Tales Of Old
Chapter 3
After walking home, Kael was sitting on his bed and thinking as he heard a knock on the door. After opening the door, Kael saw Alva and a tall, Muscular woman with darker skin, Dark purple hair styled into a semi short cut, Layered toward the back of her head with bright amber eyes standing beside her.
" I take it this is the friend you mentioned? " Kael spoke softly but had an obvious depressed air about him as Alva spoke.
" That she is. This is Bar... " Alva paused as Kael held up a hand and spoke.
" Not to be rude Alva, But I'm not in the mood. Maybe later. " As Kael turned away, The taller woman reached out and gripped his arm gently, Sending the cold chill of metal through his skin as he looked toward her.
" I know what it's like to lose kid. Let's take a walk. " The woman smiled as Kael sighed and nodded before Alva walked back to the forge happily. After walking to the village gate, The woman spoke calmly as she leant against the gate.
" First up, My name is Baruki. Friends call me Baba. Alva told me what happened. Hell of a fight. " Baruki smiled but her smiled faded as Kael sighed and spoke.
" A fight I lost and look what it cost me. How can I be a hunter with one arm. " Kael sighed before gripping his severed arm tightly, Sending a jolt of pain through his body before Baruki slapped his hand away and spoke.
" Stop it. Making it hurt won't help. Besides, Having one arm never stopped me. " Baruki paused as a loud clang filled the air for a moment before Kael looked toward her to realise that her entire right arm all the way up to where her shoulder should be was completely gone, Replaced by what looked like a large metal socket as she continued. " Don't misunderstand me. I felt the same way you do. I felt alone, Lost, Depressed and I kept questioning why this had to happen. Why me. Then I met Alva. That girl brought me back from the brink when I was teetering on the edge. "
" That doesn't change anything. I am still broken. " Kael turned away before sighing loudly. After a moment, Baruki groaned irritably and spoke sternly.
" You think I'm not? You think I don't still suffer? Ofcourse I do! " Baruki paused as Kael looked toward her in shock before she sighed sadly and continued. " I was sent to hunt a Rajang. I wasn't in my right mind and it nearly ripped me in half. I still have nightmares. I still wake up sweating and feeling like someone has dropped an anvil on my chest. I still cry myself to sleep on hard nights. I made one mistake and that Rajang destroyed two villages. " Baruki sighed sadly before Kael placed a hand on her shoulder gently.
" Then you know full well why I can't put this behind me. I messed up. Fatalis got away. What destruction and death will it create before I am ready to fight it again? What will my mistake cost others? All the while, I can only sit around and feel like shit. " Kael sighed heavily before Baruki tapped his arm appreciatively before speaking.
" I get it. I felt that too. But that's why I am here. My arm is one of a kind. Alva asked me to let her figure out how it works to make you one just like it. When I wear it, It works like a normal arm. As much as my charm and good looks should lift your spirits, I came here for a purpose. Not just the arm either. I want to help you through the darkness. " Baruki smirked playfully as Kael made an amused noise before speaking.
" Charm and good looks huh. Just when I was thinking you had a sensitive side. Why does it matter to you though? Why do you care? " Kael looked toward Baruki, Searching for an answer before she sighed and spoke softly.
" Your father was my uncle. We are family Kael. If that isn't reason enough than I don't know what is. " Baruki placed a hand on Kael's shoulder as she spoke softly. " Look, I won't coddle you. If you want to be a hunter then get your shit together and be one. I am here to help. We all are. Just say the word. "
" Thanks... I needed to hear that. Let's go see Alva. " Kael smiled slightly as Baruki patted his shoulder before picking up her arm and reattaching it as she spoke.
" That's more like it cousin. Let's get you back in the fight where you belong. " Baruki grinned as she draped her arm around Kael and walked toward the forge.
A Few Minutes Later
After walking into the forge, Baruki took off her arm and placed it on a table before Alva rushed over with tools and opened it up carefully. Inside, The arm was filled with cogs that all interlocked, A series of small pistons that released pressure build up and sets of very flexible yet metallic strands of braided wires that closely resembled muscles. As she looked through it carefully, Alva spoke softly.
" This is pretty serious... Whoever made this had a ridiculous amount of skill and experience as a blacksmith. I can't guarantee I can reproduce this result... But I can damn well try. Do you have any input Kael? " Alva looked toward Kael before he looked around the workshop. After a moment, Kael pointed to a gunlance and a heavy bowgun.
