The taller, tight-lipped woman now standing beside Serapis pursed her lips. “I’m aware of [i]that,[/i] Serepis. We,” she nodded to her shorter companion, “were there. I meant [i]here.[/i]”
	“Mae,” the plump, curly-haired woman interrupted, looking up from Valera, the glow around her fingers diminishing. “I need to get her armor off.”
	“I-is she okay?” Seaella squeaked, setting her bow against the wall then leaning against the side of the bed her sister laid in
	The plump woman looked to her. “She will be.” She looked to her companion as Mae strode to a folding screen sitting against the wall and brought it toward the bed. “But you need to go with the headmasters. We’ll take care of her.”
	Seaella shook her head.
	Mae frowned, and looked to Thayva for help. 
	The dracon stepped toward Seaella, then knelt down in front of her.
	Seaella gripped Valera’s staff tightly, holding it awkwardly in front of her, the bag her sister had given her held just as firmly and dangling down the shaft.
	“I’m not going to hurt you, elfling,” Thayva said soothingly, offering a reassuring smile. “As intimidating as we may look,” she glanced to her husband, “we’re only here to help. But your... friend? Sister?”
	“Sister,” Seaella answered in a tight whisper.
	“She needs tending to. And our healers need quiet and privacy to work.” Thayva slowly held out a clawed hand toward her. “Will you please come with me? We can get you something to eat and warm to drink while we wait for Mae and Poppy to finish. They’ll notify us immediately when they’re done.” She looked to the healers for confirmation.
	Mae nodded, her fingers impatiently tapping the side of the curtain. 
	Seaella glanced indecisively between the healers, Valera, and Thayva. She bit her lip for a moment, then finally nodded.
	Thayva gave her a warm smile. When the child made no move to release the staff to take her hand, Thayva straightened and stepped slowly toward the door, her eyes on the girl to be sure she followed.
	Seaella reluctantly stepped from the bed, her head turning to glance back at her sister frequently as she slowly followed Thayva out of the infirmary and toward the kitchens. Her grip never loosened on the staff or pouch, her mind ever on her sister and chest aching with worry.

[center]*	*	*[/center]
	“No kidding,” Nick said with a snort. With his vision better in the dimness of the mansion, he stepped confidently toward the dorms. He glanced back over his shoulder. “Hope they’re both okay, though.”