Second Circle, by lyradaemon

Chapter 6: Problems…

A/N: many thanks to HeLl HaVe No FuRy LiKe A wOmAn for the lovely review! This one's for you!

When Eli awoke the next morning she had no idea where she was; a big bed that definitely wasn't hers, sunlight washing over her face…

Then she remembered.

With a small moan of anguish she rolled over and buried her head in the pillow.

What had she done?

She had snapped at Luc, her dear, beloved Luc, for trying to protect her from a man she had barely met. Mother Night, what possessed me? I don't know Falian; he's just unbelievably handsome, that's all. He seems interested in me. Nothing to it.

Anger boiled in her again at the thought; but when her thoughts turned again to Luc she whimpered. She had hurt her best friend in all the world for the sake of some strange male. Well, she wasn't going to ruin her friendship over that. She'd swallow her pride, take Luc's advice and avoid Falian as if her very life depended on it (A/N: ironic…!) and go and apologize to Luc for being so stupid.

That settled Eli threw back the covers and climbed out of bed. She was already feeling a lot more cheerful; she went and had a quick shower, drying her hair with a little bit of Craft – a trick she had learned from Daemon, of all people (well, her father was rather vain sometimes…) and threw on some vaguely presentable clothes. It appeared that she hadn't inherited all of Daemon's vainness; Eli still preferred comfortable skirts, trousers and jumpers to fancy dresses. Still, there was a time and place for fancy dresses, and Eli was convinced that if they were invited back to Melia's Court, that would be one of those times.

Eli headed downstairs to where she hoped breakfast would be. Entering the dining room she glanced around quickly to see where Luc was; to her disappointment he wasn't there. Charon was standing with Arianna in one corner, talking privately; Giselle was with Ash and they were – Mother Night, they were flirting! Giselle and Ash? Who would have thought? – and Nephela was deep in conversation with Tristan (there were definitely something going on there too, Eli thought.)

She made her way over to where Titian was standing, neglected breakfast in one hand, and giggling at what Jason was saying. Titian, giggling? "Someone has definitely put something in the coffee this morning" Eli muttered.

Titian turned as Eli approached. "Morning Eli," she said brightly. "Sleep alright?"

"Fine, thanks," she replied. "Morning Jason," she smiled.

"Mmph," was her only reply since Jason had just taken a mouthful of coffee. Titian giggled.

"Have you seen Luc anywhere?" Eli asked casually.

"No; but Ash did say that was in a furious mood. I think he's still pissed off about that Falian man. He didn't really take a liking to him yesterday."

"Oh," Eli replied quietly. Was Luc still angry with her?

The answer presented itself almost immediately. The door literally flew open and a whirlwind of anger stalked in.

Luc stalked towards the buffet, passing Charon. "Good morning Luc," Charon said pleasantly - and got a snarl as a souvenir. Charon stared at him, golden eyes wide, then shrugged and turned back to Arianna – who was looking decidedly scared.

Eli summoned every drop of courage and approached him. "Luc-" she began but was cut off with a look which would have scared even Saetan. He was still 'pissed of' as Titian had put it.

A wave of cold rippled off him.

No. He'd gone cold.

Eli recoiled as if she'd been slapped. Never, never in all the time she'd known Luc had he gone cold on her. He'd been angry at himself, once, several years ago, but then that cold anger had been directed at himself. Even living with numerous Warlord Princes – and having a very volatile one as a father – Eli had never really encountered that anger before. She'd certainly felt it when Daemon had been very annoyed with some silly little Witch who wouldn't leave him alone, but it had never been directed at either her or Charon. Lucivar had mentioned that Jaenelle's temper was very similar to a Warlord Prince's sometimes, but, thank the Darkness, Jaenelle had never needed to get angry at them either; a fact which Eli was grateful for.

So having her best friend, really, really angry at her was almost more than she could bear.

"Eli are you alright?" Titian asked, concerned.

"Yeah, I'm…I'm fine," Eli said slowly, still staring after Luc.

Titian whistled. "I wonder what's gotten into Luc. He can't still be annoyed with that Falian, can he?"

Eli glanced around quickly to make sure no one else was in hearing distance; Jason had already moved away to talk with Ash. "I think I know why he's angry," she began hesitantly.

Titian just looked at her and said nothing.

Eli swallowed. "I-I said some…things…to him yesterday which…well, which I probably shouldn't have said…" she trailed off, not looking at her friend.

Titian sighed dramatically. "What did you say, Eli?"

"Well, he was telling me that Falian was no good and that he didn't trust him and that I should…stay away from him," it all came out in a rush.

"And?" Titian prompted.

"And I said, that he didn't need to interfere."

"That wasn't all." Mother Night, Titian was sharp!

"I also said he was jealous that Falian was taking an interest in me," Eli finished in a whisper.

"Hell's Fire Eli! What on earth possessed you to say that!"

"I can look after myself!" Eli said defensively. "I'm just as strong as Luc is; I don't need his help all the time! Falian is really good-looking, and if he wants to take an interest in me, then fine! I'm flattered. I don't need Luc telling me to be careful, just because he doesn't like him."

"Oh Eli," Titian said shaking her head. "You're going to have a hell of time trying to sort this one out."

"I know," Eli groaned. "What am I going to do Titian?"

"Just let him run his anger out. Maybe then he'll be reasonable."

"I doubt it," Eli said darkly.

Titian laughed and hugged her. "Don't worry Eli. He'll forgive you."

"I hope so."

Having Luc this angry with her hurt. She needed him to forgive her. But would she? She hoped so.

A/N: What a mess! Still, the story's bumbling along nicely at the mo. Keep coming with those reviews! Lyradaemon x