The Sentinel of Cassendar: Resquarian

Dracia awoke in a bed not really knowing where she was. She went to sweep the hair out of her face when she realized her hands were bound in some sort of iron shackles. She managed to sit up and look around the room to see it was a large bedroom that seemed familiar to her in its style and size. It took her one moment to remember where she truly was, the winter palace in Navalia.

She closed her eyes and felt her stomach roll as it all came back to her. The horrible battle, seeing Leal being stabbed, and then being taken by Darren as he taunted poor Galen. Sometime soon after, she had blacked out. She wasn’t sure why. She didn’t even know what day it was. How much time had passed since the battle? She felt thirsty and sick. Her body ached with weariness, and she was tempted to just lie back down, but the door opened, and a woman walked in. Dracia didn’t know if it was Belleth or the other woman.

“You are awake, dear one,” said the woman happily. “I have brought your something to eat and something to settle your stomach.”

“Who are you?” asked Dracia as she could see the woman was not Belleth. Unlike Belleth’s cold blue eyes, this woman’s green eyes almost looked kind.

“My name is Julian. I don’t believe we have been formally introduced. You have met my sister many times, and even me in passing, but never officially,” said Julian. “It is so good to see and speak with your, Dracia.”

“I wish I could say the same, but there is about a hundred places I would rather be at the moment,” said Dracia.

“I know you don’t understand why you are here, but know you will not be harmed, not permanently, anyway. If you will just cooperate with Belleth, nothing shall happen to you. My sister does have a temper as you probably know,” said Julian as she sat down a tray on a table next to Dracia. “Now, here drink this, and it will help your sick stomach.”

Dracia looked at the small cup the woman held out to her. She leaned over and sniffed the liquid, finding it smelled of mint and was clear.

“It won’t hurt you, Dracia. I wouldn’t dream of doing anything to hurt you,” said Julian.

“How did you know my stomach was ill?” asked Dracia as she took the cup awkwardly with her two bound hands.

“It is only to be expected for you,” said Julian with a smile. “Now, drink up, it is only mint and some other herbs that will soothe you.”

Dracia gave Julian an odd look, but then tilted the cup up and drank all of the liquid inside. She could feel it coating her throat as it worked its way down.

“It will take a few minutes, but you should try to eat with it. I brought you a nice breakfast here. Of course, after the meal you will need to drink this,” said Julian as she held out another small cup.

“What is it?” asked Dracia.

“Just something to subdue you a bit, dear one, nothing too bad. When you take it, I can take off those bindings for a while and get you dressed. Then we can walk around the palace and visit my sister. She has much to tell you,” said Julian.

“I would rather not take it and just stay here,” said Dracia as she looked at the plate of food, finding she was rather hungry.

“It isn’t an option. I don’t want to have to call in some guards or even my sister to force you. I would hate for you to be harmed in anyway, Dracia,” said Julian. “Now eat up, and be a good dear and drink this liquid.”

What option did she really have? Her stomach did seem to be settling, maybe it was all in her head, but she was not going to question it. She ate the food as best she could with her bound hands, and then looked at the glass with the light brown liquid.

“I promise it won’t hurt you,” said Julian. “You will be a little light heady and sleepy, but nothing you can’t manage.”

Dracia picked up the glass and drank it before she changed her mind. She put it down and immediately started feeling as though the light around her had gotten dim. Her eyes felt heavy, and everything seem to move around her a little slower.

“It is very powerful at first, but it will even out in a minute,” said Julian. “Why don’t I help you up and get those things off your wrist. Then we can find a nice comfortable gown to put you in.”

She helped Dracia to stand and then pulled out a large, strange key, placing it in the holes on the shackles, unlocking them. Dracia felt like she was in a dream as Julian helped her to put on a Navalian style dress and then sat her down to brush out her hair.

“You are so lovely, dear one. Even more lovely than before, I believe,” said Julian.

“Than before what?” asked Dracia in confusion as she looked up at Julian.

“You will soon understand,” said Julian as she bent down and kissed the top of Dracia’s head.

Dracia walked with Julian out of her room and down the stairs. She briefly registered that the room she was staying in was on the fifth floor of the palace. When they got to the bottom of the stairs, Julian led her down a hall and into a large parlor.

