Only seven days to go! Radiant Dawn in-coming!
Chapter Three
The sun was just settling when the first rays of light shone their way through the window of the cosy inn.
Tauroneo groaned; trust Bryce with closing the curtains, and you'll get awoken by sunlight. Just great. He gave his sleeping partner a slight kick in the leg.
"What was that for?" Bryce yawned lazily.
"For slapping me twice, snoring, kicking me once on the groin, and forgetting to close the curtains," Tauroneo snapped back, crossing his arms over his bare chest.
Bryce, who was still half asleep as of yet, just blinked as a chuckle came from the other bed. "Sounds like you had a fun night, Tauro," Petrine smirked, inching the sheets up just below her chin and snuggling into her pillow like some sort of cat. "I had more fun with Gawain."
Tauroneo just smirked, but Bryce's eyebrows shot up so fast that all thought of sleep flew his mind in a matter of seconds. He almost choked as he asked: "What did you two do?"
"Well, I woke up in the middle of the night and I was cold," she said maliciously, nearly purring. "So I cuddled up to him to keep warm, one thing led to another and…"
The two men were hanging onto her words, Tauroneo eager, Bryce anxious. "And?"
"And he told me to get my mind out of the gutter and to go back to sleep."
Tauroneo barked out a laugh, falling flat on his back on the bed. The younger man, however, heaved out a discreet but relieved sigh. "I was cold too," he pouted. "We could have switched beds, I wouldn't have minded cuddling up with you."
"Keep dreaming, Bryce," Petrine smirked. The Rider growled but fell silent.
When Tauroneo's laughter calmed down, he sat back up. "Anyway, where's Gawain?"
"He got up at dawn," Petrine yawned. "He said he wanted to look around a bit and do his morning training."
Tauroneo scratched his chin, seeming to be in deep thoughts. His female colleague gave him an odd look; it wasn't like Tauroneo to actually settle down and think. Petrine even doubted the thing had a brain to begin with; of course she told him so every chance she got, and she was about to do just that when he beat her to it. "Haven't you noticed how strange he acts? I mean, he didn't yell at us for the mess yesterday, he didn't whine about the lack of food, he woke up early… do you reckon he may really like her?"
Bryce nodded. "No mistaking."
"Ah," the oldest Rider sighed dramatically. "Love at first sight…"
"What the hell are you two talking about? Wait," the woman corrected herself quickly. "On second thoughts, I don't want to know."
Petrine stretched and pushed the covers off of her body. She sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed at her purple eyes to ward off sleep. Whereas Tauroneo got up to look for his clothes, Bruce just sat cross-legged on the bed, his gaze lingering on Petrine's slender body. He reallywouldn't have minded cuddling up with her, she was so appealing… of course, every time he made a comment on the way she looked, the way she smiled – even if it wasn't often, she did – the only thanks he got was a punch or a kick. Why did he keep on trying? Even Bryce himself didn't know.
There was a sudden "bang" and the door flew open. "Rise and shine!" Gawain said as he waltzed in. "It's a beautiful day outside, you can't sleep until noon!"
Tauroneo, who was hopping on one foot to pull on his boots, groaned. "Gawain, don't do that! I could have been naked, for Ashera's sake!" he hissed.
"Well, I know you wouldn't undress while Petrine's in the room," the fair-eyed Rider countered cheerfully – toocheerfully, Bryce noted.
Tauroneo growled, but he had to admit that Gawain was right. "Well, she already saw me naked anyway, remember that time by Gallia with the quicksand…"
"Please don't remind me!" Petrine interrupted him, covering her eyes with both of her hands. "I'm already scarred enough as it is, don't twist the knife, please."
Gawain laughed. "Well, it could have been worse, Bryce could have been the one falling in the quicksand."
"Shut up Gawain!" Bryce roared, more embarrassed than angry when his three "friends" laughed out. "What is up with you anyway? Last night you were almost sulking, and now you're all smile and happiness! What has gotten into you? Why are you acting like that?"
Gawain shrugged, his laughter dying down. "I slept well, it's sunny outside and we only have to look around a bit. For me, it's a break from all the fighting we are usually assigned to, don't you think?"
Petrine vaguely nodded, but Tauroneo and Bryce exchanged one knowing look. Before either of them could tell Gawain just how he saw this as a vacation, he spoke up. "Well, get up and eat something, I'll be at the market interrogating people, see you at lunch?" And before they could answer, he was out the door.
