Part Five
As the first tinges of darkness appeared, Ayari was anxiously looking out of the living room window to see if she could see Turin and Kai. Leorie hadn't come out of her room all day and Ayari had left her to it, after she and Mythia had spent time convincing her that it wasn't the end of the world. Ayari sighed. There were times when Leorie tested even her patience. It was then she realised that she hadn't seen Reyden since that morning. Not that it was anything unusual in itself, just that given the circumstances, she expected for him not have gone off on his own. Unless he had gone with Turin, which she thought was unlikely for some reason. To her relief, Turin and Bejan came in through the gate, Bejan limping slightly. Kai was asleep in Turin's arms. Ayari went to greet them.
"Have fun?" she asked.
"Great," muttered Bejan. Turin laughed.
"He fell off a wall," he said.
"How did you do that?" asked Ayari. Bejan flopped into a chair in the living room.
"I was standing on it to get a good view," said Bejan. "I slipped. Good thing it wasn't very high." He scowled, his pride hurt more than his body. Turin turned to Ayari, and off loaded Kai, who had awaken by this time, but was still tired and more than a little grumpy.
"Bath and bed for you," said Ayari to him.
"He's been good generally, except for wanting to play in every muddy puddle we passed," said Turin. "He's had a long day. We've kept him fed, so he can go straight to bed."
"Yes, but the fresh air will have done him good. I'll go and bath him now. It'll make him feel better."
"How's things been here?" asked Turin. Ayari gave him a 'what do you think?' look. "More arguments?" he said. Ayari paused at the doorway.
"Actually, I haven't seen Reyden since this morning on the stairs," she said.
"Oh. Well, he's probably gone for a walk somewhere," said Turin.
"Since breakfast time?"
"Well, you know what Reyden's like," said Turin. Ayari nodded, and went upstairs with Kai. Bejan looked at Turin.
"So where's my drink you promised me then?" he demanded.
"You are worse for overacting than Leorie," said Turin, and left the room. Bejan huffed.
"That's not possible," he muttered.
Three hours passed, and it was nearly complete darkness. Bejan had his foot strapped up, and had gone to bed, and Ayari had put Kai to bed. Right now, she and Turin were enjoying having the living room to themselves. Since their number had dwindled somewhat from what it had been since they first came to the safe house, they had far more space. Mythia and her two children still lived in the basement, while Ayari and Turin now had one of the bedrooms. Ayari lay on the sofa with her head in Turin's lap, lazily watching Turin play with her hair out of the corner of her eye. They sat in silence, enjoying the solitude.
"What are you thinking?" asked Turin.
"Nothing really. Just thinking of how this feels as if we were back in our old home," replied Ayari. Turin thought about it.
"I suppose it does. Especially since there are fewer people here now. Do you wish we were back home rather than here?"
"Sometimes, especially when people start falling out with each other like today. But I wouldn't want to put Kai in danger, and we'd be really isolated. I don't want to leave Leorie by herself anyway." Turin looked at her, a faint expression of worry on his face.
"You've really let this get to you, hmm?" he said.
"Leorie's my closest friend after you," replied Ayari, shortly. Turin stroked the side of her face.
"I understand that. What bothers me is you getting drawn into her and Reyden's bickering."
"I'm not," said Ayari.
"Ayari, what happens between those two is their business. Leave them to it. You've done all you can." Ayari was silent for a moment, closed her eyes, and then opened them again and smiled.
"Yeah, to be honest, Leorie's been getting on my nerves. I ended up making an excuse and leaving Mythia to do the comforting."
"Leorie's such a little actress," said Turin.
"I know she can be, but it's easier to play along with her sometimes," said Ayari. She grinned at him. "Not that you're not prone to putting on a show sometimes."
"Who me?" said Turin, making his eyes wide. Ayari giggled, and sat up.
"Yes, you," she said, hugging him.
"I would never do any such thing," Turin said, looking completely serious.
"Yeah, right," said Ayari. She leant forward to kiss him, when Leorie came in.
"I'm sorry to barge in like this, but I was wondering if you had seen Reyden at all?" Ayari and Turin looked at each other.
"He's not back yet?" asked Ayari.
