A/N: Sorry for the pathetic thing I called a chapter. I guess I just wanted to see how many people were still interested, even after a long period of no activity. Well, glad to say I have nothing else on my plate at the moment and most (I have to reserve some for homework) of my energy will be focused on finishing this story. Quickly, hopefully, and well. The overall mood was acceptance of the ending of the last chapter, but I'm (also) glad to say this chapter is more positive and thoughtful and all. More Soren-ish, to be clear.
youdon'tknow: Thanks so much for the amazing review! It took me five minutes to read, but it was really helpful. I enjoy getting such good feedback and I'm glad you enjoy the story so much you're inclined to write such long reviews. The whole Mia/Soren/Ike drama that's going on around right now is going to be affected by the spar (I mean, she did just slice Soren open and Soren is Ike's friend) and I'm glad you caught onto that. I could go on for a while in reply to your review, but, out of consideration for the other readers who probably don't really care, I won't. Get yourself a fanfiction profile! XD
"He'll- yawn- be alright. Its amazing you were able to bring him here so- yawn- quickly." Rhys (tired, red-eyed, and only half-awake) told Mia. Soren was still passed out and currently took up a small cot on Rhys' floor, despite the healer's protests. Mia had already woken the poor man up right after the sun rose, she didn't need to kick him out of his bed too. "He lost a lot of blood, but- yawn- that'll be recovered in his next few meals. Until then I'd say he should rest and stay inside, no heavy work either. No excuses. Are you sure you'll be fine if I go make some tea?" Rhys asked the trueblade, who nodded.
"Yeah Rhys, sorry I woke you up so early. You should go relax, you can sleep in my room if you want." For once, the usually excited and overwhelmingly cheerful woman was speaking softly, her eyes concentrated on Soren. Rhys was about to say something more but hesitated, sensing something in Mia. She wanted to be left alone, the priest realized. So he nodded his head and quickly made his way out of his room, the door closing softly behind him. "Soren... You'll be alright." Mia wasn't sure why she was echoing Rhys' words. Maybe to comfort herself, remind herself that Soren would be fine. Maybe it was some stupid part of her that believe that Soren could hear her. Either way it made her feel better, even if it was just a little bit.
Still, it was going to be awkward to explain to the others. Sure, they'd pretend like nothing would be the matter and for some of them it probably wouldn't be. Admittedly none of the other mercenaries were huge friends of Soren. Mia wasn't even sure if Soren talked to the other mercenaries (unless ordered to of course). Except Ike. Oh goddess, Ike...
Mia gulped. She was, needless to say, not looking forward to that conversation.
"What!" Ike's voice would have been scarier if it hadn't been followed up by a hacking cough and Mist glaring at him and muttering something about herbal tea. At least Ike wouldn't be able to kill her in his current condition, although Mia had a sinking feeling that she would need to look for another employer soon. Ike was still suffering from a cold, though it was not enough to keep the news from him (in case it worsened his health). Mia paled, though she was already whitened from not having eaten anything in twelve hours.
"You're saying you nearly cut Soren in half! How? What in the goddess' name was going on that you couldn't notice him tiring out? You're a skilled fighter Mia, you really are. But what happened?" Ike's voice was, at this point, either loud and close to shouting, or panic-filled. Mia wasn't sure which was worse. Honestly, Mia wasn't sure herself how the whole incident had happened. Just one moment it was like she was fighting Ike, a strong opponent who could deliver blow after blow and take a few, and the next Soren was lying on the ground bleeding. Mia bowed her head as if studying the floor, trying to make a reply that didn't sound too much like begging.
"I-Ike... I mean, sir... I have no excuse for what happened and... I take full responsibility to whatever happens to Soren. I know that it can't change anything but I'm sorry. I really am. I... I'm not quite sure what happened to me." Mia didn't look up while she spoke and was reminded of the time she was being yelled at for swinging around a sword for fun. She hadn't understood why her parents were so mad then, but now she understood why she was being yelled at. And, in her own mind, she deserved it. Ike probably would have delivered his ultimatum right there and then, but for the door suddenly opening and a familiar figure limping in.
"No, Soren, you have to rest! You lost most of your blood!" Mist jumped to her feet in an instant, but Mia beat her to the task of keeping Soren upright as the archsage staggered in. Rhys' voice echoed down the hall well, but from the way Soren was panting he'd either outrun Rhys or was just completely worn out. Knowing him, Mia couldn't be certain it was either one of those.