"Yeah," Bryce nodded to himself. "He definitely likes her."
The crowd of the previous day was nothing compared to the chatting mass of moving people in the market. Between shouts and bursts of laughter, men were running by with boxes and women with baskets full of vegetable or fruit.
Gawain had to be extra careful to avoid colliding with people who were speeding by and hadn't noticed him standing here, all the while searching the crowd for the face he wanted to see.
To be truthful, he wasn't even sure he'd find her here. He hadn't even expected to find a market in the street when he walked out of the inn that morning. He just felt it was worth a try; it was better than patrolling around with no real purpose anyway, after all there was no need to interrogate people, the Riders had been sent to the Frontier Lands to prevent Begnion from attacking the place, their mere presence was supposed to be enough of a threat to dissuade the biggest Beorc nation from sending troops to conquer the Lands – the Four Steadfast Riders of Daein were quite famous in Begnion, and, thankfully, Begnion people also tended to find them a bit frightening.
Gawain was brought out of his thoughts when something dark blue caught the corner of his eyesight; indeed, Elena was there. She looked stunning too, with her soft dark hair swaying in the morning slight wind, and her pale purple dress that hugged her frame better than a sheath would fit its sword.
I need to work on my metaphor skills, Gawain mused idly as he watched her walk. That basket she carries looks heavy… I wonder if… oh well, one way or another…
The broad-shouldered man jogged over to Elena. He was about to make his presence known when she turned around by herself. When she saw him, her features broke into a kind smile. "Good morning, sir Gawain," the young woman greeted cheerfully, shifting her basket so it rested upon her hip.
"Good morning, missElena," the Rider mock-sighed, and she chuckled. "I thought I stated my name is just Gawain, now, didn't I?"
"All right, Just Gawain," Elena replied, smiling. "What brings you out there on this fine morning?"
The way she was holding her basket, and the spark of kindness in her blue eyes made Gawain's features soften into a smile. "Why, my everlasting need to be useful, what else?" He didn't know why he felt like he was melting inside, just looking at her, but he thought he could hide it better behind a mask of playfulness. "Out there I did come and, Goddess forbids, what did I see? A fair maiden, carrying such a load. You just have to let me help you bring it home."
Elena laughed; he was so sweet, she had never met such a pleasant traveller before – not to mention that good-looking either. She felt a small burst of something deep down in her guts, and its warmth reminded her of a similar feeling she had gotten the day before when he had offered to walk her home.
"All right, I entrust you with my precious carrots and shining apples, fair knight," she chuckled, handing him the basket.
Gawain took the load from her – indeed it was a bit heavy – and nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "This is a great honor, milady."
They nodded courteously and looked at each other silently for a few seconds, before they dissolved into chuckles.
"She looks very nice," Tauroneo stated out of the blue.
"Aren't you engaged, you pervert?" Bryce taunted, before he took a good look at Elena. "Actually you're not half-wrong. Maybe just a little too short."
"She's not: you just think she is short because she's standing next to Gawain."
The two Riders kept arguing from where they were sitting near the inn. Bryce was sitting in a chair with his arms crossed over his chest, his reddish auburn hair gleaming under the sun, while Tauroneo was leaning against the wall and resting his right foot on Bryce's chair. Dressed as they were, with plain pants and shirts, they could be easily mistaken for travellers just having a break and watching the market. Who would know?
"Well," Tauroneo sighed as he racked one hand through his chestnut hair. "Aren't we supposed to look around for information?"
"We're looking around right now," Bryce shrugged.
"Well, yes, but not for information."
Bryce shook his head. "I do. Say, do you think that girl over there has someone?"
Tauroneo growled and swatted his younger friend upside the head. "You dork! We are-" The eldest Rider consequently lowered his voice when a man walked by and gave him a strange glance. "We're Riders, for Goddess' sake! We are meant to protect the place so please stop acting like some crazed teenager!"
While Bryce began muttering under his breath, Tauroneo just sighed again and went back to watching the crowd. He seriously doubted there were spies or soldiers from Begnion among them, but then, one could never be too sure.
Meanwhile Gawain and Elena were out of the market and on their way to Elena's house. The blue-eyes man was carrying her basket as he told her how he had found his horse, Rakham.