"No, and I don't know where he's gone, either," said Leorie.
"It's only just after six. Wait a bit longer," said Turin. Leorie was about to say something, but something in Turin's voice made her think otherwise.
"You're right," she said. "I'll give it another hour." With that, she left the room, leaving Turin and Ayari alone again.
"That was a bit harsh," said Ayari. Turin tutted.
"No, it wasn't," he said. "You might want to play along with her Ayari, but I don't have the patience for it." He brightened up again. "So, where were we?"
"About here, I think," said Ayari, leaning towards him again. Suddenly, the sound of the front door banging, and Leorie's voice interrupted them. Turin looked at Ayari.
"Now they're interfering with my own love life," he muttered.
"Says who?" said Ayari, kissing him. Leorie opened the door again.
"Ayari, can you help me? Reyden's just come back." She disappeared again.
"Says Leorie," said Turin, ruefully. Ayari planted another kiss on his forehead, and got up to help Leorie. Turin followed her at first, then thought better of it. Ayari went up the stairs to Leorie and Reyden's room. Reyden was sat on the bed soaking wet and coughing.
"Where have you been?" Leorie was asking him.
"Out walking," said Reyden.
"I'll go and fetch some blankets," offered Ayari.
"Please, that would be great," said Leorie. She turned to Reyden.
"You didn't have to stay out in all the rain," she said. Reyden shrugged.
"I was too far from any buildings," he said.
"You went out into the countryside?" said Leorie, beginning to undo his tunic.
"I felt like it," replied Reyden, and coughed again. Leorie brushed some hair aside, and discovered a cut on his forehead.
"How did you get that?" she asked, discarding his top in a heap by the door. Ayari came back with some blankets, and thoughtfully turned around to protect Reyden's modesty.
"I caught myself on a branch or something," he said. Leorie wrapped some blankets round him, and gave him a hug.
"Ayari, can you get something to clean this cut with?" said Leorie. Ayari nodded, and disappeared again. Leorie undid what was left of Reyden's hair bun.
"Leave it," he muttered, as she tried to comb some of it out. Ayari came back with a bowl and some cloths.
"I'll see to it," she said.
"I'll go and get Reyden a drink and some food," said Leorie, and disappeared. Ayari sat beside Reyden, and soaked one of the cloths. Reyden said nothing as she carefully brushed his hair aside, and began to dab at the wound.
"Leorie's been quite worried about you," said Ayari. Reyden looked sideways.
"Makes a change," he said.
"She worries about you quite a lot," Ayari replied, testily. Reyden looked at her properly.
"I know…I'm tired, that's all."
"Don't you care about anyone but yourself?" she asked. Reyden's expression relaxed.
"Of course I do," he replied. "Just because I might not show my feelings, doesn't mean I don't have any." Ayari looked at him, her eyes slightly narrowed. She got another cloth, and soaked it, carefully wringing it out, and proceeded to wipe the dirt off the rest of his face. Reyden's eyes closed as he relaxed.
"Turin's a lucky man," he murmured, not quite loud enough for Ayari to hear.
"Pardon?" she said. Reyden opened his eyes.
"Nothing," he said, catching Ayari's gaze with his piercing eyes. She looked away, making rinsing the cloth her excuse. She raised the cloth again to Reyden's face, carefully avoiding his cut. Reyden broke into another fit of coughing, quite a bad one. Ayari put down the cloth and patted him on the back till it stopped.
"Are you okay?" she said, her arm still round him. Reyden nodded, his face regaining normal colour. Ayari continued cleaning his face, getting rid of the streaks of dirt. She finished, and put a hand on his forehead.
"You're quite warm," she said. "Hopefully a good nights rest is all you need…" Ayari froze, for Reyden had placed his hand on hers, and moved it down the side of his face. She was speechless, and could do nothing but stare at him. Reyden again looked into her eyes.
"Like I said, Ayari. I might not show them, but I still have feelings," he said, softly. Ayari found her voice.
"What about Leorie?" she said.
"I care about Leorie a lot, but…" began Reyden, but Ayari pulled her hand away.
"Don't even say that," she said. Reyden lowered his eyes. They sat there in an uncomfortable silence. Thankfully for Ayari, Leorie came back in at that point. She smiled at them.
