Aeron leaned back and looked out the window as Lasbard walked away with Elia. Poor bastard doesn't stand a chance. He thought with a small smirk.
-
"Do you think we can talk later tonight?" Amara whispered to Alistair. Uri's attention shifted from Aeron to Amara and he cleared his throat to let her know he heard. She rolled her eyes then looked back at him and gave him a reassuring smile.
"So Ben!" Leah said trying to distract him. "Did you talk to those engineer ** about the upgrade yet?"
"Here we go," Adray said, leading her into a doctor's clinic. Elia smirked to herself as Adray went to speak with the doctor. This was going easier than she thought.
"The doctor's going to look at it," Adray said when he came back to her. "I need to make a quick call but I'll be right back in."
Elia watched him go, then strolled up to the doctor, who looked surprised that she was walking fine.
"Play along and you'll be rewarded well," she whispered. "Otherwise..."
He nodded and gulped slightly.
"Perfect."
-
"Of course," he whispered back softly. He felt his heart quickening, wondering what she could want. A last night together was all he could hope for before they all left. The thought cheered him greatly. He felt his phone vibrating once more and looked at it.
"Adray?" he asked, answering it.
"Alistair, I had to take a girl to the doctor. I was wondering if you could take Samora and Liam with you to headquarters. I'm very sorry to impose this on you but I'm indirectly responsible for this girl's injury so I feel obligated."
"Of course," Alistair replied, wondering how Adray kept running around like this. He wondered if this was a new occurrence or if Adray had changed since the last time they met.
"Thank you. I'll see you back there soon."
Alistair hung up and looked at Adray's seat. He wasn't sure why, but he suddenly felt concerned for Adray's safety.
"I hope he knows what he's doing," Alistair thought.
Samora listened to Alistairs phone conversation then gave Liam a look and shrugged.
"Was that Commander Lasbard?" She asked Alistair as soon as he hung up. "Where did he go?"
Alistair looked at Samora.
"He was taking a call and bumped into a girl. Apparently she hurt herself so he took her to a doctor. I'll be taking you back to RETABLIR headquarters then."
He looked around the table and asked, "Is everyone done?"
-
"I think she should be all right now," the doctor said, wrapping Elia's ankle. Adray nodded and helped her stand up. Once they had gotten outside, she turned to him and looked into his eyes.
"Thank you for your help. Most men I know wouldn't have stopped to help me like that."
"It was the least I could do," he mumbled. She turned her head away.
"Do...do you want to get dinner or something tonight? I would like to do something for my Knight in Shining Armor."
Adray felt his face flush slightly. This girl had to be quite a few years younger than him. Could she really be asking him out?
"It's...really not necessary," he insisted. She looked disappointed and shuffled her feet awkwardly.
"Please?" she asked, gazing up pleadingly at him. He was struck by how beautiful she was, and that long blonde hair made him think of Cynthia when she was younger.
"If you insist," he said, smiling slightly. She giggled and handed him her number.
"Call me later then, okay? Bye."
She smiled and waved, then turned and walked away, her mouth turned into a vicious grin.
While they were getting ready to leave, Amara watched Samora and Liam standing together both looking rather ill. She walked over to Samora and touched her shoulder to get her attention.
"Are you going to be alright?" She asked genuinely concerned. Samora blinked in surprise at her then nodded.
"Yeah." She said her tone saying otherwise.
"You know," Amara said smiling brightly at the both of them, "we're going to be here for a few days. Maybe Uri and I could spend some time with you guys if you want."
Liam regarded Amara curiously. Why did she care about them? She barely even knew that. On that logic, Samora had no reason to befriend him either. Maybe he didn't understand human nature very well, or maybe this group was special.
Liam looked up at Samora, wondering how she would respond.
Sensing that Amara was sincere, Samora returned her smile.
"I, uh...I don't know if we'll be able to." She replied, "But if it turns out we can, then that would be great...what do you think Liam?" She asked remembering she really had no place answering for him.
