Flower Power

Meren sat at the desk in the Healers office, staring distantly at some flowers sent over by the Queen. They had been deeply appreciated by the current patients staying in the tower. Sunshine, fresh air and spring blossoms did wonders for ailing bodys and souls.

Now if she could find a cure for the wandering thoughts she was plagued with today. Normally she might lay it off on being tired, but she had slept like a babe in arms last night. She couldn't blame it on Garths absence, because even though he was gone right now, she knew where he was and why he was there. Their rare times together had become precious. The children knew she was right there for them if needed and members of both broods were often found together at one home or the other.

Meren leaned back in her chair smiling, letting her mind wander again. The sounds of laughter had become a daily occurance in her house and she liked it. Elspeth and Hobbie seemed to have grown younger and livelier with the arrival of Garths children. Fresh new faces to make smile, eager minds to share ages of learning with. Odette had little ones closer to her age to spend time with and had become quite a favorite with Garths twin sons. The boys had somehow managed to share with the quiet child, their special way of communicating. Meren could not wait to share this news with their father.

A grin slowly grew on the Healers face as she gave thought to Raj. Her beloved Raj. A feline with invisible angel wings. His halo was often left crooked by his horns, but that just seemed to endear him all the more to those who knew him. Still ever vigilant as Odettes guardian, he also stayed close to the twins. He seemed to know they were special like his little girl. Times when all of the children would get involved in some game of tag, or all out tickling, Raj had to roll those expressive eyes and settle to his back, all four exhausted paws in the air, signalling complete surrender. The little ones always fell for it, and when they would go to claim their Victory, Raj would turn suddenly and manage to encompass them all in his powerful limbs. Not a single growl ever issued, cept by the boys when that rough tongue would wash their faces.

Garth was missing some wonderful times, and she was missing him. He had been correct in saying that their family, even as it was now, would be a comfort to her in his absence. Just times like this made his not being here all the more felt. She needed him, not his unending strength of heart and will, or his never ceasing stubborn streak. She needed Him. His eyes, smile, laugh, the touch of his hand. Sighing quietly, she shrugged herself back to the here and now. She needed to get back to work. Patients to check on and charts to update. Glancing over at the colorful array of spring blossoms, she managed another smile. Whatever that aggravating Highlander was doing, she prayed he could stop and see flowers and think of her as well.