Thanks for the reviews.
I apologise profoundly about spelling Daine. My computer's spellchecker will just not listen to me!!
Disclaimer: I own nothing of Tamora Pierce! Has anyone read any Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider books?? Or Sherwood Smith's stories??
Chapter 5
She could not believe that she, Miri, had made a fool of herself in the practising courts. My face will be permanently red like a tomato for the rest of my life she thought glumly. Great! I'm just lucky that red roughly suits every other colour.
Sharp pain in her left shoulder brought Miri back to the present and back to the attention of the healer and the look of worry on Sarge's face.
"You haven't killed me Sarge", said Miri breaking the tension "though your torture of wake up calls are much worst that I wish you had!"
Sarge smiled meekly at the attempt.
Miri sighed and turned her head to see the healer sewing several stitches to her new wound.
"You know Danric I would have bet money on me never be able to frighten Sarge but then I guess I have missed my chance huh?"
"I could always oblige with the other one Miri" replied Sarge with his wolfish smile which meant the old man was back to his normal self.
"Please don't", voiced Danric, "I don't want Commander Larse breathing down my neck because I allowed his second in command and training teacher to take pieces out of one another for a bet."
"Don't worry Danric it's not your neck he will be breathing don't at this precise moment. More likely that beauty Lady Clara".
"Observant as ever Sarge", congratulated Miri and then dramatically sighed, "Well I will have to find another way I suppose."
Again Miri drifted through her thoughts of the morning warm ups and felt that it would have been better if the earth had swallowed her up. At least she didn't have Evin's teasing about her clumsiness but then he would be busy with Lady Clara just now. Good they both deserve one another concluded Miri angrily but was not quite sure.
If only she had keep her eyes on the lunge which Sarge charged against her instead of calculating different ways of exacting pain on Lady Clara who waved over Evin to answer an educational question. In her supposedly plain blue morning dress Lady Clara and another lady had caused quite a stir at the Riders' practising courts, of course it was mostly the male population that got distracted and grudgingly Miri admitted herself into the list. Her light laughter had reached Miri's ears after Sarge had made Miri feel like a piece of wood with a fight using Shang warriors hand to hand combat.
Miri pulled herself up from the ground and felt her arm which received the most damage from Sarge's unbelievable strength.
"Sarge" Miri said out of breath "I think you have dislocated my arm"
"Stop your whining lass" laughed Sarge "tis only a twinge"
"Thanks that makes me feel better!"
Sarge put an arm around Miri shoulder and marched her across to the benches for a drink of water before continuing the practise with daggers. As they were sitting they had a prefect view of the fence and therefore could see the interaction of Evin and Lady Clara. Even with Evin's back turned towards them Miri guessed that he was lapping up the compliments like a good, little, well-mannered cat that he was. Lady Clara flirting with the eyes and continuous hair flicking made it so obvious that a blind man could sense her marking Evin as her man.
"Pathetic" muttered Miri to her self.
Sarge looked at her side ways "I don't know Miri she is a beauty and consequently right up Evin's list of potential admirers".
"I have a feeling about her Sarge" Miri spoke in quiet tones so that no one could overhear.
"Yes?"
"Oh ...I wish I could throw her into a nest of griffins and see her squirm that's all" Miri broke off in confusion.
Sarge stood up and put a massive hand out for Miri.
"Come on girl don't mope around cause Evin has a new lady and hasn't had the time to notice you!"
Miri stopped using Sarge as a lever half way of standing up and must of seen an unusual sight with Sarge grinning like a child who found his sweet and Miri face contorted into denials, blushes and confusion.
"I don't even think about Evin in that way Sarge", hissed Miri, "I disagree because he is my friend! That's all".
"Appearances can always be deceiving!"
Miri stood there with her hands on her hips and started to tap her foot until Sarge gained his composure. What felt like an eternity to Miri, Sarge ventured onto the court once more with tears streaming down his read cheeks and giggling like a child would had found a bad of sweets.
They began to circle one another forgetting about the last half an hour and concentrated on not being nicked with the opponent's knife. Sarge lunged quickly at Miri which gave her little choice of side stepping and spinning around to face Sarge again. This had its draw back of course not only was she defending but had prefect eye sight of the fence and the flirting encounter.
