Hey, ya'll so here is the new chapter. Sorry about the delay, I am writing exams. :D

Thanks to Spottedmask12, prudencejude, sunshine, wolfrider3 and Missmalik xxx

© of Discoverthemagic all rights reserved

Chapter 11

Soul

I dropped the axe, took of my shirt and wiped my sweaty forehead. I grumbled when the heat of the sun hit my shoulders and neck. I stretched and the muscles in my back and arms yelled in protest. I turned and walked towards the Mess hall to save Aliyah, putting my shirt back on as I walked.

I entered the Mess hall and saw Aliyah sitting at a table by herself, drinking some tea.

"So how was your day, love?" I asked when I reached her table.

"Hmm good," she stated. "Peculiar drink, this. What's it called?" she asked, looking up at me.

"I believe it's called 'tea.' Astrid showed us how to make it. It's a bit of lost tradition," I replied, smiling at her blissful expression when she took another sip. She murmured softly and set the cup down as I sat down heavily, leaning forward to rest my head on the table.

"Uh, could we go back to your cabin? My shoulder is getting sore and I think the bandage came loose when I was washing up," she said.

"Yes, we probably should have changed it today, anyway. I'm beat, lets move," I said, Astrid's frequently used phrase flowing easily. I sighed at Aliyah's confused expression.

"You sit down. I'll get the medical kit," I said as we walked into the kitchen. I opened a nearby drawer and pulled out the box, grabbing a glass and filling it with water. I placed it on the counter and rooted around for the painkiller. I handed it to her with the glass and she popped the pill in her mouth and gulped the water down. I looked down at her shoulder, but it was covered by her shirt.

"Hm, could you move your sleeve?" I asked.

She did, but I couldn't get to her bandage to work on it properly. I struggled for a few minutes until Aliyah sighed heavily. I glanced up at her eyes and gulped when I saw a mischievous glint in them. I frowned, wondering what she was going to do next.

Her hand snaked under her shirt and she pulled it up, over her head. My mouth went dry and I growled softly at the innocence of her pure white bra that held perfect grapefruit-sized breasts. I had to use all my willpower not to drool or touch the luscious, supple, promise of a trip to the otherworld. She brushed her bra strap out of the way and it fell, sliding slowly down her shoulder. My desperate gaze was caught at the unintended seductiveness of that simple act.

Aliyah noticed my reaction and blushed, but there was also a sense of feminine power that surrounded her. I gently pulled the bandage, and she hissed as the plastic ripped at her tender skin. My head started to spin when the bandage revealed a jagged, circular hole that was oozing some blood. I picked up a bottle containing some odd brown liquid from the Rieu. I opened the lid and my nose wrinkled at the strong smell.

"This may sting a bit," I warned as I poured some on the cotton wool and placed it gently on her wound.

"I did warn you, love," I murmured sympathetically when she gasped.

When I was finished, I placed a fresh bandage on it. I glanced up at her. Her eyes were shut, eyebrows meshed tightly together in distress, and a single tear had escaped, running down her cheek. I brushed it away and sighed wearily when she opened her eyes.

I let my hand linger, curling around her cheek longer than necessary, marveling at the satiny-smooth texture of her skin. She murmured and gazed deeply into my eyes. So many emotions were flashing through them: pain, tenderness, and a hint of desperation. My heart clenched and I forced my gaze away. I didn't want to admit it, but the emotions in her eyes touched me deeply with feelings I couldn't comprehend.

I glanced out the window and noticed that the sky was stained crimson with the setting sun. Crickets had started to chirp, and I could here the distant chatter of birds.

"You hungry, love?" I asked softly. She nodded a 'yes.'

We were sitting on the couch in comfortable silence, full and clean from our recent showers and the food we had just been eating. I glanced at Aliyah, who was staring incomprehensively at the wall with a slight frown creasing her forehead.

"Off with the Faeries, love?" I whispered. She jumped and glanced at me with sad, tired eyes. I gave her a sympathetic pat on her shoulder, hesitant to pry into her previous troubles. She shivered and I noticed how cold her arm felt. I smiled and focused my gaze on the wood in the fireplace; I imagined a flame burning brightly on the wood. I centered myself and flicked my wrist. A brilliant fire burst to life, crackling happily and setting a warm glow around us. Aliyah glanced up, shocked, staring wide-eyed at the fire.

"I'd forgotten about the summoning thing," she muttered, mostly to herself.

"We'll start your training on the rest days," I answered. She nodded and closed her eyes.

Prettty pretty please review. They mean so much to me.

XXX

DISCOVERTHEMAGIC