"That looks better," she said. Ayari stood up.
"Glad to help," she replied.
"I think I'll be okay now, thanks," said Leorie. Ayari smiled at her, but didn't say anything to Reyden, and left them to it. She couldn't believe what had just happened, and was determined to put it out of her mind straight away. She went to look for Turin, and found him in the kitchen.
"Everything alright?" he asked.
"Yes. I don't think Reyden's about to die," she replied, wryly.
"You look a bit flushed," said Turin. Ayari's eyes shot up.
"I do? I must be tired. It's been a funny day."
"You're tired? I'm the one who has been out and about today," laughed Turin. "Do you want something to eat?"
"Please."
"I can't believe you still trust my cooking," said Turin, messing about with pots and looking in cupboards. Ayari grinned.
"It's better than nothing," she said, knowing Turin would put on an insulted look, which he did.
It was a few weeks later. Turin woke with a start, and turned to see if Ayari was up yet. She was still fast asleep next to him. Carefully, he got out of bed, and made his way round the dark room. As quietly as possible, he opened a drawer, and dug around inside until he found what he was looking for. Kai, for once, was also still asleep. Turin crept back into bed, turned on a lamp, then leaned over and kissed Ayari on the cheek.
"Wake up," he said. Ayari stirred, looking at him with bleary eyes. Turin kissed her again.
"Happy birthday," he said, and gave her the small package. Ayari rubbed her eyes, and sat up.
"Thank you," she said, and proceeded to open it. Inside was a small pendant, made of silver, and set with a blue-green stone.
"It's beautiful," said Ayari. "Thank you. Where did you get it?"
"You're not supposed to ask things like that," protested Turin. "Let me put it on." Ayari pulled her raven hair out of the way so that Turin could fasten it. She got out of bed to look in the mirror, and turned to face Turin.
"It looks lovely," he said, approvingly. Ayari agreed, and turned to look again in the mirror. Turin got out of bed, walked over to Ayari, and put his arms round her.
"And that's not going to be the end of it," he said. Ayari raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"Only the best for the birthday girl," he smiled.
"Sounds interesting," said Ayari, then noticed that there were two little eyes peering at her from under a blanket. "Good morning, little man," she said. The eyes disappeared under the blanket, only to reappear again. Turin went and lifted Kai out of bed.
"Say 'happy birthday, mummy'," said Turin. Kai put on a shy act.
"Happy birthday, mummy," he said as best he could, his face half buried in Turin's shoulder. Ayari laughed, and stroked his head.
"You're a funny little boy," she said. Kai chuckled, and hid his face again.
"I'd better get dressed," said Ayari, making her way to the wardrobe.
"I suppose so, but you look stunning the way you are now," grinned Turin, as she took off her nightgown. She looked at him over her shoulder.
"Flattery will get you nowhere," she said. Turin smiled and shook his head.
"Pay a woman a compliment, and look where it gets you," he said to Kai. Ayari snorted, and pulled on one of her dresses, then sat down on a chair in front of the dresser, and began to do her hair.
Later on, as day began to draw into evening, Ayari was wondering what else was going to happen to her on her birthday. She wasn't allowed into the kitchen or the large dining room, and Turin kept vanishing. She gathered that some party was being planned, and decided to go up to their room, and keep away from it all. Kai was with Mythia for the day, so she had absolutely nothing to do for once. No sooner had she lain down and opened the book Leorie had got her as a present, then Turin came in.
"Get ready," he said.
"For what?" replied Ayari.
"Your birthday party, of course," grinned Turin. "You must know of it, surely."
"Well, it did cross my mind," answered Ayari.
"I can't make it a complete surprise in this place, I'm afraid." said Turin. Ayari smiled.
"I know, but it's the thought that counts. How long have I got?"
"About an hour or so. I hope that's long enough?"
"Plenty of time," replied Ayari, sticking out her tongue. Turin returned the gesture and left.
An hour later, Ayari made her way down to the dining room, and found that nearly everyone was there already. She wore a close fitting dark red satin dress, and had taken her hair out of its bun, and let it hang loosely. Therefore, it came as no surprise when all the men's eyes clamped onto her when she entered. She smiled sweetly at them all, even Reyden, and went and put her arm purposefully round Turin's waist.