"And that guy said he would never be tamed, what a joke," Gawain said. "I brought him home and I mounted him within two weeks."
Elena looked amazed. "You really have a way with horses."
"Yes, I've lived near horses since I was a toddler. My father had a horse but she died when… let's not go there," he caught himself quickly. When she gave him a quizzical look, he tried to come up with some excuse but just said lamely: "I don't like to talk about it, I liked her very much."
Elena nodded and asked no further question. Gawain was glad for that; he didn't want to explain how his father had killed the young mare to punish him. Because then he would have had to tell her how cruel his father could be, and he really didn't want to go into details.
"Hey, Elena!" a clear voice rang out.
The priestess turned around and smiled. "Vani! How are you? I thought you wouldn't come back for another week!"
"I thought too! But Shi got sick so we came back home early." A young woman with long blond hair held in a ponytail and smiling green eyes came up to them. She then took notice of Gawain standing beside Elena. "And who might that be? Your boyfriend?" she asked with a glint of hope in her eyes.
Elena flushed uneasily. "No, he's not. This is Gawain, a traveller from Daein. Gawain, this is Vani, my best friend."
"Hello!" Vani shook Gawain's outstretched hand enthusiastically. "My husband is a traveller too!"
"That's… nice," the Rider answered, not knowing what to say. The woman couldn't be much older than Elena, two or three years separated them at the most. "Nice to meet you," he added politely.
The three of them resumed walking to Elena's house. With the two young women chatting happily about Vani's latest trip, Gawain didn't feel like cutting into their conversation so he just walked with them, basket in hand.
However, just as they neared the small fountain and Malabar began barking cheerfully, a cold feeling washed over Gawain. He jerked his head up and looked around quickly; nothing was amiss in the area. Nevertheless, he couldn't get rid of the feeling that something was off.
Frowning, Gawain sped up to catch up to Elena and Vani, who were chatting by the house's fence. Fortunately, they hadn't noticed he had zoned out for a few seconds, so he put on a casual smile and willed his paranoia away.
"Sorry Gawain," Elena apologized sheepishly while she took her basket back, nodding her thanks. "Vani is very talkative, it's hard to block her out."
"Now why would you want to do that?" the other woman replied, smirking. When Elena's cheeks were painted a slight pink, Vani elbowed her. "I knew it!"
Gawain, who had gone back to looking around, was startled by the sudden tone of voice. "What are you-"
His voice was drowned out by a scream and a bell being rung with panic.
"What's that?" Gawain winced when his eardrums were brutally assaulted.
Elena looked frightened. "This bell is supposed to ring whenever the village is under attack!" she explained hurriedly, unconsciously looking around to find the source of turmoil.
Gawain widened his eyes a little and was about to tell the frightened women something when somebody roared his name. He turned around to see Tauroneo running up to him. "We're under attack!" the older Rider panted, apparently having run a long way. "There are about fifty men near the southern entrance of the village, Petrine and Bryce are already there to slow them down, quick let's grab the horses!"
"Understood!" Gawain nodded.
"What are you talking about?" Elena asked, overwhelmed by confusion and fright.
Shit… she still thinks I'm a mere traveller… "I'll explain everything to you as soon as this battle ends! For now just lock yourselves up somewhere, both of you! Just hide!" The two women didn't need to be told twice; they made a beeline for Elena's house.
It took Gawain and Tauroneo a few powerful strides to reach the stable their horses were in. The animals nickered nervously when the two men rushed inside. Gawain immediately grabbed a saddle that was resting on a stool, only to be stopped by Tauroneo.
"Forget the saddle! The harness will be enough!" the Rider instructed as he grabbed his own stallion and Petrine's black mare. Before he mounted his horse, he threw a sheath at Gawain. "Here's your sword, forget the armor, just put the inner chain mail! Now!"
Gawain messily grabbed Bryce's horse's reins and climbed atop his own mount. He threw his chain mail on and strapped Ragnell to his back. "Let's go!" he shouted as he firmly nudged his horse forward. The black stallion neighed a little but eventually set off running at a quick pace, out of the stable and into the streets, Tauroneo in close pursuit.
Few people could be found remaining outside; everyone had locked themselves up at home or somewhere else, wishing the soldiers of Begnion just wanted to scare them as they had done a few months before. Gawain double-checked to be sure nobody would find themselves in the middle of the fight as his horse's hooves hit the paved path soundly. The sound of metal hitting metal could be heard ahead, and Gawain urged him horse on.
