regency au } { of recovery periods and rebuilding

[impetere]

Cora: [she spends another day unconscious and healing, just trying to get as much rest as she possibly can. Stiles being nearby helps, but it still takes some time for her body to stitch itself back together. She's still not completely healed when she does wake up, but it's enough to be conscious, at least. her eyes open, and after a moment focuses right on Stiles' sleeping face. His arms are around her even if he is sleeping above the bedclothes and she startles, forgetting about the state of her body and trying to pull away, which only ends in a sharp cry of pain]

Stiles: [and he jumps a bit, eyes flashing open and he looks at her] Shhh, it's okay. You're safe.

Cora: [she takes a few deep breaths, her hand moving to her side as she tries to calm down] What ... why are you ... ? [IN HER BED WHY ARE YOU IN HER BED]

Stiles: Your uncle said for me to rest and stay here with you. I promised him not to go below the blanket.

Cora: [she looks up at him warily for a moment, but she relaxes some when he said he had Peter's permission] Oh.

Stiles: [relaxes a bit now too] He said something about how you would rest better not being alone.

Cora: [exhales slowly before nodding] Yes. We do better with the pack around us.

Stiles: Plus, your brother and his family are in the other room.

Cora: [she nods] Are they alright?

Stiles: Your brother was injured as well, but he is healing. The babes and Lady Elena are fine.

Cora: [she exhales, because that's who she was trying to protect] Good.

Stiles: Lady Caroline, however, was bitten.

Cora: [her eyes widen] How is she handling it?

Stiles: To be honest, I'm not certain. She did not want to believe it last I heard, but I have been here since.

Cora: [she nods] I'm sure that Sir Lockwood is helping her as best he can.

Stiles: I'm sure he is. He does care for her

Cora: [she nods] I'm sure the rest of the pack will help her as well.

Stiles: She pretty much is family here at this point in the way I am.

Cora: [she nods] Did Peter find Kate?

Stiles: I believe so.

Cora: Good.

Stiles: Would you like me to go to the kitchen and get you something to eat?

Cora: [nods because she is starving] Yes, please.

Stiles: Then I will return in a moment. You just rest.

Cora: [nods and settles back into the covers. She'll wait until he goes before she curls slightly toward the warm spot where his scent is]

Stiles: [and he will go, stopping to check on Elena and see if she wants anything as well]

Elena: [glances up and is surprised to see Stiles] Is Cora awake?

Stiles: Yes. She's hungry and I'm going to get her something light to eat. Can I bring you back anything as well?

Elena: [shakes her head] I am fine for now. Thank you.

Stiles: [nods, and then he is off for the kitchen to hopefully avoid his parents a bit longer and get some bread, cheese and tea for his fiancée]

Jody: [he could. If Jody weren't actually in the kitchen helping out with cooking duties since the cook might have been violently murdered]

Stiles: [no, not cook!!!!! He may be trying to hide his wrapped wrist in his unbuttoned over shirt as he comes in, looking around]

Jody: [if not murdered than violently injured, point is this is the first time Jody has seen her stepson since the event and when she sees him her eyes widen] Stiles!

Stiles: [he smiles at that greeting] Lady Jody. I'm sorry, I haven't been able to check on you.

Jody: [abandons what she's doing to make her way around to him] Are you alright?

Stiles: Yes. Cora was hurt badly, so I have been at her side.

Jody: Is she doing better?

Stiles: Much better. She has been sleeping a lot, but that is normal.

Jody: [she nods] Good. I'm glad.

Stiles: How are you and father doing? I haven't seen you since the aftermath.

Jody: Your father is fine. He's been helping with the defenses. I've mostly been cooking.

Stiles: I will check in with Father this afternoon then and see if I can help. [looks around] Is cook...?

Jody: Fine. Just a little beaten up and in need of recovery. [there's a beat as she looks concerned and confused] She was not as ... sturdy as other members of this house hold seem to be.

Stiles: [nods] Yes, that is um... Derek is really an amazing knight and what he is able to teach his knights.

Jody: [yeah, Jody's clearly not buying that] Mmm-hmm.

Stiles: We can talk later about it more. Perhaps we can have dinner privately in my rooms?

Jody: [she exhales slowly before nodding] It will have to be late. I normally don't eat until after everyone else has eaten.

Stiles: Don't forget to take care of yourself too.

Jody: Oh, I do, don't worry.

Stiles: Good. Well, I want to take something up to her to eat. She is starving, but she should probably not have anything too heavy or rich while she is recovering, right?

