=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
A lot of readers were very concerned about poor Ascot in the last chapter. Sorry to all you Ascot fans out there. I don't hate the adorable young man at all. I feel that Ascot would be left very hurt and upset in the circumstances. By no means to I gain satisfaction by kicking the poor lad around. I wouldn't be too concerned about the boy though... *winks*
I'm glad that that a few readers out there are enjoying the story. (I love all you readers who enjoy the detail and descriptions I work so hard to add to the story!) I try to write as quickly as I can but it gets difficult when I'm off running to different theatre practices each evening and I have other people fighting for computer time. I hate having people watch me when I write and I need a nice quiet environment. It also helps when I am suddenly inspired and have a detailed idea of what to write. If only that inspiration would hit me more frequently... I'm trying the best I can though to get this story down and out to all of you. Stick with me! ^_^
And yes, Clef is in his older OAV form. Just a small note for the readers who didn't catch that in the little opening in the first chapter. This story is a continuation of my last one, so he still is in his wonderful older form.
Disclaimer: Rayearth is the property of CLAMP/Kodansha, not me obviously!
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Devotions
Author: Blue Angel Samui
Chapter Three: Promises
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Clef found Umi standing alone on the rocky cliffs that overlooked the sea. Time seemed to slow as the wind played wither hair and dress, whipping them around her elegant form. Watching her raise a slim hand to restrain her dancing blue locks behind her ear he saw a small smile grace her slightly parted lips. She lazily gazed out at the sea as the evening sky slowly faded to a deep purple and the stars were reflected on the ocean's surface. Silently approaching her from behind he protectively and possessively encircled his arms around her waist. Drawing her closer he rested his head on her shoulder, looking out at the same breath taking view. Her arms came to gently rest on his and her fingers lightly traced the contours of his upper arms. The two stayed there for a long while, as if lost in time. Trapped in that one peaceful and loving moment.
Finally breaking the serene silence he spoke, "I've been looking for you." His low, breathy voice tickled as his breath brushed past her neck.
"I didn't want to miss this sight," she breathlessly whispered raising her hand to cup his cheek. He turned his head toward her hand, lightly placing a kiss in the center of her palm. She tilted her head encouragingly as he began to trail soft kisses down her neck.
Between kisses he whispered to her, "Gods you are beautiful." Her angelic laugh filled his ears. "Let's go inside," he continued. "It's growing cold."
"Lets just stay a little while longer," she quietly pleaded.
Wrapping his cloak around both their forms he pulled her closer taking in her sweet scent. She continued to peacefully stare out into the abyss before her. Clef looked down at her beautiful face outlined by the silver moonlight. He wanted her to stay with him, in this same feeling of absolute bliss, forever. The ring that he carried in his pocket crossed his mind. The news he would have to break to her of his sudden trip quickly followed suit.
"What is it?" her melodic voice questioned. He looked at her with confusion in his eyes. Looking up into his face she smiled. "What are you thinking about? You always get that same detached look on your face when you are seriously thinking about something important."
She knew him too well. He smiled back at her a little thrown off. "Well, my lady, I." he trailed off unsure of how to proceed. She slightly pulled away and turned to face him. The look in her eyes encouraged him to continue. Reaching into his pocked his hand grasped the delicate ring.
"Umi, I love you more than life itself," he clumsily started cursing his own lack of poetic words. "I was just thinking of how much you mean to me, and how if you left me I would cease to live. My will to go on would die and I would be left helpless. A broken, empty shell of a man." Concern shone in her questioning eyes. "I've wanted to give you this for the longest time," he continued producing the ring, holding in front of her eyes. Slowly the ring levitated from his fingers' grasp and delicately deposited itself in her open hand.
"Clef, it's the most beautiful." her words trailed off and tears filled her eyes as he slowly brought a finger to her lips, silencing her.
"I know of your deep love for your world and your family. I'm not asking you to abandon that. All I ask is for a promise that you will always, eventually, return to me, even for a short while. That's all I need to continue on. But I hope that one day, you will find yourself so drawn to this world that you will stay with me permanently. You are a part of me Umi, and I ache for you when you are away."
Tears of joy slipping down her cheeks, she stood completely stunned. She numbly watched as he raised her quaking hand and slowly slipped the ring onto her finger. She admired the ring momentarily before looking back up into the mage's anxious, questioning eyes. "Of course Clef. I could never stay too long from you. You are as much a part of me as I am of you. I love you..."
