Ember ambled along the hallway to the training room, resigning herself to being late. Spacious and open air, the hallway allowed a soft breeze to flow through its arches. When there was bad weather, the hallway's open design was more of a curse than a blessing. However, days like these more than compensated. The slight humidity seemed to soften her joints, undoing the aches caused by her less than comfortable bed. The halls were pristine, the floor's lovely sheen and sprightly scent indicating a job well done by the temple's cleaning moles. By the time Ember reached the training room door, she was ready for the day. With a pause, she looked back. This was the hallway where she lost control of her powers. But that was behind her. She was in control. She took a deliberate breath and aimed a concentrated wind at the doors, which opened gently. She was in control. Using her powers for precision tasks reassured her. Just not completely.
Ember walked into the room, trying for casual. It was difficult to suppress the fears when they arose. It helped to think of Sorrus, her best friend. He was the only one who understood the feeling of losing control, the crestfallen realization of doing so, and the guilt that followed. It had been centuries since Terrador was young, when he could have lost control of his powers. But Sorrus knew. He knew so much, shared so many things with her. And the warm feeling she experienced whenever she thought of him… it was love. She could only hope that he felt the same way.
Her thoughts returned to the present. Huh. The room was empty. Whenever Ember was late, Sorrus could be counted on to be later. She had never arrived before Terrador, however, and certainly not when she was late already. Must be a blue moon she thought, flexing her wing. Her thoughts drifted back to Sorrus…
"You're late."
Ember flinched, her outstretched wings causing her to fall forward a bit. It was Terrador.
"When did you get here?" she asked in a tone that was more flustered than her typical respectful one. She retracted her wings and stood upright, adding in a reproachful voice, "I don't like it when you sneak up on me."
"I was here the entire time. You didn't notice me?" asked Terrador, his even tone curling with an inquisitive inflection.
"I… uh…" Ember searched. Nothing.
"What's bothering you?" He asked, searching her expression for clues.
"Er… nothing. Just tired." That was a lie, or it would have to pass for one.
Terrador did not seem satisfied. Whatever follow-up questions he had in store would have to wait, as a familiar voice echoed through the door on the opposite side of the room.
"Sorry I'm late!"
Terrador and Ember took their gazes off each other and placed them on the door. Sorrus skidded to a halt, panting a litany of apologizes to an annoyed Terrador as Ember watched in amusement. Nice save.