Bryce and Petrine were fending off soldiers near the main entrance of the village. The two Riders were back to back, and their spears clashed with swords and punctured red armors. Excepted for a small slash along Bryce's cheek, they weren't wounded.
Gawain took the reins with one hand and reached around his shoulder to grab the hilt of his blessed sword. He unsheathed Ragnell swiftly and sent a powerful wave of wind magic right into Begnion troops. The soldiers scattered, which allowed Tauroneo and Gawain to reach Bryce and Petrine.
"At last! I was beginning to think we would have to take them on by ourselves!" Bryce exclaimed as he jumped onto his stallion's back and grabbed the reins, wiping the blood on his cheek with the back of his hand.
"Just shut up and fight!" Tauroneo roared angrily.
About ten Begnion soldiers began running up to them, shouting war cries, their spears at the ready.
"Come on, Riders of Daein!" Gawain exclaimed, poising his sword and nudging his stallion into a full-fledged gallop toward the running troops. His three companions shouted and ran after him, right into the fight.
The enemy was reduced to twenty soldiers in about fifteen minutes. Ten halberdiers, five swordmasters and five paladins. There was also some cloaked guy that was either a priest or a mage. At first they had been laughing at the outnumbered four knights who had been naïve enough to challenge them all, but now they looked like they wanted to run away. They would not voluntary fight them, so the Riders had to jump over corpses laying everywhere to get to them.
From the corner of his eye, Gawain saw the five remaining paladins rush into the village. "I'll take care of them! Just deal with the ones that are still here!" he announced as he spun his horse around and sent him galloping back into the village. His eyes were focused on the five horses' running forms, and he could hear nothing but their exhausted neighs and the tapping of their hooves on the ground.
Soon they screeched to a halt; they were in the small place with the fountain and Elena's house, and it was a dead end. Gawain stopped his horse too, his sword at the ready. The paladins exchanged terrified and panicked looks; although their weapons were drawn and pointed at Gawain, they were shaking. They were exhausted and bleeding, and the Rider only suffered from a few scratches on his arms and face.
"A-Are you even human?!" one of the paladins, fairly young by the sounds of it, trembled.
"Who knows," Gawain said calmly. "Now, I'd rather you fight like men, it would be-"
There was a loud explosion from somewhere to Gawain's right. Startled, his horse neighed loudly and reared up brutally, standing tall. The lack of a saddle kept the warrior from staying upright and he eventually fell down to the ground with a surprised shout, Ragnell landing a few feet away from him.
The paladins never wasted this chance to escape: they took off running as soon as they could. Gawain jumped to his feet when he realized they were about to get away, but as he picked up his sword and looked around for his stallion, his eyes fell upon something that made his heart leap.
The house was on fire, probably the result of a powerful Elfire spell. It was burning from the first floor up to the roof, and from what Gawain could see the windows had been smashed to pieces by the explosion. The trees in the garden were being devoured by flames too, but more importantly: it was Mr. Hettwon's house. And Gawain had learnt from Elena that the old man almost never left his house.
Damn! What should he do? He'd normally try to find the mage, dispose of him before he could cast more spells and then take care of the burning house. But he couldn't just leave an old man to die in his house!
"We took down those paladins for you, didn't think they could beat you," Tauroneo said as he came up to him. Gawain turned around to see Bryce and Petrine trotting that way too. "What happened here?"
"Later! Petrine, go look for the mage who's throwing fire spells! Bryce and Tauroneo, tell people to leave their houses and gather somewhere safe!" Gawain ordered quickly.
"What about you?" Bryce wondered, a bit overwhelmed.
But Gawain was already gone.
The broad-shouldered man was running with all of his might to the burning house. When he pushed the half-burnt door open, it collapsed noisily to the ground. Gawain coughed when he breathed in the heavy smoke coming from inside, and he had to squint to shield his eyes from the burning air. I have to find him, he thought to himself.
A few minutes later, Tauroneo was gathering people around the fountain. "Please keep your children close and don't move too much!" he shouted loud enough to be heard over the roasting burning. "My colleagues are taking care of the other villagers so don't be scared, they are safe." When there were mumbles of acknowledgment in the crowd, Tauroneo sighed and turned to Mr. Hettwon's burning house. We'd better put that fire out before it spreads out to the whole village. A worried frown settled on his features. Damn it, Gawain, hurry up!