He cut her off when he suddenly claimed her lips. Wrapping her arms around his neck she clung to him as if he would dissipate if she lessened her grasp. Once again bringing his arms around her waist he picked her off the ground and spun in a haphazard circle as Umi let out a squeal of delight. Slowly depositing her back onto the ground he gazed into her shimmering eyes and leaned in to kiss her again.
"What else do you need to tell me?" she questioned, stopping him flat, inches from her face.
He let out a loud sigh and let his head fall to her shoulder. She knew him all too well.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
It was barely dawn when Clef walked into the castle stables. Leading two horses from their stalls he let out a lazy yawn. "I can't believe what I'm getting myself into," he complained to the horse he was tying up and preparing to saddle. The beast just stared at him, swishing its tail impatiently. Placing a blanket on the horse's back and then lifting the large saddle onto it's back Clef stiffly bent to secure the necessary straps and buckles. Turning to the second horse he began to repeat the same process.
Umi had taken the news of his sudden trip remarkably well. She showed no disappointment or anger towards the mage. He almost wished the scene had played out like he thought it would have. It would have been unpleasant for a while but then the overall outcome would have been more to his liking.
Leading both horses from the stable Clef saw his ridding companion approach. She was dressed in a comfortable, long blue dress that gathered below her bust-line. The sleeves were long and graciously belled out, but were drawn in decoratively with a deep blue ribbon at her upper arm. The neckline was open and wide, sitting well off her shoulders. On her hand she wore her glove that bore the ovum that contained her armor and weapon. A long deep blue cloak was drawn around her form, latching at her neck with a decorative silver clasp in the form of a dragon. Her hair was pulled back from her face in a loose half ponytail. Clef's breath caught in his throat eagerly took in her whole form.
"I left a letter for the others telling them we were setting out for a short pleasure trip. Ready to go?" Umi cheerily asked.
"Pleasure trip?" he asked with a defeated sigh taking her satchel and attaching it to the back of one of the horses' saddles.
"Well, any trip with me should be considered a pleasure!" she teased eyeing the tired mage. She was pleased to see he was very intently staring at her. "Do you like my outfit?" She spun in a quick circle as if modeling the clothes for him. "I'll draw less attention if I wear clothes more common here in Cephiro."
Clef arched an eyebrow and laughed. "I'm afraid you'll draw attention from many admirers in any dress."
"Why Clef! I do believe that is a complement. I guess you'll have to be careful or someone might take a liking to me and try to steal me away." She playfully waltzed towards him and placed a kiss on his cheek.
"Right, I'll be on guard," he replied with a smirk. Gently taking her hand he ached an eyebrow and studied her ovum.
"In case the damsel has to rescue her knight in shining armor," she answered without him having to ask.
"I don't think you'll need to worry," he replied a little agitated. "You are traveling with a Master Mage."
"And you are traveling with a Magic Knight," she teased. "Let me have my fun, you are so tense this morning!"
Spinning away from him she easily mounted her horse. Following suit, Clef easily mounted his steed and began to lead the way from the castle. Glancing over his shoulder he saw that she was contently watching her surroundings as her horse instinctively followed his. Turing forward again he led his horse down the well-worn path that slowly led into the nearby forest. Taking advantage of the silence that surrounded them he let his racing thoughts consume his concentration.
He was not at all pleased that Umi had so decisively decided to join him in his journey. She was egger to meet a man who had studied with him so very long ago, interested in learning more about his past. In any other situation he would have been more than happy to have her company. But the tidings of the letter, which set him off on this hasty journey, left him wary. He was not positive as to what the letter predicted, although he had a good idea. The thought left him concerned. The fact that he hadn't spoken to his long lost comrade in hundreds of years also weighed heavily on his mind.
"Armatus..." he whispered unknowingly.
Clef knew Armatus had gone through much to contact him. He was now sure that some danger or suffering was about to surface somewhere in Cephiro. The letter had expressed as much. Armatus would most likely hold some information on the matter. Wouldn't he? If the threat, or at least problem, had anything to do with what he thought Clef hoped that he would be able to help before it grew too large or public. Now that Umi was with him though he would have to be careful. If he wasn't there would be a lot of explaining to do and some form of danger may even befall his love. But this was all worse case scenario of course, and the problem, if any, might easily be handled. Yes, he was sure that he was being much to pessimistic.