“You were here not so long ago, weren’t you?” asked Julian. “I was out in your kingdom at the time, trying to find the queen you hid from me. You always were very clever, dear one, but I suppose that makes sense.”

Dracia wasn’t sure what to make of that statement, and her addled brain would not let her respond as they walked into the parlor.

“Oh, your majesty, I did not realize you were in here,” said Julian with a quick curtsey.

“It is not a problem,” said King Fannar as he rose from his chair, staring at Dracia. He walked over to them, looking at Dracia as if he was trying to decide if she was real. “Is it really you, my lady?”

“Now, your majesty, you must know she is a queen now,” said Julian with a smile at Dracia. “You should address her as such.”

“You have married some king?” he asked in confusion.

“Her husband became king not too long ago, your majesty. You were told, but you must not remember,” said Julian in a patient tone.

“I suppose I do,” said Fannar with a smile as he took Dracia’s hand. “Perhaps I was hoping it wasn’t true that you were married.” He bent down and kissed Dracia’s hand.

Dracia smiled, or at least she thought she did, she wasn’t sure. Julian took her to a sofa and sat her down. Dracia watched the woman as she moved to the fireplace and raised her hand, making the flames grow higher.

“It is cold in here, your majesty, and our visitor is not used to Navalian winters as we are,” said Julian.

“I believe she has told me she does not mind cold weather,” said Fannar as he smiled down at Dracia.

“Still, I would like her to be comfortable,” said Julian. “She is a very important guest.”

“Who are you speaking of?” asked Princess Lilith with irritation as she entered the room.

She walked over to Julian and looked at Dracia, a sneer like smile forming on her lips.

“Oh, so it is true. Mother, has managed to bring back the High Captain after all,” said Lilith as she crossed her arms.

“Mother?” asked Dracia, feeling very out of sorts. Should she really be here with these people having polite chit chat? Shouldn’t she be trying to flee from here? Trying to get back to Winsdell, to Leal.

“Yes, High Captain,” said Lilith as she put her hands to her side. “You might as well know that Lilith is my true mother, not that weak person my father married.”

“What are you speaking of, sister?” asked Fannar as he looked at Lilith.

“Be silent, Fannar,” said Lilith with much impatience. “Sit quietly and do not interrupt. You are not needed for any part of my conversation with the High Captain.”

“She is a queen, Lilith,” said Julian as she smiled down at Dracia. “You should refer to her as your majesty when you address her.”

Lilith laughed. “Married to that boring prince who I suppose is a king now. No wonder you came to Navalia with my mother. Who would want to be tied down to such a dull man?”

“Leal is a better man than you could ever hope to have any connection with,” said Dracia angrily, feeling herself wake up a bit. She stood up and walked to Lilith. “I might be here, forced to put up with one such as you for now, but I will find my way back to my king, and we will find a way to end you.”

Lilith raised her hand and made to hit Dracia, but Julian caught her arm. “You will not strike our guest, your highness. This is not the behavior of a princess. How shall we ever find you an acceptable husband if you behave in this way?”

“I will find my own husband if I ever decide I want one,” said Lilith with a laugh. “Perhaps I will live as mother.”

“Do I hear my daughter being ridiculous as usual,” said Lady Belleth as she entered the room. “You will marry one day soon, Lilith. You are a princess and therefore will conduct yourself as one, though you haven’t at this point.”

Lilith huffed and sat down in a nearby chair. “Life as a princess is quite boring, I believe. Who wants to sit in a parlor all day, and listen to men prattle on?”

“Who says that is what princesses do? Dear Dracia, here was a princess for a few years I believe, and she was rarely forced to do anything she didn’t want to do,” said Belleth with a laugh. “But enough with you Lilith, go find something else to do. Go spend time with Darron if you wish.”

“He has been avoiding me, so I am ignoring him as well,” said Lilith in a childish voice.

“Then go tend to your garden or go flirt with some lord in the village. Whatever it is you want to do go do it, just don’t interrupt us in here,” said Belleth harshly.

Lilith stood up and glared at Belleth, but she did as she said. She walked from the room, giving Dracia a glare as she left.

“Your majesty, I believe you have some work to do in your study,” said Julian with a smile. “Why don’t you go see to it, and then come escort our lovely guest to lunch at the twelfth bell.”

“Of course, my lady,” said Fannar as she bowed before leaving the room, closing the door behind him.

