"You seem preoccupied. Might I inquire into your troubles?" Rtas's voice broke through my haze and I started, my head whirling around to face him. He had apparently seen the distraction in my eyes and I sighed.
"I am sorry, it's just that this entire experience is beginning to take its toll and my lack of sleep last night is not helping my capacity to think straight now." I murmured, looking down as I spoke. He chuckled and I looked back up at him.
"Perhaps you should retire for the evening. I do believe that accommodations have been made here for you, so that we might see each other again in the morning." I nodded and rose to my feet, bidding the group good night.
"I will escort you to your rooms." Thel declared, getting to his feet before the Master Chief could. I could see his face tighten again as he conceded defeat, disapproving entirely but unable to do anything to stop him. I nodded and followed him out of the room. As the door closed behind us, he offered me his arm. I hesitantly took it, his words still ringing in my ears. I had to reach up to rest my hand on his arm.
"Thank you Arbiter, for escorting me." I said quietly after we had walked down a few halls. He looked down at me, his body moving so gracefully I felt completely ugly and ungainly beside him.
"It is my pleasure, and please, call me Thel." I blushed and looked away. We were passing through a hall full of windows and I couldn't help but slow, staring out over the ocean, the only lights coming from the moon and stars. He obligingly slowed with me and I could feel him staring at me as I looked out across the ocean and up at the stars.
"Do you mind if I ask you a question?" I asked after a moment. We had stopped walking completely and I knew he was watching me curiously.
"You just did, but you may ask another." He said softly and I smiled slightly.
"What is it like in space?" He stilled and for a moment, I didn't think he'd speak.
"It is indescribable. When you are in space, you are surrounded by the silent void, host of some of the most beautiful scenes I have ever seen and some of the most dangerous. It makes one take a step back and realize just how small we all really are." He said slowly and I nodded, closing my eyes and sighing.
"Thank you," I turned to face him, momentarily stunned by how the moonlight made him seem both more severe and at the same time, softer. "Thank you for tonight Thel, I really enjoyed it."
"Do you mind if I ask you a question now?" He asked and I paused, staring up into his eyes.
"You just did, but you may ask another." I murmured breathlessly. Somehow his eyes made my knees weak and my heart ache. He chuckled and I felt my heart flutter.
"What do you think when you look into my eyes?" The question took me off guard and I blinked in surprise. I looked deep into his eyes as I formed my answer, the golden-gray depths drawing me in.
"When I first met you, I saw a shadow of pain and memories from the past and I thought that you had seen too much. Later, I saw comfort, the joy of being around friends, and a deep respect for intelligence and I thought that you were strong and wise. I saw anger in your eyes and I thought you looked like a predator, but also like a hero; ready to charge off and defend your honor and the honor of others. And now, I see something I've never seen before and I am wondering what it is and why it's directed at me. I know it's good... but I don't know what to think..." I trailed off and looked down. His hand came up, cupping my chin and gently moving me to look back up at him.
"What do you feel when you look into my eyes?" He whispered, his voice low and almost purr-like.
"I- I... I'm not sure yet. I did just meet you today." I muttered and he smiled, gently brushing his hand across my jaw.
"Then I guess I'll have to see you tomorrow, now won't I?" I was struck mute from his hand, my heart fluttering wildly. He smiled again and pulled back, reaching down and gently taking my hand in his, leading me down the hall and to my room. I pressed my hand against the sensor and the door slid open. I turned back to him and released his hand.
"Thank you again, for everything." He smiled and gently reached out, brushing the side of my face.
"Good night, Ms. Nox." I blushed as he turned away, already walking down the hall.
"Please," He turned back and I smiled, "call me Stella." He smiled and raised a hand.
"Sleep well Stella. I shall see you in the morning." He turned and this time I didn't call him back, just watched as he melted into the shadows at the end of the hall. As soon as he was gone, I entered my room, closing and locking the door behind me.
I didn't really pay attention to much as I removed the dress, pulled down my hair, wiped off the makeup, and crawled into the soft bed that was waiting for me. My last coherent thought before I went to sleep was the fact that this had to be the best night of my life.
AN: I need opinions about a rather important decision. I had intended this to be the last chapter at one point. Now, before you freak out, I am planning on continuing this story, I just want to know if you think I should make a sequel, or just keep updating here. I will post at least once more here, with a bit of story combined with the decision. So, here's your challenge;
Should I make a separate sequel, or just continue the story?
Thanks everyone, for your support, and let me know what you think!