"Happy birthday," said Turin. Ayari looked round the room, and saw that there were other people there not from their own house. She spotted several friends who she had not seen for two or three years, and was soon off catching up with them all, proudly showing off Kai, who some had not seen, others only remembered him as a tiny baby. She received more presents, and even danced, something which she normally hated doing. After she had put Kai to bed, she came back down, and picked at some of the food on offer. While she was there, she found herself next to Reyden. He looked at her, and managed a small smile.
"That's a nice pendant," he said.
"Thank you. Turin gave it me," she replied, not sure as to whether he made a genuine compliment, or was just finding an excuse to look at the contents of her low cut dress. Probably both, she decided. He didn't get a chance to look for long, for Turin came along and put his arm round her shoulder.
"Having fun?" he asked, ignoring Reyden.
"I'm having a great time," smiled Ayari. Turin turned her away from Reyden, and took her over to where a cake with candles on was waiting. Turin got everyone's attention.
"Okay, everyone? Right, I'm sure we're all waiting to sing 'Happy Birthday' to Ayari so we can all have some cake," he began, looking at Ayari, who looked suitably embarrassed. "But first, there's something I need to get out of the way, that has been on my mind for a while. You see, I have another present here for Ayari, but she can only have it if she agrees to something." Turin took his arm from round her, and took her hand instead, so that she faced him. "So, Ayari, you can have this if you will agree to marry me," he said, presenting her with a ring. To Ayari, everyone else in the room seemed to disappear as she threw her arms round Turin's neck.
"Of course I will!" she exclaimed, as everyone else in the room cheered and clapped. Except for Reyden, who no one noticed slip out of the room. While they still hugged each other, Ayari whispered in Turin's ear,
"I thought you were never going to ask me."
"I just never seemed to have the opportunity until now," he replied, as they let go of each other. Turin pushed the ring onto Ayari's finger, and then they kissed.
"Better hurry up and make a wish now," shouted someone. Ayari turned to her birthday cake, and blew the candles out, then had to endure people singing 'Happy Birthday' to her. Ayari's friends then all surged forwards to look at the ring, even though she had barely seen it herself. It was a delicate thing, set with the same blue-green stone as her pendant, then surrounded by tiny diamonds.
"That's beautiful," said Leorie. "Congratulations, Ayari." She hugged her best friend, who couldn't stop beaming.
"This has to be one of the best days in my life," Ayari said to her.
"Maybe it'll make Reyden hurry up," said Leorie. In the back of Ayari's mind, a sadness sprung up, for she knew that Reyden was never going to ask Leorie to marry him. To Leorie she simply said,
"Let's hope it does."
A few days later, Reyden decided to finally have the talk with Turin that he had been putting off since the day he found out about Leorie's pregnancy. He found Turin in the living room, talking with Bejan and Dalin.
"Turin, I need to talk to you," said Reyden. Turin nodded.
"Okay," he said. Reyden looked at Bejan and Dalin. They got up and left the room. Reyden sat down.
"So, what's the matter?" asked Turin, trying to work out what he might have done wrong.
"I've been meaning to talk to you about this for a week or two," said Reyden.
"About Leorie?" guessed Turin.
"Kind of…more about the baby, I suppose." There was a silence, which Turin broke.
"What do you want to know?" he asked, trying to get the conversation going, though he couldn't help enjoying seeing Reyden on the point of embarrassment.
"I just need some advice. I don't feel ready to be a father."
"Well, neither did I," said Turin.
"You make it look easy," replied Reyden.
"It certainly isn't," said Turin. "Maybe if you stop thinking of it as being the end of the world, that'll take a lot of the weight off your mind." Reyden said nothing, so Turin continued. "To tell you the truth, I didn't care that Ayari was going to have a baby. It was just something that happened. I didn't think anything of Kai until he was actually born, and I held him in my arms. It was only then that something clicked inside me."
"Really?" said Reyden, surprised.
"Yes. It's a strange thing to go through. It was different for Ayari though, she adapted to it straightaway. I think because the baby was inside her, and she was aware of him nearly all of the time, especially when he started moving. There was some sort of bond formed between them before Kai was even born," said Turin.