" If you can work in either the detachable blade in the gunlance or the Wyvern Heart cartridge in the bowgun, I'd appreciate it. " Kael smiled appreciatively as Baruki and Alva shared a look of shock before Alva spoke.
" Why did I have to ask... " Alva sighed before groaning in exasperation before shaking her head and growling viciously. " Fine! I'll make the best damn arm you'll ever see! Just wait! Now out! Both of you! I have creating to do! " Alva shoved Baruki and Kael out of the forge before the door closed behind them with a loud thud as they stood frozen in shock for a moment before bursting into a fit of laughter. After a few minutes of laughing, Baruki sighed happily and spoke.
" She kills me every time. Man, I love that girl. Now then, While she makes your arm, You need to train. Longsword's are heavier in one hand so you need to get to working out. Get your ass over to the training school while I go get my gear. " Baruki grinned as she walked away. After a few moments, Kael walked to the training school and sat down to meditate while he waited for Baruki.
Two Months Later
" Sorry about the inconvenience Baba. It took me a little longer than I expected to figure out your arm. I promise I didn't break or damage anything. " Alva smiled as Baruki reattached her arm before petting Avla's head gently and speaking.
" No problem. Cousin and I have kept busy and it was nice having less weight to heave around. I did miss it though. " Baruki grinned before kissing her metal arm gently. " But you're back with momma now baby. "
" Weirdo. " Alva smiled as Baruki grinned before Alva turned to Kael and continued. " Unfortunately, Your arm will not be ready for at least another month so why don't you head to Minegarde and see the Guild Master while I work? Take Tara with you to. She has been far too miserable lately. "
" Good idea. She has never left the village either. It'll put some spring in her step. " Kael grinned happily before leaving the forge with Baruki in tow. After walking through the village, Kael grinned as he spotted Tara working in the noodle shop shop. As she was cleaning a table, Kael walked up behind her, Turned her around and kissed her gently, Causing Tara to whimper softly before speaking as Kael stepped away.
" If I didn't know any better, I'd say you've missed me. " Tara smiled playfully before putting her arms around Kael and hugging him lovingly as he spoke.
" Always do. I'm heading to Minegarde while Alva works on my arm. I want you to come with me. " Kael smiled as Tara nodded happily and ran into the kitchen to tell her parents before rushing back to Kael's side. After waving goodbye to everyone, Kael, Tara and Baruki left the village before walking toward the north as Baruki spoke.
" Gonna take us a few days to get to Minegarde. On the way, We should take the opportunity to scout some future hunt targets. Velocidrome and Hermitaur hang around a couple of the areas we will pass through. " Baruki grinned playfully as Kael sighed and spoke.
" You two hunt. I... I'm not ready. " Kael walked away slowly as Tara spoke.
" Losing his arm broke him didn't it... " Tara sighed softly as Baruki nodded and spoke.
" It did. Just like losing mine broke me. But we can remake him. He just needs support. " Baruki and Tara stopped as a loud screech filled the air from ahead before they turned to see Kael gripping a Vespoid in his hand as he growled irritably before squeezing the Vespoid, Causing it to screech again before it's carapace quickly crushed in his grip as Baruki spoke again. " Or... We give him an outlet for all that rage and let him figure it out. "
" Either option sounds... Honestly I don't like them. " Tara paused for a moment as Baruki looked toward her in shock before she sighed and spoke. " Don't misunderstand, He is my betrothed. It goes without saying that I will do everything I can. But none of us really know what he needs. None of us really know what he is feeling or thinking. We are all walking blind. "
" I hear that. But we still need to be there for him anyway. " Baruki smiled as Tara nodded sadly before they followed Kael.
Four Days Later
" This is Minegarde? I expected something fancier. " Kael spoke calmly as they walked through the gate of Minegarde Town while Baruki spoke.
" May not look like much but it's one of the main towns in the region. Guild is up thi... " Baruki paused as a red blur rushed past her before Kael grunted loudly as a soft giggle filled the air for a moment as Kael sat up slowly.
" For a little thing, You tackle like Baruki should Cy. " Kael grinned as Cyrene huffed softly before pouting as she spoke.
" Little thing?! I'm no smaller than you! " Cyrene turned away as Tara blushed brightly and spoke.
" Can you please get off his lap? It's a little awkward. " Tara crossed her arms as Cyrene glanced over her shoulder and smirked.
" Jealous much? Keep your panties on. " Cyrene stood slowly and brushed off as Kael stood before draping herself over his shoulder and speaking softly. " Besides, The Guild Master sent me to greet you. She is waiting. "
" You care to share where she is waiting or...? " Tara spoke impatiently and pouted as Cyrene smirked again before speaking.
