Chapter Seventeen: Confessions





The sun was pouring itself through the windows generously, adding a heavy extra layer to the blankets on top of me. I smiled to myself, eyes still shut against the sunlight's vigorous charge to creep beneath my lids. The warmth was an actual force against my body, a heaviness entirely of comfort and relaxation. I stretched - and realized that the weight on my feet was actually the heat of Kell's kitten, who had curled up on top of me at some point during the night. The little brown tabby shifted as I did, arching her back in a stretch before she curled up again, her small body across my legs.

I looked over to the bed next to me. Edge was on his stomach, arms sprawled in four different directions, face half buried in his pillow. His violet hair was unruly where it poked out from underneath the blanket. He doesn't sleep like a prince, I thought, and had to stifle a laugh. We had been healed, but his clothing was still torn and his face still weary. For the seven-hundredth time I wondered what had brought him to Mist.

He grunted in his sleep and twitched a bit, gathering the covers to his face like a tiny child. I couldn't help but smile. Edge had been my light in the darkness. He had come to save me. I wasn't quite sure what to do about that.

The door opened silently and Kell herself walked in, carrying a tray with two mugs of coffee and some hot creme-meal, obviously expecting to leave it for us. Her first mistake was to tut at the kitten, who lifted its sleepy head to give her a lidded stare. I couldn't help but laugh at that; Kell turned to me as if she were surprised to see me awake.

I sat up straight (the tabby had been roused by the possibility of milk) and reached out as Kell handed me the steaming mug of coffee. We smiled at each other in silence. I noticed the hollows under her eyes; I expected she had been up late caring and cleaning for us. From what I remembered of the pretty alchemist, she had a horrible, horrible conscience when she didn't do something exactly right.

The scent must have awakened Edge, for he rolled over with a grunt and said sulkily, "What smells so blasted good?"

Kell flushed, while I sipped my drink and responded calmly, "Edge, dear, it's breakfast. Say good morning to Kell."

"Morning?" Kell blinked at me, amused. "Lady Rydia, it's mid-afternoon. You've been sleeping ...well, all day."

"Ah." That explained the strong sunlight, at least. "Well, good afternoon, then."

Edge had successfully obtained his coffee, a bowl of meal, and the kitten's undying attention. Scowling at it as he covered the creme-meal with milk, he said, "I'm not very good in the mornings, Kell, but you brew one hell of a cup of coffee. I'm Edge, Prince of Eblan." And he stuffed a spoon in his mouth.

I rolled my eyes. "I can't take you anywhere, can I?" I teased him. "This is my hometown, Edge. You should be making me look good."

He gave me a lidded stare not unlike that of the kitten. "I am a Prince, you know. Isn't that good enough?"

"Right now you look more like the Prince of Bed-Hair," I replied. Edge dropped his cereal and threw his hands to his head, mortified at Kell's snort. The tabby took advantage of the situation and buried her little face in the bowl. I burst out laughing.

Finally Kell and I coaxed Prince Messy-Head out from under the covers where he was taking refuge ("Damn you, Edge, come out of there, or I'll throw ice water on you," to which he replied, "No, drat you, and that bloody cat too," muffled by the thick blanket) and into the tiny bath-house attached to our Inn. I helped Kell tidy up her house, greeting Dahrin at the Inn, waving a hello to Maara, knitting on her porch.

I was amazed by the light and joy present on everyone's face now; I wondered what had made me forget the happiness that had always been present here. Mist was not known for its technological wonders like Baron or its beauty like Toroia. It had been the one thing I remembered about my childhood. I wondered at how easily I had been fooled.

Edge emerged from the bathhouse slicked and cleaned (though still in his dusty clothing); I ran in quickly after him, more to savor the warm water than anything else. I threw on an old traveling-gown that Maara had given me; it was my mother's, and had been pulled out of the wreckage of our old house after the fire. Before the house became a monument. The gown itself was silver and green - my favorite - and smelled of home.

