Chapter 10

It was a chilly Fredas morning and Brie stepped out from her apartment, shivering slightly as she turned to lock her door. She held an apple in her hand that she munched on while she walked, her breath coming out in short little puffs as the Elf quickly made her way towards the South Watch Tower. Her thoughts were preoccupied and she didn't notice the beggar that cast her a curious glance as she walked by.

Within a few minutes Brie arrived outside the doors leading into the tower and she stepped inside. She spotted Lex's smiling face and began walking towards their usual table.

"You don't look quite as tired this morning," he greeted Brie.

"I guess I'm getting a bit used to it."

"Should I extend the lessons? Today's your last day."

Lex laughed as Brie shot the Captain a scowl and he quickly held his hands up.

"Relax, I'm joking."

"That wasn't funny," Brie shot back, but then she smiled. "The usual?"

"Please."

"Coming right up," Brie sang as she began to stroll away.

The day passed by surprisingly fast. Brie was eager for evening to roll around so she could celebrate her success at completing the sparring lessons by going out for dinner with Lex. She had immensely enjoyed the first time they went out together and so that excitement fueled her for the rest of the day.

Lex didn't say anything, but inside he was a flurry of emotions. He was looking forward to taking Brie out for dinner but he also felt a mixture of anxiousness as he contemplated something that had been on his mind for a few days.

The morning passed by, as usual, pretty uneventful. Brie impressed Lex once again as she was able to track down a pick pocket that had snatched the coin purse of a young scholar near the Arcane University just before they broke for lunch. Other than the one small crime the pair continued their patrol with no hassle and as usual they stopped at noon for lunch.

It was a pleasant affair. Brie was in better spirits than she had been in the last two weeks since she started her lessons. She was also looking forward to getting her first pay from her new job. It wouldn't be much for a new recruit such as herself but a part of Brie was pleased that she had earned the money honestly and not through fencing stolen goods.

"You look lost in thought."

Brie blinked and turned her attention towards Lex. He watched as she laughed and placed her fork down with a small shrug.

"Guess I was."

"I should get going now."

"Okay."

Brie smiled at Lex as he stood up.

"I'll see you later?"

"Yep. How about I just meet you at your apartment? I'm sure you'll want to wash up after your last lesson."

"I definitely will," Brie laughed and she wrinkled her nose at the thought.

"Alright. Try to behave, it's your last lesson."

Brie waved Lex off and turned back to her dessert. After he was gone she sat around for a while before returning the tray and empty dishes to the kitchen. Then she made her way towards the training building early, hoping to squeeze in a warm up before Master Valas arrived. She entered into the barracks, which was mostly void of other people, and found a blunt metal sword for her to use as practice.

Master Valas watched Brie from the sidelines as the Elf hacked and slashed at the hay mannequins. He had grown increasingly impressed with her over the last two weeks as Brie eventually came out of her shell and proved to be a capable fighter.

I didn't have high hopes for her, her mused silently as he studied Brie's technique. She's proven me wrong. It's no wonder that Lex is drawn to her.

When it was time for their lessons Valas strode forward and Brie saw him out of the corner of her eye. She stopped swinging her sword and turned towards him with a confused expression.

"Why... are you smiling like that?"

"Is that how you greet your teacher?"

"I mean-"

"I'm only teasing, Brie," Valas cut in, and he squeezed her shoulder.

Brie stared up at him with a raised brow, utterly confused.

"You're scaring me, sir."

"I'm not always the terrifying man you make me out to be."

"I really think you are."

"Alright," Valas laughed, and he gestured towards a fighting pit. "I guess I usually am. Let's get started runt. You still haven't come close to besting me."

Brie shot Valas a grin and they both stepped into the ring. They used blunt silver swords now and Brie was capable of avoiding most of her teacher's blows but not all of them. She still had a few welts on her arms and legs from being smacked but there were fewer of them as the days dragged on.

Their sparring received some attention, as it often did. Brie fought with enthusiasm, determined to tap Valas at least once before the day was over. A few other guards hung around the ring as they watched the pair fighting, offering boos and cheers whenever Valas smacked Brie with the blunt sword or pinned her with the weapon almost pressed into her neck. The atmosphere was light as Brie would laugh her loss off and bounce back up, still fueled by her desire to best Master Valas just one time.