"I wouldn't mind spending more time with you." Uri said coming to join the three. He sat down and gave Liam an expectant look.
It was a tempting offer, and really, it wasn't such a bad thing to make friends, right? But he had only one true purpose in his life, and he couldn't let any emotional ties distract him from that. Still, it wouldn't do much good to brush these people off.
"That sounds fun," Liam replied, smiling. He looked over to the door where Alistair was waiting for them.
"We'd better go," he said, looking at Samora.
Aeron stepped up to Samora's side and walked them out of the cafe.
"I'll be seeing you." He told her brushing a strand of hair behind her ear then leaned down and kissed her cheek and whispered. "I'll stay close, don't worry." He pulled back and nodded to Liam and Alistair in turn before leaving.
"You two seem close." Leah said coming up to Samora. "I guess opposites attract huh."
"I guess so." Samora said, "It was nice meeting everyone." She turned to Alistair and gave him a weak smile. "Ok, let's go."
Liam watched Aeron leave and felt a pang of regret at seeing the man leaving alive yet again.
"Soon," he told himself. "Soon."
He turned back as Alistair gave Samora a nod.
"Don't worry," the mage said gently, noticing not for the first time the girl's nervousness toward her impending interrogation. "You'll be fine. I'll make sure of it."
Alistair looked over at Amara and smiled.
"I'll see you later tonight then, okay?"
He turned and led his two charges toward the headquarters, his mind still filled with his evening plans.
As soon as Alistair, Samora and Liam had left, everyone parted ways. Leah dragged Arashi to a club nearby, Ben took off to the flight hanger to help the maintenance crew and Amara and Uri headed off to their hotel.
"Stop it." Amara told him when they reached their room.
"I haven't said anything yet." He said jumping up onto the bed.
"I know, but I can feel it coming." She arched an eyebrow at him and put her hands on her hips. "So let's have it then."
"Stay three steps away from him at all times." He said seriously making her laugh but he continued on undeterred. "No hand holding and absolutely no hugging."
"Oh come on, Uri." She objected.
"Hugging leads to kissing and kissing...well." He wavered at the end but figured she knew what he meant.
"Uri!" She was appalled he would even suggest such a thing, "Alistair would never..."
"I'm not talking about Alistair." He interrupted and she looked at him shocked. "Yes, you. You said you were the one who suggested the dance and don't pretend it wasn't you who was going in for that kiss. He wouldn't initiate anything, but you're not an easy person to say no to and so far as I can tell he hasn't."
Amara stood there a long time trying to think of an instance that Alistair had told her no, but she couldn't come up with anything. The only reason she hadn't kissed him when they were on the beach was because Leah had interupted. When she realized that Uri might have a point, she laughed uneasily.
"Listen, nothing is going to happen." She told him. "I promise I won't do anything."
-
Cross eyed the two young people very carefully. Samora had just finished telling him what they had been looking for and why and he was feeling very tired.
"I see." He said finally. "Miss Opar, I don't believe I need to tell you the severity of your actions, but I will tell you that you are to expect some form of punishment for them. I suppose sending you to a detention cell at this time might be a little harsh, so I'm placing you and your 'brother' under house
arrest. You will be under gaurd until I have determined what your punishment will be. Good night to you."
"Well," Alistair said, trying to be cheerful, "it could have gone a lot worse really."
Liam gave a noncommital shrug. Alistair opened his mouth to say something when he saw Adray approaching.
"There you are," Alistair said. "I was beginning to wonder where you were."
"I told you," Adray replied a bit shortly. He was a little out of sorts with his mind stuck on his unavoidable meeting with Cross and his rendezvous later. Alistair nodded, sensing that Adray needed some space.
"I'll see you tomorrow then, okay? Take care of yourself."
"Thank you, Alistair," Adray replied with a smile. Once Adray had knocked on Cross' door and entered, Alistair turned back to the other two.
"The director said you'd be placed under house arrest. Did he mention where?"
"Adray, so glad you could make it." Cross said irritation coming through his voice. "Where the hell have you been?"
