Varian
The next morning when we woke up, Vala seemed just as exhausted, even though she'd had a full night's sleep. I could literally see her strength fading after each communication with home. She'd been hiding it well to this point, but with the verbal connection established, too much of her energy was being used for her to hide it effectively anymore. And apparently, she wasn't recovering as well as she used to in the past. I was worried about her.
She took a seat at the table while I brought over some food and water. She'd conjured up enough to last for the next four days, so she wouldn't need to use any magic until our next communication. With any luck, it would be the day we went home.
I sat across from her, giving her a weak smile. "No offense, but you look terrible."
She chuckled weakly. "It's good to know I look better than I feel. Ever since that failed attempt to link magic, I just can't seem to shake this nagging tiredness. What if my mind is already damaged? What if I can't do what must be done to get home?"
I placed a hand over hers, which was lying on the table.
"Everything is going to work out, Vala. I just wish you would have told me about the toll these sessions are taking on you sooner. You are one of the most stubbornly determined people I've ever met. Kinda reminds me of Jaina herself."
Vala smiled. "So, I'm in good company at least."
"Very funny." I glared at her just a little. "Just promise me you'll be honest with me while we work this all out. We're a team in this and I can't help you if you won't let me."
"I'm sorry, Varian. I've just been alone for so long, I've learned how to take care of myself. I'm out of practice relying on other people."
"Well, you'll need to get back in practice very soon. Once we're home, you'll be surrounded by people, some of whom you'll need to rely on."
Vala smiled at me, giving me a real smile through her exhaustion. "I look forward to it."
"Good. Now eat up. Once you're done, you're going back to bed. You need to rest and there is nothing else you need to be doing to prepare."
"As you command, My King." She replied jokingly, doing the little head bow and hand wave she'd invented as a mock sign of compliance and respect.
"Just stop." I said with an eye roll and a laugh.
I awoke suddenly chilled in the middle of the night. I automatically knew what was going on. It had to be another gathering of demons. I saw Vala was already awake, using magic to douse the fire. She then dimmed the one light, leaving the cave almost pitch black, with the exception of Vala's own slightly glowing eyes. I could just make out Vala's silhouette as she wrapped her blanket around her shoulders and headed towards me. I lifted my own blanket so Vala could slide in next to me. I then wrapped us both up, to save the heat for when the cave got colder.
Vala wasn't shaking like she had been the first time she'd told me about the gatherings. Infact, it only took a few minutes for her to turn into me, rest her head on my chest and fall asleep.
As I lay awake, listening carefully for any sign of invasion, I couldn't help but think how nice it felt to sleep next to a woman. To hold her in my arms, even though the act was purely platonic. There hadn't been many women in my life since Tiffin, and all of those had been around were nothing more than a single evening affair. I knew as the king, I'd have no trouble filling my bed, but I just wasn't the one night stand type. It didn't seem right to use a woman in that way, even if she was willing. Sometimes I missed just sleeping next to someone.
As the minutes ticked by, I slowly fell asleep, warm and comfortable next to Vala.
To Be Continued...