" Feisty... Anyway, She is waiting in the Cantina. She has arranged a big meal for us all. Follow me. " Cyrene smiled before taking Kael's hand and pulling him along as Tara pouted irritably before Baruki spoke.
" I know she is a lot, But trust Kael okay? He won't betray you. " Baruki smiled as Tara sighed softly.
" I know but that doesn't make her incessant flirting acceptable. Nor does it mean I have to like it. " Tara smiled slightly as Baruki petted her head gently before they followed Cyrene and Kael to the Cantina. As they walked in, They saw Cyrene pull Kael toward a large table that had Hunters sitting around it, Who fell silent as a tall woman stood and smiled before speaking.
" Finally, I was beginning to worry you wouldn't come. " The woman giggled softly before stepping toward Kael and examining his scars and arm as she spoke. " My Hunters told me how you fought on the mountain. For someone still so young to stand against Fatalis... "
" He is pretty awesome right?! " Cyrene grinned playfully as the woman giggled again and spoke.
" Getting attached little Cy? How uncharacteristic of you. " The woman smiled as Cyrene pouted and turned away in a huff before the woman spoke again. " Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Zikarinuria. But everyone simply calls me Nuri. A pleasure to meet you. "
" Nice to meet you to. I'm Kael. " Kael smiled politely as he shook Nuri's hand gently as she spoke.
" So Cyrene has told me... All week... Every few minutes in fact... " Nuri sighed softly as Cyrene blushed brightly as she spoke.
" Sh... Shut up mom! " Cyrene blushed furiously as Nuri petted her head gently.
" Now, Now Cy. There is no need to be so bashful. Unless ofcourse... You ARE getting attached to him? " Nuri smiled playfully as Cyrene whimpered before blushing slightly brighter and darting out of the room as Kael sighed.
" If it makes a difference, I am betrothed. If it makes no difference, I would much prefer to discuss why you asked me here. " Kael walked past Nuri before sitting at the table as one of the Hunters pushed a plate of meat toward him before another handed him a large mug.After thanking them and taking a sip from the mug, Kael wheezed for a moment before speaking hoarsely. " Wow... That has some zing... "
Kael coughed slightly as the Hunters around him chuckled and laughed as he smiled before slowly taking another sip and made a face that was a mix of enjoyment and disdain before Nuri sat down and spoke.
" My husband makes it. You will have to excuse them, It is tradition here for new Hunters to have their first drink among comrades. After which they all snicker like children. " Nuri smiled but glanced around scornfully as several Hunters made huffing noises or made mimicking sounds of insult before they all laughed playfully and went back to eating and drinking before Kael sighed and spoke.
" Don't hide in the corner Cy. Come and sit. You two can stop lurking in the doorway aswell. " Kael sighed as Cyrene gasped softly before hurrying over and sitting down before leaning against Kael's side as Tara walked in and sat on his other side before resting her head on his shoulder as Baruki walked past and leant against the wall behind Nuri as Kael spoke.
" Severed arm doesn't bother you? " Kael glanced toward Cyrene as she blushed lightly and spoke.
" Why would it? You are still you. I don't care if pieces are missing. " Cyrene smiled as a small smile played at the corner of Kael's lips before Nuri spoke.
" You will have to forgive Cy. I don't know why she has become so attached to you despite you being betrothed to... Tara was it? " Nuri paused as Cyrene looked away sadly while Tara nodded and smiled. " Pleasure to meet you. Now then, Onto why I asked you here. I registered you as a Hunter and as I understand it, Your arm will soon be usable once again. To that end, I have a Quest for the four of you. "
" All four of us? What monster warrants four Hunters? " Tara spoke calmly but gasped as Nuri held up a Quest Slip as she spoke.
" Actually you will each have one target that are in the same general area. Given your previous fight, I will ask Kael to handle the Yian Kut-Ku. Tara will handle the Bulldrome. Cyrene and Baruki will each hunt a Velocidrome. These four monsters have been wreaking havoc throughout the Jungle, Stirring up much larger monsters. " Nuri smiled sweetly before Kael stood.
" Unfortunately... I cannot help you. " Kael turned and walked toward the door as Nuri stood and spoke while looks of shock appeared on the faces of the hunters around the Cantina.
" By the time you return you will have your arm correct? " Nuri spoke with a hint of desperation as Kael sighed and turned his head slightly before speaking.
" My arm isn't the problem. " Kael sighed and left the Cantina as Cyrene quickly stood and rushed after Kael while Tara spoke.