-
"It's the same hotel as you apparently." Samora said shrugging. "The room right next to yours. He didn't tell you huh? Heh, I guess he told them." She looked at the security detail walking up the hall to them.
-
"Why are you brushing your teeth so hard?" Uri asked watching Amara frantically preparing for her meeting with Alistair.
"I don't know why, ok!" She barked at him then slurped up the tooth paste and spit it out in the sink. "I feel kinda...nervous."
"Amara..."
"I said nothing was going to happen and I meant it." She glared at him starting to get annoyed with his protectiveness.
"I believe you." He said calmly and laid his head down on his paws. She walked over to him and gave him a big hug before she went to check if Alistair had gotten back from RETABLIR.
Adray sighed, rubbing his temple.
"Miss Opar called me while you were talking with Alistair. I went to meet them so I could bring them back. When Mei called I accidentally had a girl run into me and she hurt her ankle as a result. I took her to the doctor, asked Alistair if he could bring her and the boy, then came back as soon as the doctor cleared her."
He looked up, glaring back at the director. The man's lack of faith in him was starting to annoy him greatly.
-
"It would appear so," Alistair said lightly, trying to alleviate the tension. He gave a nod to the security detail and motioned for the two younger ones to follow him. When they arrived at the hotel, he spoke to the security who consented to leaving.
"Well, I guess this is rather convenient," he said to the two as they walked toward the elevator. "Otherwise it would be difficult to visit you under the present circumstances."
The director sighed and shook his head feeling the strain of the day. His expression softened slightly as he considered Adray.
"I'm sorry, Adray. It's been stressfull these past few days for all of us." He said then looked off into space a moment before addressing him again. "I have yet to determine at this time, but I may require your assitance to resolve a troubling matter that has surfaced recently. I won't know for sure, however, until tomorrow. I'll brief you when I find out. You're free to go. Thank you commander."
-
Aeron watched as Samora and Liam followed Alistair into the hotel. The thought of setting off a bomb crossed his mind again, but he dismissed it and decided to check if Elia had made progress with her assignment.
"How did it go?" He asked into his phone, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
-
Amara stood for a moment against the wall beside Alistair's room door. Her chest was feeling tight, her stomach was in knots and she was having trouble breathing.
This is silly. She told herself. He's your friend first of all. There isn't any reason for you to be so nervous. She smiled then. Except that I really like him and I don't want to be anywhere else but right next to him.
"Just stay three steps away." She said aloud and repeated over and over in a low tone as she knocked on his door. She took a deep breath and clasped her hands behind her back so she wouldn't figet. "Alistair? It's Amara."
Adray nodded, feeling his own strain ease slightly upon hearing the director. Once he was outside, he picked up his phone and dialed the girl's number.
"Hello, again. You...uh...wanted to meet?"
-
"Great," Elia replied, laughing wickedly. "I've already got him wrapped around my finger. This shouldn't take to long. In fact-"
She saw another call coming through and smirked.
"In fact, he's calling again now to meet. I'll fill you in later."
She hung up and answered Adray's call.
"Yes, that's right. Where should we go?"
-
Alistair opened the door and couldn't resist smiling at her. She always had that effect on him.
"I was hoping you weren't going to make me wait too long," he said. He offered a gloved hand to her.
"So, what did you have in mind?" he asked.
Amara felt her heart leap when she saw Alistair smile and suddenly felt very light. She took his hand and gave him a sweet smile in return. Already breaking a rule. She thought guiltily.
"I didn't really have anything specific in mind." She confessed. "I just thought it'd be nice to spend some time together and talk. If that's alright, of course."
"That sounds wonderful," he whispered. He led her outside, still holding her hand and feeling lighter than air.
-
"Hi there," Elia said as Adray approached her. She was sitting on a bench by a small lake, twirling her one of her pigtails in her fingers.
"Hi," he said a bit gruffly, still not entirely comfortable with the situation. She laughed and motioned for him to sit down. He placed himself at the other end of the bench, but she scooted toward the middle.
