Attending Moira

[Moira]

(Continued from Returning Home)

Aerron had been there since the beginning. He'd managed to stay out of the way but he'd been near enough to hear reports and to make silent supplication that Moira would be all right. He was terrified that something awful would happen to her. She was too good a person to have something bad happen to her.

He was not allowed in to see her though. He wasn't family. He was simply a co-worker. He didn't press. He waited hoping that eventually they would allow other guests to visit. When they did, he would be there ready and waiting.

Aerron found a chair and got comfortable. It would be a while.

Moira had been wheeled out of recovery and into the private room hours ago. She had shown signs of shaking off the anesthesia and it wouldn't be long before she would be allowed up and about.

She was sitting up in bed with her eyes closed as she meditated. She looked less than her usual well groomed self and right now did not care. The doctors had warned her that the racing of her heart was not healthy and that her blood pressure was higher than was safe.

She was allowed visitors but she was not sure she wanted people to know she was weak; that her body had betrayed her. A tear slipped down her cheek.

If Chas had learned nothing else as a father, he'd learned how to bully medical people into doing what he wanted. He knew Aerron was waiting but Chas knew that waiting would leave them in the little waiting room forever. Chas finally found a nurse, worked his smile and used his father tone of voice. Soon he was being led down the hall and eventually to the door where they'd put Moira.

He gave the nurse a smile and let himself in.

Concern flickered across his features when he saw her. She didn't seem the invincible corporate power that she normally projected. She was small and delicate in this moment. He offered a smile as he approached, whispering, "Hey you .. hell of a way to get a few days off."

And here was one person Moira did not want to seem weak to. She inwardly cursed her weakness even she smiled at his jest.

"No choice there. Seems my body has other ideas." She looked apologetic. She felt worthless because she was unable to keep her word this way. It was ironic how roles were reversed now.

"You're just too competitive. I had an appendix issue so you have to up that with a gall bladder and high blood pressure, hmm?" Chas pulled a chair up next to her bed and took a seat, one arm resting on the bed itself near her arm. Behind the joking, there was a serious concern in his eyes. His tone went a little more serious when he asked, "How are you feeling, Moira?"

Moira murmured softly, "You still have me beat by getting your ass kicked." She joked lightly trying to hide how side felt. But she couldn’t lie when she was asked directly. Her eyes were equal parts sad and scared. "Very weak, Chas." She admitted softly, "My body is betraying me and all I can do is lie here."

Chas took her hand then, strong fingers curling gently around hers. "You'll be up and about in no time." He smiled reassuringly. "Seems I heard that myself recently and it was true." The teasing tone was back, put to the use of trying to cheer her up.

Moira smiled at him and was glad for that tactile contact. She could only be friends with this beautiful man. She saw the truth in that. She was grateful he showed her how wonderful a kiss could be. But she couldn't go any further than that.

"With my luck, I'll be force to scale back and play lazy." She frowned at that thought.

"You'll never be lazy but if you don't rest, I'm sure there's a nurse I could find who might be willing to dope you until you did." Chas flashed another smile, fingers tightening around her fingers again in a playful gesture.

She groaned softly, "Oh gods, no. I hate the way I feel like I am trapped in my own mind." It was one of her dislikes about the hospital. Yet she didn't let go of his hand, it felt nice.
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"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" ~Sherlocke Holmes, The Sign of the Four

[Moira]

"I'm sorry I can't stay long. I have a meeting." Chas gave an apologetic smile then lifted her hand to kiss her fingers gently. "A guy I know says he has some contacts that might be able to give me a hand trying to locate Didi." He looked at her fingers then gently laid her hand back on the bed. "I'll come back when I'm done though. I expect you to be doing push ups." He grinned at her, trying to keep the mood light.

She smiled at the kiss on her fingers. It was definitely a role reversal. "Alright, not like I'm going anywhere." She sighed softly. The enforced rest was already driving her spare.