"I'm egger to meet your friend."
Unexpectedly shaken from his thoughts, Clef looked over his shoulder to Umi. "What was that?" he called back.
"I'm egger to meet your friend. Maybe he can tell me some delightfully embarrassing stories about you when you were younger," she happily chirped.
Clef laughed, happy to be rid of his distressing train of thought. "I'll have to make sure to bribe Armatus before you get to him to make sure he doesn't talk."
"Armatus..." She let the name play on her tongue. "It's a very nice name. I'm all the more intrigued and interested. Where are we meeting him again?"
"In a small tavern and inn in a village about two days journey, on horse back, from here."
"Why didn't he just come to see you at the castle? And why didn't we just use one of your large flying beasts to travel? It would be much faster," she questioned in all earnestly.
Clef found himself at a loss of words. Armatus asked that their meeting be discrete. Travel by horse was much less noticeable than by a large flying griffin. "Well, what's the fun in that?" he teased hoping to lead her away from anymore questions along the same line. "Besides, now I can enjoy your company for the next two days without any interruptions or anyone stealing you away from me."
She smiled at his answer and nodded, much to Clef's relief. They continued on in silence for each of the two lost in their own thoughts.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
By nightfall the two had already selected a campsite and gone about preparing for the night. Clef had gone to water their horses at the nearby stream and Umi set about setting up their sleeping arrangements. Laying out their blankets, side by side, under a nearby tree she sorrowfully shook her head. It sure wasn't anything Mokona could provide, but it would do. The sound of cracking sticks and heavy footsteps was heard coming closer.
"Clef, would you mind gathering some more wood for the fire? I'll start on something for dinner and..." She looked up aware of the sudden silence. "Clef?" No answer returned her questioning call. Wearily looking around, slightly annoyed, she traced a finger along the outline of her ovum. "Clef, if that's you, I swear to God!" Silence and then another loud crack were her only replies. Her senses told her something was walking in the outskirts of the their campsite, just beyond the light of the glowing fire. She edged closer to the open center of the cleared area. "Clef?" Distress was in her voice now. She was sure something was approaching. Might it have been a beast or monster? The thought did not comfort her. Footsteps were once again heard and she readied herself to attack if necessary. Pulse quickening she took in a slow shuttered breath. "What the hell?"
"Would you mind starting on something to eat while I tie the horses up?"
She shrieked, spinning around to face a bewildered Clef. Eyes large from surprise she ungracefully fell to her knees and began laughing with relief. Dropping the horses' reins Clef quickly kneeled next to her. Taking her arm he gently helped her back up with the utmost concern. Clef hugged her and ran his hand through her hair as she continued to laugh. Eyeing the surroundings he finally looked at her confused and worried.
"A little edgy aren't we? It's just me," he reassured.
"I'm going crazy, that's all. Nothing to worry about. I'm just scaring myself. I thought I heard footsteps earlier." Her nervous laughter made him worry. "Honestly, what is my problem? I'm a Magic Knight, I can handle myself."
She pulled away from him angry with herself and began going about fixing something to eat. Clef watched her momentarily and then returned to the two horses. Tying the beasts to a nearby tree Clef scanned the area. There was something watching them, he could feel it. Umi wasn't as crazy as she claimed. His brows furrowed in anger. Petting one of the horses' muzzles he mumbled to himself. "Armatus, have you really become so untrusting that you felt the need to spy on me on my journey?" Clef found himself extremely annoyed when the presence he sensed suddenly disappeared. He was going to have a harsh word with his comrade when they arrived. Slightly growling deep in his throat he returned to Umi and sat near the fireside. Umi already seemed to have brushed aside the incident and was happily singing to herself as she went about preparing the food. Much to Clef's delight the rest of the evening proved to be quiet and uneventful.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
End of Chapter Three
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
Well that was delightfully mushy at the beginning wasn't it? WAFF all around. I'll try to refrain from doing that too much. Anyway, stay tuned for Chapter Four.