"I just thought we could sit and talk," she said quietly. "Oh, and I don't think I know your name."
"Adray Lasbard," he replied. "And yours?"
"Elisia Einzburn," she said, already prepared with the alias.
"That's a beautiful name," Adray said, finally looking at her.
"Thank you," she said, her soft tone and smile betraying the cold satisfaction in her heart.
I wonder if I should tell him how I feel? Amara thought as Alistair led her outside. Would it be too soon? I guess so. We've only known each other three days. It feels longer though...
"So," She said as nonchalantly as she could manage being that her heart was racing as she held his hand. "did Director Cross mention anything about your assignment when you were at RETABLIR tonight?"
"No, he didn't," Alistair replied, feeling his hear sink a little as she mentioned it. "I believe he said he'll give that to me tomorrow."
They walked in silence for a bit. Alistair enjoyed the feeling of the cool breeze ruffling his hair.
"So, what do you and Uri plan to do after you leave Edge?" he asked, trying not to sound as sad as it made him.
-
"I couldn't help but notice the uniform," Elia said, brushing her hands against it.
"Yes, I'm the head of RETABLIR's military forces," he replied, looking away.
"You must be good at your job," she continued. ""It's hard to believe though that anyone could have the qualities that takes on top of being caring and considerate."
She let her finger tips brush his neck as she added, "And handsome."
Adray quickly stood up and turned away. Elia wasn't at all surprised, given his background. However, she put on a hurt face for show.
"Is something wrong?" she asked in a perfectly confused voice.
"I don't think I can do this," he said, a bit strained. "I'm a good deal older than you, and I'm just...I have too many burdens."
"Bingo," Elia thought. She walked over to him ang gently laid a hand on his back.
"I was in love with this boy I knew. He loved me too but neither of us knew the truth. Finally he got up the courage to tell me and we got together. I was so happy then. We decided we didn't want to wait and wanted to get married. We decided to elope, but while we were running away we came across a town that geostigma had hit. He contracted it soon after and died. I thought my heart would break as I watched him buried, but I know he would have wanted me to try to move on and be happy."
She turned and walked back to the bench. Once she picked up her purse, she looked back over her shoulder.
"I don't care how old a guy is or what he's still holding on to. I just want someone who I can talk to and who will confide in me."
She took a few steps when Adray turned and asked quietly, "Can I see you again tomorrow?"
Elia smirked before turning and smiling sweetly at him.
"I'd like that."
Amara picked up the sadness in his voice and it comforted her a little that she wasn't the only one unhappy by the thought of splitting up.
"We didn't have any plans set in stone." She said quietly. Breaking another rule, she stepped closer to him and placed her hand on his arm. "You said something earlier that...sort of upset me." She looked him in the eye and gave him a sad smile. "Even if we have to go our seperate ways, that doesn't mean this is our last night together...all of us, together." She quickly amended before continuing.
"Even if your assignment takes you far away, we'll see each other again. Don't you think so?"
"Yes, of course we will," he replied, smiling down at her. His spare hand pulled hers away from his arm and brought it up to his face.
"And even when we're apart, we'll still remember each other," he said before pressing his lips lightly to her hand.
Her skin tingled where his lips pressed against her hand and her blood flooded into her cheeks turning them bright pink. She couldn't help but smile at the gesture.
"I could never forget you." She said softly and placed her hand on his face. STOP! Her mind screamed remembering her promise to Uri and she slowly backed away from Alistair. "You know..." She said trying to recover her composure and make light of the fact she just killed the moment. "You still owe me some magic lessons."
"Yes, I do," he said with a chuckle to try to hide his disappointment. It was probably better this way anyway.
"You'll just have to arrange an appointment with my secretary," he said teasingly, "and I'll see if I can get back to you."
Cause really, she didn't feel that way about him. And really, there paths were only supposed to cross for a moment.
And truly, it wasn't making him feel any better.
