Author's note: so this one came out faster than usual. Aren't you proud of me? Don't be cause it should've been done sooner. But just for you I've made this chapter extra long. I was planning on putting more in this chapter but it I quickly went over 7000 words so I figured I should stop. But I wanted to at least give you something to appreciate to keep you going until next chapter. Happy reading!
Disclaimer: I don't own RA
Chapter 21
A Perfect Fit
Gilan's POV
I figured I should at least make it look like I was practicing. Searching for the other spare items I would need was easy, but I took my time anyway. Unfortunately I was still a newcomer and most of them simply stared at me as I walked by. I remember the first couple days I did watch Silas and they did the exact same thing to her. I took my time letting them become accustomed to my face. The only hushed conversations my ears picked up were of typical gossip from the few women that were here. That peaked my interest. Now that I am not looking out for Silas safety from the clutches of Luther, the little details started emerging. From a distance it is a little difficult to tell. There is a grossly big tip in the scale when it comes to women compared to men. Luther did manage to get many women with his poison smile but I doubt it worked as well on the men. Maybe some, but the number of people have joined since Silas has been traveling with them. I doubt Luther has been trying to win the hearts of other women to keep the ratio balanced. Probably why I am noticing it now. Is that where Maverick goes during the day? But who is he collecting? But what we will have to figure out is how is he convincing them to joining his crusade.
I rolled the fourth barrel to my practicing area in front of our tents. I pretended to wipe the sweat off my brow with the back of my hand while leaning against the barrel. My eyes scanned in habit. There was an unsettling feeling in my gut that I knew would be wise to ignore. Silas has been gone all day. Her and Maverick haven't taken a single break to come out of the forest for food or anything. But the only the untrusting set of eyes that have been watching me all day are the only thing stopping me from finding out what he may be doing to her. Now I am just waiting for any sign of her. As her mentor I knew she could handle herself, except I don't trust her to be alone with Luther anymore. But Maverick is different, definitely not an opponent that can be taught how to handle. The longer the shadows remind me of fiery determination the enemy has of trying to find her weakness. He'll probably stop for only one of two reasons.
Just then my eyes locked onto what they had been hoping to see all day. She was safe and in one piece. Those watchful eyes of Luther however stopped me from running over to her. A knight wouldn't have such keen eyes to notice the one woman he wants over two hundred meters away just exiting the trees.
I finally feel like I can breathe as I get back to making an act for Silas and I. I stack the barrels two high and line them up side by side. Easy, but it will do the trick. Standing way closer to the target than a Ranger ever should I take my knives out of their holster on the side of my hip. Feeling the familiar weight in my hand I lazily started aiming at the tiny knots patterned in the wood of the barrels. Waiting. Hurry up Silas because my patience is wearing thin.
My chest hollowed as I finally heard her footsteps approaching. I knew I should've linked the unsettling feeling to Silas because as of late, she is the only one that causes me to feel this way. I turned and she attempted a smile as she neared. It only lasted a second. Her gait was uneven and sluggish as she set her eyes and feet towards her tent. Her eyes were glazed over and her face was white. She didn't even respond when I called her name. That was enough to send my mind racing in panic. I grabbed her wrist and spun her to get a proper look at her. She could barely stand so I held onto both her elbows holding up her weight for her. I examined her from head to toe to make sure there were no injuries. "Silas what's wrong?" I finally managed to find my worry. She simply tried to smile and a chuckle surprisingly escaped her lips.
"You should see what Maverick looks like." She joked, even though she barely had enough energy to keep her eyes open. I froze for a moment as she rested her head against my chest. I doubt she would be able to sleep from how loud my heart was beating. With her with a relaxed smile on her face made it suddenly hard to breathe. I bowed my head slightly and allowed my nose to gently touch her hair suddenly giving me the ability to breathe again.
"What are we going to do Silas? If this is only the beginning…" I whispered quietly into her hair.
"That's what I have you for? So I can do this." the tightness in my chest grew larger as I stopped myself from getting any closer. Letting out a shaking breath, I blinked rapidly to shut out the thoughts that were hurting me from the inside.
Then I saw him and I lost it. My mistake was letting Silas go but my body moved of its accord. In seconds I had my fists full of Luther's collar.
