Bernadette Marshall awakens to find herself - to her surprise - alone in the
suite she shares with Kevlan Sharr. Concerned about where Tamber and Jerrik -
not to mention Kevlan - might have vanished off to, she checks every corner
of the suite, but she is indeed alone.

Remembering that when she'd staggered back here from her trip to Shankill to
find Rykos Knight here in the suite as well, she notes that Rykos, too, is
not in the suite. Perhaps, she thinks, the others have taken Rykos somewhere?
But that would mean that Kevlan went with Tamber and Jerrik... the thought that
Kevlan has actually left the suite partly thrills and partly alarms her. But
surely he'd be with Tamber and Jerrik. That, at least, keeps her from worrying
too much.

She decides to take the chance to place a call to Kevlan's father Orynn, who
is waiting for a chance to see his son, up on Shankill. With Kevlan gone, this
is a safe time to speak with the older Sharr... and thus, she calls him up
on the terminal.

The conversation goes - well, not badly. But Bernadette finds herself faltering,
feeling only two centimeters high, after she hesitantly explains to Orynn
Sharr that seeing his son would not be the best thing for Kevlan at this time.
Orynn doesn't seem to receive this news well, but he does receive it.

After Bernadette terminates the call, she finds herself shaken... and takes the
time to try to clean herself up a bit, to relax, and to wait for the others to
return.....

----------
After what seems like an inordinate amount of time waiting, the suite door 
  slides open, and Tamber and Jerrik help a white-faced Kevlan into the room. 
  Tamber is the first to blink, as he sees Bernadette awake once more.

Bernadette, who'd been sitting on the edge of the bed wringing her hands, jumps 
  to her feet and half gasps "There you are!"

Kevlan blinkblinks plaintively, though his eyes seem to lighten a little at 
  the sight of Bernadette.

Jerrik smiles tiredly; Tamber ruefully says, "We are sorry to have left without 
  you, my dear, but Rykos insisted on going to the Infirmary, and you were 
  sleeping so soundly... "

Bernadette looks swiftly from one man to the next, her eyes resting on Tamber 
  as he speaks and she waves a hand. "It's okay...I just wish I'd think to ask 
  the computer for whereabouts more often."

The computer responds "Please specify your party."

Bernadette scowls and ignores it. "Why did you go to the infirmary? Is 
  everything okay?"

Kevlan blinkblinks again, swaying a little, and Jerrik tells him gently, 
  "C'mon, Galahad, you're exhausted, you need to sit down... "

Bernadette starts a little and scoots out of the way of the bed, holding her 
  hands out to Kevlan. "Did you walk to the infirmary, Kevlan?" She sounds 
  rather amazed as she asks the question.

Tamber tells Jerrik lightly, "As do you, my friend, and I; we have all had a 
  long day." To Bernadette he adds, "Telandra had a crash, my dear. Rykos 
  insisted on seeing her, and we had to make sure he got to her safely, as he 
  could barely walk."

Kevlan takes a few stumbling steps to Bernadette, and nods tentatively to her 
  even as he wraps his arms round her. He says very softly, "Uh-huh."

Jerrik smiles halfheartedly, thinking that if Kevlan wants to go to Berni, 
  that's fine with him. He sinks down into the chair he'd thought of guiding 
  Kevlan to, looking relieved to be off his feet.

Bernadette holds Kevlan and nods at Tamber, looking a little bewildered. She 
  then looks up at her fiance and reaches up with one hand to brush the errant 
  lock of hair from his eyes. "Do you want to sit down or anything, love?"

Kevlan nods, less slow to respond than he has been for some time, though his 
  gaze still looks somewhat lost.

Bernadette slips an arm around his supportively and asks "Chair? Or bed?"

Tamber regards Kevlan speculatively, and says to Bernadette, "None of us wanted 
  to leave Rykos alone - the poor boy is in rather nasty shape. But as he went 
  off to try to take care of Bernadette, we thought Kevlan should get some 
  rest." Jerrik nods, opening his eyes briefly to glance at Tamber's face to 
  watch his words.

