paying the price

M  A   E    A I talked to God to no avail Said, "If you won't save me, please don't waste my time." The cool touch of damp cloth against her irritated skin was painful but soothing, and she let it happen without resisting. She was too weak to even be embarrassed as she was stripped out of her bloodsoaked leathers and dressed in a clean nightgown. Once the ministrations were över with, Maea sank down into the bed with a sigh, closing eyes against the world that spun in dizzying circles around her. Breathing... still hurt a bit, but it was easier now. Plenty of damage har been dealt to both lungs and airways but thanks to Vai it would be a matter days to recover fully now, rather than the weeks or months the might otherwise have needed. If she would have lasted through the first night. Voices conversing quietly nearby told her that Vervain and Emmett were still there. "Whhhaaa... whhhat hhappened to... thhe others?" Her voice was a terrible whisper, hoarse and broken; speaking hurt, and her mouth was a dry wasteland full with the taste of blood and pus... But she had to know.