"Soren!" Ike was struggling to stand now too, putting the hot tea onto his bedside table and getting up. He practically shoved Mist and Mia out of the way, holding Soren at arm's length as if to inspect him. "Are you alright? Mia says you'll be ok, but, by the goddess! You are never going to do that to me again!" Mia decided that, seeing as the two knew each other since they were kids, it was ok for Ike to act like he was the only one freaking out.
Sure, Mia was pretty sure Mist was only worried because of Ike. And Rhys was a healer, so it was natural for him to be worried. But the other mercenaries had been informed and Mia would have sworn Shinon said 'good, now he'll shut up' under his breath. Still, barely able to look him in the eyes, he seemed alright. Paler then usual, and he was covered in sweat, but he looked like he would live. Mia couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. She stepped hesitantly forward, unsure if Ike was still going to snap at her.
"A-Are you alright? I mean- are you sure its safe for you to be walking around?" As if to answer her question, the door opened again, revealing a panting Rhys who, to Mia's shock, looked like he was going to pass out. "Rhys? What are you doing here- oh, wait." Soren glanced over at the poor healer while Ike let his arms drop from Soren's shoulders.
"Soren! I was looking everywhere for you! You lost so much blood- its not safe for you to be walking around!" It was the first time Mia had ever heard Rhys close to shouting, except when he met Kieran. Then again, that knight could freak anyone out with his loud antics and almost scary work ethic. Soren sighed as he walked towards Rhys. He nodded at the healer.
"Yes, I understand... I just had to tell Ike I was alright." It was an honest reply, Mia could tell. She was slightly surprised at the look on Soren's face. More of a calm acceptance that Rhys was only looking out for his well-being. The Soren before the Mad King's War would have hesitated, waiting for Ike's ok before doing anything. Even then, the Soren from before would have mentally resisted and tried to continue his duties. Now it looked like Soren was, if possible, listening to Rhys with more then a cynical ear. "Will I be able to continue doing my various duties? I hesitate to let anyone else take inventory." Rhys nodded as he stepped outside the room.
"As long as you don't exert yourself, so you can't train." He didn't, of course, look at Mia, but the trueblade felt a stab of guilt anyway. Mia glanced at Ike, and he wasn't looking at her direction at all. He just stared past her, looking at Soren.
"I'm so sorry Soren!" Mia suddenly blurted out. All eyes were now on her; Mia never felt so small. Soren's red eyes didn't betray any of his emotions- they never did. Summoning up some courage, Mia went on. "It was my fault. I'm so used to training against other sword-wielders. I should have remembered you can't fight as well with an elfire tome too... So, if possible, I hope you can somehow forgive me." Not waiting for an answer, Mia ran out of the room.
"Here, its some soup Oscar thought you'd like." Rhys was tolerable, Soren decided. He tried his best to be nice without being pushy, and he really did seem to care about Soren's well being. Or, the more cynical part of Soren said, his job as a healer for the Greil Mercenaries. As far as Soren could tell, Ike was always wondering about him, how he was doing, was he comfortable, did he need anything, and so on. It was touching, and but for the one thing nagging in the back of his mind, he would have felt alright with his injury.
"Thank you." Rhys nodded as he put the tray on Soren's lap, the window (Soren enjoyed the view as it looked over the forest and the training grounds; he looked outside constantly) outlining his figure and making him look like he had a bright aura around him. Soren barely repressed a snort- he wasn't religious and the last war had (in his mind) only proven what he already thought; the goddess wasn't anything special and thus did not deserve his worshiping or devotion. Rhys stood up straight again and the brief moment was gone.
"Do you want anything else? You, uh, have enough books or tea?" Yes, Ike was always wondering about him, that was the only reason Soren could think of that Rhys would ask him if he 'had enough books or tea'. Looking up from his tome, Soren nodded briefly at the healer and went back to reading. "I'll be back around lunch with some food- if you need anything I'm sure you'll be able to find someone to help you. Um, I mean, if you need help... Ah, pardon me..." Rhys left the room, obviously flustered. Soren sighed, trying to read but not being able to.
Why? Well, there was a certain problem (more like a puzzle) running through Soren's mind like a horse with bells on; making just as much noise and taking up all of his thoughts when he thought about it. Which was, needless to say, most of the time.