Kevlan mumbles liquidly, "'Mtired, c'n Ah-Ah lay down?"

Bernadette nods at Tamber. "Is Telandra badly hurt?" At the same time she 
  murmurs softy to Kevlan "Of course you can, sweetheart.." and guides him to 
  the bed, only to blinkblink when he's not looking as she realizes this is the 
  most he's said to her since his return from Hesperia. She glances at Jerrik 
  and Tamber in turn, eyes wide.

Jerrik seems to be on the verge of dozing off; his dark eyelids have dropped. 
  But Tamber smiles wearily at the small young woman. "Telandra was physically 
  whole, but I fear that she took a blow to her head and was not recollecting 
  her identity. A not uncommon malady for Singers, although she is quite young 
  for such."

Bernadette nods slowly at Tamber. "It's only temporary, though?"

Every now and again your mind wanders to thoughts of freshly cut crystal 
  humming in your hands.
Non-singers around you see: Kevlan peers off into the distance occasionally.

Kevlan sinks down onto the bed, looking rather relieved to get off his feet as 
  well. His hands tremble a little as he touches Bernadette.

Bernadette sits down on the bed beside Kevlan, and looks at Tamber for a moment 
  before looking at the napping Jerrik and returning her gaze to the other 
  Singer. "It's good that you got out, Kevlan." She smiles.

Kevlan mumbles, "Rykos's hurt," as if by way of explanation.

Bernadette nods. "I saw him here earlier." She lightly rubs the back of her 
  fingers against Kevlan's cheek and says softly "You're a good friend to help 
  him out."

Tamber comes over and settles down on the nearest chair, smiling quietly at the 
  two. Kevlan turns his face towards Bernadette's touch, as he says 
  plaintively, "H-h-he cain't sing."

Bernadette frowns a little. "He can't? Why not?" She glances at Tamber 
  momentarily, then watches Kevlan's face closely as she waits for a response.

Kevlan answers mournfully, "Spiders got 'im."

Bernadette blinks and looks confused. "Spiders? I haven't seen a spider since I 
  left Chanuuk..."

Kevlan nods solemnly, but doesn't elaborate. It is Tamber who speaks up with, 
  "I've read Rykos's file, my dear. It seems Rykos was attacked by a spider 
  creature on Tyr."

Bernadette raises her eyebrows as she looks at the sorter. "Spider creature? On 
  Tyr?" She looks at Kevlan and says in a conspiratorial tone "Guess where we 
  *won't* be going on vacation, ever?"

Tamber smiles a little, sadly. "His file describes a 'hell spider' which 
  apparently strove to... " He pauses, his nose wrinkling in distaste, and he 
  regards Kevlan searchingly as if attempting to measure his possible reaction 
  to his next words. Then he continues, "... insert its larvae into his spine."

Kevlan frowns, shuddering, and curls closer to Bernadette on the bed.

Bernadette looks horrified at the thought and tightens her arm around Kevlan's 
  shoulder reflexively. "Oh my word..." she breathes. "It's a wonder he's 
  alive..."

Tamber nods gravely. "He was placed into a stasis field while Research and 
  Development sought a way to remove the creature without killing him. They 
  were successful, but I fear Rykos's symbiont has rather strongly 
  overcompensated, and is attempting to heal him at a rate that astounds me."

Kevlan huddles in Bernadette's arms and murmurs plaintively, "H-h-he knows 
  'bout th' dark."

Bernadette blanches and shakes her head, clearly not wanting to even consider 
  the symbiont's infallibility. She looks down at Kevlan and says "What about 
  the dark?" softly.

You say "R-Rykos s-sees it."

Tamber murmurs softly, "Kevlan and Rykos have seemed to help one another, 
  Bernadette."

Bernadette frowns a little. "Well, of course he does...we all do if the lights 
  aren't on...." She looks at Tamber and considers his words for a moment. She 
  nods slowly and mutters "It's good someone can help him..."