Eventually the sun dipped low behind the mountains and Lex departed the Watch Tower dressed in casual attire. He swiftly made his way towards Brie's apartment but upon arriving he found that the Elf wasn't there. Feeling confused, the Captain stood in front of her door for a few minutes, wondering where she could be, and then he took off at a brisk walk towards the training pits.

There's no way she'd be there still, he mused quietly as he walked. She was dying for training to be over this morning.

Once inside, Lex was surprised to see a small group of guards crowded around one of the larger fighting pits. He slowly made his way through the crowd with curiosity and was surprised by what he saw.

He came just in time to witness Brie as she ducked her body out of Valas's swipe and found an opening. She sprung forward, sweat pouring down her body as she slipped her arm through the gap Valas had left open and she pointed her sword at his neck with a small shout.

"Ha!"

Master Valas's eyes widened in surprise and the crowd was dead silent as the pair stared at one another for a long moment. Lex stood close by, his hands clenched around the wooden fence as he stared at them in awe.

Suddenly the Imperial dropped his sword. It fell onto the sand floor with a muffled thud and then he swept Brie into a bone-crushing hug as the small crowd erupted into cheers.

"Well I'll be fucking damned," Valas bellowed as he swung a nearly collapsed Brie around, her legs swinging wildly as she gasped for air.

Her sword slipped from her grasp and crashed onto the floor as well. Brie fought weakly against his embrace but eventually caved and hugged him back. She laughed, completely breathless, and she swiped at Valas's hand as he ruffled her hair with a huge grin.

"I'd say that was a great way to end our lessons," Valas praised Brie.

"Th-thank you, sir."

The crowd was beginning to disperse as they realized the fight was over but Lex remained behind. Brie glanced around, her cheeks flushed bright red and her smile was brighter than the sun as she waved back at the few men and women that bade her goodbye. He'd never seen her looking so pleased and Lex had been never been more proud of his partner than in that moment.

Brie's eyes widened when she spotted her Captain, looking handsome as could be in a pair of leather breeches and a dark blue tunic. She glanced towards the windows, noting the darkness, and she quickly clamped a hand over her mouth.

"Captain! I completely forgot-"

"It's okay," Lex laughed and he squeezed her shoulder. "Brie, that was incredible."

"You saw?"

"I did, and I'm glad I did. You blew me away."

"Oh," Brie mumbled softly as her body felt warm and fuzzy. "Thank you, sir."

"Are you still up for dinner? You look like you're going to collapse..."

"Of course!" Brie nodded and she glanced down at her sweat drenched tunic. "I uh, just gotta wash up really quick..."

Lex nodded and he watched as Brie picked up her fallen sword and began walking towards the barracks. While she was gone, Lex chatted with Master Valas, mostly discussing Brie's training and how far she had come in only two short weeks.

"Thank you for not giving up on her."

"We don't get very many characters like her in the guard," Valas mused as he stroked his beard. "Where did you find her?"

"I didn't find her," Lex responded quietly. "She found me."

Master Valas eyed Lex with a surprised expression but he didn't say anything. Lex stared out at the fighting pit, his thoughts far away, and he didn't even realize what he had really said to Valas as he once again was overcome with emotion. Eventually he shook his head and let out a shaky breath. A smile spread across his features as Brie appeared once more looking refreshed and clean in soft leather breeches and an emerald green tunic that had been leant to her by one of the female recruiters she'd gotten to know since she started training.

"Ready?" Lex asked as he pushed himself away from the wooden post he'd been leaning against.

"Yep."

"Before you go, Brie. I might have a word."

Brie glanced up at Master Valas and then back at Lex, who nodded.

"I'll be outside."

"Okay."

Valas waited until the Captain was out of ear shot before he gestured for Brie to follow him towards his office. It was a little room located just off the main hall and he quickly ushered Brie inside with a smile.

"You don't look like you spend much time in here," Brie teased as she ran her finger through the dust that had collected on a nearby shelf.

"I don't. Paperwork annoys me."

Brie stood near the door, watching with curiosity as the trainer began rifling through a chest located near his desk. When he straightened up and turned back towards her he was holding a fancy looking sword in a well-crafted leather sheath.