Jody: [she nods, not really knowing that werewolf biology needs a lot of calories] Probably for the best. We wouldn't want her to eat too much too fast and make herself sick.

Stiles: So perhaps some bread with honey, cheese and pear slices, and tea. And if there is a lemon cake... those are her favorites.

Jody: [nods and will set about getting that together for him, falling silent as she does]

Stiles: [and he will sit a moment] I'm sorry your trip here had to have this happen. I had really hoped for you both to enjoy your time here.

Jody: [shakes her head] This wasn't something you could control, Stiles. It isn't your fault.

Stiles: I know. And I think it is going to have to push our engagement plans back now. I do not want to do any of that until we are able to rescue Lady Laura and her child.

Jody: No, of course.

Stiles: [and he goes to rub at his wrist] That was my first real battle I have been in.

Jody: And you survived it. Which means you did well.

Stiles: [nods] I killed a man. I'm still unsure if I should be upset about that or not.

Jody: That is something you will have to determine for yourself - I cannot answer that for you. But I can say that these people were threatening your home and your family. You were doing what was necessary.

Stiles: Oh, I know that. And I was prepared to die for them. And I know that in war, there are always casualties. I just... I've never done that before.

Jody: [she nods] It's harder than it seems, isn't it?

Stiles: That it is. I mean, I am probably over thinking it. But that man... he was doing what his leader asked. Protecting him. But what if there is a wife? A family? I took him from them...

Jody: [moves and places her hand over his] Would you have preferred he take you from yours? Or someone from Cora's?

Stiles: [shakes his head] Of course not.

Jody: Then that is the choice you made. Everyone is going to have a family - everyone is someone's son or daughter. The world is not a perfect enough place to protect them all.

Stiles: [nods] He died for his cause just like I was willing to die for mine.

Jody: Exactly. That is all war is - people dying for the thing they believe is right.

Stiles: Even though his beliefs were against mine... is it wrong for me to hope he finds peace?

Jody: [she shakes her head] No, not at all.

Stiles: Good. [he feels better about it. Not at all showing that he's going to be a good leader one day]

Jody: [it's cool, she's proud of her stepson anyway. she finishes up the plate before handing it off to him] Here. She's probably gotten hungrier waiting for you.

Stiles: [and he will figure out how to carry it with the hurt hand, and then he will head on upstairs]

Cora: [and Cora will be waiting for him, having slipped back into a light doze, but is curled up in the spot where he was sleeping]

Stiles: [and he will set the tray down on the edge of her bed] Breakfast is served.

Cora: [sighs as her eyes open with a small smile] Thank you.

Stiles: You're in for a treat. Cook is injured and so my stepmother is in charge of the kitchen.

Cora: Really? [she starts to sit up slowly] She is a good cook then?

Stiles: Not as good as Cook, but pretty darn close.

Cora: Then I'm sure I'll enjoy it.

Stiles: We went with something light since you're still healing, but when you're ready for a full meal... you will need help loosening your corset.

Cora: [she laughs] Werewolves have a hearty metabolism. You would be surprised how much we can eat.

Stiles: Oh, I have lived here long enough to know. She, however, does not know what you are.

Cora: [she nods] Are you going to tell her?

Stiles: Tonight. My father as well.

Cora: [nods] I am sure Peter will help if you need it.

Stiles: I am sure as well. I may need him for the more technical questions. But I think I need to do this on my own.

Cora: [nods before reaching over to give his hand a small squeeze] I am sure you will manage it well.

Stiles: I've done a lot recently that I once didn't think I would be strong enough to do.

Cora: And how does that feel?

Stiles: I'm still figuring that out. It reminds me that I'm really not a kid any longer.

Cora: I don't think we were meant to be for long.

Stiles: No, I know. We must all grow up sometime. But that innocence... the freedom of certain worries in life. You can feel when they slip away.

Cora: [she nods slowly] I understand.

Stiles: I've never been in a fight like that before.

Cora: [shakes her head] Neither have I.

Stiles: Though the idea Lord Gilbert and I had about polishing the metal arrowheads with wolfsbane oil was very effective.

Cora: Good. Then I'm glad you were able to help protect my family.

Stiles: You mean our family. [there's a smile there]

Cora: [an apologetic smile] Yes. My mistake.

Stiles: It's still new.

Cora: Hopefully it won't be for long.

Stiles: No, but seeing with all that is happening, I'm not going to move forward until we have Laura and Amelia safely home.

