Chapter 10
Revealed feelings
When Basta returned to the inn, every one was asleep, unaware of their missing captive. Basta smiled to himself; he felt like a hero. Pfeiffer's kiss still burned on his lips, happily fuelling his mind with lovely thoughts.
X X X
The next morning, Firefox decided to check on Pfeiffer himself. He hadn't visited her in so long because he wanted to give her some time to recuperate. He opened the squeaky door slowly, as if to warn her about his entry. But no warning was needed. As soon as Firefox discovered that the room was empty, blood rushed to his face and he began to panic.
"OHHH! DAMN IT ALL!" He bellowed, stamping his foot on the wooden floor boards. If Pfeiffer was caught by anyone but himself…
Basta heard the noise from downstairs and snickered. Firefox assembled all of the men at arms in the lobby.
"We will search every NOOK AND CRANNY of this village until we find the BlueJay. Understand?" He assigned all of his men to different parts of the village. Luck was on Basta's side when he was assigned to search the river.
As Basta was leaving the inn, he noticed a faint smile pull at Firefox's lips.
"She's done it again" he murmured, shaking his red hair out of his face.
X X X
Basta stumbled along the river bank, scanning the rocky shore for Pfeiffer. He saw her sitting on a rock, letting the water lap over her feet. He approached her from behind, silent as a cat. He sat behind her, setting his legs overtop hers. She jumped in surprise, then relaxed when his arms wrapped around her waist.
"Penny for your thoughts?" He asked.
"Basta, you don't have a spare penny." Pfeiffer said flatly, leaning back against his chest. "What does love mean to you Basta?" Pfeiffer fought hard to keep the edge out of her voice.
"L-love?" Basta sighed. "I've never loved before. Fancied, yes, but never loved." Pfeiffer nodded. Love was so complicated. She'd never loved either. "Would you like to find out?" He asked slowly and tediously. Pfeiffer wanted so badly to say yes, but Dustfinger's words stayed in her mind.
"Yes I would" she said after a while. Basta stood up, his heart racing in his chest. He took a step towards Pfeiffer, but slipped on the wet rock and landed in the water. Pfeiffer laughed and jumped in after hi. The cool current washed over her body and into her clothing. Her head broke the surface of the cold water, and she gasped for breath, momentarily wondering if Basta could swim. He surfaced in front of her, his black hair plastered to his face. Pfeiffer giggled and wiped it away from his eyes. He tried to lean forward and kiss her, but Pfeiffer put a hand to his lips and pushed his face away.