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Kalmar froze. He didn’t know what to do. He didn’t know anything about this. How could he help his Aunt? Maybe I can’t… But maybe Mama can! Jumping to his feet, he pushed aside murmuring bystanders and raced for the pavilion he thought Nia had taken shelter under. Kalmar skidded to a stop under it. His eyes frantically searched the crowd, but he didn’t see his mother. Running his hands through his hair, he took off for the next, didn’t see her there either, and sprinted for the other. He squirmed through the crowd, eyes flitting to and fro. There! There she was!

“Mama!” he shouted. “Mama, Aunt Arundelle needs help!” He stopped beside, hands on his knees as he caught his breath.

Nia firmly took his hands. “It was Arundelle who screamed?” she demanded.

Breathless, Kalmar nodded.

Her forehead creasing with worry, she said, “Take me to her, Kalmar.”

He led her by hand to the pavilion Arundelle had collapsed under. Nia hastily brushed through the people to her side.

Artham glanced up as Nia knelt by them, but a wave of relief washed over his face when he recognized her. “What’s wrong with her?” he asked. “What should I do to help her?”

Nia’s lips pursed into hard lines of anxiety. “Please get some water,” she said, “and a washcloth.”

Artham whisked away and was back before Kalmar thought was humanly possible. The young king felt a head rest on his shoulder. He looked down to see Leeli leaning on him. Her hand slipped into his as she whispered, “Will she be alright?” She raised her large eyes–pools of innocence–to meet his.

Kalmar squeezed her hand. “Mama will help her,” he whispered back. “She’ll be okay.”

Nia mopped Arundelle’s face with the wet rag, dribbling some into her mouth as well.

She’ll be okay, Kalmar echoed in his head. He couldn’t figure out if he really believed it.

___________

Um yeah, that was DEFINITELY TERRIBLE. But oh well. Also, as Kinnan’s been saying, I have no idea how Nia would help either, sooo….  @kylie-wingfeather @wingiby-iggiby @crazywriter @backwardslivewriter @arindown