So, I will be leaving on Monday for a cabin trip with my grandparents and will be gone for a week and a half; I will NOT have wifi, so I won't be able to upload anything, fanfic or art related or see any of your guy's awesome posts. But I will be rereading the GE books and the Jo Shanks books and maybe will enlighten my grandparents! 🤔😁 Will also be doing plenty of art and will take pictures. I might even be able to post something tomorrow, but uh... I might choose to have a nap (cuz I'll be up early to help my parents lead worship at church for the first time!) Anyways, I'm rambling! Lol! Hope you guys enjoy chapter 9!! Sorry for typos! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 9 Over the next few days a routine took shape. Heather would wake early, check in on her brother, greet her family, then head to the hospitals to work for the day. There she would work alongside Emma the majority of the time, and if there was to be a council, she would rest for an hour before the appointed time. If there was no council, she would work late in the hospitals, only returning for a very late dinner. And more often then not, Smalls would find time to come find her at the clinic and escort her back to the palace and listen to her day, followed with a quick but enjoyable meal. But all the while, Picket never moved. “You look like you’ve had fun!” Heather teased as Emma entered one of the makeshift hospitals. Her usually clean and prestigious uniform was covered in dirt smudges and loose leaves. The princess smiled and hugged her friend. “I did! Planting those seeds was amazing! Even though there were others, it was nice to get to know my brother more. He seems excited in a… not serious, but thoughtful way about everything.” Heather smiled. “I think its still a surprise to him. He has been on the move his whole life, and now that Morbin is defeated, he has so much work to do.” Emma smirked at her. “He does? Well, I know that there is one thing that he wants more than anything right now!” Heather gave her a blank look. “Heather, even though I’ve never known him as my brother, I know he loves you. More than anything!” Heather blushed. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean-" Emma began, but Heather smiled. “Its fine, dear Emma. Its true; in the tomb when we thought we would perish, we both told each other our dreams that we had hoped would become reality, and we fought for those dreams and for everyone who was fighting. But now we both have work to do and welcome this Mending. He has to help his people recover and give their lives back, and I’m to heal them so that they can achieve it.” Heather sighed, smiling at the work she would be occupied with for a very long time. Emma smiled. “And you both are doing a marvelous job, Heather.” That evening, Heather finished with a patient and scanned the quiet tent, trying to focus her tired eyes on something that would tell her what time it was. She could at least tell that it was night, judging by the quiet snores of all the sleeping bucks. Sighing, she headed towards the supplies table against the wall and replenished her satchel when she heard the tent flap open and someone entered. She turned around and smiled. Smalls and Jacks! The prince, in his spare time, had been getting to know her little brother and every time their meeting ended, Jacks would talk nonstop about a school the prince thinks he would one day open and run. It gave him a new sense of purpose, something to strive and look forward to. Smalls smiled at her and approached, giving her a hug. “Working late again?” He asked softly. Heather gave a quiet laugh, putting her satchel over her shoulder. “In a way. I’m ready for dinner and a bed!” Jacks looked around the dark tent, his curious eyes searching. “Heather,” Jacks asked, “are these all your patients?” Heather nodded. “They are. But they will be released soon.” That was a good enough answer for her brother, and he left the tent ahead of them. “Shall we take you to dinner?” Smalls asked, chuckling at Jacks’ abruptness and offering her his arm. Heather smiled and slipped her arm in his, nodding. They exited the tent and made their way down the road. The city was more organized then it had been, but there was evidence still around First Warren. There was charcoal black burn marks on stones and splintered beams and wood scattered the streets. But it was easier to move about. The air was calm and cool, and the river sang softly in the distance. “It’s a lovely evening.” Smalls mused quietly, watching Jack’s run ahead and enter the courtyard. Heather smiled at him. “It is. I only hope that Mother and Father are enjoying it as we are.” Smalls stopped and turned, facing her in the dark. She could see the sad smile, then grimace that tainted his expression. “How is he?” He asked. Neither had to ask who he was. “He is the same. Weezie said she thought he moved the other day, but that’s it.” Heather shrugged. “At least it’s something.” Smalls nodded, rubbing his hands over his face. “How long has it been? With the aftermath of the battle and all the work to be done, I feel like I’m losing track of time.” Heather smiled at him. “I’m not the best one to ask; it’s the same in the hospitals. But I think it’s been two weeks.” Smalls nodded, looking ahead to the palace that Jacks had just entered. He said nothing. “Jacks is very excited about starting a school. You should hear him and Father!” Heather exclaimed, both continuing up the road. Smalls smiled. “He has taken quite a liking to the library. Most of the books have been returned to their shelves for easy access.” She smiled back at him, gasping his hand in hers. “Thank you for taking some time away from the council to get to know him. It means a lot.” He grinned at her and squeezed her hand. “You are most welcome. I only wish that you too could enjoy yourself in the library as well,” he expressed. She laughed. “There will be time for that later, I’m sure!” He chuckled and nodded, and they continued arm-in-arm towards the palace, enjoying each others company. “Heather, in a few days I’ll be leaving to scout for the Newcity with lord Blackstar and Heyward.” He finally said, exhaling as he spoke. It sounded like he was holding it in for a while and with some anxiety. Heather glanced at him, trying to maintain her composure. But his news shocked her. It shouldn’t have; they had been discussing it in the council for days now. But it came as a blow. “I see.” She finally said, entering the door he held open for her. The palace was quiet except for the few rabbits who scurried about to complete last minute errands before turning in for the night. “If… if anything should happen, do not hesitate to contact me. Please.” He asked, looking at her with a pleading expression. Heather met his gaze and hugged him, melting into his embrace. “Of course I will.” She promised. He squeezed her and they headed to a late dinner. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Blessings and Bear the Flame!! A. R.