Chapter 5:

The days went pass quickly, and soon the end of the two weeks was nearing. Carrea sat deep in thought, thinking over what had happened. It is a shame it has to end now. I've had so much fun and learnt much of Healing here. But I belong at the Guild. I could not be elsewhere. I just hope that he understands... Suddenly she saw a hand wave across her vision. Looking up she saw Dorrien chuckling at her.

"Are you off again?"

"Of course I am. I have many things to think about." She smiled at him. I know he'll say something soon, but I don't want to ruin this night.

"I have made us something to eat." He said holding his hands out. Taking them, Carrea was pulled up from the seat, and Dorrien placed his hands over her eyes.

"Another surprise?" Carrea said amused.

"Just a little one." She could feel him grinning against her. "I want to make tonight special." He gently pushed her towards the kitchen, and after a few moments, he took away his hands so Carrea could see. The room was lit dimly by a globe light which hung above the table which had plates laid out neatly on. The meal was simple, yet she could see that a lot of care had gone into it all.

"It's not much, but it's the best that I could do."

"It's lovely." She smiled at him appreciatively. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me now." He grinned, "it might taste awful." Chuckling, he went and sat down and served food for the both of them. Joining him, Carrea sat and tried to forget about the unavoidable future. Quietly she began eating, and enjoyed the food.

"Is it good?"

"It's wonderful." She replied looking up at him.

"I'm glad you like it." He smiled back. As he began to eat again, he watched her carefully. "You are being very quiet tonight."

"I do that sometimes." She chuckled. "Don't mind me."

"Is something wrong?"

"No no," she said hastily, "well except the fact that my little holiday is almost over."

"Yes, the two weeks have passed quickly – but at least it shows we've had fun." He grinned. "And it doesn't have to end... You could stay here with me."

Carrea looked away awkwardly. "I could..."

"Do you not want to?" Carrea could hear the disappointment in his voice.

"I would love to," she said looking back at him, "but I just can't... Not here."

"You are too attached to the Guild." He said understanding.

"I'm sorry," she murmured upset. "It's just too far away from Imardin." The rest of their meal was eaten in silence, and Carrea could feel her stomach knotting up further. Once the meal was over, Dorrien washed the plates, and Carrea stayed sat at the table deep in thought. When he finished, she quickly broke the silence before it was too late. "So," she started hesitantly, "what do we do now?"

"I don't know."

"This place is too different for me." She admitted, "I didn't even do anything and they thought I was a harlot."

"The country people are very traditional. It took me a while to be accepted, but now they do, it is as if I had always lived here." He explained. "They just need to get to know you."

"It's not like this place is just outside the city – it's across the country. It's too isolated here, too remote."

"It's fine." He said coldly.

"Is it?" She asked abruptly. Sighing she continued, "it's a really big step... It means things are serious."

"And you don't think things are now?" Dorrien looked at her with a deep set frown.

"I didn't me-"

"Is that why you've been so reluctant to move forwards, because you think this is some kind of fling?" Scowling he stormed off into his room, leaving Carrea alone with heavy tears in her eyes.

The night dragged on, and the morning was reluctant to appear. It was long before dawn, but Carrea hadn't slept. After packing her bags, she set off outside and sat down on the dewy grass. The bright sun welcomed her harshly, but warmed the land and soon the birds were chirping in the trees. After a while, she heard Dorrien tend to the horses and once done he came over to her. She sat with her head resting on her knees with her hands tucked underneath, and decided not to look at him. Together they sat in silence once more, neither knowing what to say. The clouds drifted overhead, reminding them that time still passed despite their solitude.

"It is time to leave." Dorrien said solemnly. "The horses are all ready." Standing, Carrea followed him to them, and climbed on hurriedly. Without another word, Dorrien nimbly climbed on his horse and they began the long journey back to the Guild.

As they approached Imardin, the University could been seen towering above the city in the distance. Soon they came closer, and the full Guild was exposed. Carrea sighed happily at the sight, but it came with a pang of sadness. I've really missed this place. She smiled to herself, feeling safe at home once more. Dorrien watched her closely, but when she turned to look at him he faced the road and nudged his horse into moving again. Reaching the Guild gates they could see a familiar figure waiting for them outside under a faint globe light. The night had descended on them fast, and Carrea could barely stay awake. Stifling a yawn, she slipped off her horse as Dorrien embraced his father in welcome.

"Would you care to join us for a meal?" Rothen said to her.

"No, thank you. It's been a long journey and I am exhausted." She politely declined. Dorrien murmured something to his father, and Rothen began to walk away, leaving Dorrien stood looking at her. Servants ushered away the horses, and soon they were stood alone saying nothing. Walking closer, Carrea looked at him directly. His eyes betrayed him, they showed both anger and sadness, but still he didn't stand close.

"I am leaving again in the morning." He said softly. "I do not know when I may be able to return."

Carrea bit her lip in frustration and blinked away forming tears. "I will see you in the morning."

"Yes, just remember I leave early." Slowly they began to make their way towards the Magician's Quarters and soon found themselves at a familiar scene.

"Goodnight." Carrea said leaning against her door.

Stepping towards her, Dorrien pulled her into a short hug. "Goodnight." He replied and headed towards his father's rooms. Exhausted, Carrea entered her room which brought a small smile to her face. I'm home. As she walked off to her bedroom, she felt her robes brush by something which clattered to the floor. My mask... Picking it up, she ran her finger along the engraved inside appreciatively, and took it with her into the bedroom. The night passed swiftly and soon light filtered through Carrea's window, bathing the room in a golden glow. Time to get up then... Hastily dressing and eating, she exited her rooms and headed towards the University.

"Carrea." Turning back around she saw Dorrien leant against the wall of the Magician's Quarters.

"Shouldn't you be waiting for your horse to arrive?" She said confused.

"I was waiting for you first."

"Oh."

Stepping forwards, he took her hands and held them together within his own. "I'm sorry." He said sincerely. "I've gotten ahead of myself again – but it doesn't help that you seem to be telling me one thing, and doing another."

"I never realised I was..." She frowned and looked away.

"I need to leave now." He smiled humourlessly and let go of her hands. When they arrived outside the University, Dorrien said goodbye to his father and turned to her once more. Carrea stood with her arms crossed, and tears welled in her eyes, threatening to fall at any moment. Blinking, she felt one roll down her cheek. Dorrien reached out and gently wiped it away. "Don't cry." He said softly, then leant forwards and kissed her briefly.

"Goodbye." She choked out a reply, and he nodded in return. Jumping on his horse, he gave them both one last glance and rode off out of the Guild. Carrea stood and watched him slowly disappear off into the city.