Cora: [there is a grateful expression at that] I wouldn't have been able to enjoy it until I knew that they were safe.

Stiles: Neither would I.

Cora: [her face falls slightly after that, curling back into the headboard and pulling her knees to her chest. She's barely keeping it together, because she can't lose her alpha again]

Stiles: [he shifts to move the tray away, going to sit next to her] Come here.

Cora: [watches him apprehensively for a moment before nodding and moving to curl into him]

Stiles: [he just wraps his arms around her, holding her close and trying to provide her come comfort] We will find them and they will both be just fine.

Cora: [tucks her head against his shoulder and closes her eyes] I hope so.

Stiles: If there is one thing I have become very good at in my life, Cora, it is hoping.

Cora: I am not as familiar with it, I must admit.

Stiles: Then I will handle the hoping part for the both of us?

Cora: If it is not too much.

Stiles: It is never too much.

Cora: [she glances up to him, before nodding against his shoulder and closing her eyes again]

Derek: [and eventually he will be in the doorway, having at least changed his shirt before coming to check on his baby sister] I thought I heard your voice.

Cora: [picks her head up and relaxes a little more] Are you alright?

Derek: I am. It will still take a bit longer to fully heal. You should add this to your tea. [he walked in with a purple flower] It helps with wounds from an alpha's claw.

Cora: [nods before holding out her hand to reach for it]

Derek: [gives it to her, and sits on the edge of the bed] Lord Stilinski, I believe I owe you my thanks. Your distraction was able to help keep me and my men alive. I have no doubts that Ennis would have killed us if you had not stepped in.

Cora: [glances to him with a small smile] You didn't tell me that that was what you did?

Derek: You didn't tell her?

Stiles: [rubbing the back of his neck] I did not want to be boastful.

Cora: [glances back to Derek, because Stiles clearly wasn't going to tell her] What happened?

Derek: He and his parents were in my parlor in case they came in to try and find the babies, and they had a system with their crossbows to fire rapidly at the wolves. He would have really caused some damage to Ennis if his beta hadn't jumped in front of the arrow. His injuries were trying to get the pair of betas pinning me to the wall.

Stiles: [and he looks to the side, biting his lip a bit]

Cora: [glances to him, clearly enamored] That was very brave of you.

Stiles: [he looked at her and smiled a bit] Like I said... our family.

Derek: [puts his hand on Stiles' shoulder] I'm going to be proud to call you brother.

Cora: [yep, very pleased. will show him just how pleased when Derek leaves because Derek doesn't want to be here for that]

Derek: I'm going to go and check on Parrish and the other knights. If you two need anything, come find me.

Stiles: I will.

Cora: [she nods] Yes. Thank you.

Derek: [and he will go, going to pick up Patience and will walk with Miranda and Elena to go back to their room]

Cora: [and she will wait until her brother's footsteps are gone before turning and kissing Stiles warmly]

Stiles: [blinks, because omg she started this one, but he will instantly melt into it]

Cora: [she holds it for a moment, one hand coming up to brush against the side of his face gently, before pulling back to look at him] Thank you.

Stiles: For what?

Cora: For doing what you did.

Stiles: [he smiled] Of course. Like I said, this is my family too. I will always fight to defend them. And you.

Cora: I know. But I felt it deserved more than a thank you.

Stiles: I will not complain.

Cora: Good.

Stiles: Nor will I complain about you kissing me whenever you want.

Cora: [her head ducks] I will take that into consideration.

Stiles: Good. [and he will run his hand along her face, tucking her hair behind her ear] You still hungry?

Cora: [tips her head towards his hand and nods]

Stiles: Then you should finish your breakfast. And drink your brother's magic herbs in your tea.

Cora: [nods and shifts so that she can better do that]

Stiles: [and he is going to tidy up the room a bit] I should go bathe and change. Do you think you will be okay on your own for a short time?

Cora: [she nods] I will be fine. Thank you.

Stiles: I will be back shortly. [and he will bow and take his leave, heading for his room to bathe quickly and change into cleaner and softer clothing, checking his injuries and cleaning out the scrape on his face]

Cora: [and she will finish her breakfast, before curling back under the covers again and closing her eyes to rest some more]

Stiles: [and he will take his time, and when he comes back and sees her sleeping, he will go off to find his father and check up on him, but Derek is already pushing himself back to working so he doesn't need anything. So Stiles stops in the kitchen, sneaks a few of the lemon cakes, and heads back to Cora's room]

Cora: [she stirs some when she hears him coming back, her nose twitching as she catches his scent, before opening her eyes]

Stiles: You were sleeping so well, I figured I would let you get more rest before I return. And I come bearing sweets.