."Just what are you doing to her if she comes back like that!" I growled at Luther. I pulled him up so he could see how dangerous it was to mess with her. Luther only had a second to glance at Silas and his eyes went wide seeing the state she had returned to me in. "Just how long has this been going on?" I didn't give him the time to answer. With the anger built up in my muscles I slammed him easily to the ground. Luther only remained stunned for a second before he jumped back on his feet. He wound up his right fist for a punch and I smiled knowing fully that it would be easy to stop him. I raised my left hand ready to block but I hesitated. I had forgotten the knife that was in my hand. I couldn't kill him and if I hadn't stopped myself I might have done just that. That pause however allowed Luther to find his target on my left cheek snapping my head back into reality. Literally. Before giving Luther another shot my fist quickly up below his chin landing a satisfying clack as he stumbled back from the blow.
The smile of triumph on my face only lasted a second. Now I can see how she managed to mess with Halt and Will. I didn't even sense her coming. In a flash she had my left wrist in her grasp. The twirling of her skirt made it look like she was dancing as I could do nothing but let her take my arm. It wasn't until I felt the sharp pain in my wrist from it being twisted and a quick disarming blow that I figured out what she was doing. She yanked on my arm separating us even further. By the time she had spun back around the knife was gone and her arms were the perfect distance between Luther and I. We both froze as we looked guiltily from each other to her. I'm sure I was the only person whom noticed how dark it suddenly it became. Except the sun was still bright orange on all other parts of the camp. The shadows around us started covering us thickly as she glared at each of us. She did it to conceal her movements. So no one else would see what even I thought was impossible.
"If you two don't stop…" She barely managed to breathe out. Before she could finish I saw the whites of her eyes as they rolled back into her head. She lifeless crumpled on the spot. My hands were faster than Luther's as I managed to pull her close before she hit the ground. I almost forgot how to breathe until I saw her chest rising and falling at a steady pace. Adjusting my hold on her I lifted her in my arms. The hand on her back found out where she had hidden the knife. I won't even begin to fathom how she had managed it without me even noticing. Luther was helpful for once in his life as he held the tent open for me so I could easily put her to rest on her bed.
"I swear," Luther began but my hard glare shut him up. He knew what was going on so I knew he had nothing more to say. I knelt down beside the bed and brushed the hair off of Silas' damp forehead. "I'm going to have a word with Maverick." He said quickly before exiting her tent.
I looked at the girl beside me. Hoping she would have a peaceful sleep to recover. She didn't look like the strong ranger that had the quick tongue that was willing to do anything to prove herself. No, here she looked fragile. With her sallow complexion and sweat dampening her cheeks and forehead it made me hope that this isn't for nothing. That this is not a mistake. This is the one thing I wish I could carry for her because it is looking like it is too burdensome for her shoulders.
"Stay strong Silas." I whispered hoping that she could somehow hear me. I gently leaned in and placed my forehead against hers. I can't fight it any longer. Not after finding her like this. The weight in my chest was too hard to ignore anymore. Might as well give in, even though I told myself not to at the very beginning. It's too late now I guess.
I managed to pull myself away from Silas. It was extremely hard to do while she is in that state but we needed answers more. I can do this much at least to lighten her load. It was easier now that the sun had disappeared under the horizon. Blending into the darkness was as easy as counting to three and it didn't take long before I arrived silently at my desired destination. I crept to the back of Mavericks tent. My breath was steady and quiet allowing me to hear even little shuffle the two men made.
"We leave tomorrow Luther. We're already behind schedule as it is." Maverick said except his harshness was absent. As if he was too tired to even open his mouth all the way. I smiled remember Silas telling me that Maverick looked worse than she did. I must've missed them discussing her progress if they were already talking about leaving. Plus Silas, unfortunately, is also Luther's main concern.
"I'll pass the word around tonight." Luther obeyed. "We do have one more town left in our path that we will have to pass in order to keep suspicion down." By the way Luther gently mentioned another stop meant that Maverick wasn't going to like the idea.
"Is there anything else you want to test me with?" Even without energy his threat was dangerous. "This is the last one. Then we get rid of the knight before we get to camp because I will not have him wreck the plan that my Uncle Morgarath devised before we even get there. If you are incapable of completing this Luther, I might not be able to keep our promise."