Miri's gazed again returned to Sarge who tried to punch with his left hand but brought his right with the knife to draw blood from Miri. However noticing this tactic made it easier for Miri to crouch and kick Sarge straight in the middle of his stomach that pushed him backwards and out of breath.
Miri wiped the sweat from her brow and tried to focus on the task at hand but her eyes were drawn magnetically to the sight. She kicked herself for caring but something about Sarge's comments held true though she would never admit to anyone. Sarge was about to do another lunge Miri guessed from the position of his feet and stance which means she could side step again and then twist his arm and make him surrender with knife pointing at throat.
Sarge lunged. Miri moved her body away but caught Lady Clara leaning into Evin for a kiss. There was no mistake in Miri's mind and anger started to boil up at that two faced cow who assumed everything about her Evin. Again couldn't understand why the word had crept into the sentence. The kiss was quick but the blushing and dazzling smile meant that Lady Clara had enjoyed it. This was beginning to make Miri feel very sick.
It happened so quickly that when Miri felt extreme pain piercing her cloudy mind that it seemed dark for a moment. She turned her head slowly to notice the large amount of blood seeping through her shirt and gazed in wonder then looked into Sarge's very pale face.
"Get a healer someone" roared Sarge above Miri's head,"Goddess bless Miri I thought you were going to side step" in quieter tones.
The request made everyone in the courts stop and turn to see Sarge clutching Miri and trying to keep her conscious. Calls for a healer soon spread quickly through the crowd and eventually met Evin who turned round instantly to see which fool had broken their arm. The sight stopped him cold.
"Miri?" he whispered in disbelief.
She was lying very still in Sarge's arms with a large amount of blood gathering at the floor. A crowd was congregating beside them and Evin could make out Sarge's shouting for Miri to stay awake. The fluttering of the eyelids told him she was obeying that command.
Lady Clara cursed into her mind. Damn it that friend of his is always getting in the way. I nearly had him for Mirthos' sake. What does it take to get his attention! Coming out of her mad comments and planning a way to secure more time with Commander Larse again.
She noticed the trouble at once. That silly girl, what's her name? Miri I think. Had got herself hurt pretty badly from the blood on the floor. The gods might be on my side after all. A plan formulated in Lady Clara's head.
"Oh no how terrible this is!", said Lady Clara with false panic, "I can't stand the sight of blood...I feel...."
Lady Clara collapsed onto the ground with a thud, which broke Evin's racing feelings and urge to rid himself of Lady Clara at that moment. With her eyes closed the lady could not see the fleeting emotion of disgust on Evin's face which then changed into a polite mask of a courtier.
Evin lifted the light body into his arms while muttering a few things under his breath about insipid women. He turned around to march this lady to the nearest healer and then return to be at Miri's side.
At that moment Danric the healer of the Riders' came into view with a run and a bag laden with supplies. From the look of his askew attire he had either run from having a bath or has been waken from a deep sleep.
Danric's quick eyes spotted Evin carrying a person he didn't know and stopped out of breath, gaining himself time for composure. It also allowed him to access the situation at hand. He was told that it had been an accident and the person was bleeding from the shoulder profoundly yet he could not see any wounds on this lady.
"Is this a joke Commander Larse?" Danric glaring at Evin "There is nothing wrong with her except she has fainted".
"Mirthos' thunder Danric! It's not her", Evin nodding to the body in his arms, "but Miri!"
"Oh! Sorry sir", said Danric apologetic, "where is she?"
"Behind me Danric" Evin was feeling exasperated with everyone – Miri was dying and all they could do was stand and talk. "Go and help her now Danric and I will escort this lady to her rooms."
A light voice interrupted both men's thoughts.
"Don't worry Danric, Miri's wounds is not as bad as what reports that have been given out" Lady Clara's companion smiled at the healer and gestured with her hands the shooing motion for him to move to the patient.
"Well come along Commander Larse", she said briskly, "The sooner we have Lady Clara tucked up on bed the quicker you can return to your friend".
In a daze of Evin followed this young lady up steps and rounds corners into a part of the castle, which was the living quarters to the royal residence, and the nobles who lived in the palace. If his mind was not fully occupied with Miri's recovery he would been dazzled with the beauty and splendour of this particular wing.
"Here we are!"