He didn't say anything. He simply stood there as he had for several moments already, a silent observer to the exchange between Moira and Chas. Finally he had to do something because they simply were not noticing that someone had come in. It was the equivalent of a mental throat clearing that Moira would undoubtedly hear even in her current condition. There was no reproach in the tone, simply a polite 'sound' that could get her attention.

Once he had it, his eyes went from her to Chas where they rested for a heartbeat then back to her. His voice was quiet when he chose to use it. "Your father is coming."

She looked up at Daniel. He was so quiet at times it could be unnerving. Why did she always feel like a naughty child around him?

With that he bowed his head slightly and made to leave the room.

Her hand dropped listlessly to the bed as she watched him, really watched him. It was the first time that she did. Even when she was considerate of his needs, he was always so distant. Her mood plummeted though. There were expectations of her and her feelings were irrelevant.

The monitor registered the change in her vitals, the uncomfortable pressure.

He was attentive to the change in the machines, his brow almost arching slightly. Daniel almost said something but thought better of it. She might have even caught a whiff of regret from his general direction.

She did feel it - the regret. She drew in a couple of breaths trying to will herself to calm. She wouldn't alarm her friend anymore than was necessary. It was hard, though she put on a good show.

The regret though had her thoughts turning toward Daniel. There was the touch of concern there. He could also feel her fear at the way she was feeling weak...

Chas was otherwise oblivious to the unspoken things that went between Moira and Daniel. He knew the man as one of Eli's bodyguards but didn't know much else about him. He let go of Moira's fingers when her hand moved slightly. He sighed, a glance back at the door as Daniel left.

"I should go too. I have that meeting." He rose and took a chance. He kissed her temple then straightened. "I'll be back, Moira. Rest ok?"

Moira smiled and nodded, "I'll try."

The princess watched her friend leave and she was alone again. Her eyes closed as she tried centering herself and calming. Though the unspoken, yet projected question was out there.

‘Why?’

Moira never really heard Daniel’s mental voice in her head before. He'd always done what he needed to do without the actual spoken word. It had always been a vague presence nearby or something like the mental clearing of his throat. But this time it was words spoken in a mental whisper, a deep baritone of a voice.

‘I didn't mean to distress you. I thought it best you knew he was coming.’

If she thought there were tendrils of other things clinging to his words, perhaps it was just the medication. Surely the silent sentinel was devoid of such petty emotions as yearning.

Her eyes drifted towards the door. She had known what his physical voice sounded like from the times they had spoken, even if it was not often. Yet, hearing that rich baritone in her mind was a comfort.

She closed her eyes. ‘Daniel, you don't have leave.’ Her voice seemed to drop a little. ‘I would rather you didn't.’

After a moment, she added in a small voice. ‘ ... please ... ‘
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"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" ~Sherlocke Holmes, The Sign of the Four

[Moira]

He was standing in the hall watching those people who wandered here and there. Sentinel duty at its most boring. His eyes drifted away from the main doors to rest on the hall that led to her hospital room. With his fingers laced comfortably behind his back, he remained where he stood on guard. He tipped his chin forward slightly.

'I'm never far away.' He didn't add a title or a name; the gentle brush of baritone touched her mind. 'You've never been alone.'

She was comfortable in that bed. She didn't feel so alone now. The touch of another mind, especially a friendly one seemed to calm her greatly. He could feel that as well.

‘You've never spoken to me before.’

The voice was soft and almost shy. Yet she felt as through she was wrapped in warm safe place. There was a brief flash of shame as she realized she's never noticed before.

His eyes drifted away from the hall that led to her room. His posture did not change. He'd never expected her to notice. His job was to remain unseen but always vigilant. 'You've never asked me to before.' There was no reproach in his mental tone. It was simply an observation.

She blushed at the thought as shame coursed through her. He did not need to reproach her. She felt guilty for being so blind.

‘ No. And I am sorry. ‘

'There is no need to be sorry.' The baritone rumbled in the back of her mind, a gentle touch meant to reassure that she would be all right. There was no need to be afraid. He understood why she never spoke to him before. He was, after all, an employee of her father; the silent bodyguard and trusted messenger. 'The Maotesia arrives with him.'