There it is. The piece that we have been missing. No wonder it felt like I have seen him before. It was his black dead eyes. The last time I saw them was when he saw the fear of defeat when Horace, a mere boy bested him. How did I not link the two together sooner? Now we have a motive. And it will be our job to stop him.
My eyes were heavy from worry and sleeping in an uncomfortable position. I felt Silas move beside me. I guessed she woke up and I also guess that she woke up and found where I had chosen to fall asleep last night. I squeezed her hand to stop her from retrieving her warmth. Despite the sun being bright I didn't want to look anywhere but her mesmerizing silver eyes. Last night I had to come back to her. I wanted to be the first thing she saw. Just to reassure her and possibly myself that she was fine and was strong enough to pull through.
My free hand moved gently over and brushed the hair that had fallen lightly onto her cheek. I slowly brushed it behind her ear following the side of her face so I could see it clearly."Are you awake now?" I asked softly with concern. She managed a nod against my fingers. "How are you feeling?" I asked. I had to swallow hard when I noticed her lick her dry lips.
"Tired." She responded.
"What did he do to you?" I asked trying not to imagine the worst. With great effort she lifted her head so I quickly shifted my position her sit her up comfortably beside me.
"He tried many different ways to try and force my power out. It probably wouldn't have had such a toll on me if I wasn't trying to hide everything from him." She shrugged like it wasn't a big deal, but refused to meet my eyes. As if she knew I wouldn't believe her bluff. Which made me feel even more pain for her. The next thing I knew I had grabbed Silas and wrapped my arms around her. She fit so well it made my heart race. Her arms were pinned to her side and with her being weakened from yesterday there was no way she could fight me away. She needed to know that she could show me her weaknesses. That I would protect her no matter what.
Then I felt an unusual object on her back. I gently placed a hand at the base of her skull locking her into place. I couldn't have her squirming if I didn't want her to get hurt. Somehow she had managed to disarm me and slip the knife down the back of her dress without even me seeing it.
"Don't move." I warned her quietly. As quickly as possible to make it less awkward I retrieved the knife. I felt her breathing stop and her back arch as my fingers accidentally brushed her spine. I managed to pull my knife out just in time as she found the strength to push me away. I showed her the knife. "This would've been hard to explain to Jane and Beatrice." I said lightly, raising an eyebrow.
"You could've warned me." She said, her nose scrunching up in annoyance. I smiled bigger because of it.
"I thought I said don't move." I replied innocently. With one hand she shoved me off her bed. She was back to her old self. That's all I cared about. I chuckled at her expression. My smile faded when she tried to rub the dark circles out from under her eyes. She wasn't going to get the rest she needed, not if they were planning on moving today. "I found out Maverick's motive." I said a smile turning the corners of my mouth up when I saw her eyes sparkle wide awake.
"Are you going to make me guess?" She tried her best not to sound excited but her grabbing onto my arm gave away her emotions.
"Maverick is Morgarath's nephew."
"You don't mean…" She gasped.
"Yes the one that tried taking over twice. He is continuing what his uncle started. Which means he is even more dangerous than we thought." Silas' eyes grew distant for a moment and her eyes glazed over as she stared at the ground not really focusing on anything. There was something going on in her head. The way her knuckles started to turn white from tightening them around my arm meant it wasn't anything good. I placed my free hand on her cheek to stop her from being trapped in her thoughts. Her eyes cleared and she held my gaze. "No matter what Silas I will be watching don't worry. I already know you are but I'm just reminding you to be careful." She nodded. I waited as she closed her eyes and breathed deeply. Her fingers slowly relaxed allowing the blood to flow properly in my arm.
"Silas are you up yet?" My least favourite voice called from outside. If only he had allowed her a few more seconds her composure would've been back to normal. Luther walked into the tent. Even with my back to him I could feel the hatred radiating off him. Ignoring the manners he used for everyone else he gave me one push with his shoulder to steal my spot. "How are you doing today?" He asked Silas tenderly as he took both of her hands in his stroking the backs with his thumbs soothingly. I stood up dusting off my clothes.
"Tired." Silas managed. I was glad that she didn't give him anymore than what she gave me.
"Is there anything I can do for you?" He asked but Silas just shook her head. What she really needed was to be away from here, I thought bitterly. I waited for Luther to get to the point. There was no way I was going to let him have any alone time. "I wish I could let you rest more but we have to get moving today." He said sadly.