The lady opened the door of Lady Clara's room and allowed Evin to walk pass and lay his burden onto the nearby couch. He raised slowly and was wanting no more than to run away but reasons stopped him. One he did not know the way out and secondly it might seem rude.
Evin raised his head to see the young lady who had helped him gaze directly into his eyes. It felt strange to say but Evin believed that this lady had read all his thoughts in that glance. She smiled mischievously at him and green eyes twinkled as Evin started to turn red with embarrassment. His thoughts had drifted to Miri and what he would do when she woke up from her wounds. The lady shook her head to stop the laughter escaping and again used her hands to motion the Commander outside of Lady Clara rooms.
"Now", she said with bit of a giggle and again Evin turned red, "The quickest way to the reach the healing facilities is through the servants exist which is on your right. It cuts through all of the buildings and will bring you to the King's Owns' stables. From there I believe you can find your way Evin Larse".
Evin nodded trying hard not to make eye contact.
"Thank you" he whispered.
The lady then clasped a hand under his chin and lifted his head so that they did make eye contact. Her deep green eyes full of understanding.
"My lips are sealed Commander but if I was you I wouldn't skirt around the issue anymore" said the lady knowing, "Miri is worthy of your love and I may say it is reciprocal".
"What!..How do you know?" Evin flustered with this lady. "Who are you?"
Again this lady smiled at Evin's tactic to move the conversation away.
"My name is Lady Lessa of Queencoves."
Evin started up but before he could register the name she ushered him out of the hall and down the servant's entrance.
Miri had finally been allowed to walk to her own quarters on her own to sleep the exhaustion out of her body. It had seemed a good idea at the time to regain whatever sense was left in her mind. Sarge and Danric had drained her of any sensible conversation and the day was entering early evening.
The fact that she admitted to herself that she loved Evin was unbelievable and well, frightening. What was she going to do? Retire from the Queen's Riders? It was her life. No the best course was to stay as friendly as possible with Evin then after a few months ask for a change into a different Riders Group for the chance of promotion and...
The stairs were longer than she remembered and at the top of the staircase she was tired and breathing heavily. Miri stumbled across the hall and had enough strength to manage opening her wooden door before collapsing onto the cold stone floor. However this floor was comfy and wrapped round her like a quilt while pressing against her wound. Something is definitely wrong thought Miri. Am I going mad? I must have bumped my head too.
Peering with one eyelid opened she notices Evin's face so closed to her's that there was no mistake about it. Here was the man she loves, or had loved for a very long time.
Miri tried to form words out but it sounded like a mumble.
"What are you saying Miri?" asked Evin gentle.
As Miri tried to concentrate on the pain shooting up shoulder instead of warm feeling spreading throughout her body with Evin's light touch.
"You're hurting my shoulder" gasped Miri and tears sprang into her tired eyes.
Evin turned red again. It had come apparent to him that he was holding Miri in a very romantic situation and that anyone coming in would think the worst. He was compromising Miri's modesty.
"Sorry"
"Don't be", Miri said hoarsely, "it's comfortable laying in your arms than hitting the floor and being knocked out for hours."
Miri noticed for some reason that Evin's face went slightly red and that he wasn't going to retaliate with a comment. Instead he pulled her up and gingerly laid an arm on her shoulders and led her to the couch in her room. He then took time settling her with a blanket and a drink before busying himself on unlatching the window to let the autumn breeze drift into the room. He stood there for awhile to regain his range of emotions which were on a high. Miri was alive and undamaged yet there was something she was holding back for him. Could it be anything to do with the Baron Willowfield?
"You know Evin you are welcome to stand and stare at my window if you want", said Miri with annoyance, "however I would like answers."
"Answers?" echoed Evin.
He turned his head and saw Miri's cheeks with colour in them once more. Her eyes were shining unusually bright and there was a grin on her tired face. She cocked her head like a little sparrow, which made Evin laugh a little and her face brighten even more.
"Good" she stated "I have your attention I see"
With that she patted the space beside her on the couch and Evin moved away to reside next to her.
"But Miri you have always had my attention", said Evin as he turned towards her.
It was the first time that Miri had blushed instead of a quick retort. She does look pretty and very desirable when she is like this. Evin drew up his thoughts and tried to repeat Miri is my friend but it seemed in evaporate into the air every time he caught Miri's emerald eyes.
Miri snorting un-lady-like broke the tense atmosphere. Evin's face expressed a query on his comments.
