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friend." She was already precious to the Hunt. Once mounted, Dorchadas rose as gently as he could and stepped lightly so as not to jostle his unconscious passenger. In the few minutes it took us to get back to the house, I pondered the situation. Already this female worked her way into our hearts. Without even trying it seemed. All loved her or wanted to be near her. She had a pull that left even me affected and drawn. This was no time for such thoughts. Her welfare was my only concern tonight. She was under my care and that held me responsible for her. Once back at my home I would hand her over to the healer and let him do his work. That is what I told myself anyway.
    *****
    Time slowly passed as I waited for news from the healer. With reluctance, he was allowed into my home to care for Dianthe. The blasted Cú walked right in as if it were his right. If I had not had my hands full with Dianthe, I would have strangled the blasted beast. My lips rose in a snarl at the thought of the animal. It would be some time before I let the grudge of his defection go.
    Now here I sat morosely in front of my fire, waiting for the door upstairs to open. How did I get to this point? Before I could sink any deeper in thought, the sound I had been waiting for interrupted my maudlin. The steps coming down the stairs were heavier than a female would be so I waited to greet the healer.
    The wiry male paused at the bottom of the stairs and clasped his hands behind his back. He bowed quickly before straightening and meeting my gaze. "My lord, the female should pull through," he began.
    "What," I snarled, "do you mean by she should pull through?" The healer took a step back. Stress tightening the corner of his lips.
    "She is very weak, Lord Cernunnos. At the moment, she is mostly human and her body works like any normal mortal. She is severely dehydrated and I would assume she has gone just as long without food," he paused, "I was able to use equipment from the mortal world…"
    "What type of equipment," I cut in. Human machinery would not work here. Iron was deadly to any Fae and I had to think of my huntsmen. "Nothing dangerous, my lord," he assured. "I was able to procure an intravenous fluids machine. It is gravity fed therefore does not need any electrical help. She is not able to drink or eat in her current condition."
    "Her condition," I asked. "What is it, in detail if you please?
    He looked nonplussed for a moment but continued, "As I said, she is severely dehydrated. She did regain consciousness for a short while and begged for someone called Robin. The lady is also terrified of eating or drinking. She is delusional at the moment but once the fluids begin to work, that should ease."
    Of course , I thought. How thick could I be? Dianthe was mated to the Puck. He would have told her the rules of Fae. Damn it, did that mean she had not eaten or drank anything in days?
    "Healer, she has been here for nearing three days. If she had not partaken of food or drink in that time would that attest to her condition?" I queried.
    "It's very likely, my lord. The human body can go for days, possibly weeks, without food. Water on the other hand is another story. If she has not drank in say the last two to three days, she would be nearing the verge of death. Especially, if she had been exerting herself or under undue stress.”
    My fists clenched at the thought. I should have taken more care with her. The Hunt and all its people were immortal. While we ate and drank, going a few days without either would not harm us. Still, it was no excuse. I sent a mental call to Brónach. She would confirm whether Dia had drank since arrival. The hound would also need to be spoken to.
    A simple mental call had both in front of me soon after. "Brónach," I began with her, "in the time you were with Dianthe, did she eat or drink?"
    She looked thoughtful for a moment before replying, "No, my lord." She shook her head, "There were several times she was offered but refused.