"It's alright. I understand." Silas said weakly. Helping her more than she needed, Luther pulled her to her feet.
"Here I'll take you to Claudia for some food so we can start packing up." Luther helped her out of the tent with one arm wrapped securely around her waist. I didn't miss the look he shot before exiting.
It took less than an hour to take down the rest of camp. It was slow moving but that was expected. It's been a couple days since we left but the murmurs behind us haven't did down in the slightest. It doesn't help that the Silas, Luther and I are at the front of the pact. In full view of the of crowd behind us. With nothing else to pass the time they must've been pretty entertained when Luther pulled his first stunt. Of course entertained wasn't the word I would've used to describe it. It happened within the first hours after we left from the first camp. I made sure to keep a watchful eye on Silas as I noticed her trying not to sway in her saddle. Except I wasn't the only one watching her. Luther thought of it first which infuriated me more than anything. Before I could counter his move he had pulled directly beside Astrum,wrapped one arm around her waist and pulled her to his horse. Initially she shrieked and tried to squirm away. But he whispered something in her ear that made her relax noticeably. With one hand he guided her head back to relax back against him. Too tired to do anything but accept the help she leaned against his chest closing her eyes. Luther had won that round. He made sure to non-verbally get that message across to me. Except, seeing as one of his eyes was ringed with swelling with slight discolouration as a result of my fist yesterday the message was muted. I tried not to smile, one to let him win with any sort of reaction and two my cheek also hurt slightly from yesterday. That was also what began the murmuring from those behind us.
Traveling was slower than I predicted. On the third day it was still the same. People added an uncomfortable tension and I felt pity for Silas who was in the middle of the whispers and of Luther and I. Bets were still being quietly exchanged behind us. The only thing they had to bet on of course was who Silas was going to choose. They did it so the three of us at the front of the pact wouldn't hear. Except only the person who wasn't a ranger didn't hear. Every time they whispered about her I saw Silas biting her lip trying to ignore the comments. Luther tried his best to elicit conversation between Silas and himself, purposely forgetting my existence. However I could see him writhing in his saddle when she seemed more at ease talking with me.
A cheer erupted from the groaning group as our destination came into view. They begun picking up the pace of their shuffling tired legs. They were all looking forwards to setting up a comfortable camp for a few days. Most of them wished to see how long they could extend their stay near this one town. I doubt they knew of Maverick's desire to move on as quickly as possible. He would be trying to get rid of me soon too.
Somehow Silas had convinced Luther to let us be part of the act. He probably still felt guilty for what Maverick did to her that he would do anything to appease her. Even if it benefitted me as well. I must say our act was all everyone could talk about afterwards. From the townsfolk who were spectating to the fellow performers, all felt the need to discuss what happened. Everyone except Silas. I knew I shouldn't have done it but I don't regret it nor can the smile fall from my face. I just know that Silas is more confused than ever. She's doing her best to hide her emotions but even in the blaze of the fire from their usual celebration I can still see her face flush whenever we accidentally lock eyes for too long. I'm not that much better because my heart still flutters wildly every time I see her eyes, her smile, her rare laugh. Luther hates me even more if that is possible. But now that our score is even I don't care.
Luther asked Silas to dance. Feeling like she just needed some space from me I wasn't bothered by her quick acceptance. I had had my turn earlier on in the evening and I must say she has greatly improved since the last time. I can still remember every moment we shared from the moment I met her five years ago. It was because she had imprinted herself onto my heart that I did what I did today.
"May I have a word?" A demanding voice came from over my right shoulder. I turned in my seat. This wasn't a man who would take no as an answer. I stood up and finally had an excuse to thoroughly examine him. He was taller than me, using it to tower powerfully over anyone he came in contact with. White blond hair that framed his thin face, only making his black eyes look dead of any humanity. I have seen Morgarath before. Now that I have that comparison I can see the similarities.