"Really Commander", Miri said sarcastically "that is way you went off with Lady Clara while your best friend was bleeding on the ground".
"No Miri. She fainted at the sight of blood and..."
"Well I'm glad I don't faint so damn easily or I wouldn't have made it!" shouted Miri. "So what took you so long?"
"I had to carry her to her rooms which were in the royal residences because Danric had to help with you..."
So you rather want Danric to help Lady Clara than a fellow Rider who has been your friend for years and listen to everything you had to say!" Miri voice was rising at every word as her anger raised with it.
Evin interrupted Miri's rant by placing his hand over her lips. The action was so sudden that Miri did not perceive it till her words were being mumbled. The hurt in Evin's eyes told the true story and it hurt Miri to notice it. She wanted for some strange reason to wound Evin because of his involvement with Lady Clara. That Lady would treat him terrible like a lap dog and would drop him like fire when the really big catch came. The same routine had happen in the whole time Evin and Miri had been friends. Together they would helped each other through the bad times of war and relationships and also have one another to share the good news.
Miri was grateful for occasion where she could relate with Evin on a Rider's life which would totally escape her family. She missed her family a great deal. The sadness and pain she had caused, her injure and the overwhelming want to rest brought tears rolling down her cheeks. In second they were cascading down and Miri was glupping for air. Nothing seemed to be stopping them.
Moisture formed at where Evin's hand touched Miri's face and he released it from her. Suddenly Miri was crying uncontrollable and all he could do was gather the one he really loved into his arms and hold her there. The tears did not lessen for a long while but it helped Evin to understand Miri's feelings.
"I'm sorry Evin" whispered Miri into his soaken shirt.
"Whatever for?"
He stroke stranded hairs away from her teary, red face and lightly kissed her head while rocking both of them back and forward in the motion of a cradle. Evin waited for an answer but received none. Moving his head to gain a better picture of Miri he noticed that she had fallen asleep. Taking this opportunity Evin brushed his lips against her in a feather like kiss.
In her dreams, Miri smiled at Evin's close presence.
The End. Soory this took so long! I apologise for any mistakes and especially for Diane in the last chapter! Please review, thanks.
I apologise profoundly about spelling Daine. My computer's spellchecker will just not listen to me!!
Disclaimer: I own nothing of Tamora Pierce! Has anyone read any Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider books?? Or Sherwood Smith's stories??
Chapter 5
She could not believe that she, Miri, had made a fool of herself in the practising courts. My face will be permanently red like a tomato for the rest of my life she thought glumly. Great! I'm just lucky that red roughly suits every other colour.
Sharp pain in her left shoulder brought Miri back to the present and back to the attention of the healer and the look of worry on Sarge's face.
"You haven't killed me Sarge", said Miri breaking the tension "though your torture of wake up calls are much worst that I wish you had!"
Sarge smiled meekly at the attempt.
Miri sighed and turned her head to see the healer sewing several stitches to her new wound.
"You know Danric I would have bet money on me never be able to frighten Sarge but then I guess I have missed my chance huh?"
"I could always oblige with the other one Miri" replied Sarge with his wolfish smile which meant the old man was back to his normal self.
"Please don't", voiced Danric, "I don't want Commander Larse breathing down my neck because I allowed his second in command and training teacher to take pieces out of one another for a bet."
"Don't worry Danric it's not your neck he will be breathing don't at this precise moment. More likely that beauty Lady Clara".
"Observant as ever Sarge", congratulated Miri and then dramatically sighed, "Well I will have to find another way I suppose."
Again Miri drifted through her thoughts of the morning warm ups and felt that it would have been better if the earth had swallowed her up. At least she didn't have Evin's teasing about her clumsiness but then he would be busy with Lady Clara just now. Good they both deserve one another concluded Miri angrily but was not quite sure.
If only she had keep her eyes on the lunge which Sarge charged against her instead of calculating different ways of exacting pain on Lady Clara who waved over Evin to answer an educational question. In her supposedly plain blue morning dress Lady Clara and another lady had caused quite a stir at the Riders' practising courts, of course it was mostly the male population that got distracted and grudgingly Miri admitted herself into the list. Her light laughter had reached Miri's ears after Sarge had made Miri feel like a piece of wood with a fight using Shang warriors hand to hand combat.
