Brenodie quickly finished the brew, placing the mug down and feeling much better already. "Oh...oh...right. Kittens..." she squinted her eyes in thought before smiling. "An army of lynx?"

Ragnoth swallowed hard and turned around. "I don't think now is the time to show you, Nel." he said sitting down on the bed. "Please tell me what's going on?" He put an arm around her shoulder.

"I recall that coming up," Adinar said with a smile. "I'm not sure if you still intend to do it, of course."

---------

"My mother died last night, about an hour before I got back. I had a fight with my sister. The funeral is today," Nellethiel said with a sigh.

Brenodie shook her head. "I'm pretty sure I was drunk. Lynx does need a friend though. Maybe another dog or something...am I repeating myself?"
she felt that she was.

Ragnoth frowned and pulled her close. "I'm so sorry Nel." he said pulling her into a deep hug. "Do you want me to come, or do you want me to stay here?"

"Sounds a bit familiar. But I recall you jumping straight into lynx when you were drunk," Adinar said thoughtfully. "Does it matter?"

------

"Whichever you please," Nellethiel said. She felt tired, and empty. It didn't matter either way.

Brenodie cocked her head and yawned. "Well, not really I guess." she said stretching. "You know, it's awefully dark in here." she grinned.

Ragnoth made her lay down, and he lay down beside her. Get some rest alright?" He put a hand on her shoulder; he knew the weight would help.

"Is it?" Adinar said innocently, looking around.

-------

"I slept," Nellethiel said, protesting a little. "That's rest enough."

Brenodie grinned and climbed on top of him. "Yup. And I don't think Carmine has any other pressing engagements..." she said. "We have some free time."

Ragnoth pulled her into his chest and closed his eyes. His heart beat was a bit irregular, so was his breathing, but it followed the same pattern.

Adinar studied her with a smile on his muzzle. He didn't mind at all. "Hmm...free time. Well, it's only fair you decide what we do, since you were left out of the job."

------

Nellethiel listened to his heartbeat, staring off into space. What am I going to do? she thought. Her mother had given her the ring...why it hadn't gone to Ithilwen she didn't understand. But she had to go back to her friends. At least for once her older sister had been understanding.

It was only obvious what Brenodie had decided. She suddenly felt very glad that she was left out of the job, or else she wouldn't have gotten to choose. Not that it would have mattered much; Adinar was always polite.

Ragnoth squeezed her lightly and inhaled deeply. "Just rest until we need to go. You're going to need plenty of it." he said softly.

Adinar smiled and gave her the best kiss he could, big arms slipping around her. He was careful to keep his claws clear. "I'm glad you're feeling better," he murmured.

-----

"I'm fine," Nellethiel said quietly, moving to look up at his mask.

Brenodie poked his chest. "Thanks to you." she said with a smile. "That tea was delicious."

Ragnoth sat up and coughed lightly, catching his breath. Laying down wasn't the best position for him. "Alright, I'm just trying to help..."

"Just don't use it as an incentive to get drunk, alright?" Adinar said, chuckling a little and holding her hand on his chest.

---

"You alright?" Nellethiel asked, looking up at him.

Brenodie laughed. "Alright...knowing that their is a quick way out you mean, and an easy way in?" She said smiling and kissing him.

Ragnoth nodded and waved his hand. "Unless I can't breath enough to cough, I'm fine." he said dully. "I'm really worried about you."

"Exactly," Adinar said with a nod once the kiss was over. "Besides, Carmine can only take being slapped so many times, I'm sure."

-----

"Why are you worried about me?" Nellethiel asked, sitting up. "I'm fine, I can handle this."

Brenodie winced. "I slapped him?" she bit her lip and fell into Adinar's chest. "Oh boy."

Ragnoth shook his head. "No one 'handles' this. That is what you must realize. It's ok not to have control over what you feel or how you act. Your mother just died. Having a handle on things should be the last thing you think you have or should have."