"Of course." I replied lightly. Without a word he turned on his heel and walked away, expecting me to follow. With this opportunity I may be able to get some insight or even see how his mind clicked. I strode easily beside him. We walked to the edge of the tents as far away from the crowd as possible. He wasn't going to try to kill me now would he? I at least had one small opportunity to warn Silas the other day that Maverick might try to kill me. Just as another item to be cautious about. And if she ever found my body I hoped she would take revenge for me. But Maverick and I were alone and I doubt he would try to take a fully trained knight by himself. A smart man would never battle against someone with hope of winning without knowing their level of ability.
"How long do you plan to stay with us?" Maverick started, only slowing his pace a little. So that's what he was going for. Seeing if he could get me to go willingly first.
"I didn't have any plans of leaving without Silas." I stated not the answer he was looking for.
"This isn't the type of life for a knight. What would you do if she plans to stay." Maverick surprisingly was able to keep his tone calm. He must've planned out exactly what he was going to say. We began walking along the inside of the outer circle of tents. My senses telling me that he may kill me settled down but I made sure to always walk a step behind the tall menacing man and watch his every movement carefully. It could be disastrous to let my guard down completely.
"As I said I don't have any plans to leave without her." I repeated. Suddenly Maverick stopped. We had walked almost a full circle. The blaze from the fire barely illuminated its outer edges but it was bright enough to see with more precision.
"What if she already made her choice?" I could hear the winning grin in his words. But it was a grin that I didn't need to look at to feel chills. At last I found what he was looking at. So that's how he rids of hands of me. If I didn't know Silas better than I would've believed him completely. Because even I felt the heaviness in my heart seeing her like that.
Silas POV
According to Gilan we only had one town left before they planned to head towards the main camp in the mountains. It also meant that I had to figure out a way to get Gilan to stay or they would try to kill him. I'm sure he could handle himself but I would much rather that it didn't come to that. Gilan had offered to take Blaze and Astrum and rub them down before settling in for the night. The group was slower moving than normal. It had already been two days of travelling but we still take us into tomorrow afternoon before the next village would come into sight by my calculations.
Luther sat beside me heaving a sigh of exhaustion as he finished all his tasks for the day. No matter where I was he seemed to always be able to find me. At least I didn't have to waste my energy in that matter. Maverick had come into my tent the last two nights to experiment new ways to force my power out so he could wield it. He was getting closer with each try and it was getting harder to fight against him. At least he would only try once then leave. Gilan knew because he always checked in on me when he left. Luther probably knew as well because every morning he would check to make sure I was alright.
"That was a long day." Luther said stretching out his stiff muscles. I simply nodded agreeing. My chin rested on my fists which were supported by my knees. The fire in front of me only begun to produce heat making me feel more drowsy. Without bothering to stop myself my head followed by the rest of my body lean sideways until it bumped into Luther. It was Luther this time who stiffened at the contact. I giggled quietly to myself as my head found a comfortable spot on his shoulder. "Are you alright love?" Luther asked as if he was caught off guard.
"Just tired. I just can't seem to get a good night's sleep." I confessed honestly. He shuffled around a bit until he could free his arm without jostling me too much. He placed it on my head, gently smoothing my hair with small strokes.
"Is there anything I can to to make you feel better?" He asked. I heard the guilt in his voice. I was right, he knew what Maverick was doing to me. What he didn't know was that I was after that exact phrase. I turned my head to be able to meet his eyes.
"There is one thing that have been longing to try." I said quietly, blinking a few extra times.
"For you love, anything." He replied taking my head between his hands as he sat me up to look directly in his face.
"I know you said that we would have to wait and prove ourselves first but I've been practicing so hard and I can just imagine the feeling of performing in front of a crowd…" I let my words trail off and I looked down to the ground feeling like it was an impossible idea to even mention aloud.
"You want to perform in the next show?" Luther asked catching my attention slightly. I looked up at him through my lashes before gazing back at the ground nodding. "I'll tell you what. Since this something you want and I have to meet with the performers tonight anyways I will find a place for you. How does that sound?" I looked up at him and he was already flashing his unbearably charming smile.
"Really?" I asked letting excitement lace my voice. He nodded. Before I knew it my arms had already swung around his neck causing him to be taken aback for the second time in the matter of a few minutes. "Thank you." I said happily. This would buy Gilan at least one more day. Luther snakes his arms around my waist, one hand gliding up and hooking onto my shoulder. I can feel him trying to minimize the distance between us. Even though there wasn't much to start. I can feel him smiling against my neck and it makes my heart race. There is no doubt that he can't feel how fast it's going. I'm just glad that he can't see how red my face has turned being this close for this long. I need to be more careful of my actions in the future. Correction, I need to be in full control because my body for some reason likes to take charge.