When I emerged there was a little crowd waiting outside. I could see they had been pestering Edge with questions and concerns; it was the Mist way to make an apology. I quickly headed over to save the poor ninja. He still looked exhausted, though most of his wounds had been healed. Where had he ...? Seven hundred and one.

Kell, Dahrin, Jassiline, Borah, Maara. A few other adults I recognized vaguely. They were all waiting for me, I presumed. As I approached my theory was confirmed; they turned to face me.

Dahrin bowed his head slightly. "Lady, we..."

"Look," I said quickly. "No more of this 'Lady Rydia' stuff. I was born here seven years ago - born here, in this town, just like the rest of you. Cut it out, now."

There was an awkward silence (Edge was frantically doing the math from my birthdate, I realized). Kell said finally in a low voice, "But you ...you're a soul-summoner ...you're the protector of the town, Lady..."

"Did you call my mother Lady?" I asked, seeing the obvious answer on their faces. "I didn't think so. Anyway, Dahrin, what were you going to say?"

He swallowed audibly. "We talked things over last night while you were sleeping. We're all that's left, Rydia, and we do need help. We were blinded - by magic. We had a long conference and ..." he trailed off, but Jassiline finished strongly, "we'd like you to ask Baron to make us a protectorate."

My face lit up. "Really?"

Kell nodded. "It's the best way to go," she said, "especially if the Land of Summons is ...changing. We don't know what to expect. And we'd rather be friends than enemies."

I nodded. "I have their word that they will give as much aid as you ask for, and as little intrusion as possible. I know our way of life here is important."

Maara smiled radiantly. "This town's gonna turn around, little Rydia," she said. "We've got strength in us yet."

There was the sound of bare feet running, and then something heavy slammed itself into my legs; Remy said into my dress, "You're not going again, are you?"

I tried to turn, but her arms were around my legs, and I almost lost my balance. "Remy, darling, I have to go tell Cecil about what happened. He's going to come and help us fix our town. I'll be back soon."

"I'm coming with you." The little girl hugged my legs fiercely, burying her face in the depths of my mother's skirt.

"Here." Stooping quickly, Kell caught up the little bundle. "Remy, if you don't stay here, who will help me with my potions?"

Remy sulked.

Apologizing profusely, I told them of my desire to return to Baron immediately. I knew that Cecil would be waiting for news from the town; and he would be duly concerned about the presence of the demons. My guess was that there were more pockets of them out there, and that it would be someone's job to help rid the world of them.

The other truth was, the people of Mist were so apologetic and guilty and full of remorse and the desire to make good that - frankly - I was ready to leave. I could tell they were grating on Edge's nerves; the poor ninja looked so tired and worn, and there were little kids hanging on his every word (and some from his belt, which was more dangerous than I wanted to admit). They half-cajoled, half-forced us to stay for dinner, only with a firm reminder that Edge and I would be on the road directly after the meal. The entire meal was full of kind speeches and thank-yous for saving the town; by the time it had ended I was positively itching to get on the road. I didn't have much patience for this endless gratitude; I knew the town would heal itself after we'd gone and I wanted to facilitate the process.

The meal ended, and as the sun was beginning to set Edge and I took to the road. The ninja was strangely quiet, his face covered with the same bemused smile. We picked our way through the forest into the Misty Cave. About halfway through Edge threw his things to the ground and collapsed to the ground. "C'mon, Riddy, let's camp here."

I looked at him, confused. It was night out, and possibly unsafe; but I was only mildly tired. He was grinning at me, but in the back of his eyes I could see - exhaustion? Weariness? I bit my tongue and sank to the ground before him, so we were facing each other in the dim cave light.

"Truth is," he said, grunting as he shifted his weight, "your townspeople wore me out. I'm beat, Riddy." How had he started calling me that? It was my childhood nickname falling so easily from his lips. Had I not noticed?

I smiled at him and dug out a tent kit from his pack. "Fine, then, wimp. We'll rest here."