Five more minutes. Gawain still hadn't come out. Now Tauroneo began to worry about his younger friend; he was startled out of his thoughts when someone touched his arm, but it was just Petrine.
"I took care of the little bastard, he set three other houses on fire further down the street," she told him. "Bryce and the other villagers went to get water from the river, I come with the wounded. How are things on your side?"
"We only have someone who was slightly burnt, but nothing to worry about," the Rider filled her in quickly. The person in question happened to be the young woman Gawain had been talking to that morning, but she would be fine once her hand would be bandaged. "But Gawain's got me worried, he rushed in that house ten minutes ago and hasn't come back since then."
Petrine frowned and looked at the house. Its roof had collapsed and one wall, black and charred, looked ready to crumble. "I think I'll go in and-"
"Look! Something is moving on the first floor!" a boy shouted, pointing.
Everybody looked at the house, and sure enough, there seemed to be shadows moving behind the smashed up windows. At first Tauroneo thought they were just flames, but then it began taking on a human shape; next thing he knew, Gawain had jumped through the destroyed window. The Rider landed roughly on the ground on his side, clutching something to his chest.
Tauroneo and Petrine ran to him; the female Rider swatted at her friend to put out the fire that had spread on his clothes and Tauroneo rolled him on his back. "Gawain, do you hear me?" he prompted, concern etched across his face.
"How is he?" the bruised man panted. "Please tell me he's all right…"
Tauroneo wondered for a few seconds what Gawain meant, but then he realized the thing the other man was holding to his chest was actually Mr. Hettwon himself. Or what remained of him, at least: the old man's skin was burnt more than could be possible, but on top of that, he was completely lifeless. Literally. "Gawain," Tauroneo said sadly. "I think he is dead."
"You're mistaken, he can't be dead." Gawain ignored Petrine who was fretting over his many burns and lay the man down on his back, refusing to admit Tauroneo was right. But there was no denying the lack of life in the corpse's cloudy eyes. "He can't be dead," Gawain muttered under his breath again, as if he didn't believe it.
"Stay still, my friend, you're bleeding," Tauroneo ordered gently, brushing Gawain's hair away to get a clear look at a small gash on the man's skull. "It seems you bumped your head into something."
But the blue-eyed warrior shook his head and sat up, albeit groggily. "I'm fine," he stated, but his voice wavered slightly. He tried to swat at Tauroneo's hands that were trying to prop him up. "You don't need to worry about me, worry about him instead," he growled.
Tauroneo frowned. "I remember you saying something along the lines of "there's no use worrying over the dead, they are safer than the wounded" not so long ago." When Gawain stayed silent, his friend's glare softened. "You did everything you could to save him, you put your life on the line for this man's. But he's dead, Gawain, and there's nothing you can do about it now." The eldest Rider raised his head to see Bryce rushing to the burning house with at least forty villagers. All were carrying buckets filled to the brim with water, which they promptly threw on the raging fire to put it out. The villagers who had been under Tauroneo's care until then went to assist them in their task. "We can bury him later, for now let's help everyone, come on."
It took one hour and dozens of buckets of water to get rid of the fire. Mr. Hettwon's house had been reduced to a giant pile of ashes by the time the last flame died. Elena's house, that stood beside the charred remains of Mr. Hettwon's, also bore some burnt scars on its walls, as well as the house on the other side. But it was nothing compared to the gaping blackened hole between them.
Mr. Hettwon was properly buried in the afternoon. He had no family in the village, not by blood anyway, but everyone came to say goodbye to the old kind man. The Four Riders gave them time to grieve, but they had to make him understand that there were more pressing matters: namely cleaning up the village, and taking care of the wounded.
"How do you feel now?" Tauroneo questioned as he crouched down by Gawain, who was sitting on the edge of the fountain. "Still dizzy?"
"It's getting better," he nodded as he absently fingered the white bandage encased around his head. "But I still feel like I was stomped over by a horse. Do you need anymore help?"
The tall Rider shook his head. "No, friend. Just rest. Night will soon have fallen, and we just need to establish where the people who got their houses burnt down will sleep tonight. We agreed that Bryce, you and I will help here while Petrine goes to Nevassa to report on what happened. Are you fine with that?" Gawain nodded. "Good. As soon as you feel up to it, go to our room at the inn and sleep, you need it." With that, Tauroneo got up and went to have a quick talk with Petrine before she departed.
