11/17: Finally got this chapter posted after working on it for what seemed an eternity. I'm sure it will suffice and that all of you will respect the common courtesy i ask for. ^_^ Hopefully I can rest and get better now! :curses stupid flu:
A/N: Forgive me if i make a few spelling mistakes. I edited it, but everyone knows it's best to have a beta when possible. :P
"Did you enjoy yourself?" Cadvan inquired, leaning against the wooden doorframe. He wanted to spend more time with her, but at present he didn't find it a possibility. The night had grown old and both were exhausted. Instead he relished the smile on her face, waiting quietly for an answer.
"I cannot recall an evening more filled with joy," she replied, holding the door ajar with her weight. "Although more than anything I wish I could," she ended somberly. Thinking of her past devoid of enjoyment made her cringe inwardly.
"Ah, cheer up Maerad," he encouraged, lifting her chin. "You're still young and this world is full of adventures waiting to be had. You'll have nights to remember."
Shifting uncomfortably, Maerad couldn't help but notice the strain in his voice, an emotion beyond her comprehension. In the dance hall, she had grown comfortable with his closeness; here it just felt strange.
Noticing her change in attitude, Cadvan cleared his throat, righting himself. "Well, I must retire; I'm spent. I'm glad you had a good time," he added, taking her hand and kissing it gently. "Goodnight Maerad."
She smiled lightly, retracting her hand awkwardly from his. "Thank you, Cadvan," she answered, stepping back to allow the door the opportunity to close firmly.
Waiting until his footsteps left earshot, Maerad sighed and found her nightgown. It had been a long evening at that, despite the wondrous activities. Now, she wanted nothing more than to throw herself onto the comfortable bed and sleep.
Pulling the sky-blue coverlet over her thin frame, her mind reminisced- the crisp wine, the merry laughter, dancing, music…all combined in an evening worthy of remembrance.
Though she would never admit it, it was Cadvan that pleased her; the warmth from his hands when he held her close, his brilliant smile that he seemed to reserve for only her eyes, his tender voice reassuring her when she needed someone to hold to. In many ways, Cadvan was the rock she desperately needed in her life. He had saved her from a life bereft of beauty, bringing her into a world that needed her just as much as she needed it.
Her life wasn't simple she declared to herself but at least for now it was manageable. Except for one moment- surely Cadvan seemed a bit worried, but they had both shrugged it off and continued dancing.
"It was nothing," she whispered to herself, adjusting to the dark of the room. "Probably thought he saw a familiar face is all." Closing her eyes, she drifted off trying to convince herself that she didn't need to be worried.
"Cadvan of Lirigon, you will never escape me," a large voice boomed. "Even if you run miles away from my dwelling with that pathetic girl, I will dominate your conscience. Perhaps you should be careful, for your mistakes could easily affect her."
"You no longer have bearing on my mind," Cadvan replied. "Nor will you on Maerad's."
Cadvan rolled onto his side, mumbling.
"Ha! How easily you forget your time here," it spat. Suddenly, the otherwise peaceful void filled with memories of torture, humiliation, and suffering. Cadvan once again felt pain exhorted on him, the pressure becoming unbearable. He became the fire that consumed him, its weight crushing him under its infinite horror. Falling farther and farther into its darkness, he nearly begged for death until the malicious force vanished.
He was now panting for breath, the blankets tossed onto the floor in his flailing. He had dug at his arm, which now lay raw and bleeding under him.
"So you remember now, bard?" it spoke rather than asked. Once more the inflictions began and Cadvan visualized the dark cavern, the howling and screeching surrounding him as he was assaulted with a myriad of mind tricks and physical torments. "It would be wise to remember that I can control you. Do you honestly think the chosen is safe with you? I think not," it spoke sweetly, as if talking to a scolded child.
"I will not listen to your vain words, elidhu," Cadvan spoke firmly, trying in vain to push his presence away despite his afflictions.
"Be mindful of your own actions, Cadvan, for they were not so different from mine once," it reminded him.
As the voice began to fade, Cadvan felt himself waking from the nightmare.
"I will find you," he ended.
Opening his eyes, Cadvan woke to find himself drenched in sweat. He muttered a spell, illuminating the chamber with a mage light before he threw his legs over the bedside. "It was a dream," he had to remind himself as he searched the room with his eyes. "He is not here."
He pondered the Elidhu's words; they had been so close, so real that he couldn't shake the fear from his heart. What if he was a danger to Maerad? How could he help her if it were true? And worse yet, he had planned on leaving the following day after realizing the threat of staying in Innail. The longer he contemplated it, the more he realized Maerad should leave. It wasn't safe, even within the highly guarded walls of the school. No stone could resist an elemental; even he had the courage to admit it. No, Maerad would have to leave, and quickly.
Throwing his things into a leather bag, he pulled on a tunic, ignoring his wild hair as he found his way to Maerad's room.
Opening the door, he found her sleeping peacefully, a hand tucked under her head while the other lay resting at her side. He briefly paused, caught breathless by her serene beauty in the pale moonlight. He allowed himself the pleasure of watching her for a few moments before she stirred, beholding him with tired eyes. "Cadvan?" she asked, sitting up groggily. "What are you doing here?"
"We have to leave, Maerad. Grab your things," he said, blushing slightly for disturbing her in such a vulnerable state.