Cora: [the scent of the lemon cakes comes next and she perks up some more] You're spoiling me.

Stiles: Of course I am. But to be fair, you're still recovering and it will help improve morale.

Cora: Still. You don't have to do all of this.

Stiles: I know. [he goes to sit next to her] But I want to.

Cora: [she watches him for a moment, before reaching over to tear off a piece of the cake] It still surprises me sometimes that you would.

Stiles: Well, it still surprises me sometimes that you let me, so I believe we are even in that regard.

Cora: [she places the piece of cake in her mouth, covering her mouth politely as she speaks] Why wouldn't I?

Stiles: [shrugs his shoulders, nibbling on a bit of cake himself] Because you had your freedom. You didn't need to marry at all, yet you said yes to me.

Cora: [oh. that. her eyes drop to her hands and she shrugs as well] My kind ... we are not meant to be alone. And were I not to marry, it would cast suspicion on my family. [this is so romantic, her reasons for marrying you, Stiles] I care for you, and you for me. And you are kind, which is a rarity among eligible suitors. [a beat] I wouldn't want to marry anyone else.

Stiles: [he's gotten use to her logic talking over her feelings. It was that last part that counted] I've never wanted to marry anyone else but you.

Cora: [she glances up at him with a small smile] Then it is fortunate I said yes.

Stiles: Yes, it is. [smiles back]

Cora: [and she glances down again to take another piece of cake]

Stiles: Though I think if you had said no, I just would have stayed her and hoped to change your mind instead of looking elsewhere.

Cora: Really?

Stiles: Yes. As I said, I have had good luck with hoping for things.

Cora: [her expression shifts, more curious] Then how would you have changed my mind?

Stiles: I wouldn't have tried anything different. I just would hope that one day you would come to see me differently.

Cora: And if I never did? If you were only my closest companion, but never my husband?

Stiles: Then you would have made my cousin a very happy person as I would have to name her eldest heir.

Cora: You would have given all of that up?

Stiles: To be with you, even only as your closest companion? Yes.

Cora: [she watches him for a moment, before smiling softly] That is why I chose you.

Stiles: And that is why I spoil you. [his smile grew]

Cora: [her head ducks, before reaching to take the cake from him completely]

Stiles: Do you want me to get you anything while you rest today? Some of your books to read?

Cora: [she nods] Though I think I might like to try and go for a walk later.

Stiles: I will be more than happy to be your escort around the grounds.

Cora: [she smiles] I was hoping you would.

Stiles: Let me go find your book you were reading the other day. [and he moves to get up]

Cora: [and she will shift back to let him, keeping the cake to finish off for herself]

Stiles: [and he will just smile at her before going into her sitting room. He would have someone come up and clean the room up and make a fire soon, but he found the books and moved to set them on the able beside her bed] Anything else you need?

Cora: [she shakes her head] I should be fine for now. But thank you.

Stiles: You're welcome. I will come and check on you later.

Cora: [she nods, and goes to reach for one of her books]

Stiles: [and off he will go to get someone to clean up her parlor, and then check in with the knights]

Cora: [and she will spend the morning reading and relaxed]

Stiles: [and eventually he will have to join his parents and have that talk]

Cora: [Yep. we gonna play that out or handwave it?]

Stiles: [handwave it. Lots of confusion, explaining, things making sense, etc]

Cora: [well, Cora will be here if he wants to talk when it's over]

Stiles: [he will come up to check on her after that, looking mentally exhausted as he comes in]

Cora: [glances up at him and gives him a small smile] How did it go?

Stiles: it went well. They actually were pretty open minded to it.

Cora: That's good. It will make things easier.

Stiles: It will. I did tell them they can talk to you or Lord Peter if they have questions.

Cora: [she nods] Of course.

Stiles: Are you feeling better?

Cora: I am. Much better.

Stiles: Do you feel up for that walk now?

Cora: [she glances to the window and nods] I would. But you will have to give me a moment to get dressed.

Stiles: Of course. I'll wait in your parlor.

Cora: [nods and will wait for him to leave and close the doors before starting to get up to get dressed]

Stiles: [and he is going to look at her bookcase, fixing a few out of place into the right spots since he knows her organization system at this point]

Cora: [and eventually she will emerge, completely dressed] I think the cold might be a bit much for now. But we could walk in the halls?