What was the problem (puzzle, Soren's mind insisted on calling it)? Mia. Or, more specifically, why she hadn't appeared in the last two days. Soren was alright, goddessdamnit, why didn't she come to see him? Soren didn't blame her for what happened- in all honesty it was his own fault. He needed to train with fire tomes, sure, but against a real opponent? Mia already had a sword and could withstand quite a few spells, he didn't need to slow himself down- he was already slower then her for crying out loud!
Still, Soren supposed it wasn't just the lack of Mia that was getting to him. He missed her, he really missed talking to her. He missed having someone understand his dry humor, someone always wondering if he would be ready for a duel. It was strange, abnormal! He was a Branded for crying out loud! Mia had probably heard everything about the Branded, how they were supposed to bring bad luck and how they had to be shunned- Soren hated it. And he knew that, if she knew, that she would hate him too.
The feeling Soren felt... Was it friendship? He was the same with Ike, but Ike was different. He wasn't really a beorc, he was more then that. He was the best thing in the world, the closest anyone or anything could get to perfection. So why did Soren consider Mia the same? You couldn't compare the two! Ike was the only one who had ever cared for Soren without reason, the only person to give him hope that not everything in the world was evil (but most of it was evil, and then there are the shades of gray to consider...).
No, Soren couldn't (wouldn't) compare Mia to Ike. He refused to (denial is a strong force) believe that Mia could even come close to what Ike had done for him (but maybe she already had helped him, healed him). No, Soren wouldn't compare Mia to Ike. He wouldn't because, maybe, some part of him was scared about what he might find.
"HYAA! HA! HYA! TAKE THAT! AND THAT! HYAAAA!" One last swing took off the top of the wooden block, the chips flying everywhere, scattering in the soft breeze (it reminded her of him, but she refused to think about him while training). Mia let her sword drop, the point resting in the dirt, straightening her figure. She panted, drops of sweat rolling off her nose and onto the ground. Mia wiped her face and got back into her fighting form, ready to take another shot at the wooden block.
It wasn't very interesting to fight something that couldn't dodge, or even fight back, but it was something. Most of the mercenaries had holed up inside, due to the intense heat that came with summer mid-days. Mia only saw it as a chance to get away from everyone else, to train some more, to fight.
"HYA!" Whack! Her sword cut deep into the wood, its steel blade gleaming in the sunlight. "HA!" A twirl and her sword landed into the wood even deeper, forcing her to take a few seconds to pull the blade out. "HYAAAA!" She spun her sword around and launched herself at the wood, the edge cutting into the wood again and again.
It wasn't the same, part of Mia's mind said. She missed the rush that she got when her opponent dodged, the feeling of accomplishment when she avoided an attack or struck with her sword. She enjoyed the friendly competitions between her and another person (Ike sprung to mind first, but changed until he was a red-eyed, black-haired archsage) and the feeling that she belonged when she fought. She missed it all- but mostly she missed talking with her sparring partner afterward, talking about how well that other did, or how they got so close to winning. She missed the rush when she dodged a spell, when his eyes widened slightly when he had to dodge, the sharp tongue and steely gaze...
"HYAAAA!" She spun around once more before cutting the wooden block clean in two, the remains scattered on the training field's ground. She stood there, her sword point down, looking at the ground. The wood chips, slowly being blown away by a soft breeze. She was wearing her swordmaster outfit, for some strange reason. Maybe it was the giant blood stain on her trueblade uniform (which had yet to be cleaned) that had her change her mind. Maybe she just wanted to wear something different. Now, Mia wasn't sure about anything.
"Can I talk to you?" A soft voice, carried on the breeze, hit Mia's ears as the trueblade spun around. But no, although his voice was similar to Soren's it was clearly not the archsage. "Sorry for interrupting you- I just have a few things you might want to hear." Rhys stepped forward, a heal staff in hand. "But first we should get under some shade- can I heal you? You've been outside for a long time and could probably use some refreshing." Mia didn't say anything, just nodded and closed her eyes as the warm feeling of being healed swept over her.
"Thanks..." Mia muttered as Rhys smiled and nodded.
"My pleasure. How about by the creek? The water can cool us down if we get too hot." Rhys waited for Mia to nod, then started to walk towards the forest. Mia followed him until the priest motioned for her to walk next to him.