Miri pulled herself up from the ground and felt her arm which received the most damage from Sarge's unbelievable strength.
"Sarge" Miri said out of breath "I think you have dislocated my arm"
"Stop your whining lass" laughed Sarge "tis only a twinge"
"Thanks that makes me feel better!"
Sarge put an arm around Miri shoulder and marched her across to the benches for a drink of water before continuing the practise with daggers. As they were sitting they had a prefect view of the fence and therefore could see the interaction of Evin and Lady Clara. Even with Evin's back turned towards them Miri guessed that he was lapping up the compliments like a good, little, well-mannered cat that he was. Lady Clara flirting with the eyes and continuous hair flicking made it so obvious that a blind man could sense her marking Evin as her man.
"Pathetic" muttered Miri to her self.
Sarge looked at her side ways "I don't know Miri she is a beauty and consequently right up Evin's list of potential admirers".
"I have a feeling about her Sarge" Miri spoke in quiet tones so that no one could overhear.
"Yes?"
"Oh ...I wish I could throw her into a nest of griffins and see her squirm that's all" Miri broke off in confusion.
Sarge stood up and put a massive hand out for Miri.
"Come on girl don't mope around cause Evin has a new lady and hasn't had the time to notice you!"
Miri stopped using Sarge as a lever half way of standing up and must of seen an unusual sight with Sarge grinning like a child who found his sweet and Miri face contorted into denials, blushes and confusion.
"I don't even think about Evin in that way Sarge", hissed Miri, "I disagree because he is my friend! That's all".
"Appearances can always be deceiving!"
Miri stood there with her hands on her hips and started to tap her foot until Sarge gained his composure. What felt like an eternity to Miri, Sarge ventured onto the court once more with tears streaming down his read cheeks and giggling like a child would had found a bad of sweets.
They began to circle one another forgetting about the last half an hour and concentrated on not being nicked with the opponent's knife. Sarge lunged quickly at Miri which gave her little choice of side stepping and spinning around to face Sarge again. This had its draw back of course not only was she defending but had prefect eye sight of the fence and the flirting encounter.
Miri's gazed again returned to Sarge who tried to punch with his left hand but brought his right with the knife to draw blood from Miri. However noticing this tactic made it easier for Miri to crouch and kick Sarge straight in the middle of his stomach that pushed him backwards and out of breath.
Miri wiped the sweat from her brow and tried to focus on the task at hand but her eyes were drawn magnetically to the sight. She kicked herself for caring but something about Sarge's comments held true though she would never admit to anyone. Sarge was about to do another lunge Miri guessed from the position of his feet and stance which means she could side step again and then twist his arm and make him surrender with knife pointing at throat.
Sarge lunged. Miri moved her body away but caught Lady Clara leaning into Evin for a kiss. There was no mistake in Miri's mind and anger started to boil up at that two faced cow who assumed everything about her Evin. Again couldn't understand why the word had crept into the sentence. The kiss was quick but the blushing and dazzling smile meant that Lady Clara had enjoyed it. This was beginning to make Miri feel very sick.
It happened so quickly that when Miri felt extreme pain piercing her cloudy mind that it seemed dark for a moment. She turned her head slowly to notice the large amount of blood seeping through her shirt and gazed in wonder then looked into Sarge's very pale face.
"Get a healer someone" roared Sarge above Miri's head,"Goddess bless Miri I thought you were going to side step" in quieter tones.
The request made everyone in the courts stop and turn to see Sarge clutching Miri and trying to keep her conscious. Calls for a healer soon spread quickly through the crowd and eventually met Evin who turned round instantly to see which fool had broken their arm. The sight stopped him cold.
"Miri?" he whispered in disbelief.
She was lying very still in Sarge's arms with a large amount of blood gathering at the floor. A crowd was congregating beside them and Evin could make out Sarge's shouting for Miri to stay awake. The fluttering of the eyelids told him she was obeying that command.
Lady Clara cursed into her mind. Damn it that friend of his is always getting in the way. I nearly had him for Mirthos' sake. What does it take to get his attention! Coming out of her mad comments and planning a way to secure more time with Commander Larse again.
She noticed the trouble at once. That silly girl, what's her name? Miri I think. Had got herself hurt pretty badly from the blood on the floor. The gods might be on my side after all. A plan formulated in Lady Clara's head.