Once I finally got word to Gilan that Luther had allowed us a spot in the act he told me that we would be doing a knife throwing act. Well he said that he would be the one throwing the knives just so I wouldn't blow my cover. The only thing I didn't realize was that he was going to need my knives for the act. Begrudgingly I gave him my Saxe. He must've seen the look on my face when I went to hand him my throwing knife as well. "On second thought, hold onto it for now." He said with a cunning smile as he folded my hand back over the knife. For some reason I didn't like that smile. It made me feel almost uncomfortable. A ranger throwing knives at me, that probably wouldn't even make me blink. But for some reason that smile reminded me of when Crowley got the crazy idea to put me in a dress and make me join the circus. In other words I wasn't going to like what he was planning.
Gilan left me to go finalize our act. He said that everything would be prepare for tomorrow's performance, don't worry. He must have some reason for keeping me out of the loop and so far I trusted him. Of course those types of thoughts circled through my head for half the night so my sleep was once again not of regenerating as it should be. I was even blessed that Maverick gave me the night off. Not that I got the sleep I needed. Groggily I was dragged out of bed. I came to realize that Jane and Beatrice were only morning people when something exciting was going on. For all the time that I had known them it usually had something to do with getting me ready for the day.
"Just for you girl, we woke up extra early just to claim this for you." Jane said unwrapping the bundle that was thrown onto my bed once I was out of it. Beatrice handed me a bowl of porridge and some funky made bread.
"The red one is going to look so good on you. Luther and Gilan are going to have some more competition after today." Beatrice giggled. Apparently the red one meant the red costume. It was one of the newer costumes in the performers trunk and it was made from a nicer material. Usually it was fought over, hence they were up extra early. My eyes widened once I saw it.
"Isn't that going to be too small?" I asked fearfully.
"Nonsense. Sophie usually wears it and believe me if she can squeeze into it you should have no troubles at all."
There was a reason that this costume was sought after. I admit that it was beautifully made and the design was to make the lady look statuesque, well I wouldn't admit it aloud. Along with the red corset with the black lace and boning, came with the greatest idea ever. It had a skirt that matched the corseted top except it was a full skirt in the back and barely came to the knees at the front. Instead, it had tight fitting pants that matched the black and red striped theme of the ensemble. However much relief I found in the pants was lost in the top. Beatrice and Jane had made sure to tie the corset extra tight which took a an almost fake fainting spell for them to loosen it slightly. That was all there was to the top, plus two small sleeves of red fabric and black lace that hung off my shoulders. I felt a little more exposed than I was used to. I doubt my shoulders have ever seen the sun. The only thing on my neck was the silver chain necklace. I had tucked the small bronze oak leaf into the crease of my cleavage before either of the girls could get a good look at it. They never seemed to notice it or never questioned it. Running out of time they quickly fashioned my hair up. I hoped they were going for a messy style because they didn't bother with the few strands that fell from the pins.
They stood back for a moment, crossing their arms with proud smiles as they examined their work. "Don't you just hate her even more?" Jane said sideways to her friend who was touching shoulders. She said it without malice which made my brows come together in confusion.
"How she looks perfect in anything she wears?" Beatrice answered with a smiling pout. I looked down with a shy bashful smile. They both bounced over and both draped an arm over my bare shoulders starting to steer me outside my tent.
Luther was waiting for me outside. I was a little disappointed that Gilan wasn't there. Distracted I didn't see Luther approach. I didn't notice until he grabbed my hand. "You look beautiful." He said quietly. Jane and Beatrice of course had heard.
"We had to fight Sophie for that costume." Jane casually chimed in making Luther laugh.
"Remind me to get you your own costume next time." Luther continued laughing.
"There you are." Beatrice exasperated as she quickly strode over to the new comer. Without a word she quickly tied a short red cloak around a confused Gilan's neck. "If you took any longer, you all were going end up being late." She reprimanded as she smooth out the cloak angling it over his left shoulder. Jane took one of the hands that I had placed to cover my shoulders and started towing me behind her. I only managed to shoot Gilan a glance that screamed help before I was tugged away. I guess the two girls were excited as they ran towards the town following the coloured bodies that were dancing their way to the square. I forgot how much I loved wearing pants. As we ran, their laughs were contagious and I found that I wasn't being pulled along anymore.