Stiles: Of course. We can eventually settle in the sitting room and get some cocoa and cookies that my stepmother was making for the knights.

Cora: [she nods with a smile as she takes his arm] Perfect.

Stiles: [puts his hand on top of hers and goes to walk with her] So your brother is already up and working on getting his knights back in formation.

Cora: Good. Once they're back in shape, we will be able to get Laura and Amelia back.

Stiles: Yes. I am going to ask and see if they would like me to see if there are any resources I can provide.

Cora: I think they will ask if there were. Peter is usually not shy about asking for things in times like this.

Stiles: I was thinking that perhaps we could grow wolfsbane in our gardens. It would be far away to be able to cause you harm, but something I can easily get sent to us if needed.

Cora: [she nods] Perhaps.

Stiles: It does give knights like myself and Lord Gilbert an advantage where we would normally be the weakest and most vulnerable. Also, Doctor Deaton spoke of a tree that's wood could be used to create barriers that would keep other creatures.

Cora: Mountain ash.

Stiles: Yes, that was the tree name.

Cora: [she nods] You place it on the doorways and supernatural creatures can't pass it.

Stiles: So having that would be good to keep them out?

Cora: Yes. However, the rest of us would constantly need the barriers broken by humans, lest we wish to remain trapped inside our own home.

Stiles: Could it be like a door that can close as needed?

Cora: That you would have to open for us. Even if it is just the wood, we cannot touch it.

Stiles: [nods] So instead, it would be good to use to build a jail from.

Cora: [she nods] Or as a safe place for humans.

Stiles: If only the parents weren't wolves, it would be a safe place to put the babies in case of an attack.

Cora: We could always make it for Elena.

Stiles: Yes. We could see if it would block Lord Parrish and if not, it would be a safe place for Amelia as well for the future?

Cora: [she nods] Until she comes into her own as a wolf, anyway.

Stiles: That is true.

Cora: Still, I'm sure Derek would want somewhere for Elena to feel safe.

Stiles: Yes, and his little girls.

Cora: [she nods] Until we figure whether or not they're wolves.

Stiles: Perhaps we should just make Melissa's room a safe room.

Cora: [she nods] That would probably be best.

Stiles: And any other future children had by all.

Cora: [she nods] It would be a good thing to have.

Stiles: I also heard Lord Derek asking the cook about adding some kind of herb to the tea for the staff? Vervain?

Cora: [frowns] Vervain is to protect against vampires. Or at least that is what Lady Elena has told me.

Stiles: ... Why would we need protection from vampires?

Cora: I ... I don't know. I know they were quite common in Mystic Falls, but I haven't heard of any being here.

Stiles: Perhaps... perhaps your brother is asking Lady Elena to ask for help in getting your sister back.

Cora: Maybe. But if they are friends, then that still begs the question why we are the ones who need to be protected.

Stiles: [licks his lips, looking at Cora a moment] I will speak with Lord Tyler. If there is something of danger in their presence, I want to know how to protect you from it.

Cora: [she tips her head to the side] I have protection enough. I have been told that a bite from a werewolf can kill a vampire. But the vervain is important, Stiles. It will keep them from drinking your blood as well as protect your mind.

Stiles: [chuckles] Okay, then I will find out other ways you can protect me. Beyond the vervain.

Cora: [she nods] That sounds fair.

Stiles: [he stops and turns to look at her] You know I am aware of how strong you are and how well you can protect yourself, yes? I don't mean to sound as if I am protecting you because you can't.

Cora: [shakes her head as she squeezes his arm] No, of course I do. I just don't wish for you to spend too much time focusing on me, when you should be focusing on protecting yourself.

Stiles: Well, my protecting you does include protecting myself. But in this, I will focus on me. [he smiles at her]

Cora: [she smiles back, before nodding] Good. Because that does protect me as well.

Stiles: We will promise then to take care of each other, and ourselves, so that we always be safe.

Cora: It sounds like a good promise to me.

Stiles: Good. Then we will seal this promise. [and he will lean in to kiss her]

Cora: [the kiss brings her to a stop and she closes her eyes into it, letting her hand rest against his chest gently]

Stiles: [and he will pull back after a moment because they are in the hallways, after all] There. We cannot take it back now.

Cora: I did not intend to.

Stiles: Neither did I. So shall we keep walking?

Cora: [she nods] Let's. [and we can fade on them for a bit?]