Kevlan clings to Bernadette a little more tightly. His brow furrows, and he 
  shakes his head suddenly, mouth working as he tries to get words out.

Tamber leans over - he is within arm's reach, and touches Bernadette's shoulder 
  gently. "We are not medics, you and I, my dear. But we have helped, and are 
  helping."

Occasionally, your thoughts turn to your last cut of crystal.
Non-singers around you see: You get the feeling that something is slightly 
  wrong as you gaze upon the worried face of Kevlan.

Bernadette raises sad eyes to Tamber's and nods with a small smile. "Just 
  doesn't seem like it sometimes..." She shrugs a little and looks down at 
  Kevlan, her expression instantly soft as she sees him struggling and she 
  shushes. "It's okay, love...take your time...."

Kevlan finally manages, awkwardly, touching his chest, "D-dark's in heah. Dark 
  a-an-an' quiet, an-an-an' 'sall gone...!"

Bernadette lowers her eyes to Kevlan's chest, then meets his blue eyes. "And 
  Rykos has darkness in him?"

Kevlan gives a crestfallen nod.

Bernadette looks thoughtfully at Kevlan for a few moments and askes quietly 
  "How do you suppose he could let light in again?"

Kevlan says sorrowfully, "He g-gotta sing 'gain."

Tamber slides a glance towards the pair of gitars in the corner, but doesn't 
  comment, letting Bernadette coax words slowly out of her beloved.

Bernadette nods slowly. "Yes...." She looks at the two instruments propped next 
  to each other in the corner then back at Kevlan. "Maybe, to help Rykos, we 
  should play for him?" she suggests softly.

Kevlan starts shaking abruptly, and tears begin to well up in his eyes.

Bernadette says softly "Okay, maybe not, it's okay." She thinks for a moment. 
  "How do you suppose we could help Rykos to sing again?"

Kevlan mumbles miserably, trying to bury his face in Bernadette's lap, 
  "Ah-Ah-Ah cain't!"

Tamber sighs, leaning nearer, regarding Kevlan speculatively. The Sorter's eyes 
  darken for a moment, and he glances at Bernadette to see what she will do...

Bernadette shushes again. "You don't have to, Kevlan, it's okay...." She rubs 
  his back, but tries to keep him from hiding and repeats her last question 
  softly. "How do you suppose we could help him sing, love?"

Kevlan helplessly looks up, and stammers, "Ah-Ah-Ah-Ah don' know... don' know 
  h-h-how t' git outta th' d-d-d-d-d-dark... " He continues to cry, and his 
  voice roughens over his consonants.

Bernadette frowns worriedly and looks at Tamber as she tries to soothe Kevlan.

Tamber murmurs mostly to himself, "How does a blind man heal the blind?" Then, 
  he leans over to add his touch to Bernadette's, trying to soothe the 
  distraught young Singer.
Tamber says quietly to Bernadette, "He is exhausted."

Kevlan sobs, mumbling something that is mostly incomprehensible, but the words 
  "Go inna tree," can be gleaned out of the muddle of low sounds.

Bernadette nods quickly and leans forward to kiss Kevlan on the forehead. "I'm 
  sorry, Kevlan...I didn't mean to tire you so...." She presses her cheek to 
  his, murmuring quiet reassurances. She frowns in confusion for a moment at 
  the words she catches, then nods as she remembers. "That's right, love, go 
  into the tree...and sleep, honey." Her voice is calm and soothing, but her 
  eyes looked panicked...and sorrowful...and suspiciously moist

Kevlan repeats thickly, "Tree," and huddles against Bernadette. Gradually, 
  though, his shaking begins to subside.

Tamber murmurs softly, "Yes, dear boy. Rest now."

Bernadette squeezes her eyes shut and rests her chin lightly on top of Kevlan's 
  head, nodding. "In the tree, love. You're safe there...." She rocks him 
  gently.

Kevlan after several long minutes relaxes, at least mostly; his right hand 
  clutches at the front of Berni's clothing. But his eyes have closed.

