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[key-youth-bert.livejournal.com]

Look, it's a Cuthbert!

More specifically, it's a Cuthbert stretched out on the couch by the fire, with a mug of coffee and a bowl of fried paradoxes within easy reach. The "within easy reach" seems to be the key phrase in that statement, considering that even if he felt like trying to get up, Susan's stationed in a chair not far off.

He doesn't look bad, for someone who took a bullet to the gut two days ago.

Comments

[key-youth-bert.livejournal.com]

For a moment, Cuthbert's eyes are full of more emotions than can be counted. He looks down for a moment, takes a deep breath, and then looks up again, composed.

"I--We--thankee-sai, Lady."

[honest-johns.livejournal.com]

Low, echoing Cuthbert, "Thankee-sai."

[blue_ajah]

Susan simply nods, silently, eyes wide.

Moiraine nods as well. "You are welcome."

A pause. "Is there anything else, before I leave you?"

It is not often that the Aes Sedai offers to answer questions, if that is what she is in fact offering. Still, she lingers for a moment, watching them.

[key-youth-bert.livejournal.com]

And for a moment, Cuthbert just sits there, trying to pull himself out of his thoughts. Then,

"Oh--if it's not an inconvenience, lady-sai, Alain was hurt, too--has he spoken to you about seeing to that?"

His tone indicates he wouldn't be surprised if Alain had overlooked his own wound in favor of Cuthbert's.

[blue_ajah]

"He did not mention it, no."

She turns to Alain, and her tone is perfectly composed, if a touch dry.

"May I offer you Healing?"

[honest-johns.livejournal.com]

Alain had, frankly, forgotten about it in the last few moments, with her news. And, before that, figured he'd ask after Cuthbert's far more serious wound was healed.

Now, he looks slightly rueful. "Aye, lady, and thankee-sai."

[blue_ajah]

She inclines her head, and holds out a hand to him, taking his.

Once again there is a golden glow, followed by silver racing over him; and then this time, the swirling mesh of color that settles over his ribs is blue-green shot through with streaks of red that flash like Fire.

It sinks in, and the injuries fade and vanish. Moiraine releases him and saidar in the same motion.

"I have done what I may." A pause. "And if there is nothing else, then I shall take my leave of you for the present, I think."

[honest-johns.livejournal.com]

He's very still, for a moment, as what feels like a wave of icy water crashes through him and is gone.

And, in its wake, painless healing.

His hand falls. He smiles at her, and a welter of emotions shows through briefly -- but gratefulness, uppermost. For healing both of them, and for her word of Roland.

Quietly, "Thankee-sai."

[sai_delgado]

"Thankee-sai, Lady," Susan adds softly. "For-- for everything."

[blue_ajah]

Cuthbert nods in agreement with the others, and Moiraine inclines her head slightly.

"Then I shall wish you a pleasant evening. Light illumine and protect you."

She glides away, back to the booth.

[key-youth-bert.livejournal.com]

For a moment after Moiraine leaves, Cuthbert just sits there.

Then, without a word, he holds out both hands.

[sai_delgado]

She takes the hand offered to her, linking her fingers with his as she sinks down on the couch beside him, silently.

(I chose the Tower.)

And he'd found it, they now know -- found it, and reached it. And oh, but she is glad, for his sake, and yet there's a strange emptiness inside.

[honest-johns.livejournal.com]

There's room for three on the couch, with Cuthbert sitting up. And he's glad of it, now, as he drops down next to Cuthbert, hand grasping his friend's.

Silence, and muddled grief and pride and loneliness and joy.

May you find your Tower, Roland, cried Don Callahan, he of the cross and the roads, as he died. And breach it, and may you climb to the top!

And so he shall.

And, in spite of all the grief and pain... it is well. It is very well.