The One Still Trapped

Tamazzalt stayed once the rest of the council left, as the new returned Sister Locust had requested at the very end of the meeting.

“What more can you tell of Madaya’s condition,” Islana hadn’t been in much of a mode for thinking last night but realized the man likely knew more than what had been said.

“The dream you had wasn’t shared by everyone.” As soon as Tamazzalt spoke, Islana realized she already knew that, it was still some getting used to all the knowledge that was at work here. “Whatever she went through has her locked in her mind, in a sense. The healer already saw her, there wasn’t much he could do as her body is fine. Those in charge of her care do not seem to know what’s wrong with her but believe that either the trauma of what she went through to be too much or her mind just hasn’t healed, as of yet.”

“Thank you, for that. I’m going to see her and wanted to be prepared.” Islana realized she had to explain none of that but had felt like it anyway.

With that the Sister stood, Tamazzalt bowed once again to her, and with that she exited the room.

The temple was large by comparison to other buildings in Gra’akast It had some long corridors to walk down and what could seem like endless doors, leading to rooms of all shapes and sizes. From the council chambers, down some of these corridors, followed by two guards walked the new Sister Locust. One of the hallways led to a wooden door that she knew held her friend inside. Madaya had been moved to a larger room than the ones the penitents stayed at during the trials. She needed round-the-clock care and if it hadn’t already happened, Islana would have made sure of it.

One of her guards, knocked on the wooden door and upon the door opening announced that Sister Locust was present. More bowing, by the two women who were tending to the girl. They didn’t seem surprised to see her. Islana assumed word had gotten to them prior to her arrival.

“How is she today?” The redheaded nodded towards her dark-haired friend. “I’ve been filled in on her condition.”

“There is no change, Sister. We are doing our best to make her as comfortable as possible.” One of the women said. Both women were servants though Islana knew that Madaya’s care was in capable hands. The two servant women were trained with some knowledge of patient care and there would be a priest or two in charge of Madaya’s care who knew about such matters. Possibly a few of the priests would have been by to visit the young girl but it was debatable if that had happened.

“Would you leave us for a few minutes?” Islana could have just ordered them to leave but felt it unnecessary and wanted to give the two a chance to say something if it wasn’t a good idea.

“Of course,” The two women bowed and left the room.

Green eyes met her friend, watching as the chest of the young girl went up and down in a rhythmic pattern. Madaya looked like she was sleeping more than anything. Islana hoped it might be a peaceful sleep and that there wasn’t a nightmare residing to which her friend was trapped in.

There was a chair by the bedside, which the young woman took advantage of. Then gently her fair-skinned hand reached the small olive-skinned one. As the hand was held, the memories of the other prophetesses quieted down, as if they knew that this time was just between the two.

“Ariga Tuka, I'm sorry I couldn’t protect you from this.” While the feeling that Madaya being her adopted younger sister had been with Islana for a while, this was the first time those words had been uttered out loud

There was a feeling of loss that was purely Islana. First, she had lost her actual family, then her adopted one as she highly doubted Alexis or Gonyaul were just going to show up on her doorstep. Now, Madaya might be lost forever as well. It was a lot and very possible the old Islana would have had a harder time dealing with this but this version of Islana was different and stronger. The few tears that fell, fell far more for Madaya than herself.

“You know, I still don’t tell the Skara story as well as you do. When you get better I’ll make you an official storyteller.” Her tone softened before adding, “I know you can fight your way back.”

Madaya was a fighter and that left a certain amount of hope within the redhead. Maybe, the girl would get better. Islana spent more time just talking to her young friend. Telling her about what had been happening well the lighter highlights Eventually, though the two women came back and Islana knew it was her time to leave. She thanked the women and told them to let her know if they were any changes.

Arriving back at her room Kaithak was perched in his nesting place and flew towards the redhead landing on her arm. A knock on her door was met with no surprise as it was likely the servants with food. Opening the door, a woman a bit older than Islana came in and bowed before placing the food on the table.

It took Islana’s mind only a moment before saying, “Thank you, Lilay.”

Lilay was probably about 5’7”, with light olive-colored skin, dark hair and almond-shaped eyes, probably in her mid-twenties and had been the personal servant for the last Sister Locust before the woman’s passing and now had the job for the new Sister.

Lilay eyed Kaithak, clearly a little unsure of the bird.
Islana thought maybe an introduction would help. “This is Kaithak. He’s friendly so I think you two can get used to each other.”

“Yes, Sister.” Lilay didn’t seem sure but Islana thought that might pass.

Speaking of Kaithak. “I’d like another nesting area for him, inside the room. Just in case he needs it.”

“Of course,” Was the woman’s reply.

“When you come back, perhaps you can help me with my hair. It’s always easier with another person.” The redhead noticed Lilay’s eyes light up with that request

People seemed to like doing Islana’s hair. It was as if they felt like they were touching something special. The fiery locks had always been different, especially among the dark-haired people of the Ozaine.

”Yes, of course,” Lilay replied and then left Islana with her food and Kaithak.

Lunch was a flavorable stew though not too heavy on the spices, some fresh bread, and tea which from the smell Islana knew was hibiscus tea. Of course, there was a pitcher with cold water in it, and for desserts some dates and nuts.

Kaithak flew over toward one of the windows and perched on the window sill. Islana began to eat and like the woman had done so often began to speak to Kaithak.

“I saw Madaya today. I’m worried about her. I don’t know if she’s going to recover.” Her gaze landed on the bird. “Maybe, I should take you to see her tomorrow. That might help.”

It couldn’t hurt and was something Madaya would like, though Islana had no idea what the young girl’s caretakers would think, it also was pretty clear if Islana wanted Kaithak to visit with Madaya it would happen.

When her stomach felt full enough but not overly so, Islana figured she had enough and went instantly to a wooden box with a swirling design on it that had been left on the desk when she was out. Opening it revealed a new hair brush, wooden with camel hair bristles. A smaller wooden comb and ribbons in a variety of colors. All new bought for her, it seemed as if gifts for the new Prophetess weren’t uncommon but she had no idea who left this for her still it was nice to have hair things.

Lilay returned and some time was spent on Islana’s hair. It was braided with ribbons interwoven Blue, brown, and silver all symbolic of the Twins and the past Sisters, along with her new role. It reminded her of when Gonyaul had braided her hair or Shalia.

The sun moved from the middle of the sky to slightly to the right, indicating it would soon be time for the new Sister Locust to meet with Shaila Nix and Islana to see her former owner and a woman that saved her life. It was likely to be an interesting meeting.

Ariga Tuka - younger (little) sister