Occasionally, your thoughts turn to Ballybran.
Non-singers around you see: Kevlan seems to be elsewhere occasionally.

Bernadette continues to rock Kevlan gently, her eyes shut, for a few more 
  moments before she opens them to look mournfully at Tamber. She mouths the 
  words "I didn't mean to upset him..."

Tamber murmurs wearily, "I know, my dear... I know. I fear he will be upset 
  many more times, however, before we can get him whole once more."
Tamber goes on, as he helps Bernadette rub Kevlan's shoulders and soothe him 
  into sleep, "But I think we know now that he is convinced he is unable to 
  make music." Briefly, the Sorter relays the exchange with Kasie in the 
  Infirmary, and Kevlan's claim that he couldn't play the gitar.
Tamber finishes quietly, "Now that he has seen the same proble in Rykos... I am 
  unsurprised that he is in turmoil."

Bernadette frowns. "Can't play the gitar?" She shakes her head, and still in 
  soft tones, mutters angrily "What have they done to him? If I ever find out 
  who's responsible...." She sighs and squeezes her eyes shut again for a 
  moment while she regains her composure. She nods in response to Tamber's 
  words.

Tamber gravely nods, the sudden hard glint in his green eyes suggesting much 
  the same sentiment. But he abruptly tilts his head...

Bernadette's eyes flutter open again as she's once again sort of got her 
  emotions in check and she glances at the SOrter again....curiously as she 
  sees his tilted head, her eyes questionning.

Tamber looks over. "A theory, my dear. It is obvious that Kevlan's 
  self-confidence has been damaged... a fact I cannot help but notice, as I was 
  striving to teach him more of that very same trait prior to his unfortunate 
  capture... "

Bernadette nods, as she waits for you to continue.

Tamber looks down at Kevlan once more; Kevlan has fallen into an uneasy doze, 
  curled as small as possible into Bernadette's arms. He says softly, "He has 
  always lacked confidence in his abilities as a singer - both of songs, and of 
  crystal. I cannot help but wonder if his capture attacked that very 
  confidence. Surely I too would be sorely shaken, if I fell into miscreants' 
  hands, and knew nothing of how to defend myself or free myself." He glances 
  at Bernadette once more. "Particularly if those same miscreants took me 
  because of the very skills in which I already lacked faith."

Bernadette frowns. "So how do we go about restoring his confidence?" She pauses 
  silently a moment and gazes at nothing in particular. When she focuses on you 
  again, she says "I don't know how much longer either of us can stay out of 
  the ranges, Tamber...and I'll be damned if I'll let him go crazy...or 
  worse...from withdrawal..."
Bernadette blinks as an idea occurs to her. "What aboout..." she glances down 
  at the dozing Kevlan in her arms and mouths the next words in case the other 
  Singer can hear her "...his dad?"

Tamber's eyebrows go up. "You did mention he is here... "

Bernadette sobers and nods, a blush creeping into her cheeks. "He is 
  indeed...and he reduced to me to this..." she holds one hand towards you, her 
  fingers spread about two inches apart, "...while you were gone and I told him 
  now isn't a good time for him to speak to Kevlan."

Tamber blinks, nonplussed. "Is our Galahad's father such a harsh man?"

Bernadette's blush deepend and she shakes her head after a moment's thought and 
  says quietly "Guess I'm just nervous talking to him...."

Tamber almost smiles. "I can hardly blame you, my dear... but I do not know. I 
  have not met Kevlan's sire, but then, I have never heard Kevlan speak ill of 
  him. Perhaps he could aid us. But there is the problem that he is on 
  Shankill, and we, and Kevlan, here."

Bernadette says a little more defensively "BUt he kept saying "A boy needs his 
  daddy when he's hurt" and "Ah wanna see mah boy" and being really firm...but 
  he wasn't mean about it or anything..." She stops babbling and admits quietly 
  "He just intimidates me, I guess."

Tamber smiles gently. "Hardly the best of times under which to meet your 
  beloved's father. I too would be intimidated, my dear."