" Kael is... Still recovering from the loss of his arm. Physically speaking, He is fine. But... " Tara sighed softly as Baruki walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder gently while Nuri spoke.
" He has lost his spirit. Hmm... " Nuri thought for a moment before giggling and smiling as she nodded toward a nearby Hunter, Who returned her nod before leaving the Cantina. After several minutes, The Hunter returned with an elderly Wyverian, Who slowly walked over to Nuri and looked up as he handed a folded note to Nuri before slowly leaving the Cantina as Nuri spoke again. " I have just the thing to reignite a spirit. But Kael must do this alone. For now, We will wait for him to return. I imagine my daughter will have a few words in that regard. "
" I should be jealous that she ran after him but I know that his heart belongs to me. She is a little touchy for my liking but I trust my betrothed. " Tara smiled sweetly as Nuri giggled and nodded.
Meanwhile
Cyrene looked around as she tried to see where Kael went before spotting him sitting on top of the gate before walking over and speaking softly.
" Kael... How... How did you get up there? " Cyrene looked up in confusion as Kael looked toward her with a puzzled expression before speaking.
" I climbed. " Kael looked bamboozled before speaking again. " I feel like that should be obvious... "
" Obvious?! It's a flat wall and it's twenty feet tall! How the hell is it obvi... You know what, Nevermind. Come down. I wanna tell you something. " Cyrene waited as Kael lunged over the side of the wall and slid down it before rolling forward as he hit the ground. As he stood, Cyrene walked over and spoke calmly. " Firstly... I'm sorry... "
" For what? " Kael looked confused as Cyrene sighed and spoke softly.
" I really like you. I don't know where these feelings came from after meeting you once but I like you. I am sorry if it's awkward but I don't bottle things up well. If it doesn't make you uncomfortable or I don't go too far... I'd like the freedom to express myself. " Cyrene looked hopeful as Kael sighed and spoke.
" It won't make me uncomfortable but I am betrothed Cy. I have loved Tara since we were kids. We grew up together, Trained together, Did everything together. And now... I'll be honest, Even though I asked her to be my betrothed, I don't even know if I can be the man she deserves anymore. I can't even bring myself to hold a sword. I... I can't even accept a hunt... " Kael turned away and sighed before Cyrene pressed herself against his back and put her arms around him before speaking.
" You are so stupid. You are more than good enough as you are. Even without your arm. You are everything she could ask for and if she doesn't see that, I will more than happily accept all that you are. You are so amazing Kael. Even if you get hurt, Even if you lose your limbs. You are amazing. To hell with anyone who thinks otherwise. " Cyrene held Kael tightly before Kael touched her hand gently, Causing her to step back as he spoke.
" Thanks. I appreciate you believing in me Cy. I'm gonna go for a walk. I need to blow off some steam. " Kael smiled before walking out of the gate as Cyrene smiled and waved sadly.
Nine Days Later
" I am afraid we can wait no longer. The monsters must be dealt with. The three of you will have to tend to this. " Nuri spoke with a tone of urgency before Baruki spoke.
" I'll take the Yian Kut-ku. Tara can handle the Bulldrome. Cy will have to hunt the Velocidrome. " Baruki looked toward Cyrene, Who had a concerned look on her face before speaking.
" But... Kael... " Cyrene looked concerned as Tara put a hand on her shoulder and spoke.
" He is fine. He will return when he feels it is right. For now we have to tend to our responsibilities as Hunters. " Tara smiled as Cyrene nodded before the three of them gathered their weapons and left the cantina.
After leaving the village, They walked to the area where the monsters were seen before splitting up to search for their targets. After searching for a few minutes, Cyrene found tracks leading deeper into the jungle. After following the tracks for about fifteen minutes, Cyrene sighed softly as she walked into a small clearing to find a Velocidrome lying dead, Covered in large gashes with several sticks piercing it's side. As she walked forward to examine the body, Cyrene was hit in the side roughly, Flinging her across the clearing as a second Velocidrome snarled before rushing over and pinning her with it's foot. As she struggled, Cyrene had a horrified look on her face as the Velocidrome leant down and motioned to bite her head while Cyrene closed her eyes tightly before the Velocidrome made several choking noises, Causing Cyrene to open her eyes to see what was happening.
As she watched in shock, Cyrene saw Kael gripping the Velocidrome by the throat tightly before spinning and tossing the Velocidrome away before picking up a sharpened length of bamboo. As the Velocidrome snarled and rushed forward, Kael took a few steps forward before planting the spear and using his back to support it.
