Something nudged me. "Go away." I murmured.

It persisted.

"Wake up love." A soft voice whispered in my ear.

I opened my eyes slowly. "What time is it?"

"Time to wake up…But then again, I wouldn't mind sleeping in." Valek's eyes danced.

"Yes but I can't." I smiled as I dressed, "I have to help those souls."

Valek pulled me close, "You mean get yourself in a life threatening situation."

"Sadly, I think that's part of the job description."

He rolled his eyes, "Hurry back to me."

Reluctantly, I left the comfort of Valek's arms and exited the suite, only to be attacked outside.

"Ha!" Janco jumped out of no where. Then to the man next to him he smirked, "I told you we'd catch her coming out of there. Now pay up."

I groaned, "I've only been here one night and you're already putting bets on my head."
Janco's smile widened. "Training field tonight after dinner? Or do you intend to meet Valek later and come back when it gets too bright?" He leered.

"Don't worry," I replied sweetly, "I'll be sure to get back to teach you a few lessons."

"We'll see." He hadn't forgotten the bet, "Well pay up."

"But technically, we bet on whether or not they'd do anything tonight." The man argued.

"Yes. They were probably talking all night." Heavy sarcasm dripped on his words.

"That's exactly what I'm saying! How would you know?"

"Trust me. If you've ever been around those two when they're together, you'd know."

"You're just saying that!"

"Valek can tell you all about it." I muttered as I left them to bicker.

It's been six months since my battle with the Fire Warper. Six months since I've learned of my path and what I must do. Things were going really well. A neutral third party, I was able to visit both Ixia and Sitia without persecution. Bain was doing an excellent job at locating the souls in need of my help. But at times, life seemed dull. It was as if I needed danger.

I laughed out loud. Yes I should look for that to make my life complete. Maybe get nearly poisoned with a lethal dose, or find another magician that wants to kill me.

"Hello Yelena." My thoughts were interrupted by the all too familiar voice.

Cahil stepped towards me.

"What are you doing here?" Instinctively, I was on my guard.

"You've forgotten already? Some Liaison you are." He replied in mock disdain, "I'm supposed to visit once every season to 'better' my relations with Ixia."

"I haven't forgotten." I snapped, "You're a week early."

"The council thought it better if I extend my visit by coming earlier the first time. I sent a message to you, but apparently you didn't get it."
"The advisors will show you around. You'll be treated as a guest and given the proper accommodations. I apologize for my rudeness but I am in a rush." I said curtly, wanting to be rid of him. "Now if you'll excuse me…"

"Hold on. Can you take a few minutes out of your busy Soulfinder schedule to listen to me?"

I read his emotions: a strong force of determination and some irritation.

"What is it?"

"I don't want to resent you, Yelena. It'll only make it harder for the both of us to remain enemies. Let's try friendship again."

I sighed, knowing that this wouldn't work out anyways. "Alright, we'll try to be friends. Perhaps I'll be able to throw out some of your ideas of taking over Ixia."

Cahil smirked, "We'll see about that."

He extended a hand. I removed my right glove and accepted it.

"So, easy life huh? You save a few souls whenever you hear about them. But in the meantime have a nice life off a good salary and your position as Liaison."

"Yes, you could say that." I agreed, "I do have to leave right now. There are a few souls in a district to the West in need of my service. I'll be back in time for dinner."

"Alright, I'll try to survive my stay here. That is, unless a certain somebody tries to kill me."

I laughed, "Play nice."

"By the way, I like what you've done to your hair! Honestly, I never knew you had such a fondness for short styles. I could style it shorter for you if you want!"

My hair had grown a little past my shoulders, an improvement.

I turned back to him, my temper rising, "Training field. After dinner."

I stalked off, feeling his smirk on my back. What an annoying man.

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