“Good, we are alone. I never want to say I regret my daughter, but she does try my patience at times. Perhaps you will have better luck with your own daughter someday, Dracia,” said Belleth.

“My daughter?” asked Dracia as Belleth came and sat on one side of her.

“Yes, you shall have a daughter one day, and hopefully you can raise her to be more respectful and dutiful than my own,” said Belleth. “But enough about daughters, let us focus on you. It is time you learned who you truly are, my dear.”

“I know who I am,” said Dracia. “I am Dracia Cassendar, the High Captain of the Sentinel of Cassendar, a High Noble of Siccaria, and the Queen of Lanoxan.”

“Well, that is a mouthful, my dear, and it does sound very impressive. You are those things, I suppose, but you were meant to be even more. You would still be if not for one mistake you made centuries ago,” said Belleth. “We would all three be more had you not been so foolish.”

“Now, Belleth, it will do you no good to become upset with Dracia. We need her, and we are bonded to her after all. We are as close as sisters,” said Julian as she sat on the other side of Dracia.

“Very true, sister,” said Belleth as she looked at Dracia.

“What do you mean we are bonded?” asked Dracia.

“We will show you, dear one,” said Julian with a kind smile. “All you need to do is relax.”

“Yes, Dracia, close your eyes and lean your head back. I know you are tired, and want rest. Take a few moments and just let yourself be at peace,” said Belleth as she took Dracia’s hand and leaned in, whispering in her ear.

“Do not worry, dear one, you will be safe with us,” said Julian as she too leaned forward and whispered in Dracia’s ear.

Dracia found her eyes were too heavy to stay open. She laid her head back and let them close, feeling a peace wash over her that made everything around her disappear. She opened her eyes, and she was in the green hills outside of Winsdell. It was summer and there was a light breeze that lifted her hair slightly.

“A perfectly lovely day,” said a woman with green eyes to Dracia’s right. “If only there was nothing to do but sit and read or go for a long walk.”

“Those would be perfectly fine ways to pass this day,” said Dracia with a smile. “But they would not be wise, not with all that needs to be done. Perhaps we can finish early and come out here for a long walk before the sun goes down, Alvie.”

The woman with green eyes smiled brightly. “I would like it. We will have to convince Ricardia to join us. I don’t think she has done anything but visit with the created ones all week.”

“She spends her time as she likes it seems,” said Dracia. “As much as I do love our sister, she never seems to stop meddling in the lives of the created ones. She should learn to leave them to their own decisions someday.”

“It is not who she is,” said Alvie with a laugh. “You know her better than anyone, Sophie. She cannot leave anything alone. She will have things her way.”

“That she will sister, but if she doesn’t learn to include us in her plans, I am afraid it could end up bad for her and for many others.”

“There you both are,” said a woman with blue eyes, materializing out of nothing. “Why are you out here when there is much to be done in the village? The leader of these poor, simple creatures is missing so many opportunities. I need you both to come help me guide him.”

“What opportunities, Ricardia?” asked Dracia as the woman grabbed her hand and pulled.

“A way to expand the forward thinking of the village and his people. Those to the south and north of here are so primitive. They would benefit greatly from the leadership of those in this village,” said Ricardia.

“How much time have you spent amongst the people outside of this village, Ricardia?” asked Dracia.

“Not much,” said Ricardia with a small laugh. “Why would I? What can be gained from such simple people?”

“It is not about your gain, it is about your guidance,” said Dracia. “They are good people who are happy and gaining what they need at their own pace. They do not need the ideas of this village or its leader thrust upon them.”

“I am sure our sister means well, Sophie,” said Alvie as she walked closer to the two women. “You know it wouldn’t hurt to help those simpler creatures to learn new things and have new ideas.”

“I agree, Alvie, but it needs to be done in their own time,” said Dracia. “Our sister may mean well, but she doesn’t stop think about what her actions could do to others.”

“Which is why she has us,” said Alvie smiling at Ricardia. “You do understand don’t you, Ricardia? We should go visit those in the south of the kingdom and the north before we help the leader of this village decide anything.”

Ricardia sighed and paced a bit, but she then nodded her head. “Very well, we shall go visit the people out in the land first. After all, it is all for the good of Resquarian, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is sister,” said Dracia. “We shall visit with the people, and then go met with Barin and maybe even Miseria.”