"This is for you."

"W-What?" Brie stammered as she hesitantly took the sword from his outstretched hands.

"Treat it well."

Valas chuckled as he watched Brie run her fingers along the leather hilt, admiring the fine craftsmanship.

"Why would you give this to me?" Brie whispered thickly.

"You earned it. I don't give swords to just anybody but you bested me fair and square so it's yours."

"I... Thank you, sir."

"Please, call me Valas. I'm not your teacher anymore."

Brie peered up at the man with a tearful expression, unable to really comprehend how she was feeling. She'd never felt so special before and it was overwhelming but she forced herself to remain calm as she clenched the sword against her chest and smiled.

"Thank you, Valas."

"And keep it up with my boy Lex," Valas continued as he patted Brie on the back.

They exited the office and Valas walked with Brie towards the main doors of the building.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm glad you're working with him now. I've known the boy since he first moved to the city and he's been a sad case since day one."

Brie frowned and stopped walking. She turned to stare up at Valas with furrowed brows.

"You're the second person to say that. Did something happen to him?"

"I couldn't tell you," Valas shrugged. "He's been like this for the last eight years I've known him. Married to his work and obsessed with catching the damn Gray Fox."

"I wish I knew why..." Brie murmured, more to herself than out loud.

"I've never seen Lex in casual clothes, let alone going out for dinner. He's changing because of you."

"I didn't realize so many people were concerned for him."

"I'm sure there's more than even he realizes. But he's got a stone wall built up around him and nobody's been able to break through until now."

"W-Well," Brie responded softly and she smiled. "I'll keep chipping away, little by little."

"Good girl," Valas grinned and squeezed her shoulder. "Get going now, and don't be a stranger. You better not let those skills go to waste."

"I won't, goodnight sir."

"Goodnight Brie."

Lex turned towards the door as it opened. Light from inside spilled onto the street as Brie stepped out and she smiled at the Captain when he drew closer.

"What's that?"

"Oh," Brie grinned and held the sword up for Lex to inspect. "My parting gift from Valas."

"Wow, you really did impress him."

"I guess so," Brie laughed. "Where are you taking me? I'm starving."

"I'm sure you are, you worked really hard today."

Brie sprinted home to drop off the sword. When she returned the pair began to stroll down the city streets, their arms almost touching as they walked. They chatted lightly, smiling often as they sent each other glances here and there. Lex took Brie in the direction of the Elven Gardens District. He had thought about going somewhere else for dinner but the food at the food at the King and Queen Tavern had been so good and their experience so positive that he was eager to return again.

Brie clued into where they were going the closer they got but she said nothing and sucked in a deep breath, enjoying the cool air that moved through her lungs. She was exhausted, but nothing was going to stop her from enjoying an intimate meal with her favorite person in the Imperial City.

Brie could admit it, fully now, that she cared deeply for the Imperial that walked beside her. It still terrified her to allow herself to confess it but she also knew that he was probably the most honorable man she'd ever met. She was used to being abused, that much was obvious, but a part of her knew that Lex was not a person capable of such acts.

Even if he's not interested in me romantically, Brie mused as they reached the front doors to the Tavern. I feel like I can trust him and hopefully he feels the same way.

Lex opened the door for Brie and ushered her inside. They were greeted by an Elvish server who quickly took them to a remote two-seater table near the back of the tavern. It was crowded on a Fredas night, which they expected. A bard sang a loud tune from the other side of the room which made it hard to really hear any conversation but they didn't mind.

The special was roast beef with a grilled vegetable medley, fresh bread and pie for dessert. They both decided on the special and Lex ordered two bottles of honey ale.

"So," Lex started once the server had left their table. "Do you feel proud of yourself?"

"I do," Brie replied firmly. "I've never thought I'd feel so good."

"I'm glad. I can rest easy now knowing you're better equipped to handle yourself in a fight."

"Yeah," Brie replied softly and she paused to thank the server that brought their drinks. "Now if I run into that bitch again I can kick her ass."

Lex laughed, but he felt more concern than humour about the whole ordeal.

"You need to be careful, you're working against more than one person. You're up against an entire guild."