Moira smiled at his words. Was her confusion in part not having anyone she trusted on this level? Daniel’s voice was like warm, rich velvet to her frayed nerves. It was comforting.

She was still smiling when Eli returned with Syndel. Oh now that was curious. Could it be?

Eli was entirely unaware of the mental words passing between his daughter and Daniel. Eli strode down the hall with a purpose and that was to see his Moira. Nothing would stand in his way. On his arm, softening his appearance just a fraction was the Maotesia.

Eli gave nod to Daniel as he passed, then turned the corner to stride to Moira's hospital room. Upon entering, he smiled at his daughter. "Danicha. Sweet. You are awake." He touched her hair and brushed it back away from her forehead before kissing her gently. "How do you feel? Do you need anything?"

She missed her father, "Tired, still feeling weak... but better." The monitors showed her at rest and her baselines were where they should be.

‘Thank you.’

Eli nodded, hand stroking her hair back again. "You will be fine. Rest, sweet danicha." He straightened, an unconscious move of his hand brushed his fingers along Syndel's arm. "Maotesia Calidori was kind enough to sit with me while you were being tended to." He did not like using the term 'surgery' with her. It was too frightening to think about someone going into his daughter and mucking around inside her.

Eli did not know what to do with his daughter. His idea of 'taking care of her' would be to hire the best specialists who could take the finest care of her. He leaned forward again and kissed her forehead once more. This was perhaps the most he had ever publicly demonstrated his love for her.

The thank you did not go unnoticed. Moira would feel an active acceptance of it even if Daniel didn't reply back. With the Mao and the Maotesia, he would not interrupt in any way. Even if Eli couldn't 'hear' him the Maotesia might. And that would never do.

Daniel's eyes moved again, scanning the hallway for threats. It was his purpose and he would see to the safety of the princess.

Moira looked between her father and Syndel with a hopeful look in her eyes. Pleasepleaseplease let her have a real family again... Though that thought was lost and one face was still missing. Silas.

Still she loved the Maotesia as if she was her mother and had often wished it to be so. She felt bad that she had to be ill but if it led to her father's happiness, it was a blessing in disguise.

"I am mao paposa." She would always be Eli's little girl, even in heart.

Eli touched her cheek and then finally took a little step back so he wasn't hovering. In doing so, his hand again brushed by the hand of the Maotesia. Eli looked down then up to catch Syndel's gaze. For a brief moment he had the look of little boy with a secret. He inclined his head toward Moira and then shrugged a shoulder slightly.

When the silence remained and it became clear he would need to say something, he finally did. He regarded Moira first when he spoke, "Maotesia Calidori may be less of a guest in the near future, Moira." Then his eyes moved to Syndel. "And more of a .. permanent fixture."

Syndel smiled at him as he tried to tell his daughter the good news, "Yes, danicha." She said softly, knowing what the girl was thinking. "The obstacles are being cleared."

The girl laughed joyfully then looked at Syn, "Mamosa."
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"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" ~Sherlocke Holmes, The Sign of the Four

[Moira]

Eli smiled, pleased at the reaction his daughter made. There had been only a little doubt and even that was almost zero. Syndel had been such a strong influence. "Yes, my danicha. I am pleased you approve." And then he actually chuckled a little. The stern and always business-minded Eli was having a moment. A glance at Syndel grew longer and only ended after a quick kiss to her cheek, propriety be damned.

Eli being affectionate was something to cherish. It was in private with only family and his guard in attendance. Still, Syn was concerned about her daughter. There was the briefest of touches of her mind to Moira's. She had felt traces of that other quiet presence. She understood that Eli had taken on a student who was his most loyal guard. She surmised that it was he that she had felt.

What surprised Syndel was how much quieter Moira's mind was. She found very little of the turmoil. She was truly relaxing. What was truly different? This incident left her health fragile, she could tell that despite what had been said by the Doctor's. Eli was happy, and the girl's wish of having a mother had been fulfilled. But neither of these things could have effected to much change in so little time.