"We have time now right?" She laughed and pulled her hair back into place with her comb. "And maybe, I can even teach you something. Afterall, we can be sure we'll probably face things just as bad as that dragon zombie and if your magic isn't up to snuff, well...I'm sure you get the idea." She smiled broadly loving the fact she was able to use his speech against him.
"Is that right?" he said, raising an eyebrow and smirking. He just loved that about her. She wasn't just another pretty face. She was witty and playful, and so fascinating...
He realized he had been staring at her a moment and quickly broke his gaze away.
"Well then, let's get down to business," he said, flexing his fingers and smiling.
"Ok then." She rubbed her hands together and took a deep breath. She had never really taught anyone before, but she was confident she could help him. "You're very talented with black magic, but I bet not so much with white. The reason for that is, while black magic usually has an emotional catylist, white has to do with your state of mind. Peace, serenity, calm, which is very difficult to achieve when you're in battle. That's why clerics make the best white mages."
She looked to see if he was following alright before she continued.
"Instead of going right into healing, there is actually a technique the elders at Cosmo Canyon used to train the magic students." She checked her fire materia and gave him a smile. "See, fire has two sides. The one side you're familiar with is the destructive side - thank you for helping me with that by the way - but the other plays an important role in sustaining life."
She took a deep breath and held out her hand. Suddenly, a lick of flame appeared in her palm and steadily danced there like fire on a candle wick.
"There's a festival every year to celebrate the cosmo candle and part of that tradition is what's called the candle dance where the dancers use their life energy to keep the fire in the hands and above their heads burning while they perform the dance." She closed her hand into a fist and snuffed out the flame. "Now your turn. Close your eyes and clear your mind. Picture the sun rising in the horizon, and feel its light begin to fill your soul and gradually warm you. Concentrate on your heart beating and use its energy to make the flame
appear. It will be an extension of you, like your own little pulse of life."
Alistair nodded, liking the role reversal here. It gave him a nice chance to just hear her voice. He noticed that she was waiting for him so he closed his eyes to concentrate. His mind was ready to go into black magic mode but he stilled his thoughts and let her words echo in his mind.
"Picture the sun rising in the horizon."
He remembered staying up with his father to watch the sunrise one time, loving how it cast its rays as it peeped over the horizon. The thought made him feel a glow inside.
"Concentrate on your heart beating and use its energy."
He felt his heart beating and held his palm out. He didn't have to look to know that a small flame had sprung up, hovering a little above his hand.
"How did I do?" he asked, opening his eyes and smiling at her.
"Excellent!" She said excitedly. "Someday I'll have to teach you the dance steps too."
She had a sudden urge to hug him, but held back and decided to move on.
"Now the key to be effective with any type of white magic, is pushing all your disquieting thoughts and feelings to the side. Try to put your mind in a tranquil, meditative state. Think of a time when you're most at peace and let that spread to every corner of your body and cure will naturally follow."
She let herself visibly relax and a green glow surrounded her as she called on the magic to heal her. She nodded at him to let him know it was his turn to try.
Alistair felt his heart sink. That was easier said than done. The most he felt at peace was with her, and even then he felt plagued with doubts and guilt.
"All right," he said reluctantly. He pushed back all their complicated circumstances and thought of just this moment, how it was just the two of them and nothing else. The thought caused his tension to melt and peace flood his body.
"Cure," he whispered and felt the healing spell surround and fill him.
"That was perfect." Amara praised, but made sure she kept her distance. "I think that'll conclude our lesson for tonight."
She took down her hair and let it fall freely to her waist. When she looked back at Alistair her heart felt like it was going to explode in her chest. She wanted nothing more at that moment than to tell him how she felt and have him hold her again like he did at the beach.
"Alistair, I..." She tried to say but her voice cut off. For some reason, she had thought it would be easier to say than to stay quiet.
"Yes?" he asked, taking a step closer to her. When she didn't answer, he stepped a little closer.
"Amara, is something wrong?"
