Story 19. Riana and Nathia.
Everything had been just perfect. Until his former neighbor meddled into their affair, crushing awkwardly the wonderful plan Ashka had thought up with such an enthusiasm. Seeing the blurred green silhouette though the keyhole, Gryvon felt speechless. Holly Regents, what a speed! Not too long ago she had been shifting shyly from one foot to the other near his doorstep, and now she had already reached the castle and was talking to Paul and Correon as if nothing had happened! To Correon… Wait a minute!
Listening to the questions the interested Regent was asking, the young man understood it couldn't get any worse. Riana didn't just crush their plan; she destroyed it, stupid girl!
Of course, Correon was inspired. Nobody doubted. And it had been him who'd offered to banish Paul to the Wastelands! Sneaking into the hall of the Council, Gryvon listened to the Regents talking and got the information slowly. Cars, washing machines, TVs… These words meant nothing for him, except the fact that the things were from a different world, of course. The world that was so close, with its entire splendor. The world where the life seemed absolutely different. And now the Regents had a chance to reach this world faster, leaving him and Ashka holding the bag.
Lukan, this old madcap, nearly finished everything, speaking of the Wastelands once again. But this time Correon's curiosity determined the unexpected guest's fate. They decided to question Paul one more time. Trying not to make any noise, the young man went upstairs slowly, leaving the hall and ran to Ashka. Oh, Paul was to tell them his secrets, indeed. But it had to be a different time and different place. And he, Gryvon, had some ideas about that…
The second time Riana stood on their way was later, when Paul had been safely hidden in one of the castle cellars. The guards were looking through all the levels, fussing and finding nothing. Little dodger put a tail on them, found the cellar door and almost crushed the saved plan one more time.
"Where should we hide her now?" – Gryvon looked at the caught girl with a mixture of amazement and irritation, tying up her hands.
"To my room at first, there she won't be searched for", - Ashka said, feeling already no amazement.
And so they did, having no better solution but to leave the girl in the bath. Looking at her one last time, he felt uneasy for a moment. Then it was over. Going to his own room, Gryvon decided to go to bed earlier. In the morning they had to go to the old castle ruins and test the fireworks. And he had to be in a good shape.
He hardly had time to put off the wide leather belt when someone knocked at his door. Thinking Ashka came back for some reason, he opened at once. And stood back, confused.
"Nathia?"
"Good evening, Gryvon, - the girl smiled, tossing with her light blond curls that became shorter than usual some time ago, - may I come in?"
"Sure", - he stepped aside, letting the Apprentice in and having no idea yet, what her visit had been caused by. The girl went along the table and the chairs slowly, running on the chair backs with her finger.
"Tell me, would you like to go for a walk with me? The weather is so wonderful, we could have saddled the horses and…"
"I'm very sorry, Nathia, I can't, - Gryvon mumbled, thinking that this invitation was "just in time", - I feel not very good…"
"Really? – the girl turned around, looking at her companion anxiously. - At first glance you look all right. Perhaps you should call the healer?"
"No need… It will be over itself, - Gryvon waved off her words, - I'll go to bed and will be right as rain in the morning…"
There was confusion in Nathia's eyes.
"It's strange, you usually don't go to bed so early…"
"Well, to my joy, I usually don't feel bad, - the young man said to match her, - I think you'd better go alone…"
Me?" – Nathia's eyes widened as if she heard something extremely silly.
"Or ask somebody else, - Gryvon started extricating, - you're right, the weather is wonderful. I am sure you will find a company".
The girl sighed, biting her lip.
"What a pity. I wanted you to be my company…"
"Alas, - Gryvon made a helpless gesture, - I am not to walk today. And now I am really sorry but I want to sleep".
For a moment or two she was looking at him with no emotions, as if she wanted to find something. And then…
"Tell me, Gryvon, is it because of Ashka?"
"Ashka? – His shock was almost natural. - What does it have to do with her?"
"It had always been something about her, - the girl said quietly, coming closer, - you follow her as an attached person, just like some servant".
"Be kind and don't involve her into it, - Gryvon interrupted, folding his arms on his chest, - and anyway, I told you I feel bad. Why these stupid suspicions?"
"You've changed, Gryvon, very much, - Nathia came even closer, straightening the folds on his uniform, - did she make you like this?"
"Stop exaggerating! – avoiding her eyes willingly, the young man went to the fireplace. - And it's none of your business, anyway. You have to understand, Nathia, - seeing her lips were trembling he spoke quieter, - you are nice. And you are my friend, but…"
"… but I've made a decision long ago", - his inner voice finished the phrase.
Nathia nodded, smiling sadly.
"I got it. Sorry, - raising her head, she went to the door but then turned around, - by the way, I've cut my hair for you…"
The door was closed quietly. No thuds, no demonstrative neglect. Nothing. Just that uneasy feeling was coming back in waves, while Gryvon was looking at the place the girl stood at a moment ago…