Free Laura Jo Phillips by Berta's Choice

half expecting the truth because of his body’s reaction, though the delicious aroma of warm sugar peaches that filled his senses was welcome proof.  He heard Tor and Jerri gasp behind him and his smile widened further.
    “You are Berta,” he said, making it a statement rather than a question since he was certain of the answer.  There could be no doubt of it. 
    “How did you guess?” Berta asked.
    “We didn’t,” Merrick replied.  “Your scent told us, though I admit my body reacted to you before your scent reached us.  It is a true pleasure to learn that the most beautiful woman in the galaxy turns out to be our Arima.”
    Berta blushed, her hands flying to her cheeks in surprise.  “That’s the first time I’ve blushed in...well...ever, I think,” she said.
    “Then I am happy to be the one to cause it,” Merrick said.  “Will you tell us how?”
    “Yes, of course,” Berta said, understanding his meaning at once.  “Come, let’s sit over here so we can all see each other.”  Tor and Jerri grinned happily at that, pleased that she wanted to be able to see them as they talked. 
    Berta led the way deeper into the garden to another paved area, this one with several chairs scattered about.  Merrick, Tor and Jerri arranged the chairs so that they were in a small, intimate circle.
    “I’m sorry if this was too big of a surprise to spring on you without warning,” Berta began, her voice soft and sweet, though not weak or difficult to hear.  “I just didn’t know how to tell you in a message.”  She hesitated a moment, then shook her head.  “No, that’s not true.  I didn’t want to tell you in a message.  I wanted it to be in person.”
    “You have no cause to apologize,” Merrick said.  “We are not displeased.  How could we be?  We are, however, curious.”
    “Yes, I imagine you are,” Berta said.  “I suppose you’re familiar with the Alverian Empath Healer, Riata?”
    “Yes, of course,” Merrick replied.  “We had the honor of meeting her a few times before she passed to the next plane.”
    “Well, another Alverian Empath, Talinka, runs Bride House.  She’s been very important in helping to create Arima House.  When she heard my story, she contacted a cousin of hers who’s a Healer like Riata was.  He came here and, after he heard my story, decided to try to heal me.”
    “Heal you?” Merrick asked, frowning with sudden worry.  “Have you been ill?  Why were we not told?”
    “No, I was not ill,’ Berta said.  “I was old.  As I understand it, the human body continues to develop until it reaches a peak of health and vitality.  Once that peak is reached, it begins to descend, degenerating year by year.  The process is much like a disease and therefore, healable. 
    “Talinka’s cousin, Jareth, had suspected as much, but had never tried it before me.  However, now that he knows it will work, he has asked that it be kept secret.  Otherwise he’d surely be inundated with people wanting to be made young again, and would never have time to heal the sick.  I asked that I be allowed to tell you three, and he agreed.  Everyone else who knows about it has been sworn to secrecy as well.  Please promise me that you will not tell anyone else.”
    “Of course we promise,” Merrick agreed at once.  “Berta, we know that extensive healing takes a physical toll on both the Healer, and the patient.  Was it very difficult for you?”
    “It wasn’t too bad,” Berta replied.  “Jareth was concerned about my state of health and age, so he began with short sessions, every other day.  After the first couple of weeks I got stronger, and he lengthened the sessions.  It took about six weeks to complete.”
    “Are you happier now?” Merrick asked.  “Was it worth it to you?”
    “Yes, it was worth it,” Berta replied.  “In the end.  But it wasn’t an easy decision for me to make.”
    “Why?” Merrick asked, then immediately held up one hand.