"What did you want to talk about?" Mia asked, curious. They were still friends, even after the whole 'you are my rival' problem, but they hadn't had a one-on-one conversation in a long time. Rhys waited until they were under the trees before talking, and he spoke slowly, choosing his words carefully.
"Well... First, what are you going to do now? Now that there's no one else to spar with you in the mornings." Rhys' question was obviously one to get her comfortable at first, still, Mia knew the man would only look out for her and the other mercenaries so she decided to go along with it. She shrugged.
"I'm not sure. I suppose I can wait until Ike's better, and I can just train by myself. Speaking of which, when are you going to give Ike the okay?" Rhys sighed and looked at the ground for several yards. The forest sounds filled the gap that their silence made, bird calls and the growing sound of rushing water filling Mia's hearing.
"Well, that's good then. I suppose you'll want to stay ready for anything." Mia noted that he didn't answer her question, but she didn't pry. Maybe Ike was getting worse but the poor man didn't have the heart to tell anyone- but that wasn't like Rhys. No, he probably had a good reason to not tell her... Still, it wasn't like Rhys to keep secrets. "Hm... Um, I want to ask what you think of Soren." Mia looked at Rhys, the priest not meeting her gaze as he looked at the forest.
"Wh-What do you mean?" Did she sound flustered? Hopefully not, but Mia could feel a growing red on her face. Even though Rhys wasn't looking at her, Mia was mortified that she would be blushing at just hearing Soren's name. Then, to pull her mind off of it, she thought of how to answer the question.
Soren was a friend, right? The stubborn archsage might not think so, but Mia considered him a friend. A good friend? Maybe. Sure, he was a spirit charmer (or so Shinon said, but Mia had looked it up and it all made sense...) which was kind of scary to Mia, but he was still a normal person. And he was tough, though not physically. Mentally he was, maybe, the strongest out of all the mercenaries! Mia couldn't help but respect someone like that. And it was his plans that kept so many people alive during the two wars...
"Do you think of him as a friend? And ally? Or..." Rhys trailed off, his own face with a tint of red now. Mia shook her head showing a fake grin to try to relax the priest. Poor guy, Mia thought, this is probably embarrassing for him... The river was close now, the rushing water taking over the forest noise as the chirping of birds slowly faded.
"He's a good friend." Mia shrugged, Rhys studying her almost intensely. What was he looking for? Mia wondered. She didn't stop though, just kept on talking. "He's not as cold to you once you get to know him, and he's super smart so you never find yourself talking with an idiot. Why?" Rhys opened his mouth as if to answer, but didn't.
They reached the stream and Rhys sat down on some smooth rocks, dipping one hand into the water and watching as the water parted around his hand. He didn't reply right away, to give Mia time to sit down on another rock. The water gushed over the rocky bed, the bottom clear (the stream being so shallow) enough for Mia to see the rocks gleaming from sunlight.
"I... Well, he seems to be missing you." Rhys' words hit Mia like a brick, like she had just been splashed with the cool water right in front of her. "I know, I know, Soren doesn't miss anybody. But he's always staring out at the training field when I go to check up on him, then he pulls up his tome like he was just taking a break... Only, I'll get something and come back quickly and he'll be staring out again. I know it doesn't mean everything, he could just want to go outside, but... I decided I might as well tell you." Rhys stood up, drying his hand on his robes. The sunlight broke over the treeline, outlining Rhys. It shone off his white robes and forced Mia to squint and raise a hand to ward off some of the light.
"Thank you Rhys... You can go ahead of me." Rhys hesitated, but nodded and headed back into the forest. Before he stepped into the trees he stopped and looked back at Mia.
"I don't know if you know this already, but he's not a spirit charmer. I would be able to tell if he was. I just thought you deserved to know that too." And then Rhys stepped into the trees, somehow disappearing. Mia was left dumbfounded- if Soren wasn't a spirit charmer, what was he?
Soren was well enough to eat with the others, or so he insisted to a flustered Rhys. Still, he had won that little batter easily and found himself walking (admittedly slowly and slightly painfully) down the hall towards the mess hall. The amount of noise made it clear dinner had started, and from the occasional rise in the form of a roar, tonight's meal was meat. Probably ribs. Oh well, Soren thought, at least none of the laguz were over. That would be chaos- they ate nearly twice the amount of Ike or Boyd, and they created as much of a mess as they could (at least, that's how it seemed to Soren).