"Oh no how terrible this is!", said Lady Clara with false panic, "I can't stand the sight of blood...I feel...."
Lady Clara collapsed onto the ground with a thud, which broke Evin's racing feelings and urge to rid himself of Lady Clara at that moment. With her eyes closed the lady could not see the fleeting emotion of disgust on Evin's face which then changed into a polite mask of a courtier.
Evin lifted the light body into his arms while muttering a few things under his breath about insipid women. He turned around to march this lady to the nearest healer and then return to be at Miri's side.
At that moment Danric the healer of the Riders' came into view with a run and a bag laden with supplies. From the look of his askew attire he had either run from having a bath or has been waken from a deep sleep.
Danric's quick eyes spotted Evin carrying a person he didn't know and stopped out of breath, gaining himself time for composure. It also allowed him to access the situation at hand. He was told that it had been an accident and the person was bleeding from the shoulder profoundly yet he could not see any wounds on this lady.
"Is this a joke Commander Larse?" Danric glaring at Evin "There is nothing wrong with her except she has fainted".
"Mirthos' thunder Danric! It's not her", Evin nodding to the body in his arms, "but Miri!"
"Oh! Sorry sir", said Danric apologetic, "where is she?"
"Behind me Danric" Evin was feeling exasperated with everyone – Miri was dying and all they could do was stand and talk. "Go and help her now Danric and I will escort this lady to her rooms."
A light voice interrupted both men's thoughts.
"Don't worry Danric, Miri's wounds is not as bad as what reports that have been given out" Lady Clara's companion smiled at the healer and gestured with her hands the shooing motion for him to move to the patient.
"Well come along Commander Larse", she said briskly, "The sooner we have Lady Clara tucked up on bed the quicker you can return to your friend".
In a daze of Evin followed this young lady up steps and rounds corners into a part of the castle, which was the living quarters to the royal residence, and the nobles who lived in the palace. If his mind was not fully occupied with Miri's recovery he would been dazzled with the beauty and splendour of this particular wing.
"Here we are!"
The lady opened the door of Lady Clara's room and allowed Evin to walk pass and lay his burden onto the nearby couch. He raised slowly and was wanting no more than to run away but reasons stopped him. One he did not know the way out and secondly it might seem rude.
Evin raised his head to see the young lady who had helped him gaze directly into his eyes. It felt strange to say but Evin believed that this lady had read all his thoughts in that glance. She smiled mischievously at him and green eyes twinkled as Evin started to turn red with embarrassment. His thoughts had drifted to Miri and what he would do when she woke up from her wounds. The lady shook her head to stop the laughter escaping and again used her hands to motion the Commander outside of Lady Clara rooms.
"Now", she said with bit of a giggle and again Evin turned red, "The quickest way to the reach the healing facilities is through the servants exist which is on your right. It cuts through all of the buildings and will bring you to the King's Owns' stables. From there I believe you can find your way Evin Larse".
Evin nodded trying hard not to make eye contact.
"Thank you" he whispered.
The lady then clasped a hand under his chin and lifted his head so that they did make eye contact. Her deep green eyes full of understanding.
"My lips are sealed Commander but if I was you I wouldn't skirt around the issue anymore" said the lady knowing, "Miri is worthy of your love and I may say it is reciprocal".
"What!..How do you know?" Evin flustered with this lady. "Who are you?"
Again this lady smiled at Evin's tactic to move the conversation away.
"My name is Lady Lessa of Queencoves."
Evin started up but before he could register the name she ushered him out of the hall and down the servant's entrance.
Miri had finally been allowed to walk to her own quarters on her own to sleep the exhaustion out of her body. It had seemed a good idea at the time to regain whatever sense was left in her mind. Sarge and Danric had drained her of any sensible conversation and the day was entering early evening.
The fact that she admitted to herself that she loved Evin was unbelievable and well, frightening. What was she going to do? Retire from the Queen's Riders? It was her life. No the best course was to stay as friendly as possible with Evin then after a few months ask for a change into a different Riders Group for the chance of promotion and...
The stairs were longer than she remembered and at the top of the staircase she was tired and breathing heavily. Miri stumbled across the hall and had enough strength to manage opening her wooden door before collapsing onto the cold stone floor. However this floor was comfy and wrapped round her like a quilt while pressing against her wound. Something is definitely wrong thought Miri. Am I going mad? I must have bumped my head too.