"I'm aware, really. They're not as interesting as you think they are."

Brie had snooped around as much as she could over the last week. She avoided it immediately after her incident with the statuette, hoping that her absence made people forget about her meddling. She hadn't heard very many interesting whispers for a while now and she was beginning to grow bored.

"Well, enough about work."

Brie blinked and looked up at Lex's face. Once again, the urge to kiss him washed over her but she quickly pushed it down and took a sip of her ale, hoping he didn't notice the way her hands shook ever so slightly.

Lex also felt jittery but he played it cool. They were silent for a while as they sipped on their drinks, content to just listen to the music until their food arrived. As soon as their dinners were placed on the table Brie snatched up her fork and was about to cut into her beautiful looking cut of beef when Lex stopped her.

"A congrats is in order," he told her gravely, and then he picked up his bottle and smiled. "Congratulations on completing your training, Brie."

"Cheers, Lex. Thank you," Brie beamed as they clinked their bottles together.

The food was delicious. Brie tucked into her meal with great gusto and was able to polish off her entire plate this time. After they were finished Lex ordered another round of ale and the pair leaned back in their chairs with content sighs.

"That was delicious."

"It really was."

Brie was too tired to really notice that Lex was a flustered mess. He tried to focus on the small talk but it was hard and he felt his palms growing sweaty as his thoughts whirled. Eventually Brie's eyelids began to droop as she nearly fell asleep at the table. He watched the Elf struggle to keep her head up and he couldn't help but smile.

"Brie," Lex called softly.

"Hmm?" Brie mumbled and her eyes shot open. "I-I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry. You had a long day."

"Yeah," Brie sighed, and she rested her chin against her hand. "I'd like to stay here longer but I'm going to pass out."

"It's fine, I'm just glad you've got a belly full of food. I'll go pay and then we can leave."

"You'don have to do that," Brie argued softly, and she stifled a yawn behind her hand. "I should pay."

"Nonsense."

Lex stood up from the table and hunted down a server. Once he was finished paying he returned to the Brie and found her slumped back in her chair with closed eyes. He gently touched her shoulder. Her eyes snapped open and she lurched out of her chair.

"Ready? Lessgo."

Her determination was admirable. Lex followed close beside her as Brie shuffled slowly down the street. It was a long walk back to the Temple District where her apartment was located and after a good ten minutes struggling to make her legs move Lex finally spoke up.

"We'll take five years to get home at this rate," Lex teased as he gently grasped her arm.

"Hmm?" Brie murmured and she peered up at him.

"Let me carry you."

"What?" Brie laughed, and she shook her head. "No way, Captain."

"Brie. Time is standing still when you walk."

"Go on ahead of me, I'll get there eventually."

"You know I can't do that," Lex argued.

Brie watched as her Captain turned around and bent his knees so he was crouching.

"Come on Brie, don't make me wait all night."

Brie blushed. She contemplated saying no again but quickly changed her mind. She was exhausted, and Lex's willingness to carry her was incredibly endearing.

"Oh alright," Brie huffed as she shuffled forward.

Lex felt Brie press against his back and her arms wrapped around his neck. His pulse raced when she touched him but he focused on hoisting her up, his hands clasped around her thighs as the Elf straddled his long form. He could feel her toned arms as she flexed them instinctively when he straightened up and then she rested her chin against him and let out a deep sigh.

"Better?"

"Yeah. You didn't have to carry me, though."

"It's not a bother," Lex replied smoothly as he began walking. "Although you are a little heavier than two weeks ago."

"Hey," Brie protested sleepily and she tightened her arm around his neck in a light chokehold. "I'll fight you, Captain."

Lex laughed and he shivered as Brie's soft hair brushed along his cheek and neck. After a moment she slackened her hold and he knew she was probably snoozing while he walked. He didn't mind one bit. It gave Lex the time he needed to work up his courage as he silently trekked through the streets of the city. Clusters of stars twinkled and glittered high above their heads and a part of him felt at peace as he carried Brie towards her apartment. Her soft breath and warm touch was indescribable.

He walked at a steady pace, taking his time. The streets were mostly empty and nobody bothered him as Lex made his way back to the Market District. When he arrived at Brie's apartment he was reluctant to put her down and so for a long moment he simply stared the door, his thoughts far away.