As I went to putting together the shelter and starting a small fire, I realized that he wasn't helping much. He really was exhausted! In fact, he was barely moving. Even more concerned, I set something to cook over the fire. He was watching me, the same absentminded smile ever-present. Finally I curled up opposite the fire, staring into the flames. Edge was leaning up against a rock across from me; I could see him shifting through the red haze. I smiled lazily, thinking of everything that had happened.

"You have to be the most powerful person that I know," Edge said, casually. I blinked, my eyes still fixed on the dance of the fire. He didn't continue, but it was obvious that there was something weighing on my mind.

"Edge." I sat up, my voice soft, and scooted around the fire until I was sitting, facing him, near enough to touch. "I want to say ...well, if you hadn't come right then ...I mean, what ...thank you, Edge."

There was a long pause; now his eyes were in the flames. Carefully I asked: "But what were you doing in Mist, Edge?"

A shadow fell over his face, as if he were struggling to keep a secret; finally, defeated, he leaned against the rock. Flame swirled in his deep eyes. He looked as if he were trying to string together a difficult sentence. Finally he admitted, "I've been following you for a week now, Rydia."

He took advantage of my silence - for I was stunned into silence - to continue. "It was all from - it began that day - y'know, the day we had the fight," he said, with an embarrassed smile. "And what you said, about me, and Eblan ...well, I was thinking, and I realized what you meant about Caylista."

Caylista. I had totally forgotten, and my heart plunged. Surprisingly. Is that what he's going to tell me? And then, violently: Why is that such a big deal?

"And for a while I had convinced myself that I was going to go back and do the right thing. And then suddenly this note showed up." He reached in his pocket and pulled out a soiled, crumpled piece of paper. It looked as if it had gone through the entire battle of Zemus itself. "And then - all I could think about - was you."

I still had nothing to say, my brain and mouth disconnected. Edge continued, eyes lazily on the fire. "I left. I had to follow you - I don't know why - but - I did. I went to Mist. Then they said that you'd gone to the Land of Summons. So I went there. Borrowed one of Eblan's few crafts and headed for the Underground. Fought my way to the Summon Kingdom. They told me you'd gone to Mysidia. Went back to the surface. The Elder told me you'd gone back to Baron. Went back to the castle and Cecil and Rosa said you'd come back here. So I came."

My hands involuntarily flew to my mouth in disbelief. "You've been ...on foot?" No wonder the exhaustion. The weariness. He's been prowling the world for a week straight.

"More or less." He gave me a crooked smile.

"Edge." My voice was a whisper. "...Why?"

He bowed his head, silky violet hair falling into his face. "I ...after that ...I have to ask you something." There was a moment's pause as he gathered all of his courage together. "If you really meant what you said - about not being a Prince - about responsibility ...if you meant that, really, I'll go back. I'll marry Caylista and take her father's money and be a good King to my people. I hadn't realized," he said, almost conversationally as an interruption, "what they were planning until you said that. I still want to know how you figured it out. But sure as anything as soon as you were gone the Duke was in my room pleading the suit. Amazing."

He paused, doodling in the dust with a long finger. "But." He sighed. "If that is what you mean - if that is all I mean to you - I will go back. And do what seems to be best for Eblan." He bit his lip. "But I have to ask you. I have to know if that's really what you meant. If that's really how much you care."

My heart was pounding, a pulse I felt could be visible, even through the darkness. "Edge," I whispered, "Edge, you know ..." My head was spinning. "You know how much I care about you," I said, surprising even myself.

He looked at me then, surprise and wonder spreading all over his face. "Are you ...are you serious? Don't joke with me about this, Rydia." His tone was stern.

I was flushed in the firelight. "Edge," I said huskily, "I -"

Somehow he had leant forward so his face was before mine, pale in the firelight. I saw his eyes slowly flick down and then back up to mine. His hand reached out and brushed my cheek, his fingers warm against my skin. I shivered. His hand drew my face close; he was simply staring at me as if he were drowning. "You're so damned pretty," he whispered then, and kissed me.

