Sorry I haven't updated lately; I kinda went through a rough patch. It's hard to believe that I only write at nightime but I do so that has probably slowed my progress as well.....I should really try to fix my insomnia.
Rant over with, here's the next chappie...I'll add the next chapter after 5 reviews =)
"The Landrost?" she asked quietly, anxiety creeping into her expression. Maerad had never witnessed Cadvan in such a state of vulnerability; it disturbed her to know that it could've been prevented if she had allowed the woman to speak her future.
"Yes," Cadvan answered somberly.
Maerad considered the dilemma; she had managed to escape Arkan-da, despite the strain it had put on her heart. Why would the Landrost prove more difficult? "I suppose it could be worse," she shrugged, though the idea of facing another elidhu proved menacing.
" You have no idea what we are up against, do you?" he inquired; Maerad shook her head. "I know what he is capable of; I lived it."
She grieved hearing of his tormented past, but her own was not so different; she too had lived through oppression, so it granted him no leverage against her. "How would he find us?" she retorted. "I'm sure he doesn't have spies..." One strong glare was all it took for Maerad to reconsider. "Does he?"
"You should get some sleep," he ended abruptly, passing a blanket to her. "It's going to be a cold night."
"But-"
"It is not a burden you need to carry right now," he cut her off. Burden? In a perfect moment, she would have graciously accepted his terms but now they gnawed at her conscience. She wanted to tell him about the fortune teller, about the mysterious package she'd recieved. Most of all, she wanted him to relax. "Cadvan-"
"Maerad please," he begged. "It would please me greatly if you rested."
"Fine," she agreed sarcastically; with her wants cast aside, she turned away from him. "If you become weary, wake me," she mumbled.
The night was crisp, stretched taut with a lingering pressure building in the back of Cadvan's mind. He occupied himself by lying on his back, watching the brilliant lights dance across the sky in many different hues. Remembering his conversation with Maerad, he wondered whether his family watched him from the heavens; if they were aware of the troubles he now confronted.
The Landrost did not lie to him, nor would he be motivated to skew the truth. His past was dark enough to be used against him, as it always had. He couldn't deny the scars he held deep within himself for killing a loved one; it was blatant that those scars could still sting him with their ferocity.
"Mmm," he overheard Maerad murmur. Without turning, he knew she was sleeping but he couldn't suppress the urge to look at her; he desired to be with her, to be the person she would love but his courage gave way each time he wanted to tell her. And with their lives at stake, he doubted he would ever be able to, for he was almost certain the Landrost would use it against him. Blinking, Cadvan had no time to react before her eyes met his and for a brief moment, they remained locked. "Are you alright?" she managed, scratching her head as she sat up.
"I was just thinking," he answered honestly. If only she knew.
She smirked. "You were definitely watching me Cadvan." His eyes grew wide before deviating to the ground beneath him. "But it is nothing to be ashamed of," she added, noticing his reaction.
"Seems as though I told you that once," he reminisced, lifting his gaze to meet hers. "I wish I could follow my own advice." The moment lingered as he moved closer. "Maerad, I must tell you something," he began.
Maerad bit her lip as he sat down; oh how she wanted to feel his hands intertwined with her own, to feel his mouth against hers. Everything screamed to disobey her normalcy and take a chance; her lips parted enticingly as he eyed her mouth. "Earlier, I spoke with much on my mind," he swallowed. "I did not intend to come across so harsh," he apologized, his voice catching as she grabbed his hand. I shouldn't let this happen.
"I understand your fears, Cadvan, for they mimic mine. What I can't comprehend is why you take your anger out on me," she asked genuinely.
Examining her hand, he shook his head. "It is a weakness of mine; you know that," he confided. "Why would I try to harm someone I.." he hesistated, ".. I love?"
Maerad felt an old feeling wash across her body, one that had always frightened her; now, she didn't mind it as much. "I do not think you mean to," she confirmed, her eyes still fixated on his. He made no movement, but stared back at her with glimmering eyes. Perhaps he was offended that she hadn't answered him, that she didn't respond to his confession; she just couldn't bring herself to find the right words.
"I did not try to.." he started before she hushed him; leaning forward, her lips almost brushed against his before a shriek exploded across the landscape, rousing them from their interlude.
"What is that?" Maerad asked as a shrill of terror ran up her spine.
"Get on the horse," Cadvan demanded, unsheathing his sword. Instinctively, he pushed her behind him. "Ride as fast as Darsor will carry you."
"I'm not leaving," she insisted, grabbing his arm. "What is it?"
"Do you never listen?" he spat harshly. "Leave. Now!"
"No," she refused, backing away; it wasn't Cadvan's anger that frightened her; it was the being running swiftly in their direction, another scream cutting through the air as a second joined its rank. Words couldn't describe their black forms as they barreled closer. Time stopped as Cadvan forced her onto Darsor, her sword falling lifelessly from her grip. Struggling against him, Maerad was hit by a jolting burst of energy, her vision faltering as she fell downwards. The last thing she remembered was Cadvan's counterattack, a flash of brilliant light consuming her eyesight before everything faded into darkness and she knew no more.
Holy Crap that is cliffy. :looks at clock and faints: Oh well....more excitement =D Tell me what you think I could improve on! I know there is plenty of room for it ^_^ :winces at onslaught of reviews concerning obvious spelling blunders: lol