Peering with one eyelid opened she notices Evin's face so closed to her's that there was no mistake about it. Here was the man she loves, or had loved for a very long time.
Miri tried to form words out but it sounded like a mumble.
"What are you saying Miri?" asked Evin gentle.
As Miri tried to concentrate on the pain shooting up shoulder instead of warm feeling spreading throughout her body with Evin's light touch.
"You're hurting my shoulder" gasped Miri and tears sprang into her tired eyes.
Evin turned red again. It had come apparent to him that he was holding Miri in a very romantic situation and that anyone coming in would think the worst. He was compromising Miri's modesty.
"Sorry"
"Don't be", Miri said hoarsely, "it's comfortable laying in your arms than hitting the floor and being knocked out for hours."
Miri noticed for some reason that Evin's face went slightly red and that he wasn't going to retaliate with a comment. Instead he pulled her up and gingerly laid an arm on her shoulders and led her to the couch in her room. He then took time settling her with a blanket and a drink before busying himself on unlatching the window to let the autumn breeze drift into the room. He stood there for awhile to regain his range of emotions which were on a high. Miri was alive and undamaged yet there was something she was holding back for him. Could it be anything to do with the Baron Willowfield?
"You know Evin you are welcome to stand and stare at my window if you want", said Miri with annoyance, "however I would like answers."
"Answers?" echoed Evin.
He turned his head and saw Miri's cheeks with colour in them once more. Her eyes were shining unusually bright and there was a grin on her tired face. She cocked her head like a little sparrow, which made Evin laugh a little and her face brighten even more.
"Good" she stated "I have your attention I see"
With that she patted the space beside her on the couch and Evin moved away to reside next to her.
"But Miri you have always had my attention", said Evin as he turned towards her.
It was the first time that Miri had blushed instead of a quick retort. She does look pretty and very desirable when she is like this. Evin drew up his thoughts and tried to repeat Miri is my friend but it seemed in evaporate into the air every time he caught Miri's emerald eyes.
Miri snorting un-lady-like broke the tense atmosphere. Evin's face expressed a query on his comments.
"Really Commander", Miri said sarcastically "that is way you went off with Lady Clara while your best friend was bleeding on the ground".
"No Miri. She fainted at the sight of blood and..."
"Well I'm glad I don't faint so damn easily or I wouldn't have made it!" shouted Miri. "So what took you so long?"
"I had to carry her to her rooms which were in the royal residences because Danric had to help with you..."
So you rather want Danric to help Lady Clara than a fellow Rider who has been your friend for years and listen to everything you had to say!" Miri voice was rising at every word as her anger raised with it.
Evin interrupted Miri's rant by placing his hand over her lips. The action was so sudden that Miri did not perceive it till her words were being mumbled. The hurt in Evin's eyes told the true story and it hurt Miri to notice it. She wanted for some strange reason to wound Evin because of his involvement with Lady Clara. That Lady would treat him terrible like a lap dog and would drop him like fire when the really big catch came. The same routine had happen in the whole time Evin and Miri had been friends. Together they would helped each other through the bad times of war and relationships and also have one another to share the good news.
Miri was grateful for occasion where she could relate with Evin on a Rider's life which would totally escape her family. She missed her family a great deal. The sadness and pain she had caused, her injure and the overwhelming want to rest brought tears rolling down her cheeks. In second they were cascading down and Miri was glupping for air. Nothing seemed to be stopping them.
Moisture formed at where Evin's hand touched Miri's face and he released it from her. Suddenly Miri was crying uncontrollable and all he could do was gather the one he really loved into his arms and hold her there. The tears did not lessen for a long while but it helped Evin to understand Miri's feelings.
"I'm sorry Evin" whispered Miri into his soaken shirt.
"Whatever for?"
He stroke stranded hairs away from her teary, red face and lightly kissed her head while rocking both of them back and forward in the motion of a cradle. Evin waited for an answer but received none. Moving his head to gain a better picture of Miri he noticed that she had fallen asleep. Taking this opportunity Evin brushed his lips against her in a feather like kiss.
In her dreams, Miri smiled at Evin's close presence.
The End. Soory this took so long! I apologise for any mistakes and especially for Diane in the last chapter! Please review, thanks.