The touch of his lips against mine - warm, and soft, so soft - was the most astounding thing I had ever felt.

We drew away from each other slowly. My body was racing. All I could do was look at him, lips parted slightly, enthralled by the emotions. His face was incredulous, as if he couldn't believe what he had just done.

Finally he reached over and took my hand, saying, "I've been following you for a week because I wanted to do that."

"Edge - I -" My mind was not working properly. It was distracted by the tender play of Edge's fingers across the back of my hand ...

He looked at me then, inquiring. "You mean - you didn't know?"

I couldn't seem to form any words. Slowly I shook my head, swallowing.

Edge blinked, startled. Looking away into the fire, a disbelieving smile crossed his face. "Here I am, trying to win you over, and you have no idea." He shook his head.

"Edge." I clasped his hand tightly in mine; I wanted him to look at me. "How was I supposed to know - what this was? I grew up with monsters. They taught me magic and spells, not human emotion. I'm just learning for myself." And I'd really appreciate it if you'd do that again.

A different thought crossed his face. "Yeah, um..." he said, phrasing his words, "I'm a little confused ...back there, you said you'd only been born, er, seven years ago..."

I laughed. "Yes," I said simply, just to see the look run across his face. I gave him a smile. "But when I was six or so, I was taken - it's another long story, really - into the Land of Summons. Time passes so quickly there that I grew up eleven years in the course of what was a few months out here. Though I'm not really sure about time anymore ...I think I'm eighteen or so."

"Another long story, huh." His mouth bent into an amused smile. "I want to hear all your long stories, Rydia. Like you said, we really don't know much about each other."

"We never asked," I whispered, but then he said sharply, "And how'd you know about Caylista?"

I jerked, looking up at him. Could I ...? It was a secret I had kept, not knowing how it would be viewed ...but my hesitation only lasted a couple seconds as I swallowed and said bravely: "I'm a telepath, Edge."

His jaw dropped, and I saw his eyes filling up with worry. I said hastily, "Not all the time - and I really don't have any control over it. It, er, comes and goes ...I can only pick up really strong emotions and the thoughts that go with them ...she was, er, thinking of you rather, um, violently at the party. I figured..." I swallowed. "I figured it had already been done. Please don't tell anyone else. I try to ignore it. I don't want it getting out - no one will ever trust me again"

He looked at me then, exasperated. "You're telepathic, Riddy, and you still couldn't figure out that I was crazy about you?"

Surprised, I smiled. "I didn't know what I was looking for," I murmured. "Are you crazy about me?"

"You have no idea." A smile crossed his handsome face - a genuine smile. For me.

"Show me, then," I said with a sly smile. Laughing, he leaned forward, and kissed me again. And again.

A little while later - I was resting against him, leaning against the rock, grateful for the warmth of his arm around me - he turned and said, "So - I'm assuming you don't want me to run off and marry Caylista."

"You stupid twit." I poked him in the stomach. "Not just yet, anyway."

He gave me an amused smile. "Little red-headed snot, I believe, is what you called her."

I snorted. "You should've heard what she called me. 'Green-haired witch,' and worse. Be glad you're not a telepath, Edge."

He squeezed me then, hard, until I squealed and bit his arm. "Well, I am glad that I have ...other options," he said with a secretive smile, kissing my nose. "I certainly wouldn't want to marry that bitch."

"What about the money?" I asked snuggling into his side. "Doesn't Eblan need ...?"

"I don't care," Edge said passionately. "Eblan is strong. We'll do whatever it takes on our own. Besides, Baron's got money, and I think Cecil owes me one."

I rolled my eyes. "Arrogant jerk," I said affectionately.

"Green-haired witch." Edge tugged on one of my locks. "Beautiful little green-haired witch." He settled himself against the rock, ready for a nap.

I waited until he had relaxed, and elbowed him in the gut.





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i had to have just one mushy chapter... the story isn't complete without it.