“Why Miseria?” asked Ricardia sounding annoyed.

“The created ones always need mercy, Ricardia. You especially could use a good dose of it.”

“Very well, Sophie.”

The world dissolved around Dracia and then became clear once again. This time she was standing in a large tent with her sisters. Two women, one young and one old looked at the sisters.

“You honor us with your visit, oh creators,” said the old woman.

“We are very happy to be here,” said Dracia as she reached out her hand and put it on the old woman’s shoulder and closed her eyes. “I can see you have much wisdom, created one.”

“I thank you for the gift,” said the old woman.

“I may have given you a spark, but you have cultivated it so it could grow, dear created one. The wisdom is yours,” said Dracia as she opened her eyes and took her hand off of the woman.

“Will you bless my daughter so she may lead well?” asked the old woman.

“I will,” said Dracia. “We will all bless her so she may lead with knowledge, wisdom, and power all in balance.”

The three sister encircled the younger woman and put their hands upon her, granting her the gifts of the wisdom, knowledge, and power.

“We grant you these gifts, dear one,” said Alvie as she stepped back.

“You should be grateful and use them well,” said Ricardia.

“While they were given to you, they are now yours,” said Dracia. “You will have to practice them in good measure, so they always stay in balance. Knowledge without wisdom is foolishness. Power without much wisdom and knowledge is easily corrupted. Watch and learn from your mother, and you will do well.”

The world disappeared again in a blur and then refocused to show Dracia back out in the hills of Winsdell.

“You can see they are very happy and well,” said Dracia. “There is no need to force ideas and ways on them they are not ready for.”

“But they are weak, sister. They could easily be overtaken by a stronger force. If they allied with the central village, they would have security. They could learn how to defend themselves and grow their village into its own force,” said Ricardia.

“They are stronger than you think, but I will think on what you said, sister,” said Dracia. “Perhaps the leaders of each village could meet someday soon and come to some sort of agreement.”

Ricardia nodded as the world disappeared again. Dracia opened her eyes, and she was back in the parlor in the winter palace.

“I think that is enough for today,” said Belleth as she let go of Dracia’s hand.

“You must have questions, dear one,” said Julian as she kept holding Dracia’s hand, giving it a small squeeze.

“I have many questions,” said Dracia as she tried to put her thoughts together, but her mind still felt slow and fuzzy. “But I am not sure where to start.”

“Say the first one you can think of,” said Julian. “I know it is hard to concentrate at the moment, but the elixir you took was necessary so you would listen.”

Dracia looked at the woman and tried to put her thoughts together. “What was that I just saw?”

“That’s a large question, but I suppose it is as good as any,” said Belleth. “Those were your memories, Dracia, our memories.”

“My memories?” asked Dracia. “I have never met those women before.”

“My dear, you are sitting by them right now,” said Belleth with a laugh. “They are us. We may have changed our names and our appearance in ways, and we do not have all the powers we once did, thanks to you, but we are still Alvina and Ricardia.”

Dracia closed her eyes and thought over those names, trying to place where she had heard them. “Gods of power and knowledge,” she whispered.

“Yes, I am Ricardia,” said Belleth. “I once held the gift of power in my hand.”

“And I am Alvina. I once could freely give the gift of knowledge,” said Julian.

“And you are our dear sister, Sophia, reborn, Dracia,” said Belleth. She laughed slightly and sighed. “Leave it up to Barin or Scriptor, or creator or whatever name he goes by now, to play such a joke on us. To send you, dear sister, as the one who could redeem the Cassendars and Lanoxan, the one who could keep Siccaria strong, and the one who could actually defeat us.”

Dracia shook her head, not able to even begin to understand what all this could mean.

“You need to think over this,” said Julian. “I know this is a lot to take in, dear one, but we have waited for so long for you to come back to us.”

“Yes, after your foolish choice, and what you did to us, I have waited long to be able to see you again,” said Belleth with narrowed eyes.

“Do not be angry with her, sister. It will do no good. It was so long ago, and we have a chance to start again,” said Julian.

“I suppose we do need her,” said Belleth with a long sigh as Julian nodded. “You should rest, Dracia.” She put her hand on Dracia’s head and looked at her. “Rest for now, and after lunch we can speak again.”

Dracia felt her eyes grow even heavier than before. The room seemed so warm and dim.