-Samui
samui@angelicdream.com
www.angelicdream.com
Sapphire Elegance (An Umi Ryuuzaki shrine!)
www.angelicdream.com/umi
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
A lot of readers were very concerned about poor Ascot in the last chapter. Sorry to all you Ascot fans out there. I don't hate the adorable young man at all. I feel that Ascot would be left very hurt and upset in the circumstances. By no means to I gain satisfaction by kicking the poor lad around. I wouldn't be too concerned about the boy though... *winks*
I'm glad that that a few readers out there are enjoying the story. (I love all you readers who enjoy the detail and descriptions I work so hard to add to the story!) I try to write as quickly as I can but it gets difficult when I'm off running to different theatre practices each evening and I have other people fighting for computer time. I hate having people watch me when I write and I need a nice quiet environment. It also helps when I am suddenly inspired and have a detailed idea of what to write. If only that inspiration would hit me more frequently... I'm trying the best I can though to get this story down and out to all of you. Stick with me! ^_^
And yes, Clef is in his older OAV form. Just a small note for the readers who didn't catch that in the little opening in the first chapter. This story is a continuation of my last one, so he still is in his wonderful older form.
Disclaimer: Rayearth is the property of CLAMP/Kodansha, not me obviously!
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Devotions
Author: Blue Angel Samui
Chapter Three: Promises
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Clef found Umi standing alone on the rocky cliffs that overlooked the sea. Time seemed to slow as the wind played wither hair and dress, whipping them around her elegant form. Watching her raise a slim hand to restrain her dancing blue locks behind her ear he saw a small smile grace her slightly parted lips. She lazily gazed out at the sea as the evening sky slowly faded to a deep purple and the stars were reflected on the ocean's surface. Silently approaching her from behind he protectively and possessively encircled his arms around her waist. Drawing her closer he rested his head on her shoulder, looking out at the same breath taking view. Her arms came to gently rest on his and her fingers lightly traced the contours of his upper arms. The two stayed there for a long while, as if lost in time. Trapped in that one peaceful and loving moment.
Finally breaking the serene silence he spoke, "I've been looking for you." His low, breathy voice tickled as his breath brushed past her neck.
"I didn't want to miss this sight," she breathlessly whispered raising her hand to cup his cheek. He turned his head toward her hand, lightly placing a kiss in the center of her palm. She tilted her head encouragingly as he began to trail soft kisses down her neck.
Between kisses he whispered to her, "Gods you are beautiful." Her angelic laugh filled his ears. "Let's go inside," he continued. "It's growing cold."
"Lets just stay a little while longer," she quietly pleaded.
Wrapping his cloak around both their forms he pulled her closer taking in her sweet scent. She continued to peacefully stare out into the abyss before her. Clef looked down at her beautiful face outlined by the silver moonlight. He wanted her to stay with him, in this same feeling of absolute bliss, forever. The ring that he carried in his pocket crossed his mind. The news he would have to break to her of his sudden trip quickly followed suit.
"What is it?" her melodic voice questioned. He looked at her with confusion in his eyes. Looking up into his face she smiled. "What are you thinking about? You always get that same detached look on your face when you are seriously thinking about something important."
She knew him too well. He smiled back at her a little thrown off. "Well, my lady, I." he trailed off unsure of how to proceed. She slightly pulled away and turned to face him. The look in her eyes encouraged him to continue. Reaching into his pocked his hand grasped the delicate ring.
"Umi, I love you more than life itself," he clumsily started cursing his own lack of poetic words. "I was just thinking of how much you mean to me, and how if you left me I would cease to live. My will to go on would die and I would be left helpless. A broken, empty shell of a man." Concern shone in her questioning eyes. "I've wanted to give you this for the longest time," he continued producing the ring, holding in front of her eyes. Slowly the ring levitated from his fingers' grasp and delicately deposited itself in her open hand.
"Clef, it's the most beautiful." her words trailed off and tears filled her eyes as he slowly brought a finger to her lips, silencing her.
"I know of your deep love for your world and your family. I'm not asking you to abandon that. All I ask is for a promise that you will always, eventually, return to me, even for a short while. That's all I need to continue on. But I hope that one day, you will find yourself so drawn to this world that you will stay with me permanently. You are a part of me Umi, and I ache for you when you are away."
Tears of joy slipping down her cheeks, she stood completely stunned. She numbly watched as he raised her quaking hand and slowly slipped the ring onto her finger. She admired the ring momentarily before looking back up into the mage's anxious, questioning eyes. "Of course Clef. I could never stay too long from you. You are as much a part of me as I am of you. I love you..."