Bernadette shakes her head with a rueful smiles. "You? Intimidated?" She 
  manages a soft chuckle. "That'll be the day."

Tamber says "You would be surprised, dear girl, at the wide-eyed waif I once 
  was."

Bernadette lets go of Kevlan with one hand long enough to place her hand on 
  your arm...a hand which displays absolutely no trace of resonance...and 
  smiles. "I can't picture you as a wide-eyed waif."

Tamber glances down at your fingers thoughtfully, his eyes not flickering into 
  their red lenses, but nevertheless glinting critically. But the look passes, 
  and he half-smiles. "You were not yet born when I was that waif. But there 
  are holos - I can prove it."

Bernadette smiles. "I believe you. I don't need proof." She withdraws her hand 
  and returns it to its place protectively around Kevlan. She sighs. "Maybe we 
  should ask Kasie if Kevlan can be moved to Shankill?"

Tamber wrinkles his nose slightly, considering. "I am not sure it would be wise 
  to move him, not till he is able to deal with the larger number of people."
Tamber says "But it could not hurt to seek the advice of the meditechs."
Tamber smiles at you, and simply nods as far as the holo goes. You can't quite 
  tell, but he might almost look relieved.

Bernadette nods and mutters "If only we could get Mr. Sharr down here..." She 
  glances at you again. "But I woudn't want him to have to do the whole biomed 
  suit thing...Kevlan needs to be able to SEE him..." She thinks quietly. 
  "Maybe the terminal?"

Tamber allows, "It might move him to want to go up to see his father himself. 
  But I think that we should seek the medics' advice, my dear. One wrong word 
  said, and his father may well cause Kevlan to break down."

Bernadette nods. "You're right, of course..." She thinks quietly again. "Mr. 
  Sharr said something about the Star Lady putting Kevlan on the earth to 
  sing...."

Tamber smiles in manner of one confronted with a poetic thought. "And?"
Tamber pats the sleeping Kevlan lightly, as he listens.

Bernadette blinks and looks at the Sorter, shaking her head with a shrug. "Just 
  thinking out loud...but that might be an...angle, for lack of a better 
  word....to try."

Tamber considers, again tilting his head thoughtfully. He finally admits, "I 
  confess that is one... 'angle' I could not be certain of playing properly. 
  Kevlan has far more faith in his Lady than he does his own talents." 
  Half-smiling, he adds, "I for one choose to place more faith in palpable 
  human endeavors, but then, I have always maintained that Kevlan possesses 
  divine shoulders."

Bernadette nods contemplatively "True, but maybe if we just mentioned the Star 
  Lady and singing...." She sighs and shakes her head. "No, you're right. I 
  don't know enough about the Star Lady to even attempt to use Her name." She 
  gives you a half smile. "I've never been one for religion, personally."
Bernadette frowns as she thinks some more. "Okay, so he's convinced he can't 
  sing...and he can't play the gitar..." She looks down at the top of his head. 
  "But he also is afraid to hear me play the guitar, or sing...."

Tamber asks, "Do you think so?" He sounds slightly uncertain.

Bernadette looks at you. "Well, remember when I asked him if I could play for 
  him? He got really upset."

Tamber says "Yes... but what did he say, dear girl? 'It'll go away.' Do you 
  recall?"

Bernadette frowns as she thinks upon it. "Yes, he said that....but what did he 
  mean? Me? Or the music?"

The Sorter considers, leaning back in his chair and letting you snuggle the by 
  now quiescent Kevlan. "Would he not have said, 'You'll go away', if he feared 
  you would vanish?"

Bernadette sits quietly, pondering. "Maybe," she allows, "But he wasn't exactly 
  talking really well at the time...he might have said one thing and meant 
  another..."

Tamber shrugs lightly. "I think you have assured him that you will not vanish, 
  my dear. Perhaps you should assure him that your music will not, either."

Bernadette leans her head back against the headboard and thinks. "Perhaps 
  you're right..."

Tamber smiles softly. "Music _is_ his life's blood, my dear. He needs to be 
  reminded."