“Lay here,” said Julian as she stood up. “We will leave you to rest.”

“Yes, rest, but do not think of escaping. It will be impossible,” said Belleth as Dracia laid down.

She was asleep before the two women even left the room. She dreamed of the hills of Winsdell in summer. She sat on the grass with the wind blowing around her, her hair loose as it swirled in the breeze.

“You are so very beautiful,” said a man by her side.

She looked at him to see a sandy blonde man with kind hazel eyes and broad shoulders.

“I know how wise you are so I will take that compliment very much to heart,” said Dracia with a laugh.

“I am wise enough to know to never let you go, my love,” said the man as he took her hand. “You are sure you can make it possible?”

“I am very sure. I have already spoken with Barin, and all is in place. I would just like to give my sisters time to get used to the idea. I do not wish to cause them harm,” said Dracia as she looked down at their conjoined hands.

“I will make you very happy. I hope you know it. I do not wish you to regret your choice,” said the man.

“I will never regret my choice if I can be with you,” said Dracia as them man moved closer to her. “I never knew what love was until I met you.”

“I don’t believe I ever did either, my beauty,” said the man.

He leaned forward to kiss her and Dracia leaned in so her lips met his. He pulled her against him as their kiss deepened, Dracia feeling like every decision she had made had led her here, and all was right. She pulled back and opened her eyes to see the man had changed into Leal. He smiled at her and leaned down to rest his forehead on hers.

“My love,” he whispered. “Do not forget me.”

“Never,” she said. “To forget you would be to forget myself.”

He went to kiss her and as their lips met, Dracia’s eyes bolted open and she sat up see that she was still in a parlor of the winter palace. She rubbed her eyes, feeling a pain in her heart as she longed to be with Leal. The battle came backed to her, and she could see in her mind, Leal being stabbed with the sword. She could see his blood on his hands. Did Galen help him in time? Was he still alive? She wanted nothing more than to run from this place and find a way home, but Belleth had said escape was impossible, and Dracia knew it was true.

She looked up as the door to the parlor opened, and Fannar walked into the room.

“I have come to take you into lunch, my lady,” said Fannar with a smile. He put his head down for a moment and then looked up. “I apologize, your majesty, I did not mean to offend you.”

“It is no matter,” said Dracia as she stood up. “In fact, let us stop this formal talk now. We are both leaders of our kingdoms. I hope one day to find a way to work together. I will call you Fannar if you will let me, and you should call me Dracia if you would like.”

Fannar nodded. “I would like it very much, Dracia.”

“Then come here for a moment, Fannar, I have something I wish to say to you,” said Dracia as he looked at him.

Fannar nodded and sat next to her in a chair, crossing his legs and looking at her like he was ready for her to speak.

“When I escaped from here, I did something rather awful. I did not mean for it to happen, and I would do things differently if I could, but I cannot,” said Dracia. “I never meant to kill your father, Fannar. I have thought much of it, and the pain I must have caused you when it happened. I know it does not help, but I am very sorry for your loss, and my part in it.”

Fannar looked at her intently, uncrossing his legs and leaning forward. He was silent for several moments. “I hardly remember that day,” he said quietly. “It feels like some dream. I don’t know why, but since then I have felt like every day was some strange dream.”

Dracia didn’t know how to respond. She knew he was being controlled, but how could she make him see? Could she convince him of what Belleth was doing to him? Could he help her to escape? She thought it over for a moment. Was she ready to escape? Whatever had happened this morning in the parlor had ignited something in her. A new truth she knew about herself seem to have floated to the top of everything she thought was reality.

“It is hard to lose a parent. You must hate me, and want to see me put to justice. I am not sure why you haven’t demanded I not be held responsible for my crime,” said Dracia.

“I am not sure it was a crime. My father seemed to want you to do harm, and you reacted in a way to save your own life. How can I fault you?” asked Fannar. He closed his eyes and shook his head. “He was not well, Dracia. I am not sure I am well. I don’t know what to think much of the time.”

Dracia reached for his hand when the door to the parlor opened again.

“Fannar what are you two doing? Mother and Julian said you should already be in the dining hall for lunch. You should bring her now,” said Lilith with annoyance.

Fannar stood up and offered Dracia his hand. “Come, your majesty. You need to eat.”