"We've only just arrived," she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.
"I know," he answered firmly. "But you must trust in my decision."
Although she hated the idea, she collected the few items she owned and tucked them into her pack. She trusted him of course, as he had traveled and kept her safe many nights. However, something in his demeanor seemed different. "What has happened?" she inquired, finding a traveling gown. Seeing him so unkempt bothered her; it was unlike him. "Cadvan, your arm!" she exclaimed, seeing the dried blood smeared on his forearm.
Turning his back, he allowed her the privacy of changing without leaving, crossing his arms so she wouldn't see. "I will explain it once we have left. For now, you must trust me."
"What of Hem? Silvia?" she began before being cut off.
"They will be fine. We'll send word to them as soon as we are able," he confirmed.
"Alright," she agreed hesitantly, slinging the bag onto her shoulder.
Reaching the stables, they quickly saddled the horses in a quiet fashion as to make their departure a secret. Riding swiftly away from the school, they had made it out of the fesse a few hours after midnight. Finding a small alcove of lumbering firs, Cadvan dismounted, standing as a statue, unmoving from where his feet had landed in the dirt.
"Cadvan," Maerad began, climbing off Imi. "What is wrong?" she asked, reaching for his shoulder.
"Don't-" he warned without turning, his voice harsh and unyielding. "Why is he acting like this?" she asked herself, letting her hand fall back to her side.
His eyes scanned the horizon, searching vigilantly for some unseen force. Finally he sighed. "I'm sorry Maerad."
Accepting the apology, she found her voice again. "Are we making camp?" He nodded.
Grooming Imi, she watched Cadvan do the same with Darsor. He seemed distracted, hardly noticing that she had thrown the only brush they had at him. As it hit his chest, it fell to the ground in a thud. The playful smile on Maerad's face soon turned cold, as Cadvan said nothing and picked it up from the ground, placing it on Darsor's haunches while he pulled the saddle off.
"Cadvan, if you insist on acting like this, I have the right to know why," she stated. In truth she was extremely worried but she didn't allow her raw emotions to be displayed.
Looking up, he stared back at her. He wanted to explain the truth, to let her know that nothing had changed in his feelings for her but he couldn't. He couldn't risk her being hurt. "I don't have to tell you anything, Maerad." He cursed inwardly at himself.
Stunned by the ice in his words, her gaze faltered and she was forced to look away. She would never admit it, but she hated when Cadvan became unforgiving, yielding nothing but his arrogance on his sleeve when he talked with her. It was these moments she wanted nothing to do with him, for it wasn't the Cadvan she was used to; the Cadvan she loved. Mumbling under her breath, she laid down her blanket.
"I'm going to collect firewood," she called over her shoulder.
"You shouldn't go alone," he answered. "I can at least offer her company," he thought.
"I don't need your help, Cadvan," she replied, biting her lip. She hadn't meant to speak with such venom. Turning briefly, she figured Cadvan would still be standing, watching her as he always did with a careful eye. Instead, he had occupied himself with building a fireplace.
Stupid. One minute he is having the time of his life, as was I, and the next he is ignoring me, treating me as a child again. Will it ever end?
Throwing a few more sticks into the cradle of her arm, she felt like screaming. She didn't understand Cadvan and she doubted she ever would. His demeanor constantly shifted; as a river flows downstream so did Cadvan's emotions, caught on a conveyor belt that continuously fed him new feelings.
Returning to camp, she threw the wood down in a hurry, brushing the woods scraps away from her clothing. Afterwards she found her water canteen.
"Maerad," Cadvan began.
"I don't feel like talking," was her response, swallowing the liquid with much gratitude.
"Whether you feel like talking or not, we must," he answered coolly.
"Do you think that you can tell me what to do, and I will just follow your instructions? I have my own opinions and values as well Cadvan. Why do you not trust in mine?" she spat, growing weary of his head games.
"Why should I?"
Swallowing, Maerad considered his pride before speaking. "I was good enough for company when you wished it. For all the times I saved your life, you were grateful. An at times, I was good enough to be considered a friend. But now, I am nothing? You treat me as if I've done something to hurt you. Please Cadvan, tell me why you are doing this to me?" she finished, feeling hurt more than anger.
"Maerad, it has nothing to do with you being good enough. To say what you have is foolish," he declared finally joining her by the newly built fire. "The truth is," he started before cutting himself off.
"Yes?"
"You're not safe, Maerad."
Wincing, she wondered what he meant. Surely she was safe with him. "I don't understand," she said hesitantly. "Have I ever been truly safe?" she laughed lightly.
"That is a good question to ponder, but alas we haven't the time. This threat is different Maerad, one that we cannot fight alone, regardless of your new-found powers," he answered seriously.
"What are we fleeing from?" she asked, laying a hand on his arm.
Pausing a moment, Cadvan stared into the dancing fire, mesmerized by its deadly beauty. Still filled with horrendous memories, its warmth provided a pleasant companion, its tendrils of flame licking the broken limbs of their shapes. For what seemed eternity, Cadvan watched the wood grow into fiery coals. Then, feeling Maerad's eyes upon him, he felt their watery depths wake him from his idleness, and he met her questioning gaze.
"The Landrost," he whispered finally.
To be continued.....
:O Perfect place to end it methinks XD Please review!
Love, Kiaga