Finally, Lex turned his head slightly, trying to see if Brie was asleep but her hair covered most of her face. He could see her eyes were closed.

"Brie?"

"Mmyes?" Brie mumbled sleepily.

Lex shivered when her small, pale hands idly brushed across his chest and Brie yawned.

"We're here."

"Alrighty, thanks Captain."

Lex bent his knees so he was closer to the ground and Brie clumsily slipped off his back. He watched as she shuffled over to the door and rummaged around in her pocket for a moment, searching for her key. His heart pounded painfully in his chest but a new side of him urged the Imperial on.

"Brie?"

"Yeah?"

Brie finished unlocking the door and she swiveled around so she was facing Lex. She reached up to brush he hair out of her face and she peered up at him with as much attention as she could muster.

"I... I um, I have something to ask you."

"Oh?"

Suddenly Brie's tiredness faded away as she watched Lex struggling to speak. He nervously rubbed his neck and mostly stared down at the stone ground between them. The atmosphere between the pair was almost electric and it completely dissolved all of Brie's exhaustion as she looked at Lex with a burning curiosity.

"What is it?"

"W-Well," Lex stammered, and he forced himself to meet Brie's gaze. "There's this banquet that the Imperial Guard put on a few times a year..."

"I've heard of it," Brie responded softly.

"Being a Captain, I'm always obligated to go. I really dislike going."

"You poor thing," Brie teased.

"Yeah. Well... I was wondering if you uh... if you might want to go with me..."

Brie's eyes widened in surprise. Lex quickly looked away again and gave a small cough, feeling like he might burst. His neck was beet red and he nervously rubbed his arm as he waited for Brie to respond.

"You want me to go?"

"You sound so surprised."

"I guess... I am a bit."

"I'm always going alone," Lex explained quietly, and he shrugged his broad shoulders with a glum expression. "For years the other guests have harassed me at these stupid things. Asking too many personal questions, making jokes about the fact I'm married to my work. It would just...," Lex paused and sighed.

"It would nice to have somebody there with me for once. Maybe people would leave me alone if you were there."

"So," Brie responded with a small frown. "You just want me to go so the guests will stop teasing you?"

"N-No," Lex spluttered. "I mean that's not the only reason-"

"Relax, I'm only teasing. Of course I'll go."

Lex froze for half a second and then he looked at Brie. She stared back at him, a smile on her soft lips.

"You will?"

"You sound surprised," Brie laughed. "Yes, I'll go."

"Oh, well. Thank you."

Brie's heart skipped a beat when Lex let out a deep breath and his face broke into a soft grin. It warmed her heart to see him flustered and happy.

"I like parties," Brie grinned and she excitedly rocked on the balls of her shoes. "When is it?"

"Uh, that's the part I'm sorry about..."

"What?"

"It's tomorrow night."

"Oh. That's really soon."

"I know," Lex replied, and he gave her an apologetic smile. "It's short notice."

"No worries," Brie responded smoothly. "I can make it work. I don't really own anything nice..."

Brie was silent for a moment as she mused over everything.

"I guess I'll go to Divine Elegance tomorrow morning and see if there's a dress I can afford."

"Are you sure?"

"Yep. I'll make it work."

"Thanks again, Brie."

The pair smiled at one another, and Brie nodded.

"Sure thing. I'll see you tomorrow then?"

"I'll come by around six if that's alright with you."

"Sure. Then... goodnight."

Lex looked like he wanted to say more, but he quickly thought against it and pretended otherwise.

"Right, goodnight Brie. Sleep well."

He waited until Brie had slipped inside her apartment and shut the door before he began making his way back to the South Watch Tower. Lex felt something in his chest he couldn't quite describe and for the first time in over eight years he was actually looking forward to going to the banquet, and he knew it was because of the woman who would be attending the event with him.

Despite how tired Brie felt she didn't fall asleep the moment she laid down in bed. Excitement coursed through her as she thought about the banquet. She was touched that Lex has asked her to attend it with him and she also felt a pang of sadness that the guests there always seemed to make him feel miserable. Eventually they both drifted to sleep, alone in their own beds, with thoughts of each other swirling through their dreams.