Then she considered the presence that was with Moira. Was it possible that losing the bond with her father had done more damage to her than anyone realized? Her bond with her mother had eroded leaving her with no one to anchor her as she grew up. No one, that is until they had met and even then she had not been there for her as much as the girl needed.

Then came in the doctor with her treatment plan. The doctor recommended that she be put on an anti-anxiety medication to calm her.

Seeing her father and Syn was a moment she wanted to capture somehow. She had the urge to draw the moment in her book. The problem was her book was at home with her personal things. She was about to ask for her things when the doctor came in.

Eli's demeanor changed slightly, the patriarch of the Meridian clicked back into place at the arrival of the doctor. Hawk eyes focused on the man, listening to the diagnosis and treatment plan. Eli's eyes went cold.

"Absolutely not." Those two words came out hard and final. He knew what a lot of drugs could do to the psi-sensitive. He knew from experience. The doctor did not know of Moira's gifts and Eli would forgive the suggestion based on the doctor’s lack of information. "There are other ways and we will seek them out."

The doctor was gearing up to argue that this would be the best way to help her when Syndel froze him with a look. "Doctor, while we appreciate your opinion, your treatment plan is more dangerous for the patient than you realize. She is sensitive to those type of drugs, so we need to find other alternatives."

Syndel was ever the diplomat. She realized that the doctor would argue unless presented with a viable reason against it. When he bristled at her incomplete records, the woman frowned. "Her father knows her medical history better the you. Trust that when he says no, it is for a very serious reason. Find another course of treatment..."

Caught between the Patriarch and the Ambassador, there was not much arguing he could do.

Even though her father and Syn overrode the doctor, there was still a flash of anxiety. She did not want to be on meds that would cloud her mind. It was be bad enough that they were considering anti-hypertensives; she didn't want any medications. She felt things keenly in her chest with the light squeeze.

Eli's eyes remained cold and focused. He let Syndel speak, allowed her to try to pacify the moment with her unerring ability to be the diplomat. When he finally spoke, his voice carried the warmth of space. "Her records are as complete as you need to care for her physically." Some things were better off kept close to home. "There are natural alternatives to reducing blood pressure and in relieving anxiety. They will be pursued."

That was that. He looked from the doctor, to the door and back in a very clear statement that the doctor was dismissed.

Period.

Doctors were remarkable individuals. They could heal, mend, and soothe. They could also sometimes cause more harm than good. Daniel saw the doctor heading for the turn that would take him to Moira's room. Daniel knew him because it was Daniel's job to know who was who. Daniel counted. He made it to fifteen before he felt the rise in Moira's tension and the attempts of the Maotesia to soothe a very possibly irate Mao Ramachi.

'You're okay.' This spoken with a quiet whisper that was barely more than a swell in the contact he'd been maintaining with Moria. It was accompanied by a general sense of peace. She could trust that nothing would be allowed to cause her any pain, confusion or diminishing of control.

While doing this Daniel also tapped into another he knew. Directions were given, received and acted upon all without Moira ever knowing his attention was not fully on her.

She relaxed with that calming voice. The more she thought about it, then more she realized that he's always been there, but never active. Had to have been when she was very young. She reflected back and realized she couldn't remember a time when he wasn't a part of her.

That thought stopped her - Always a part of her. She felt foolish for not having realized it sooner. Oh maybe because the presence was familiar and passive, she thought nothing of it. Still, he would know her yearnings now. Somehow the thought did not bother her.

There was a level of trust that surprised even her.

On the topic of surprise, Silas had a way of managing to get through and around unseen. Except when he stepped through the door of her hospital room. His brow arched when he noted his father, another woman, and then his sister lying in a hospital bed. What a comfy little moment. Time to break the calm with a little bit of family hello.