Entering the mess hall, Soren quickly made his way to Ike's table. It appeared that Boyd and Ike were in an eating competition, and from the stack of ribs in front of them they were going to eat the mercenaries out of house and weapons. I'll have to take another supply check afterward, Soren told himself as he dodged past a drunk Gatrie and sneering Shinon. Poor Oscar was looking a little panicked- who knew how many ribs the two young men (Ike and Boyd) could go through. Titania was shaking her head but grinning, while Mist was cheering both of them on.
Soren glanced towards Rhys (holding his head and looking a little green) who was sitting down being comforted by a worried Rolf. The priest was probably worried that Ike and Boyd would get sick from over-eating; goddess knew it had happened before. And with Ike already being sick... Ah well, I might as well get something to eat before we're out of food, Soren told himself.
Sitting next to Ike, Soren grabbed a few ribs from Ike's dwindling pile and started to eat as neatly as possible, which, for ribs, was quite neatly. Though it didn't look like anyone noticed him coming and sitting down (Boyd's rate of consumption didn't slow), Ike glanced over at his long-time friend and nodded. It was a nice act, Soren thought, but Ike was still eating ribs faster than most people thought possible. Soren wondered if Ike had eaten lunch, or if he was planning on going into hibernation. Even Ike didn't usually eat so much... Yes, Soren decided, the two would certainty be visiting Rhys for some digestive help sometime tonight.
Soren finished quickly; the loud noise the other mercenaries made did not appeal to him, nor was he in the mood to humor Ike (let alone anyone else). Besides, he had more productive things to do then to watch two people eat more food then they really needed. On his way out he muttered to Oscar,
"Don't let them have anymore, alright? We do have a budget." Not waiting for a reply, and trusting that Oscar would be responsible (he usually was), Soren left the loud hall and paused outside of the doors. He still marveled about the amount of noise that only a few people could make. The meal was good, though Soren wasn't picky at all. The only thing that left a bad taste in his mouth was that a certain trueblade wasn't eating; she wasn't even there.
Mia wasn't hungry, not even close. If anything, she felt sick, like she was going to throw up. She would have looked for Rhys, but that would have meant leaving her room and (most likely) run into Soren. That was one thing Mia wasn't sure she could deal with just right now. Soren. What had Rhys meant by saying that Soren wasn't a spirit charmer? Mia had been looking all over the books in the small library (considering they were all Soren's she knew she was taking a huge risk, but it was worth it) for something, anything that could give her a lead. But, some small part of her didn't want to find the answer.
She had a strange little nagging at the back of her mind, like she knew the answer if she thought hard enough, she just wasn't thinking hard enough. Mia yawned- she must have fallen asleep trying to read the small print. Squinting in what felt like darkness, Mia realized the candle she had lit must have gone out- a stray breeze or a passing person? The moon shone through the open window and Mia shivered, but she felt a thick (although rough) blanket on her and realized someone must have seen her in the library. Another shiver, only this time it was emotional, because only one person really went into the library (ok, calling it a library was a stretch as it was really an extra room with plenty of books inside) and that person was Soren.
Standing up slowly and stretching, Mia took the blanket in her hand and rubbed a finger over the rough cloth. She hadn't seen it when she went inside the room, so she decided it must have been Soren's. Well, his room is close, the trueblade thought. But since when did Soren help anyone out? Mia still couldn't see Soren as a help-every-poor-soul-that-needs-enlightening kind of person; heck she hadn't ever seen him really smile, or laugh. Soren just didn't do those kinds of things... Well, that's what Mia thought at least.
Mia closed the book she had been struggling to read and swung the blanket over her shoulder. If she was so close to Soren's room she might as well return his blanket, right? So, thinking that, she headed out of the small library and into the hallway, her way lit by flickering lights.
Soren must have left them on, her mind suddenly thought. Then her sane, rational, mind laughed. The halls are always lit until they go out naturally, just because this hallway is lit and I had a blanket over me doesn't mean anything! So that was the end to that idea, even if part of her wanted it to be true. Soren was Soren, nothing except a good friend who also happened to be in her mind a lot. And happened to impress her with his skill and talents (not to mention tactical prowess).
She knocked on his door lightly, supposing that she would be better off returning it in the morning instead of waking him, in the off-chance he was already asleep. But no such chance, the door opened several moments later by a few inches, showing a glaring red eye. Said eye widened from shock, or maybe surprise.
