The Healer
Whe Turial
Whe had known from a very young age what her calling in life was. When she was five she’d rescued a baby bird who’d fallen out of its nest and nursed it back to health. When Whe was seven she met the girl who would be her best friend for the rest of her life.
She was thin, with short cropped black hair and opaque grey eyes. She was also kicking angrily at the long grass, and growling.
Whe, with all the tact someone her age possessed, walked up to the girl and asked, “What’s wrong?”
The girl’s head snapped up as if Whe had kicked her, “Nothing,” she snapped.
Whe blinked, “Then why are you kicking the grass?”
The girl blinked, “Because.” Whe was silent. The girl pouted, “Daddy won’t let me learn to fight.”
Whe blinked again, “Why not?”
“Because I’m not strong enough.”
Whe pondered this for a long moment (a whole thirty seconds, what a patient 7-year-old), “So why don’t you get stronger?”
She blinked, “But how am I supposed to do that if Daddy won’t let me train with Kaelyb?”
“Train yourself,” Whe replied with conviction.
The girl pondered this, then she grinned, “then hen I beat Kaelyb he’ll have to admit I’m good enough.” The two girls smiled at each other, and a friendship was born. “I’m Teiddo.”
“Whe.”
…..
Eight years later Whe was a chief participant in the transformation of Teiddo into Kaelyb. Four years after that, when Teiddo was given her first command post alone, Whe knew it was time for her to step in again.
Her master was dreading finding someone to follow an unblooded noble into space, and more than likely, death. There were very few who doubted that would be what awaited any who followed Teiddo. Whe had a hard time not laughing in their faces. For twelve years this was all that Teiddo had strived for, no way would she die now.
Her master had tried everything he could to convince Whe not to go, but when would not be swayed. She would be part of Teiddo’s crew. After all, the doctor would have to know Teiddo’s secret, and the more people who knew the more people who could betray or manipulate her.
Teiddo of course was astounded and spent a brief time trying to convince Whe not to do it, but while Teiddo could wear anyone down if she wanted to, she really did want Whe on her crew and Whe wanted to be on her crew so this time it was Whe that won.
…..
Six months and countless occasions on which Whe had saved Teiddo’s butt, her life changed forever.
.....
Antliath's firstborn was the next to hatch, however, spilling a bright purple dragonet onto the sands. The hatchling's splayed wings revealed confettied membranes befitting her paternal heritage.
The purple-confetti's eyes alighted on Whe, and she crooned. Whe? My name is Kalleth, you will bond me, won't you? Whe assured her immediately, and they went to the kitchens.
Whe bonded Purple-Confetti Kalleth at Darkling Dawn.