He noticed she had been making sure to keep a certain distance and wondered if there was something between her and Ben. Or maybe Uri hadn't completely changed his ways. Either way, something was bothering her.
"You know...you can tell me," he said, hoping he wasn't setting himself up to be hurt.
For whatever reason, she couldn't bring herself to say it.
Better change tactics...
"Alistair," She looked up at him, her expression somber, "how do you...feel...about me?"
Alistair blinked in surprise.
"What is this, a bait and switch?" he wondered.
He crosses his arms and averted her gaze.
"I think...that you're charming and...fascinating. You're a really wonderful person, and I'm glad I was able to meet you."
He looked up at her, trying to gauge her reaction and see if he had said too much or too little.
"Oh...k." She said feeling as if a vice just tightened on her heart. She looked away for a moment so he wouldn't see the tears coming up in her eyes. She quickly blinked them away and swallowed so her voice wouldn't betray her.
"Um, that's good." She turned back and smiled at him, "I'm glad we met too..."
That really wasn't what she expected, and she suddenly felt foolish for wanting to tell him how she felt about him. If this was how he would react, then she was almost glad she didn't say anything.
"It's pretty late." She said wanting to get away as fast as she could, "I...should...go."
Alistair swallowed hard and realized that he must have said something wrong. He caught her elbow before she could leave and turned to face her.
"But, I don't think I can part ways without telling you how much our time together has meant to me. You're...you're such an amazing person, and I've just-"
As he looked up into her eyes, he felt the words spill out before he could stop them.
"I've just fallen for you."
He realized what he had just said and let go of her elbow before taking half a step back.
"I'm sorry...I shouldn't have said that."
Amara stood there in shock for a moment unable to respond to what Alistair had just blurted out. As soon as his words settled in, she was able to breath and a small, sweet smile formed at the corners of her mouth.
"I'm glad you did," She said taking a step closer to him. "because I feel the same way."
Alistair flushed and looked back at her, his heart pounding so hard he was sure it was leaving bruises.
"You do?" he breathed, his body unconsciously inching forward. All his instincts were telling him to pull out of this situation now but that train of thought was rapidly fading from his mind, along with everything else, till everything that mattered was her.
"Yes." She nodded emphatically. She felt very warm and could feel her pulse quicken as he slowly came closer to her. She thought about the promise she made to Uri, but pushed it far from her mind. "To hell with the rules."
In one quick motion, she closed the distance between them, wrapped her arms around his neck and met his lips with hers.
Alistair eyes widened as she pressed her lips against his, but in a moment they fluttered closed and his arms circled around her waist of their own accord. Her lips were so soft and sweet and he could hardly believe that this was happening. It was more than he could have ever hoped for.
But...
He pulled away slowly, panting slightly. It took all his willpower not to capture her lips in another kiss.
"Amara, I...I can't do this to you. You're leaving and I don't know when I'll see you again and.." he trailed off before the words could catch in his throat.
The sudden break was a bit shocking and Amara was left out of breath for a moment. At first she was a bit disappointed, but his self-control was a good indication of how much he cared for her and the thought warmed her heart.
"It's ok." She told him, running her fingertips along the side of his face. "I understand, and you're right. Care to walk me back to my room?"
The walk was wonderfully slow and they lingered together at the door before saying a final goodnight.
"-"
Alistair smiled gently at her, then pulled her into a hug.
"Find out who you are," he told her as he stroked her hair. "And when you're ready, I'll be waiting for you."
He let go of her, and wrapped his fingers around hers.
"We'd better get some sleep."
He led her by the hand back into the hotel, feeling like a weight had lifted off his heart.
-
Liam slowly retreated back from the window. He thought he heard voices and decided to spy. It was definitely Aeron.
"He's even more invested in Samora than I thought. At least this means he's definitely going to be in reach when the time comes."
The thing he really needed to know was this man's fighting skills and style. Maybe he could use Samora to find out...
-
Elia dialed Aeron's number and waited for him to answer.
"Good news," she said when he answered. "The first date went exactly as planned."