"Yes?" Soren opened the door enough so Mia could see his face, candle light dancing off it and casting shadows behind him. Mia took a breath and handed him the blanket. Soren raised an eyebrow at him before quickly folding it (neatly, no surprise there) and putting it over his arm. "Anything else?" Soren was acting strangely cold but, then again, it wasn't that strange. Mia had put a huge hole in him for crying out loud! He had every right, and more, to hate her! To loath her for even thinking about training with in in such a violent manner! He had every right to just ignore her, or call her an animal, or something!
"Why did you help me?" Mia blurted out, the words out of her mouth before she could pull them back in. Soren raised his eyebrow again, hesitated, then opened the door fully. He motioned for her to come inside, stepping aside so she had room to enter. Mia hesitated as well, but decided that Soren could be trusted, and stepped inside.
Soren closed the door softly and sat down on his bed. His desk chair was open and Mia sat down there, looking around curious at what his room looked like. Nobody went into Soren's room, except Ike and that was only for mercenary business. The window was open, looking out towards a moon and empty training field.
"Tea?" Soren asked, motioning towards the cooling kettle on his bedside table. Rhys insisted he drink plenty of it, and Soren didn't mind that. Tea was his favorite drink after all, and he was constantly trying to get Ike to drink it as well (with no such luck). Mia shook her head, looking a little confused. Well, that was no surprise.
"Why did you help me?" Mia repeated her earlier question. Soren poured himself a cup of tea and sipped it carefully. No, still a little hot, he thought as he put it down on his bedside table.
"I've... I've had an insight since I've started to talk to you. Its given me a lot to think about, its confusing... And, at the same time, I feel compelled to do things I usually wouldn't... Does that answer your question?" Soren answered, speaking slowly and choosing his words carefully. How could he explain? How could he tell her about all the years he spent thinking the world hated him? That the world was a cold place without love, or laughter, or hope? How could he explain something she probably couldn't even understand?
Soren took another sip of his tea, his fingers trembling despite himself. He cut his drink short, quickly putting the cup down so Mia wouldn't notice. Said trueblade looked like she was in deep thought, trying to understand his answer.
"Not really. What insight? What can I have shown you? You're the smartest out of all of us Soren! I mean, everybody trusts you with our lives for a reason!" Soren didn't know what to say, for what must have been the third time since talking with Mia, he was at a loss for words. Was he flattered? Suspicious of the flattery? Certainly none of the others (save Ike, but he was different) had ever mentioned anything about being thankful to the archsage for his tactics, though he did save their sorry lives.
"... Why are you doing this?" Why are you treating me like a human being? Soren wanted to ask. I'm not what you think I am, I'm a filthy Branded! You should hate me, you should loath everything I am! You should be cursing at me for sparring with you, for acting like a spirit charmer! Soren waited for Mia to answer, the moonlight and candle light flickering across her face.
"Because I want to know Soren! I... I consider you a friend, a good one, even if you don't think the same of me." Mia met his gaze easily, her eyes hard and determined. She... She really meant what she said!
Soren didn't know what to do- he felt like the silent mute he once was so long ago. Unable to do anything but listen, not even respond. He couldn't come up with a good reply, his thoughts just kept shattering. I... I consider you a friend, a good one. The words echoed in Soren's head, and suddenly he felt like he was just sitting there, unable to do anything.
"Soren? Are you alright?" Mia's voice seemed far off, was it just him? Soren blinked and shook his head, clearing his mind. He nodded once and took a sip of tea. It was cooled enough so he could take a long sip, trying to calm his mind.
"Do you want me to go?" Soren had closed his eyes but now they glanced up at the trueblade. Did he want her to leave?
"Um, what?" Soren bought himself some extra time with what sounded like a clumsy reply. Did he want her to leave? Did he consider her a friend? The only person he had ever called a friend was Ike, and Ike was a special person... Or was he?
"I-I guess I should leave... Can I ask you one more thing?" Soren blinked and looked up at Mia, who had stood up and gone to the door. Soren nodded and lifted his nearly empty tea cup to take one last sip.
"Rhys said you aren't a spirit charmer, so what are you?" The cup dropped from Soren's hand and hit the ground, shattering into a million pieces. Soren looked at it with a pained look in his eyes, and he hardly heard the door open and close as Mia left.
He definitely didn't see the equally pained look in Mia's eyes, right before she closed the door.