Daphne was making her rounds, so to speak. Sheâd been checking in on springâs healers. Since the violent ceremony at autumn court, the royal infirmary had been seeing an influx of patients. It was a mixture. There were spring court fae with extensive wounds that they couldnât heal themselves. Then were other fae whom did not call spring home, those whose home courts aligned or were publicly friendly with spring that had stopped by and waited to be treated by their healers. Finally were humans, regardless of court, that had arrived as well. To say that the royal infirmary was busy would be an understatement.
And so, the head healer joined into the fray alongside those she oversaw. Rank and titles meant nothing, truly, when the lives of others were on the line. She was following up with some of the healers that were able to find slight reprieves into their work day. Daphne knew that the unexpected, new strenuous level of activity would subside. In the meantime, she didnât want her healers overexerting themselves. In the end, they would suffer and their patients would too. Dark eyes took in the familiar sight of Ceyla in the workroom, likely trying to find a quiet moment to herself and assess the issues of her unfolding day. While Daphne didnât want to disturb the fragile peace the other fae had found, she did want to make sure Ceyla was okay. âPetal for your thoughts, Ceyla?â She asked as she approached. Gently, Daphne smiled down at Ceyla before she joined her, going to sit in the empty seat beside her. âPardon me, Iâve not seen to you since weâve returned from autumn. How are you? Truly. Are you well? What of rest, how are you faring?â Daphne paused, warm brown eyes flickering from Ceylaâs face onto the brief stillness of the workroom and back. When she spoke again, her voice was lower. Softer. âOr your brothers? Iâve not seen or heard of them visiting the infirmary and⊠well⊠I wanted to see how you were? If you were tending to any unofficial injuries that you may need help with? Creating treatment plans for them? Anything like that?â
Daphne wasnât exactly talking of Ceylaâs brothers or family members, in that regard. One thing that she knew was that those that were unable to make the journey to the Avalon Palace and its talented healers still sought them out. AlbeitâŠunofficially. Hell, it was why the head healer offered her services as a healer to orphanages and halfway homes regularly. Not all who needed care could equally receive it.
A gentle voice brought Ceyla from her thoughts. She flashed a small smile up at the head healer as she seated herself. At the mention of her brothers, her smile fell. Hazar would never come to spring healers, that much she could say with confidence. Ceyla sighed and shook her head. âIâm faring as well as can be expected,â she admitted quietly. âHazar doesnât speak to me, but iâm confident that he would allow treatment by winterâs healers,â Ceyla answered dutifully. âIâve been thinking of traveling to winter to see if he might speak to me,â she admitted. It was easy to confess to Daphne - she was a kind heart, and ceyla doubted sheâd say anything to Kuzey. âHe hasnât spoken to me in twenty years now, but perhaps with all thatâs happened, things will be different.â It was a long shot, she knew, but how could she help herself?Â
âAnd I pester Kuzey enough, I think heâs well,â she added, tucking her dark hair behind one ear. Perhaps it was out of fear that he would leave her too, but she was relentless in trying to ensure her elder brother was whole and unharmed, even before the melee that happened in Autumn. âNo treatment plans, but Iâm keeping my home well-stocked with supplies. I think I feel better, knowing that Iâm prepared, and that even if he didnât want to tell me of an injury, he could have what heâd need.âÂ
It wasnât difficult to understand the head healerâs meaning, and she shook her head again. âI havenât had anyone in need of help approach me,â she admitted quietly though she wouldnât be able to turn anyone away. Ceyla didnât think Daphne would mind her helping someone, either. âAnd what of you, Daphne? Have you been able to rest, with everything thatâs happened?â Concern shone in Ceylaâs dark eyes as she looked to the head healer, really assessing the other womanâs face. âHere I am rambling about my brothers, when you must be the busiest of us all right now. You are taking care of yourself, yes?â