Bernadette nods and glances down at Kevlan, that at her guitar, then at Tamber 
  momentarily, before returning her gaze to the top of Kevlan's head. She 
  clears her throat softly and takes a breath, muttering "Here goes 
  nothing...." and begins singing softly...

        Gently, your eyes met mine
        Tender, trusting, true....
	Gently, your hand took mine
        Thrilled me through and through...

Tamber comes in very quietly on the chorus, clearly familiar with the words. As 
  you both sing, Kevlan shifts a little, his brow furrowing in his sleep.

        Gently, oh so gently
        Gentle as the dawn
        Gently, oh so gently
        Our true love was born...

Bernadette keeps her arms around Kevlan and her eyes on him, as well, as she 
  continues.

        Genty, your lips kissed mine
        As we stroll along
        Gently, your heart touched mine
        Young, and warm and strong

Tamber harmonizes with you, his tenor and your soprano the only sounds in the 
  quiet room. Kevlan doesn't wake, but he does turn his face slightly against 
  Berni, nuzzling at her unconsciously, almost like a baby cradled in his 
  mother's arms.

Bernadette snuggles Kevlan to her as she sings with Tamber, her voice a little 
  stronger and clearer now.

        Gently, oh so gently
        Gentle as the dawn
        Gently, oh so gently
        Our true love is born

You whisper "You feel rather than hear Kevlan sigh, his chest's slight movement 
  signaling a slow release of tension within him...." to Bernadette.

Tamber smiles slightly, remembering the _last_ time he and Bernadette sang for 
  Kevlan. It had been to cheer him up then, as well...

Bernadette looks at Tamber and smiles a little before going on to the final 
  verse.

        Gently, the hour is near
        When true loves have to part

Bernadette frowns just a little, but continues after taking another breath.

        Gently, we'll meet again
        One more kiss, sweetheart

Kevlan reflexively moves his free arm, hugging at his love sleepily.

Bernadette meets Tamber's eyes and harmonizes with him.

        Gently, oh so gently
        Gentle as the dawn

Tamber, if he notes the significance of the words about parting, gives no sign, 
  and simply sings, his tenor steady and strong.

        Gently, oh so gently
        Our true love was born

Bernadette looks back down to Kevlan and repeats in song a little slower in 
  tempo...

        Our true love was born

Kevlan frowns a little, as if in confusion. As you trail off the last line, he 
  whimpers just a bit, and his eyes flutter as if he's trying to wake up.

Bernadette brushes her hand through Kevlan's hair, and sings "Home is where the 
  heart is, and my heart...is anywhere you are. Anywhere, you are...is home..." 
  She continues humming softly.

Kevlan blinkblinks, but his gaze is absent. He seems startled, but as soon as 
  Bernadette begins to sing again, he settles down, clinging to her tightly.

Bernadette continues singing and humming a medley of songs for the next few 
  hours, until she's sang herself hoarse...but she tries to keep the music 
  going for Kevlan's sake.

Some time during all of this, Kevlan falls into a deeper slumber. And although 
  he remains curled against Bernadette, his desperate grasp on her relaxes 
  until he is simply cuddling her.

Tamber maintains soft accompaniment, staying awake with you, and occasionally 
  singing alone when your voice falters. He seems to know all of Kevlan's own 
  songs - not surprisingly, considering how often the Sorter has sung with him.

With her head leaning back against the headboard, her arms curled gently around 
  Kevlan and her eyes shut, she weakly croaks out a few more verses and 
  choruses before she shakes her head finally and whispers "My voice won't hold 
  up any longer.." to Tamber, as she reaches for the glass of water you'd 
  brought her at some point.

Tamber smiles tenderly. "You have done marvelously, my dear. See... look at his 
  face."

Bernadette takes a long swallow of the liquid and leans forward to peer down at 
  Kevlan's face; seeing the tranquil expression there, she looks back at the 
  Sorter and smiles. "Next is to sing while he's awake," she speaks hoarsely.