He cut her off when he suddenly claimed her lips. Wrapping her arms around his neck she clung to him as if he would dissipate if she lessened her grasp. Once again bringing his arms around her waist he picked her off the ground and spun in a haphazard circle as Umi let out a squeal of delight. Slowly depositing her back onto the ground he gazed into her shimmering eyes and leaned in to kiss her again.
"What else do you need to tell me?" she questioned, stopping him flat, inches from her face.
He let out a loud sigh and let his head fall to her shoulder. She knew him all too well.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
It was barely dawn when Clef walked into the castle stables. Leading two horses from their stalls he let out a lazy yawn. "I can't believe what I'm getting myself into," he complained to the horse he was tying up and preparing to saddle. The beast just stared at him, swishing its tail impatiently. Placing a blanket on the horse's back and then lifting the large saddle onto it's back Clef stiffly bent to secure the necessary straps and buckles. Turning to the second horse he began to repeat the same process.
Umi had taken the news of his sudden trip remarkably well. She showed no disappointment or anger towards the mage. He almost wished the scene had played out like he thought it would have. It would have been unpleasant for a while but then the overall outcome would have been more to his liking.
Leading both horses from the stable Clef saw his ridding companion approach. She was dressed in a comfortable, long blue dress that gathered below her bust-line. The sleeves were long and graciously belled out, but were drawn in decoratively with a deep blue ribbon at her upper arm. The neckline was open and wide, sitting well off her shoulders. On her hand she wore her glove that bore the ovum that contained her armor and weapon. A long deep blue cloak was drawn around her form, latching at her neck with a decorative silver clasp in the form of a dragon. Her hair was pulled back from her face in a loose half ponytail. Clef's breath caught in his throat eagerly took in her whole form.
"I left a letter for the others telling them we were setting out for a short pleasure trip. Ready to go?" Umi cheerily asked.
"Pleasure trip?" he asked with a defeated sigh taking her satchel and attaching it to the back of one of the horses' saddles.
"Well, any trip with me should be considered a pleasure!" she teased eyeing the tired mage. She was pleased to see he was very intently staring at her. "Do you like my outfit?" She spun in a quick circle as if modeling the clothes for him. "I'll draw less attention if I wear clothes more common here in Cephiro."
Clef arched an eyebrow and laughed. "I'm afraid you'll draw attention from many admirers in any dress."
"Why Clef! I do believe that is a complement. I guess you'll have to be careful or someone might take a liking to me and try to steal me away." She playfully waltzed towards him and placed a kiss on his cheek.
"Right, I'll be on guard," he replied with a smirk. Gently taking her hand he ached an eyebrow and studied her ovum.
"In case the damsel has to rescue her knight in shining armor," she answered without him having to ask.
"I don't think you'll need to worry," he replied a little agitated. "You are traveling with a Master Mage."
"And you are traveling with a Magic Knight," she teased. "Let me have my fun, you are so tense this morning!"
Spinning away from him she easily mounted her horse. Following suit, Clef easily mounted his steed and began to lead the way from the castle. Glancing over his shoulder he saw that she was contently watching her surroundings as her horse instinctively followed his. Turing forward again he led his horse down the well-worn path that slowly led into the nearby forest. Taking advantage of the silence that surrounded them he let his racing thoughts consume his concentration.
He was not at all pleased that Umi had so decisively decided to join him in his journey. She was egger to meet a man who had studied with him so very long ago, interested in learning more about his past. In any other situation he would have been more than happy to have her company. But the tidings of the letter, which set him off on this hasty journey, left him wary. He was not positive as to what the letter predicted, although he had a good idea. The thought left him concerned. The fact that he hadn't spoken to his long lost comrade in hundreds of years also weighed heavily on his mind.
"Armatus..." he whispered unknowingly.
Clef knew Armatus had gone through much to contact him. He was now sure that some danger or suffering was about to surface somewhere in Cephiro. The letter had expressed as much. Armatus would most likely hold some information on the matter. Wouldn't he? If the threat, or at least problem, had anything to do with what he thought Clef hoped that he would be able to help before it grew too large or public. Now that Umi was with him though he would have to be careful. If he wasn't there would be a lot of explaining to do and some form of danger may even befall his love. But this was all worse case scenario of course, and the problem, if any, might easily be handled. Yes, he was sure that he was being much to pessimistic.