Luther and the rest of the performers had begun ushering the crowd into a wide circle. They continued to pull their up their excitement prepping them for what was to come. I stayed to one side of the circle where the performers were settling themselves for their own act.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Luther's smooth voice rang out loudly and clearly through the crowd. Spectators excited chatter died down but their enthusiasm didn't. "Gather round, make sure you can see because you won't want to miss a second of what I have for you." Every time I had seen the show Luther had used new words to hook the audience's attention. They may be similar but definitely not a memorized script. By the look of the people gathered they were waiting for his next words. "Here you enter into a world of skill, bravery and strength that I have found on my adventure. My family and I want to share with all of you: fun, magic…" On the work magic he did his small magic trick of making a white rose appear out of thin air. He gave it to a small girl with blond curly hair patting her head gently. He then walked over to me locking eyes on me. He grabbed my hand and bowed to press his lips against the back of it before continuing "and love that we have." My heart seemed to stop at the action. He winked before turning back to the crowd. "Now let the show begin!" He roared as cheers drowned him out.
I felt material drape over my shoulders which I had self consciously held onto again. I know I haven't be able to act like a normal ranger but being in the spotlight still wasn't in my comfort zone. I looked over and found a gentle smiling Gilan placing my mother's dark cloak over my shoulders. "Today we will be doing the one thing you hate." Gilan whispered out of the corner of his mouth. He murmured low enough so he wouldn't catch anyone else's attention. "Even though we won't be able to hide in the shadows, I'll will be there beside you. Protecting you even if it's only like this." He was a pretty good actor. I wanted nothing more than to believe his words were more than just that.
Nervously I waited. It felt like an eternity. It probably was less than an hour. Our act wouldn't be the last one, as they always had one of their biggest spectacles at the end to leave with a big impression. I was glad because that meant people wouldn't remember Gillan and I's act too easily. I mentally curse at Crowley for suggesting we join the circus. He was going to hear it from me when this is over. Even with the hatred between the two men fighting for my affection, Luther didn't show it as he introduce his Gilan as his next act. Gilan walked confident to the middle of the crowd. I envied him.
"Now what I'm about to do is highly dangerous." Gilan started as four men quickly set up a wall of barrels. He talked easily to the crowd letting them lean in with curiosity. "Don't worry none of you have anything to fear for you will not be in harm's way. I am going to ask the beautiful Silas to join me." Jane and Beatrice who ended up behind me, made sure they took the cloak from hiding my costume. They then gave me a small push to the middle of the circle. If it weren't for them I would've hesitated longer, weighing the options before entering. Gilan grabbed my hand to help ease my nerves. Just looking at him smile at me made the crowd disappear. "She has more courage than any man which you will be here to witness." He exclaimed to the crowd and they cheered. He kindly guided me by the small of my back to the temporary wall. We exchanged a nod as my back was against the wall. I watched as he paraded the circle with welcoming arms. Then he pulled out his three knives and the crowd gasped in fear knowing what was to happen but then erupted into another collective cheer. Now at the opposite end of the clearing, he faced me with a kind smile.
The glint of his knives danced in the sun as he held one in his right hand. It was his throwing knife. My breath was calm and my heart beat was even and slow. I had no reason to fear for my safety. My life in the hands of a ranger, I could do that any day. With Gilan, I would trust him with a sword to my heart. I closed my eyes. I couldn't act like I had no fear of Gilan. I wouldn't know how. The crowd went silent for a moment and I heard a deadly 'thunk' into the wood on my left side. The crowd was very pleased as they cheer once again. I opened my eyes and looked where Gilan had aimed. Approximately thirty centimetres away was a small notch in the wood that had one ranger throwing knife sticking out of the centre.