Gawain scratched at the offending bandage once more and looked around. Everybody had already gone to their houses, or to the place where they would spend the night. He figured he might as well follow their lead, and he got up with a wince. Something made him turn his head to Hettwon's grave one last time before he went to sleep, and he saw someone standing here, alone. Elena.
He hadn't seen her since the beginning of the battle, hours ago. Tauroneo had informed him that she had been burnt, but nothing serious, really. When he had asked about her whereabouts, he had been told that she was taking care of the wounded with her friend, Vani.
The young woman had her eyes downcast; she didn't see Gawain as he approached her quietly. But she didn't jump when he came to stand next to her. "I'm sorry," he told her softly, ignoring the headache he was getting from just being on his feet. "I wasn't able to save him." Second thoughts made him add: "And I'm sorry about lying to you. I'm not a traveller, I'm a Rider of Daein, and my three companions are too. Our presence here was supposed to be a secret in case Begnion chose to attack, which they did. If that hadn't been the case, I would have told you the truth."
"You didn't have to lie," Elena whispered, her eyes never leaving the gravestone upon which Hettwon's name had been carved. "But I understand. You don't need to apologize for that. Nor do you have to blame yourself for his death, it wasn't your fault." Her voice hadn't wavered, but Gawain saw her hands – one of which was encased in white stripes of cloth – clench a little. He resisted the urge to apologize once again and just set to watching the grave with her.
"He taught me to ride a horse, you know?" Gawain was surprised when Elena told him that out of the blue.
"He did?" he asked.
"Yes. I was fourteen at that time, and he taught me. At first I kept on falling but he told me to always get back onto the horse. He said… something was always worth trying for, and nothing was unreachable." Her hand went to her eyes, and Gawain saw her wiping away tears before they had fallen. "He was such a good man." Her first sob sent a knife stabbing through Gawain's heart.
The Rider had never learnt how to deal with a crying woman, so he just went with whatever his mind told him would work; he wrapped one arm around her shoulders and squeezed softly, offering comfort. Elena gladly leaned into the one-armed embrace to put her cheek against his shoulder, and she sobbed quietly for the man who had been a grandfather to her.
Gawain didn't know how much time they spent in that position. It could have been hours, for all he knew; however he did notice night was falling quickly. "We'd better get a good night's sleep, hard work awaits tomorrow." He spared her slightly burnt house a glance. "By the way, how are your parents? I trust they are fine."
"They weren't even there," Elena said as she wiped away some remaining tears. "They left early to Kalkea, another village, to visit my mother's sister."
"You are alone then? I mean," he corrected himself when he realized how that had sounded, "you intend to stay alone tonight? Can't you tell Vani to come over, or just go to her house?"
Elena shook her head. "Her husband is sick. And people who got their home destroyed are already staying at her house, I wouldn't want to intrude."
Gawain thought fast. It really wasn't his problem, but he couldn't bear the idea of Elena sleeping all alone in her home, mere feet away from the place Hettwon had died, and wounded on top of that – even if it was just a small burn. "My friends and I are staying at the inn, and since Petrine went to report to Nevassa we've room enough for someone else. If you don't want to be alone, at least until your parents come back, then why don't you come over? Tauroneo and Bryce are a bit strange but they're not all that bad."
Elena looked up at him. She opened her mouth to tell him that she would be fine, but then she thought about it. A little company would be nice, and even if she didn't know those other two men, she felt that if Gawain could trust them, then so could she. "It would be nice, but… are you sure your friends won't mind?" she asked.
"Don't worry, if anything I am the one they will be bugging. Friendly, of course," he said when he noticed her worried look. At that moment he really took in her tired features, her saddened eyes and her worn-out shoulders slumping down. There was so much running through her head. "Come on, it's night already."
Elena nodded and turned around; when he began walking, she hugged his arm and followed him. Her closeness brought a wave of warmth through the Rider's body; he smiled as he realized that he had done the right thing.
Silence settled all the way to the inn; it wasn't uncomfortable, nor was it soothing, it just was. Gawain held the door open for her and she smiled as she thanked him. They climbed the flight of stairs up to the third floor, and Gawain knocked on the second door to their right.
"Come in," someone said from inside.