"Anyone care to tell me what happened or ... " That he would root through medical records on his own if he was not satisfied was left unsaid.
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"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" ~Sherlocke Holmes, The Sign of the Four

[Moira]

Seemed as time slowed to a crawl. The red-head male with clearly unmistakable features managed to slip by Eli's sentinel was a feat in and of itself. That it was Eli's son just made life a whole more interesting.

Inwardly Syndel knew ...

Countdown to family implosion in 5... 4... 3... 2... 1...

Eli turned at the words. The voice was too familiar to be anyone but .. Eli's eyes narrowed. When had he seen his son last? How many years ago? Too many and not nearly enough. He was the masculine of his mother, the curve of jaw and the way his eyes were shaped. His hair and skin tone were clearly his mother as well but he had Eli's eye color.

"Your sister is in the best of hands and needs not to be disturbed by undue stress."

Had there been water in the room, it might have iced over from the tone of Eli's voice.

Moira sat there stunned. Her brother was here. Given the way her father was reacting, this was not a good thing.

In a small voice all she could say was, "(vq) Silas?"

"Of course. She's always been in the best of hands, hasn't she? Just not the right hands." A brow arched, cold blue eyes hard on his father for a moment. Then he stepped around so he could get to the bedside. The cold in his eyes faded, warming as he regarded her. His chin dipped a bit, lips curling into a smile.

"So, do I want to see the other guy?" He gently pushed a curl away from Moira's forehead.

In spite of the tension in the room, the little quip threatened to bring a smile to her lips. Problem was their father was not very happy at the moment and it showed. Eyes flashed over to Syn, looking and feeling very worried.

His presence was the equivalent of a mental stroke to Moira's rise in tension. Daniel appeared in the doorway with an orderly behind him. He stepped aside to allow the orderly entrance to the room.

With a cheerful smile, the young man (apparently oblivious to the tension in the room) carried a tray with him. "Time for dinner, Miss Ramachi. I talked them into an extra jello bowl for you. I hope you like cherry."

Blue eyes found hazel-grey eyes, Silas and Daniel had a momentary battle of wills before Daniel stepped aside to admit an orderly. Silas' hand lifted. "I like cherry."

Eli muttered under his breath, "That's something new." His brow arched and for a moment there was a look of 'did I say that aloud' coloring his expression. Then it cooled again into a calm that could not be read.

"Perhaps it would be wise to allow Moira some peace and quiet." He indicated the door, the look landing on Silas held a 'now' quality.

She looked from Syn, to Silas then to her father. This was so not good. Even with the orderly coming in with food it didn't help what she was feeling from the anxiety. Her heart was racing a bit faster as she waited for the next barbs to fly.

Her eyes went to Daniel in almost a silent plea.

She had been holding her tongue at this point. She was NOT happy. She was monitoring Moira's stress levels just as Daniel was.

"A most excellent idea, Eli. The added stress is not good for Moira right now." If Eli was Ice, she was glacial.

Oh so we're on first names, are we? Now that is interesting to note. Silas bent down and gave his sister a kiss on her cheek and then straightened. "I'll be back when it's not so crowded." The smile was for her and her alone.

Because of this, the smile was gone when he looked at his father. The woman echoing the idea that it was a good idea to leave would need to be addressed another time. At the moment, he would honor his sister even if he honored nobody else.

A little tip of his head and then he was on his way out the door.

He paused by Daniel and murmured, "So you were like, watching her room right? Hmm. Don't quit your day job." Then with a cheeky grin, patted Daniel's chest twice and then headed out.

He almost growled, Eli was so angry. He said nothing however. He gave his daughter a kiss to her temple. "Don't worry, Danicha. Everything will be all right." Eli stroked her hair and for a moment the ice faltered.

Eli straightened and turned to the door. A determined look on his face, he made to leave but not before sticking out his elbow respectfully for Syndel.

The anger was apparent in Eli and it resonated with Syndel. It was very difficult to make gold appear cold, but she was able to pull it off with little effort. She also leaned down to give a kiss to Moiras head before leaving with Eli.

