a vehement shake of her head and he sighed. “Kayly,” he said with a disappointed tone and she sat at her table. “Your healer insists you take it, he says it'll settle your stomach,” he laughed and she sulked.
“I’m not drinking that, it tastes like goat piss, that's far from settling my stomach” she exclaimed bluntly and he chuckled at her comparison. “Because you’ve had goat piss,” he countered with a grin and she glowered. “No, but if I did it would taste just like that. You drink it, since you like it so much.”
“Nu uh, the smell is bad enough” he shook his head and lowered the cup on the table between them, where it lay forgotten.
“Alec, stop following me and stop pushing all these strange concoctions at me. I’m fine…” she sighed, “I know I worried you and Malcolm, but I’m fine now, I was just really under the weather.”
Roleplay from Alec McDowell
Her skin was a pallid hue, and she looked so tired. He could tell she was still weak and he was extremely worried about her. She was trying so hard to hide it and that… sadly was just like her. Refusing to ask for help, thinking she was always alone. She began to absently pick at the wood on the table and he held his hand putting it over hers, stopping her. “What’s wrong?” he started delicately and she pulled her hand back.
“Nothing’s wrong” she said softly and he frowned.
“Look, it’s been days since I’ve had the pleasure of your snappy flair and I miss it, and you haven’t insulted me once, so that leads me to believe there’s something wrong. Did I somehow worm myself into your good graces?” he gave a lopsided smile and she looked away.
“I’m fine… I’ve just been preoccupied is all. I’ve had a lot on my mind and this damn war…” she winced, closing her eyes. “I don’t know where I’m going anymore,” she admitted and he laughed. “Well Kaylan, I hate to burst your small moment of self pity but none of us know where we’re going anymore.”
There was a long moment of silence on her part, and his laughter died. “I’m so scared Alec…” her voice was so low he had to play it over in his head to make sure he heard her correctly.
She would never open up this easily unless something was seriously wrong and he sat up attentively. “Of what?” he asked dropping all hints of humor.
Roleplay from Kaylan McDowell
Kaylan’s throat seemed to tighten and she faltered at her next words, “I’m not even sure…” she said quietly and sighed miserably. She had so many things going through her head right now it was a miracle she could still think but the emotions attached were running high and she was having a hard time with them.
“Alec… what will happen to us?” she finally said and he frowned. “I don’t want to lose courage, but whether I want it to or not, it’s leaving me.”
“We’ll pull through this,” he touched her shoulder and she shook her head, to bury her face in her hands. “But you can’t know that, what if… what if we lose everything?” She looked up with tear filled eyes. “Where would I go? Where would you go? I’ve gained so much here. Alec I found my sister,” she whispered and his eyes widened. “But you don’t have a sister,” he said slowly and she shook her head. “Her name is Fiona… Onyxien.”
Roleplay from Alec McDowell
“You’re kidding,” Alec’s mouth dropped open and if he hadn’t already been sitting would have fell into his chair. “And when were you planning on telling me? Did either of you think I would benefit from this small bit of information.” He suddenly felt like a complete ass remembering his first encounter with her. “I have to say, now that you mention it, I don’t know why I didn’t see it before. The first thing she did when she saw me was hit me. I would have been happy if she would have just hit on me...” he grinned but then realized Fiona was his cousin and groaned.
Roleplay from Kaylan McDowell
Kaylan would have normally laughed but she didn’t even have the energy. “Honestly, it never even occurred to me until now. So much has been going on,” she rose from the chair and quickly held on to the corner. “Gods, this headache…” her hand shot up to her temples. “Kaylan you need to get some rest, you haven’t stopped for a week now.”
Ignoring his comment she continued, “and then there’s Malcolm… would him and I remain together? What if something were to happen to either of us? What if he goes somewhere I can’t follow? Where would I be without him?” she couldn’t hold it in anymore and just cried. “I would die…”
Roleplay from Alec McDowell
Alec was instantly on his feet holding her. His hand brushed down her hair and he tried to soothe her. “Kaylan you can’t worry about these things now, what matters is that you’re safe now, and nothing of the sort has happened. When it does, we’ll deal with it. I promise you I will make sure nothing happens to you.”
She held on tightly and cried on his shoulder, and for the first time he got a completely different look at his cousin. He didn’t like seeing her in tears or in pain and he would be true to his word.
“Kaylan, promise me you’ll get some rest, you need to regain your strength,” he tried coaxing her and she sniffed. “Yes…. I do…” she backed up and looked up into his eyes. “Alec… I’m…” she was about to tell him something but then grew silent. “Thank you…” she said instead and he smiled back. “Now promise me you’ll get some rest.”
Roleplay from Kaylan McDowell
“I promise,” she said with a weak smile and he nodded, “good. When you wake up tomorrow morning, everything will be better you’ll see. I’ll be here first thing to make sure you kept your promise.”
He let her go and walked away out of the tent. It was only a few minutes after he left, that she received her next orders. She looked at it for a long time. Finally managing to tear herself away from it, she crawled into her cot. She curled up, and cried herself to sleep.