As they walked together, Amara couldn't help but smile feeling completely aglow. Even if she never found out about her past, she knew she would at least have him and she hoped he knew he would have her too.
"I don't know if I can sleep." She said with a giggle and gently squeezed his hand. I know Uri will probably keep me up for awhile with another lecture...but oh well, it was worth it.
-
Samora remained on the balcony a little while longer almost half hoping Aeron would show up again. When it was clear he wouldn't, she reluctantly went back inside.
"Hey, you gonna go to bed soon?" She asked Liam feeling a little tired herself.
-
"Excellent." Aeron said to Elia. "I believe I've gained Samora's trust as well. The others will take time. Are you planning on meeting him again then?"
"Try your best," he said with a laugh as they reached her room. "Maybe I'll see you again in your dreams."
He gave her hand another soft kiss and left for his room, smiling and humming all the way.
-
"Hmm?" he said, looking up. "Oh, yeah I am."
He got under his covers and waited for Samora to get into her bed.
"Samora?" he asked, trying to sound as innocent as possible. "Aeron saved you before right? Was he really good at fighting? He seems like a capable fighter."
-
"Yeah," she said with a harsh laugh. "He's already coming back for more. I'm supposed to meet him again tomorrow. I just had to give him a sob story like his own and he lapped it up."
"I hope so." She said to herself as she watched him walk away. When she entered her room, Uri was sitting up, his ears at the alert and he had a knowing look on his face, but he stayed quiet. Amara crossed over to her bed and flung herself on the mattress and let out a long sigh.
"You kissed him didn't you?" He shook his head in mock disappointment and she turned on her side so she could look him in the eye.
"Yes. I did." She said recalling the feeling of his lips on hers. "But nothing else happened."
"I see." Uri stretched out and yawned before speaking again. "The director called while you were out. He says he wants to meet us for breakfast tomorrow."
"What?" She sat up and frowned. "Why?" He made a shrugging motion and laid back down to sleep. "Well, ok..." She was a bit surprised Uri wasn't saying anything more about Alistair, but thankfull. She kicked off her boots and got underneath the covers and settled in to sleep. Sweet dreams, Alistair. She thought pulling the covers tight around her. I wish you were here with me...
-
Samora hugged her pillow as she thought about the day she met Aeron.
"Capable? I guess you can say that." She spoke in a low voice, "He took them out like they were nothing and it didn't even seem like he was trying. I've never seen anything like it." She gave Liam a questioning look. "Why do you ask?"
-
"It's hard to believe you can pull off 'sweet'." Aeron said with a smirk. "Do you think he'll be ready by the end of the week?"
Liam turned away and shrugged.
"I was just wondering. I thought if he was that strong that he could be a good addition to our team, but with power like that he's probably already spoken for."
He snuggled into his bed an smiled. Hopefully he'd planted just enough doubt in Samora's mind to get her to find out more about him.
-
"Hmph. There's nothing I can't pull off," she said. "But yeah, if things continue this way I'll have him eating out of the palm of my hand in no time."
Amara woke with a start, practically jumping out of bed in the process. She was breathing heavily, like she had been running for miles and sweat was dripping down her forehead.
"What's wrong?" Uri ever the light sleeper had been stirred awake by her gasping for air.
"N-n-nothing." She stuttered slipping out of bed to rinse her face. She saw his amber eyes reflected in the mirror and she smiled back at him. "It was just a nightmare."
"You haven't had one like that for years." He said concerned.
"It was the same one." She whispered, "People are screaming and I'm running away. I'm covered in blood..." Why am I having it again?
"Are you going back to sleep?" He asked hoping she would.
She looked at the door for a long moment wanting to go for a walk instead, but decided against it. She slowly made her way back to bed and curled up. Uri leaped over to her side and snuggled down next to her protectively.
"I'll keep the bad dreams away." He whispered to her as he had done when she was a child. Feeling better now that he was there, she wrapped her arms around him and slowly drifted back off to sleep.