The tall man pushed the door open and once again held it for Elena to go in. She did so a little nervously, not really knowing how Gawain's friends would welcome her.
The two men were sitting cross-legged on one of the beds in the room. They had a map lain out on the covers, and a basket of what seemed like fruit resting on the mattress. They both looked up when the door opened, interrupting whatever they were saying before the door was knocked upon.
Elena heard the door close behind her. "Guys," Gawain said, "this is Elena. She will be spending the night with us so she's not alone." When the two men nodded, Elena couldn't help but feel relieved. "Elena, this is Bryce, and that is Tauroneo."
"Good evening," she bid politely, bowing a little.
Tauroneo smiled. "I believe we already met, weren't you the one with the white dog?"
"Oh, yes," Elena answered. "Thanks again for bringing him back." Now she remembered the chestnut-haired man asking her if Malabar was hers. She had been relieved to see that her dog was safe, and she had left him in her garden to watch over the house.
"Well, come you two, and eat before Bryce wolfs everything down," Tauroneo smirked.
"I do not wolffood down," the younger man frowned. "And I didn't eat that much."
"You didn't even realize you ate much because you're so worried."
Gawain gently nudged Elena forward, and the two of them sat on the edge of the bed. "Worried about what?" the fair-eyed Rider enquired as he offered an apple to Elena, before taking one for himself.
Tauroneo chuckled. "He fears something is going to happen to Petrine on her trip back to Nevassa. He doesn't seem to understand that she is a Rider too, she can look after herself."
"Is it forbidden to worry about my friend's safety?" Bryce growled.
"Right, your friend," Gawain smiled. When his colleague glared, he turned to Elena. "He's too proud to admit that he likes her. And she is too proud to admit that she knows he likes her. They are a bit complicated."
Elena giggled when Bryce hissed at Gawain, who innocently took a bite of his apple.
As the evening went on, Elena had the chance to learn more about Tauroneo, Bryce, and even Gawain. Although Bryce was a bit grumpy at first because of what Gawain said, he relaxed and soon enough he was chatting with the other three. They talked about how life was like in Nevassa, and what they did as Riders. In return, she told them everything she could about living in a village that two nations claimed as theirs.
It was well past midnight when Elena had begun to drift off, idly listening to Tauroneo speaking about his soon-to-be wife. She felt exhausted, and her aching nerves seemed to sigh with relief when her head met the mattress and sleep claimed her slowly.
When the young woman woke up with a start, everything was dark and silent. She tried to sit up but something was restraining her; she looked down to see that what was holding her down were covers, and that she was lying in a bed. Blinking, she turned her head to see another bed with two people sleeping. From the haircuts, she figured they were Tauroneo and Bryce, although the only light came from the moon.
Elena nervously wondered where Gawain had gone, and she had a fairly good idea where he might be. But when she rolled over, she was surprised to find that she was alone in bed. Where was he?
Once again the young healer turned to the other bed, but something white caught her eye and she looked down. A soft smile adorned her lips when she saw Gawain sleeping on the floor right next to her bed, with just a pillow and a white sheet covering his body. He was lying on his back with one hand behind his head and the other resting upon his stomach, which was rising peacefully with each breath he took.
Elena smiled again and lay on her stomach, her chin on the mattress, so she could look at him. To be completely honest with herself, she had to admit that he looked more than cute sleeping like that; moreover, he had chosen to sleep on the floor so she wouldn't be disturbed. He really was kind.
One strand of brown hair fell upon his eye when he moved a little, and Elena reached down to brush it aside so it wouldn't bother him. The small contact made him open his eyes and he lazily glanced up at her. A small smile made its way across his lips. "Hey," he whispered.
"Hey," she replied softly.
"You all right?"
The young woman nodded. "Thanks to you."
His hand reached up to hers, that was hanging over the edge of the bed. He gave it a gentle squeeze, but when he released it her fingers moved to intertwine with his, and she kept his hand there. Gawain was a little surprised but he didn't withdraw his hand, he just left it where it was and went back to sleep, the soft skin in contact with his own bringing him comfort and warmth.
Elena waited until sleep had taken hold of Gawain again before she stroked his calloused palm with her thumb. His skin was warm, rough, and overall so real, like an anchor to reality. Elena held his battle-worn hand between her two ones and slowly let sleep take her, wishing the night would never end.