Opening his eyes one morning two days later, Roshani sat when he discovered Valery wasn't still lying beside him. Climbing to his feet he walked towards the front of the hut just as someone poked their head through the opening.
Seeing my boyfriend and future husband jump back made me giggle and he frowned as I pushed my way into my hut. "Did I scare you, commander?" I teased and he snorted, both arms crossed against his chest by the time I reached the animal rug lying on the floor.
"Valery, where did you go?" Roshani asked and I smiled at him, reaching up slightly to give his shoulder a light squeeze.
"You were sound asleep so I went for a walk." I replied and he raised an eyebrow at me as I shifted onto one foot then the other. "Alright so I went looking for Karoosh." I admitted and his other eyebrow shot up.
"But you can barely walk." Roshani pointed out and I rolled my eyes at him, turning to leave until his hand landed on my shoulder.
"My ankle doesn't even hurt now. Anyway that was days ago, Roshani. While I was waiting for you to wake up I asked if the warrior wanted to spar but he wouldn't. Guess even he thinks I'm fragile or something." I told him and he nodded, head tilted to one side when I stretched. "So do you want to spar with me?"
"I will once you tell me what spar means." Roshani grinned and I returned his grin with one of my own, grabbing his outstretched hand before I lead him outside. The moment we left the hut I watched as Roshani shielded his eyes against the bright sunlight.
"I'm asking if you want to practice fight with me. Where should we spar?" I asked and Roshani stared up at the sky for a few seconds, leaving me puzzled when he turned his head to smile at me. Taking me by the hand this time, Roshani lead me towards the edge of the Wenja village. Despite taking it easy after I injured my ankle I still had a slight limp and Roshani glanced at me when I winced before I could stop myself.
"Valery, are you sure this is wise?" Roshani said and I sighed, stopping beside the stream that flowed from the village to face my boyfriend. "I am only asking." He muttered when he saw my eyes narrowing.
"I know, Roshani but I've been sitting around doing nothing for the last three days and I need to strengthen my leg. I want to help Takkar take down Ull as much as any Wenja." I explained and he cocked an eyebrow at me, watching with interest as I stretched one arm then the other above my head. "Or do you know I'll beat you and you're making up excuses?" I teased and he snorted, copying my stretches before he gave me a brief smile.
"I will not lose to you, Valery." He chuckled and I rolled my eyes, keeping my eyes on his body to see what he would do first. Straight away, Roshani rushed forward and I jumped to one side to avoid his leg sweep and Roshani smirked at me.
The attack was a feint as I found out when his arm shot out, grabbing my shoulder before he pushed me back. I yelped somehow staying upright and after the shock wore off I smirked at Roshani, who stood with both feet planted.
Thinking for a moment I rushed forward, pretending to stumble and Roshani took the bait his leg moving to hit mine at the knee. I pulled back my fist and he grunted when my fist connected with his chest, leaving him gasping. "Now we're even, Roshani." I teased and he snorted, rubbing at his chest with both eyebrows narrowed.
I had barely recovered when Roshani attacked me again and I planted my feet, glancing at his legs then his arms in case he used them to knock me over again. But Roshani knew I'd been expecting that and just as he reached me the ex-commander dived at my feet, instantly bowling me over.
With a yelp I fell backwards into the stream and Roshani tumbled in after me, actually laughing when I lifted my head. Now completely soaked I growled at Roshani who continued to laugh at me even when I pushed him away, standing as water dripped down my forehead.
"Oh come on. It was funny." Roshani protested as I shook myself, spraying water everywhere. Rolling my eyes at him I turned to face the village intending to head back to my hut until Roshani's arms wrapped around my waist and I screamed this time, falling back into the stream a second time.
Lying backwards on Roshani I blinked water from my eyes, turning my head to stare at Roshani who just grinned back at me. After a few seconds of trying to act angry I giggled and Roshani chuckled, sitting before he hugged me against his chest. "Okay that was kind of funny...I guess. Now are we going to sit in the water or are we going to keep sparring?" I asked and Roshani raised an eyebrow at me, leaning in towards the base of my neck and I gasped when his lips brushed my throat. "Or we could just stay here and continue to do whatever you're doing right now." I whispered and near my right ear Roshani laughed, giving my ear a flick with his tongue.
"We can spar later." He whispered back and I gave him a brief nod, leaning in when he did. Though just as our lips met I heard approaching footsteps and Roshani stared at me before he looked past the village entrance to see Takkar walking towards us, a bunch of yellow flowers clutched tightly in one hand and his club in the other. "And of course he returns." I sighed as Roshani's hands slipped from around my waist.