[IRP] The Dead One Calls

[Lavi]

Satsume's grumbling reminded Cecily that there were real concerns other than her own satisfaction, bringing the woman over to her retainer's side. She bit back the temptation to ask him if he was alright. Of course not: it does not take a physician to see his pained expression. However, healing magic is not one of Cecily's specialties and she was not sure whether a vulnerary would really fix the blunt trauma that plagued Satsume's midriff.

Instead, she offered something else. "I suppose it is ironic our roles are reversed. If you were having any dreams of me carrying you, they are sorely mistaken."

Cecily could not let Satsume see what she was feeling right now. Theodore, who previously served Cecily, died on his own volition to protect his lady from harm. There was no way for Cecily to have been in a position to save him then. This time was different; she was not incapacitated and bedridden and, despite that, she had no means to prevent his health from declining. There was a feeling of guilt in having him open the door, but she doubted that the situation would have been any better had it been she who answered the door instead.

It is better this way, she had to mentally tell herself. Without thinking, she held Satsume's hand in her lap with a gentle massage. Her smile was nervous and she was sweating a little. For the first time since she was a young child learning Lycian politics (not counting her rhythm of health, of course), her composure faltered.

How can she fulfill her ambitions if her followers keep dying before the journey can begin?