Chapter 9: Comfort in Another's Arms
"It's been three days Ronin!" Nod slammed his hands on the table.
"Nod, you've got to calm down. We're doing all that we can. We've sent out several search parties and Prince Aragorn is back home doing all that he can. This is difficult for all of us." Ronin massaged his temples. He'd hardly slept at all and it was beginning to show. Dark circles plagued his face, his eyes slightly red, and his voice was becoming faint yet kept a firm tone.
"I can't sit here and do nothing. Let me lead the next search, I'm sure-"
"No Nod!" Ronin looked up, he flinched slightly when he looked at Nod. He hadn't eaten since MK was taken, and Rose insisted he drink water with lemon, and even perchance he had it warmed with a little honey. Nod too hadn't been sleeping, but he was constantly on surveillance around the palace.
There was a knock at the door.
"Come in." Ronin sighed.
"I'm sorry, I don't mean to intrude, but you both need to eat something." Lily and Rose both came in holding a tray full of Ronin and Nod's favorite foods.
"And don't say you're not hungry. You need your strength to help find the Queen." Rose said sternly.
"Alright." Nod sighed and sat down.
"Thank you." Ronin looked up at Lily who nodded slowly. Lily and Rose both walked out once Ronin and Nod started eating. Ronin and Nod ate in silence. They finally stopped arguing, but Nod needed time to himself. He went into the garden and looked around as memories flooded him. Though their days as lovers together were brief, every second was filled with bliss. Nod hated not knowing where MK was, if she was safe, if she was eating, if she was warm, where she was. He refused to think any further. He wished there was a way of knowing she was ok, getting to her sooner. Nod swore if he closed his eyes he could feel her presence with him; hear her footsteps; smell her perfume. But instead, it was someone else's foot steps.
"Nod?" Rose appeared in front of Nod with a worried expression.
"Rose." Nod looked up through tearful eyes.
"Please, please don't look at me like that. Do you know how horrible it is to see you like this? You know how I feel about you. I-I know you're scared about where MK is or if she's ok. I'm sure you, Ronin, Prince Aragorn, and the Leafmen will find something, a lead, or maybe the hideout." Rose took another step forward.
"I know you're trying to comfort me, but I just can't right now. I'm completely useless. Ronin won't let me leave . . . and . . . and"
Words no longer formed on Nod's lips. Rose gently wrapped her arms around Nod. He was stiff as a board, but felt a small relief wash over him, but nothing would prevent him from sneaking out.
"I know a secret passage that leads off palace grounds. I'll show you it tonight so you can go look for MK. She's, she's a good person. The pod was right to choose her. I won't let my jealousy stop me from doing my part to protect the forest and my people." Rose looked up at Nod. He thanked her and went to rest, he knew he'd need all the strength he could muster, but first he'd have to visit a friend.
"I'm not taking no for an answer Ronin." Lily crossed her arms, blocking Ronin from leaving his bedroom.
"I'm not tired Lily, I'm fine."
"And I said you need sleep. No getting up or strategizing. Just fifteen minutes." Lily said sternly.
"Fine." Ronin scoffed, rolling his eyes as he went to take off his armor.
"Don't roll your eyes at me." Lily walked up to Ronin.
"Sorry, I'm just exhausted." Ronin sighed and sat at the edge of his bed.
"I know, that's why you need to sleep." Lily rubbed his arm and turned to leave.
"Thank you by the way, for being the only person who actually cares if I'm sane and well rested." Ronin smiled; Lily nodded meekly and walked out.
"Ok, now go down this hall, they're a secret door under the rug that looks like tree bark. Go down and always take the tunnel in the center. You'll see the moon and stars above you. It should let out at the outskirts of town. Here, these are some supplies I put together for you." Rose handed Nod a large bag filled with food and one large canteen of water.
"Thank you Rose. And I'm sorry."
"Stop. Pity is not what I want from you. Trust no one. Be safe. And don't come back without MK."
"Right." Nod cracked a faint smile and was on his way.
"Be safe." Rose said under her breath, turning away and getting back to work.
"Ronin, time to get up." Lily knocked on Ronin's door.
"Ronin?" Lily knocked again but there was no answer.
"Ronin, I'm coming in, I hope you're decent." Lily slowly opened the door. Ronin was passed out on his bed.
"Hmm, sound asleep." Lily smiled to herself, she walked over and gently patted Ronin on the shoulder.
"Time to get up sleepy-head." Lily whispered near Ronin's ear. He quickly shot up out of bed.
"What?"
"Ronin?"
"I'm alright. Just a little groggy. Didn't mean to surprise you when I got up like that." Ronin sat up. His shirt clung to his torso, showing off every muscle.
"I's my fault." Lily sighed.
"Right, well I want to get something to eat and perhaps get Nod to do something that doesn't involve driving me insane."
"Good, I made you something to eat. I'll let you get washed up." Lily smiled and walk out.
It didn't take Ronin long to find Nod had gone missing. Ronin cursed, but decided there wasn't much that could be done, he still needed to find the Queen and the townspeople were getting restless.
Lily walked up to Ronin, who was sitting at the table where the Counsel were just sitting not too long before. Prince Aragorn was to come back in order to answer some questions for the townspeople to get them calm. Though the lack of evidence of MK's whereabouts was still unsettling.
"Chamomile tea?" Lily said in a soft voice as Ronin nodded once. Lily went into the kitchen and returned several minutes later with hot chamomile tea with lemon and a small teaspoon of honey.
"I don't know what I'd do without you Lily." Ronin gave Lily a half smile and sipped at his tea.
"Ronin, I think you need to look at outside sources. Clearly the ones you've been questioning don't know where the Queen is. Countess Roacha wants Prince Aragorn here. The elves don't know where the Rebels are. Nod, he knows where to go. Trust in him, but you should go with him." Lily didn't want Ronin to put his life in danger, but she knew him staying in the palace all day going in circles with what little information he was able to gather was going to drive him insane.
"Don't say another word, I called Nim Galuu, he's on his way here." Lily smiled as Ronin chuckled, stood up, and went to pack a bag.