Lunch passed in a fog for Dracia. She was given another drink that she felt compelled to drink, and she took it without complaint. She ate what was in front of her, but she tasted none of it. Before long she was back in her room by herself, and she laid down on the bed and quickly fell asleep.

She dreamed of a hundred different images that flashed through her mind. She saw Alvina and Ricardia. She saw the man she called Theirry in her dreams. She saw Galen and Lexine as they quietly talked holding hands. She saw Ethen in front of a desk with a quill in his hand, and a piece of paper before him. He tried to start a letter, but eventually threw down his quill. She saw Roderick pacing in front of a fireplace, and she could hear his thoughts questioning how he could have ever left her alone. She saw Leal, sitting on a sofa with his head in his hands, not knowing how he would go forward until she was back with him. She wanted nothing more than to sit beside him and take his hand, letting him know she would find her way to him.

She awoke feeling very sick. She looked around the room and found her large wash bowl, running to it to lose most of the lunch she had eaten hours ago.

“Oh, you poor thing,” said Julian as she walked in with another tray of food. “I had no idea your sickness was so bad or lasted all day. I should have brought you another drink to help with it.”

“I don’t understand why I keep getting ill,” said Dracia as she wiped her mouth with a nearby towel.

Julian looked at her with compassion. “Can you think of no reason, dear one?”

Dracia looked at her as she put the towel down. “What do you mean?”

Julian sighed and sat down on the bed and patted the place next to her, inviting Dracia to sit next to her. Dracia hesitated. She did not trust this woman, but she did not feel as though she would hurt her, so she did as Julian asked and sat down, leaving some space between them.

“I do not have any experience in this area except what I have witnessed in others, but you are a married woman, Dracia,” said Julian. “From what I understand you love your husband very much, and I imagine there is passion there.”

Dracia looked at Julian with confusion but nodded.

“Well, there is a certain outcome from that passion sometimes,” said Julian with a smile. “I am sure you are knowledgeable on the subject. Your mother must have spoken of it with you.”

Dracia sat back and her mouth slightly opened, understanding what Julian was trying to say. “But I have taken precautions. There is an elixir I drink that stops certain things from happening,” said Dracia.

Julian continued to smile at her. “Even the most potent elixir is not always affective, especially if it is not used correctly. Are you sure you took it regularly?”

Dracia thought back to her time in Siccaria, even back to the time she was ill from her wounds and her exhaustion. She had not had access to any elixir until she had spoken to Maia about the situation. She was not reminded to ask for it until she and Leal had already…

“Oh, dear gods,” she said as she put her hand on her stomach. “How could I have not known?”

Julian smiled even brighter. “You had much on your mind, and much to do, Dracia. Perhaps your cycles have not always been as regular as some women. It is a common mistake.”

“I fought in battles,” said Dracia. “I was almost trampled by a horse. I have been so careless.”

Dracia felt tears in her eyes. She was carrying Leal’s child, and she had not protected him or her as she should. She rubbed her stomach lightly. She would be a mother, and Leal would be a father. This child could be the next king of Lanoxan or if not, a High Noble of Siccaria. More than that, this child was a symbol of her and Leal’s love. Despite her circumstances, despite her worry, and her uncertainty, she felt a glimmer of hope and excitement spark within her. She had a new reason to leave from the palace alive.

“You child is well within you, dear one,” said Julian quietly. “She will be quite powerful, I am sure, with her Siccarian and Cassendar blood, not to mention her mother’s uniqueness.”

“She?” asked Dracia. “You think it is a girl?”

“I have a feeling, but it is not a certainty,” said Julian. “You need to be very careful here with Belleth. I do not wish you to come to harm, you or your child. I may want the same thing Belleth wants, but I do not always approve of her methods.”

“What is it you both want?” asked Dracia.

“You will find out very soon, but for now you need to try to eat and rest,” said Julian.

Dracia quietly ate as best she could, and then laid back down in the bed. Julian left her to herself after giving her another light brown drink. Dracia curled up under the covers with her hand on her stomach, wanting her husband more than ever. How would he react, knowing she was carrying his child? She imagine he would be pleased, but concerned for her. He would be excited, but cautious of their future. Above all, he would hold her and love her, giving her comfort that Dracia desperately needed at the moment. Dracia fell asleep with tears on her cheeks and Leal’s whispered name on her lips.