"Now shall we make this more interesting?" Gilan asked loudly to no one in particular, turning around on spot. I could see a smug smile on his face as if he was enjoying himself. He was a better actor than I ever could be. The crowd agreed. Gilan pulled an apple out of the bin beside him and tossed it underhandedly to me. I caught it with both hands and smiled back at him understanding his mind completely. I held it out on an open palm close to my left shoulder. I kept my eyes on the apple this time. My face was turned away from Luther and Maverick who stood assessing us from the back. Within a few breaths a knife was deadly embedded into the centre of the apple as well as another cheer. "My dearest Silas, they seem to like a little danger." Gilan laughed as he tossed me another apple.
"So it would seem." I replied matching his cunning smile. I gently placed the apple on top of my head. The crowd went dead silent once more. This time I looked Gilan straight in the eye. I saw everything. The smile that changed when he met my eye. Raising the knife in his right hand, I saw the quick flick of his wrist as the knife was hurtled straight towards me. The 'thunk' knife impacting the wood shook the wood that was pressed against my back. The audience again expressed their excitement.
Gilan practically skipped over to me. Yanking out the knife above my head he winked at me. For some reason it meant that I wasn't going to like what he was thinking of. "Now," he began to the crowd. He grabbed my hand and guided me forwards. "Silas has put all of her trust in me, it's time to turn the table." There was a murmur around the crowd. He had put me in his previous spot. "Blunt end." He whispered in my ear. Letting go of my hand he backed up. I didn't miss the side glance he shot at Luther before taking my spot against the wood. I knew why he let me keep my throwing knife now. "I have every confidence in my. Silas, why else would I have asked her to marry me?"
I could sense a change in Luther and I didn't want to see what emotion he was expressing. Even over the gushing crowd I could almost feel his envy. Quickly, I reached into my boot and retrieved my throwing knife. Looking at Gilan he nodded and quickly pointed to a spot above his right shoulder. I smiled understanding. I knew the target and imagined how it was going to get there. Gilan specifically asked a blunt hit as if to stun. Feeling multiple eyes on me I shuffled on the spot. "Are you sure Gilan? I haven't thrown a knife since we were children." I added in to make it seem like I have at least done it before. So Luther and Maverick wouldn't be as surprise of my talent. Taking my time felt weird. I bit my lip in mock concentration and worry. Finally, I let it fly from my hand. It was on perfect course for the centre of the target Gilan picked out. Before I heard the hard sound on wood, Gilan with his lightning fast reflexes caught handle of my knife. Even I was taken aback at Gilan's skill. This time the crowd was even louder than before. The sound was almost painful. Gilan ran towards me with a huge smile. Without stopping he wrapped his arms around my waist and lifted my feet from the floor. Even I couldn't stop a smile from spreading across my face. He spun around twice before locking eyes with me. After that I couldn't hear anything anymore. My heart even stopped and leapt to my throat. It all happened in a few seconds but it was enough for Gilan to steal my breath as he pressed his lips to mine.
Author's note: Oooooooooooo! He kissed her! So many feels I don't know what to do with myself. Wasn't it worth the wait. I gave you Gilan POV and a kiss. What more could you ask for. Just wait till next chapter cause I already have something planned planned for that chapter. If you didn't figure out the thing Gilan was smiling over was the kiss. I skipped over it in his POV because Silas being Silas just makes it I think. You thoughts? What is going to happen next? Any guesses? Reviews would be lovely.
Love, Marie
Answered reviews!
Catherine- thanks for reviewing, even if I force you. Well you do force me to write so I guess it's up partially because of you. Thanks for the push and the help. Love you!
Tess826- I'm constantly planning what will happen next so when I finally get to type I can do large chunks at a time. Usually when it takes a while means I can't figure out how to write my thoughts so others can see what I see. I hope I'm doing it justice. Thanks so much for the lovely review. It warms my heart to see people who wrest ill keeping with me.
AlaskaKane- ask and you shall receive! There are no words to express how getting a review like yours makes me feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart as it makes me smile for days. Hopefully this extra long chapter will keep you going until I can type up the next one.
Not just one but two, holy cow! I lied four times! I had to check the other chapters. Well I don't want to ruin the story in telling you who she ends up falling in love with. Luther turning good? I love him too and I've already planned how the story will end so I guess you'll have to keep reading to find out. I chose Silas as it was a male name so people wouldn't know that she's a girl if hiding under a ranger hooded I kind of see it as a female name now that I have been writing for so long. I don't know, I just like it. Don't worry I'll keep typing until I'm done. Thanks so much for the reviews!