open your eyes

Settling into Ashen had been a change, but one Aliana was deeply grateful for. The past several months had been filled with nothing but worry and uncertainty over Chimera's health, never knowing if he would live to see another day or what the future looked like for her and their family. When she woke on this day, however, Ali felt a sense of stability she hadn't felt in a long, long time. Being a part of something greater than herself, knowing Chimera was alive and well, it brought her peace she had sorely missed. She would forever be grateful to the Ashen Empress for permitting them to return into the Empire's folds after Fenmyre had dissolved. She didn't know how, but Aliana was determined to do something to show her gratitude to Venom. Though she supposed a good starting point would be with the Empress' own health ailments.

Aliana did not know much about Venom's condition, only what Chimera had told her. Blindness had taken Venom's sight swiftly and suddenly during the turn of the winter season, and no one could seem to give any answers. Ali had spent all of her life since meeting Chimera researching and studying his blind eye, hoping to one day find a cure for his blindness as well. Perhaps there was something genetic in the Klein family that led to sudden onset blindness? She certainly hoped not; it made her worry terribly for her seven children if that was the case. Still, she had to try. She was well aware of the Kleins' nocturnal habits, so she waited until sundown before even considering going to meet with the Empress. Never one to give up hope, Aliana packed a few of her medical supplies in her leather satchel and headed out into the night to meet her newest patient.

When Aliana arrived, Venom was already ready and waiting for her, relaxing around a fire while staring into space. That was the first thing that struck Ali—Venom was indeed showing the hallmarks of total blindness. Lack of focus on movement or light, a blank and glassy stare, and the way the Empress' ears swiveled about to catch every sound around her instead of turning her head to study her surroundings. Aliana swallowed back a lump in her throat. "Good evening, Lady Venom," the clouded fae spoke in her soft, lyrical tones as she approached the Empress, bowing her head respectfully—only to remember that Venom couldn't see her curtsy. "I'm Aliana. It's a pleasure to meet you tonight." Aliana padded over on soft paws to join Venom around the fire, sitting in front of the other woman so she could better see and study her eyes. "Chimera has told me a little bit about your condition. Do you mind if I take a look at your eyes while you tell me how this happened?"

"Aliana"