The Splintered Dreams

Khaat laughed at how large his hat was on her head. But she liked it so she left it, just pushing it back off of her eyes. She took him for a walk down to the barn to show him the magical creatures, the countless pygmy puffs, the numerous owls and birds that always gathered there and nearly all were either trained or in training under Katherine's expert hands. She showed him the huge, snowy white pair of unicorns. Khaat had found out that they had mated and the female was expecting a colt or a foal soon. She saved Jett, the hypogriff for last. "I know you're going to want to ride. Tomorrow. In the daylight, if you like," Khaat said. "He's gorgeous, isn't he? We've been looking for a female for him for some time. Daddy just got a notice from a family friend in Romania that they have one that might be good for Jett. We may have to go to Romania for a day or so and check her out. Actually, that might give me a chance to talk to my friend there and see if he has any information about your horntail. If anybody would know, he would."

"Sorry," she apologized. "You take some time. What I am prescribing for you is to just spend some time here on the farm and get to know my parents. Get to know two of the houseguests we have for now--a friend of mine who is pregnant with twins named Jessica and her husband Jack. I want you to spend time exercising at the gym at the hospital and working on the farm, resting, eating. You've lost some weight and muscle tone by being unconscious so long. You really need to recuperate. Until I say otherwise. Now, let me show you something."

She drew out her uncle's wand out of her boot. "This is my Uncle Remus's wand. I cherish this in the same way you cherish your father's wand. And I normally carry them both. It makes me feel like I am connected with him to carry it. But I also carry my own." She showed him her own wand from her jacket pocket. "There have been many times here I have been very glad to have had both. Just consider it, would you? I don't shoot generally with both wands at once, but there's nothing wrong with carrying two."

She took him on a walk to show him the basic layout of the farm, the fields, the woods, and all the property that was Lupin property. She pointed him in the direction of the fishing village and said that it was better done by muggle car or apparating because it was not really a walking distance. But she suggested he check it out some time. "I think there is enough here for you to do that you can build up your strength with."

"You'll enjoy it. They have a nice little pub that serves a great homemade ale that is a lot like some of your smaller independent American breweries. You might like it. And I'm sure you'll get on with the men in the village. Just remember, it is a lot like America where the wizards walk among the muggles and the muggles are none the wiser for it. You have to be really certain whether who you talk to is magical or not before you open that door with them. But I am quite sure you already can do that or you would not have the job you do. I'm positive that my parents want you to be completely at home here. So, I think you've about seen it all, Cordell, until you actually go out exploring it on your own. How's your energy level? I'm starting to get a bit tired, myself. How about you?"

'You're asking the wrong woman, Cordel," Khaat said softly, "I will always have a deep wound where my Uncle REmus is concerned. Always. I hvae learned to not let it impact my life so much, I am learning to move forward. I am learning to have good days again, to live and love and, on some days I don't hurt all day long. But I do know it takes time. Sometimes a long time. I dont know if I will ever be over it, but I do know that i am getting a life again. And right now, its starting to feel okay to do that without guilt and pain. I don't know if that makes sense or not."

"And I am lucky to have a new friend too," Khaat smiled. "But you now look as tired as I feel. Perhaps, we ought to go rest. You are better but not great. Not yet. Give it another couple of days and you'll feel worlds better. In the meantime, I'll send your note to your mom. I'll get it from you in the morning. Is that alright with you?" Khaat led him back into the kitchen. "Do you want something hot to warm up with?"