Syn's eyes turned to Daniel and she swiftly appraised the young man. ‘Stay with her.’
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"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" ~Sherlocke Holmes, The Sign of the Four

[Moira]

Silas received no reaction either from the words or the irreverent pat to Daniel's chest. Daniel remained as stoic as if nothing out of the ordinary were occurring. He did watch as Eli moved to say his good bye and then held eye contact with Maotesia Calidori. He gave a little nod that he understood and would do as she asked.

He remained silent until even the orderly had left. A brow lifted slightly. "Would you care for tea?" His tone was calm and carried a sense of serenity.

Moira received the good-byes from those that were leaving and tried to relax even though he chest was feeling tight.

"Would you care for tea?"

She was glad he stayed though. Her voice was tired sounding, "Please?"

He offered a reassuring smile. "It will be brought." He moved forward a few steps. "In the mean time, perhaps this will provide pleasant distraction?" From his side a bag appeared. It was carefully set on the bed next to her.

She was surprised when he placed the bag beside her. She peeked in and saw a number of her personal affects... Including her sketchbook and pens.

She smiled at Daniel. It had been something she had forgotten to ask for when Silas arrived. The thoughtful gesture helped ease some of the stress again.

"Thank you, Daniel."

He inclined his head slightly, a faint smile almost softening his lips. "You are quite welcome, Miss Ramachi." Daniel hesitated and then stepped back a step. He did not wish to crowd her or cause her discomfort.

She shook her head, "Father is not here to object. You don't have to be so formal."

She regarded him with a tilt of her head. The formal did tend to get on her nerves. It was like being held at a distance with a title and she was so tired of that.

His head dropped forward slightly, a smile finally breaking the somber expression he typically wore. Daniel was a picture of propriety, dark blond-almost-brown hair slicked back, suit and tie, shiny shoes and everything. He wasn't big and beefy like others in Moira's acquaintance. In fact, he seemed more a librarian than a bodyguard.

"Your father will be busy for a while, I think." The deadpan tone only helped to further crack the tension in the room. Understatement of the year award goes to .. Daniel.

She smiled at that, "Yes, He and Silas don't see eye to eye." Understatement of the millennium there. She raised a hand to rub at the muscle tension that had centered in the back of her neck, "I don't want them to fight, but they are too much alike and yet very different. Plus Silas looks like my mother."

The she said it in that flat tone spoke volumes for how she felt about the woman that birthed them.

He nodded. "Yes, I know." He knew the history of the Ramachi's almost better than the Ramachi's themselves. He had a special place in his heart for Eli and his family. Daniel felt a responsibility to Eli since Eli had taken him under his wing so long ago. He'd needed the discipline and few others had been able to help Daniel harness his considerable talents.

And now he was in a position to help back a little. He didn't mind at all. In fact, it was nice to give back when it concerned Moira. But he was careful not to show that to her. She only knew that he was pleased to be of service.

She took out her sketchbook. A look of concentration crossed her face as she set pen to paper. Yet it was not the scene that had brought on the earlier thought. She just started drawing until a face came to life in her book.

He let her work, taking up a place to stand near the door in order to be on hand to ensure nobody else would sneak in unannounced. His hands caught behind his back, he stood at a loose parade rest. His job was not that hard. It was simply .. a state of mind.

Daniel watched her a little and looked away more. She didn't need to feel as if he were staring. She needed to rest and let her body heal.

Not twenty minutes later one of the Meridian staff arrived with a tray. Upon it was a teapot with service for four (just in case her father were there of course). He allowed the small woman to set the tea up and then withdraw. The tea was not immediately served as Moira was obviously busy. However, when she appeared to have an interest, Daniel would make sure she had a properly prepared little cup of tea.

The sent of the tea caught her attention. She had not eaten since before her collapse, but at the moment, tea was all her stomach could keep down. She closed the book and set it aside so she could have the tea.

He stepped closer to her bed, hands deftly pouring the tea for her. He carefully added just a touch of sweetener to get it just the way she preferred. Once done, he glanced at her. "This is a bit warm." Then he held the small ceramic cup to her in such a manner that she could take it easily.

