STORIES
194 - Iced Tea
2015
Zyfan Karanthir Mez
On the lanai ...
ZYFAN:
Ah here you are. I did not know you moved outdoors.
KARANTHIR:
It's too nice a day to be inside.
ZYFAN
I agree. I brought you some iced tea. It is quite tasty.
KARANTHIR:
Thank you. What's that?
ZYFAN:
It is a letter from the One. I am afraid it is not good news.
KARANTHIR:
It never is my prince, tell me anyway.
ZYFAN:
Washi is on his way. He will be here by the end of the week.
KARANTHIR:
Ah yes, Washi. I had almost forgotten his impending arrival.
How do you feel about it?
ZYFAN:
I do not want him here.
KARANTHIR:
No one does, but then you have extenuating reasons. It can be so
awkward seeing an old lover, especially one who has treated you badly.
KARANTHIR:
… But think of it this way – you'll now have an opportunity for closure.
ZYFAN:
That is true. I just wish it was all over and done with.
ZYFAN:
… Is something wrong?
KARANTHIR:
No, just a little headache, all of a sudden.
ZYFAN:
Shall I get you something?
KARANTHIR:
No need but, I think I'll lie down for a bit. Perhaps it's just too much sun.
- - -
Later, in the living room …
ZYFAN:
Mez, have you seen Syrrah?
MEZ:
Not since this morning, but you know how sisters are
– they always turn up when you don't expect them to.
ZYFAN:
Although there is much truth to that, I am not seeking her
because she is my sister, I need her healing skills.
MEZ:
Someone sick?
ZYFAN:
It is Karanthir. He had a slight headache this afternoon, but now
it is much, much worse. He can barely lift his head from the pillow.
And everything I do seems to make his pain worse.
MEZ:
I didn't think he could get sick.
ZYFAN:
It is something that does not happen often. Although, I remember once before
he had similar symptoms. Syrrah said he was not … feeding the vampire in him.
MEZ:
I remember, but didn't she cure him?
ZYFAN:
Yes. She said he must consume a specific amount of blood each day,
which he gets in a bag, as he will not feed from another.
MEZ:
I didn't know that.
ZYFAN:
He refers to it as his medication and is very good about taking it.
MEZ:
Maybe he got a bad dose or something?
ZYFAN:
I had not thought of that.