"So you think that I shouldn't be too worried until it's born then?"
"No. I find that I learn how to be a parent as Kai grows up. It's an ongoing task, that commits you for the rest of your life, even when they are grown."
"Not like our own parents," said Reyden. "Who killed themselves when we were old enough to take care of ourselves."
"They let themselves die so we could live on. They couldn't grow old, they had been on Harluca for decades, and that was the only way to free themselves. But my parents taught me all they knew, and that included their experience of bringing me up. It is only now I can look back and understand why they did certain things," replied Turin, fiercely. There was silence for a minute or so. Reyden spoke.
"Thank you for your help," he said, standing up. Turin looked at him.
"One more thing," he said. "Stay away from Ayari."
"I don't know what you're talking about," said Reyden, and tried to leave, but Turin stood up and blocked him.
"I'm not blind, Reyden. I see the way you look at her."
"She's an attractive woman," shrugged Reyden, and tried to push past Turin. Incensed, Turin grabbed Reyden and shoved him back, holding onto the front of his tunic.
"The day you found out about Leorie's pregnancy." Turin hissed. "When you and Ayari were alone in your room together. I saw what you did." Reyden, already surprised by Turin's anger, was further caught off guard by this revelation, and it took him a while to find his voice.
"You did?"
"I came up to see what was happening, and stood outside the door when I saw what was going on. I left when I heard Leorie coming back up the stairs," Turin told him. He shook Reyden. "You keep your hands off her."
"She's not your personal property," replied Reyden.
"What makes you think she would be interested in an arrogant self centred person like you?" asked Turin. Reyden smiled smugly at him.
"If you think that, then why are you bothered about me looking at her? Do you think I am the only one?"
"Nobody else tries it on her when they're alone with her," said Turin. "What were you going to do if Leorie had gone out for a couple of hours?" He pulled Reyden round, and pushed him against the door. "You leave her alone, do you hear me?" He shook Reyden again, not caring that he banged Reyden's head against the door, then finally let him go. Reyden pulled the front of his tunic back into place, and looked at Turin, trying to compose himself.
"You have no idea how fortunate you are," he said, meaning more than one thing, but letting his defences down briefly. Turin, always quick to pick up on things noticed it. He stared at Reyden again.
"You're jealous," he said in disbelief. "Why?"
"So you can gloat?" said Reyden.
"I understand now. All the snide comments and attempts to stir trouble. I can't believe I didn't see it," said Turin, more to himself than to Reyden, who spoke up.
"Ayari is so much more a person than Leorie. She has ambitions, even now. She doesn't give up and look for an easy route if that means missing out on something she really wants. She doesn't just think of herself…" he trailed off, and looked at Turin. "But you have no idea how hard it is to see her with you."
"Don't you feel anything for Leorie at all?" asked Turin.
"I do, in one sense. But I don't love her, Turin. I'm not sure I ever did."
"Then why don't you tell her?"
"I was going to, but then she got pregnant. I couldn't do that to her." Reyden lowered his eyes. Turin couldn't help feeling a little sorry for him. But he still didn't feel inclined to trust him.
"I'm sorry Reyden, but Ayari's mine. You have to live with that. I meant it when I said to leave her alone. If I see you try to do anything like you did again, I'll do more than just warn you off," he said, very carefully, looking at Reyden square in the face.
"Was that a threat?" replied Reyden, staring back equally hard.
"I'm not frightened of you, Reyden. I never have been," said Turin.
"I think you'd better go," said Reyden. Turin agreed.
"I think I will." Reyden moved aside to let him pass, then closed the door and leaned against it, letting out a sigh. Outside, Turin nearly walked into Ayari.
"Turin?" she asked, but he just pushed past her, and disappeared towards the front door. As she stood there puzzled, Reyden came out of the living room, a slight hint of nervousness on his face.
"Something the matter, Reyden?" she asked him.
"No, not at all," he said, forcing a smile. He turned and went upstairs, a hand on the back of his head. Ayari looked suspiciously in the direction that Turin had taken, then shook her head, and decided to let it go.
Part Six