The Lost Child IC {M}

[BumblingBee]

Iona smiled up at him. She cupped his cheek softly with her free hand. Her voice was weak, yet still she spoke
"No, no no, You've never failed me"
She gave a light laugh
"I couldn't have chosen anyone better"
Smiling to herself she looked at the field around her. It was starting to snow.
"Besides, I'm not gone quite yet"
She looked down at her wound and winced as she shivered in the cold breeze.
"It was Obed, the bastard. I guess he really doesn't want anyone but himself on that throne"
She was trying desperately to make light of the situation, perhaps if she did it would all just go away, like dust to the wind.

[Crazywolf]

Kit tried to smile but couldn't. "Please don't die" he urged her. "If you just hold on then someone will come and help." He gazed deep into her eyes. Inside the anguish was tearing him apart. "I love you and always will" he whispered to her softly.

[BumblingBee]

Iona smiled. With her remaining strength, she leaned up and kissed him, ever so softly.
"I love you too"

[Crazywolf]

Kit tasted the kiss, it felt sweet and yet it also felt like goodbye. "No don't do this" he told her harshly, "stay with me damn it." Turning around he called out to anyone who would listen. "The princess is wounded" he yelled out. "We need a physician over here right now."

At last a physician was brought over, along with a stretcher and the survivors of her personal guard who had been scattered. As they saw her many of the men openly wept. The physician meanwhile knelt down beside Kit to see the wound. Shaking his head he offered Iona some poppy seeds then ordered the men to place her onto the stretcher and bear her back to her tent. As they moved her onto the stretcher Kit grasped her hand and held it. "It's gonna be ok" he told her and hoped that somehow it was true.

[BumblingBee]

Perhaps it was just the poppy seeds or maybe the shock of the whole situation catching up to her, but for some odd reason, Iona simply could not stop smiling. She intertwined her fingers within Kits, in response to his comment she just said
"Maybe ... Maybe after all"
The events that followed happened in a mad blur. Iona was taken into her tent the physician in tow. The flaps were lowered and Kit was firmly told not to enter.

[Crazywolf]

Kit was anxious and frustrated when the physician told him to stay out. He felt quite sure he was going to go completely out of his mind with worry. He had never loved a girl quite the way he now loved Iona. He had willing let himself be swept up in her great dream to reclaim her rightful title. Yet now there was a clear chance he might lose her. He stood and waited anxiously outside the tent unable to leave the spot. Every second felt like hours.

[BumblingBee]

There was no time for the healer to numb Iona's pain as she had lost too much blood already. He had to seal the wound before it grew too much or gained an infection. Iona tried her best to contain herself as the healer sewed up the gash, but the pain was still growing. Eventually her screams subsided and a silence covered the tent. The healer emerged, face pale and hands caked with blood. His expression was weary as he approached Kit
"Gods, I don't know how exactly, but somehow she's still breathing"
He paused for awhile
"I had a quick word with her but she's tired. You'll want to see her now"

[Crazywolf]

Looking at the physician Kit drew a deep breath and nodded. "Thankou" he murmured. Without further ago he entered the tent.

[BumblingBee]

Iona was just about still awake. Her breathing was laboured and her eyes weary but she was alright. For the time being anyway. She looked over to Kit when he entered, of course she smiled at him, though it seemed forced.
"Bet I scared you huh?'
Her voice was husky and weak

[Crazywolf]

"Yeah you could say that" he replied, attempting a gentle smile of his own. Even in her weakened state she was still immeasurably beautiful. He knelt beside the bed and took her hand. "I'm just so glad I haven't lost you" he said.