"I'm egger to meet your friend."
Unexpectedly shaken from his thoughts, Clef looked over his shoulder to Umi. "What was that?" he called back.
"I'm egger to meet your friend. Maybe he can tell me some delightfully embarrassing stories about you when you were younger," she happily chirped.
Clef laughed, happy to be rid of his distressing train of thought. "I'll have to make sure to bribe Armatus before you get to him to make sure he doesn't talk."
"Armatus..." She let the name play on her tongue. "It's a very nice name. I'm all the more intrigued and interested. Where are we meeting him again?"
"In a small tavern and inn in a village about two days journey, on horse back, from here."
"Why didn't he just come to see you at the castle? And why didn't we just use one of your large flying beasts to travel? It would be much faster," she questioned in all earnestly.
Clef found himself at a loss of words. Armatus asked that their meeting be discrete. Travel by horse was much less noticeable than by a large flying griffin. "Well, what's the fun in that?" he teased hoping to lead her away from anymore questions along the same line. "Besides, now I can enjoy your company for the next two days without any interruptions or anyone stealing you away from me."
She smiled at his answer and nodded, much to Clef's relief. They continued on in silence for each of the two lost in their own thoughts.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
By nightfall the two had already selected a campsite and gone about preparing for the night. Clef had gone to water their horses at the nearby stream and Umi set about setting up their sleeping arrangements. Laying out their blankets, side by side, under a nearby tree she sorrowfully shook her head. It sure wasn't anything Mokona could provide, but it would do. The sound of cracking sticks and heavy footsteps was heard coming closer.
"Clef, would you mind gathering some more wood for the fire? I'll start on something for dinner and..." She looked up aware of the sudden silence. "Clef?" No answer returned her questioning call. Wearily looking around, slightly annoyed, she traced a finger along the outline of her ovum. "Clef, if that's you, I swear to God!" Silence and then another loud crack were her only replies. Her senses told her something was walking in the outskirts of the their campsite, just beyond the light of the glowing fire. She edged closer to the open center of the cleared area. "Clef?" Distress was in her voice now. She was sure something was approaching. Might it have been a beast or monster? The thought did not comfort her. Footsteps were once again heard and she readied herself to attack if necessary. Pulse quickening she took in a slow shuttered breath. "What the hell?"
"Would you mind starting on something to eat while I tie the horses up?"
She shrieked, spinning around to face a bewildered Clef. Eyes large from surprise she ungracefully fell to her knees and began laughing with relief. Dropping the horses' reins Clef quickly kneeled next to her. Taking her arm he gently helped her back up with the utmost concern. Clef hugged her and ran his hand through her hair as she continued to laugh. Eyeing the surroundings he finally looked at her confused and worried.
"A little edgy aren't we? It's just me," he reassured.
"I'm going crazy, that's all. Nothing to worry about. I'm just scaring myself. I thought I heard footsteps earlier." Her nervous laughter made him worry. "Honestly, what is my problem? I'm a Magic Knight, I can handle myself."
She pulled away from him angry with herself and began going about fixing something to eat. Clef watched her momentarily and then returned to the two horses. Tying the beasts to a nearby tree Clef scanned the area. There was something watching them, he could feel it. Umi wasn't as crazy as she claimed. His brows furrowed in anger. Petting one of the horses' muzzles he mumbled to himself. "Armatus, have you really become so untrusting that you felt the need to spy on me on my journey?" Clef found himself extremely annoyed when the presence he sensed suddenly disappeared. He was going to have a harsh word with his comrade when they arrived. Slightly growling deep in his throat he returned to Umi and sat near the fireside. Umi already seemed to have brushed aside the incident and was happily singing to herself as she went about preparing the food. Much to Clef's delight the rest of the evening proved to be quiet and uneventful.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
End of Chapter Three
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
Well that was delightfully mushy at the beginning wasn't it? WAFF all around. I'll try to refrain from doing that too much. Anyway, stay tuned for Chapter Four.
-Samui
samui@angelicdream.com
www.angelicdream.com
Sapphire Elegance (An Umi Ryuuzaki shrine!)
www.angelicdream.com/umi
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