She gingerly took the cup with both hands, as hers was shaking a bit. She took a sip and then set the cup on the tray table hovering over her lap. She closed her eyes. The tea was equal parts soothing and upsetting due to the surgery.

She felt frustrated with the turn of her stomach. "I dislike being weak like this."
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"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" ~Sherlocke Holmes, The Sign of the Four

[Moira]

"It helps us to appreciate our stronger moments." He was not being trite. It was a sincere statement that he truly believed. "You will be fine although it does not feel that way during the moments when your body threatens to betray you."

He watched her carefully, ready to remove the cup from her fingers should her grip grow too unsteady. Or should she need something to empty her stomach into.

She looked up again. "I was one moment sitting at my desk and then the next I was feeling as though I was trapped in my own mind."

She shivered a little at the memory. "He sent her to find me."

"You weren't lost." He would never let her get lost, really. He wondered if not being more active in the last few years were the poorer decision. Orders were orders but sometimes common sense should probably be obeyed first. He gave an encouraging smile then took a half step back, a finger pushing up the glasses so they were where they belonged on his nose. "But I understand what you mean."

She really looked at him then. He wasn't one of those drop dead gorgeous types that had women falling at his feet. He was solid, dependable and in his own way cute. Looks weren't everything; she knew that well, look what she had to work with day in and day out.

She considered what she truly was looking for, what she truly wanted. Her eyes dropped away. To stare would be rude. She truly wanted someone that understood her, which she could share her faith with, someone that she could touch on many levels. She imagined she would have to wait and see. She was by far not patient though.

He knew his failings. Being the sort to stick out in a crowd was not one of them, however. He found the ability to fade into the background quite helpful. Except there were some times that once in the background, it was hard to take a step out to be the focus. This was the largest focus he'd enjoyed in recent times. Ever.

The touch of her thoughts was a subtle shift of emotions that were at times difficult to discern. The thread through them, however, was clear. There was a deep yearning for companionship. He understood the call of her need. It was hard to find someone who really understood the finer subtleties of the talented.

He could offer very little but he did, quite instinctively and through no active thought, gently reassure her on a private mental level that she would be all right. She would have what she needed. He had faith.

There was a faint announcement over the PA system that visiting hours has concluded. She managed to drink more of the tea and to have it stay down. However, she was beginning to tire. In her thoughts though, she also realized that there were exceedingly few suitable prospects. In that one thought, suitable took on a whole new meaning for her.

He heard the announcement but he made no move to leave. Announcements like that were for other people, not him. Daniel had faded into the background before and managed to be places where other people were not allowed to be. Yet there was the issue of Eli, the Maotesia and Silas. Perhaps someone should see to them.

Daniel regarded her for a moment then carefully took the little ceramic cup from her fingers. "Rest now, Moira. There will be many tomorrow who will wish to see you."

She lay back very tired. Her thoughts were unguarded as she closed her eyes sleepily. Her mind tended to wander paths in those moments before sleep claimed her. In her mind she wonder what it would feel like to kiss him. There was a smaller voice to berate her to get real, that he was another out of her reach.

It was lonely to be the princess.

He paused by the door, her thoughts swirling around him. Daniel closed his eyes. He hated to see her hurting. He left her with a warm mental reassurance that she was not alone and then silently withdrew from her hospital room. He would take up a position nearby to continue his watch.

If Eli needed him, Eli would make it very clear. Until then, he would operate under his previous order set.

See to Moira's safety.

That warm reassurance gave her a brief respite from that pervasive loneliness that would not loosen her from its grip. It was one thing to have people around; she was never truly alone. But she was Eli's princess and everyone treated her that way, untouchable and unreachable. Everyone had been unfailingly polite. The pedestal was far too cold and lonely.

She nestled under the blankets and attempted to rest despite the aches from the surgery and her heart.
_________________
"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" ~Sherlocke Holmes, The Sign of the Four