As the Velocidrome collided with him, Kael pushed upwards, Forcing the spear to puncture the Velocidrome's jaw before erupting from the top it's head as Kael pushed it sideways, Causing it to fall and land with a dull thud beside him as Cyrene spoke.
" Kael... " Cyrene looked terrified as Kael glanced over his shoulder, Rage and bloodlust burning in his eyes before his expression softened and he spoke calmly.
" Are you hurt Cy? " Kael held out his hand to Cyrene as she took it and he pulled her to her feet before she spoke.
" N... No I... I'm okay... " Cyrene looked flustered as Kael petted her head before she spoke. " Where have you been? We have been worried. "
" At first, I walked through the jungle and found where I was born. The village my parents died in. Since then, I've been hunting the beasties that Nuri told us about. The Velocidrome's were the last. Dealt with the Yian Kut-ku three days ago. Bulldrome two days before that. " Kael stretched before walking over to a nearby tree before motioning to Cyrene to follow. After she had walked over, Kael pulled a vine, Causing a huge net to lift the two Velocidrome into the air before Kael walked over to a large bush and pulled a cart out from behind it that had a Bulldrome and Yian Kut-ku on it before cutting a second vine, Causing the net to drop onto the cart as Tara and Baruki walked into the clearing with looks of shock.
" Kael! " Tara ran over and hugged Kael tightly as she spoke while Baruki walked over to Cyrene. " Where the hell have you been? I've been out of my mind with worry! "
" Went to my village and then decided to go hunting. " Kael smirked playfully as Tara kissed his cheek gently before Baruki spoke.
" You left some serious carnage behind cousin. Must've been a hell of a fight with that Yian. " Baruki looked toward the cart with a look that spoke volumes of how impressed she was before Kael huffed and spoke.
" Stubborn bastard just didn't wanna die. Bulldrome wasn't any easier. " Kael stretched out after Baruki clapped him on the back firmly before speaking.
" We best return to the Guild. Nuri will be pleased with this. " Baruki smirked before to walk away but froze as Kael seized her arm before speaking.
" Before we go, I have something that belongs to you. " Kael smiled before untying what looked like a book from his belt and handing it to Baruki. " Dad left this for you in the village. "
" Kael... I don't know what to say... " Baruki looked shocked as she ran her fingers over the cover before opening the book to the front page to see a small note from Kael's father before he spoke.
" You need not say anything. You told me everything I needed to hear when I needed to hear it the most. Let's just call it even. " Kael smiled as Baruki smiled and nodded before they helped Kael drag the cart back to the town.
As they entered the village, Several of the village children screamed before running toward the Cantina as Nuri and several hunters rushed out of the Cantina with weapons in hand before seeing Kael, Baruki, Tara and Cyrene pulling a cart with four monster corpses on it toward them. As the cart entered the main square, Kael sighed tiredly as the others walked toward the Canteen. As they walked past Nuri, Cyrene spoke softly.
" We were useless... He did all the work alone before we even left the town. " Cyrene looked away sadly before walking into the Canteen with the other hunters as Nuri walked over to the cart to see Kael leaning against the cart with an exhausted look on his face. After noticing Nuri standing nearby, Kael spoke calmly.
" You know, Even with help, Pushing a cart with one arm was very ineffective. " Kael chuckled hoarsely before sitting down as Nuri looked toward the cart and spoke.
" You took on all these monsters alone. " Nuri looked surprised as Kael spoke.
" Had some shit to work through. Two birds, One stone. " Kael smiled before standing and stretching as several research team members ran over and moved the cart toward the research area before Nuri spoke.
" And I had such an effective plan for helping you regain your spirit. " Nuri looked saddened but smiled as Kael spoke.
" Good. You'll need it. Working through shit and having spirit are very different things and despite taking on monsters, I have no spirit for it. I hunted those monsters out of rage. Nothing more. " Kael stood before walking toward the Cantina as Nuri thought silently before walking toward the cantina. As she walked in, Nuri looked taken aback as one of the town hunters put a large mug in front of Kael, Only for Kael to pick it up and drain the mug in a matter of moments as the hunters around laughed while he coughed heartily before laughing and speaking.
" I don't know how it's made or what is in it but that is diabolical. " Kael laughed playfully as the other hunters cheered happily before laughing as Kael continued coughing for a moment before taking a breathe and shaking his head lightly as Cyrene and Tara looked toward him with concern before Nuri walked over and spoke bluntly.
" You hunt out of rage and say that you have no spirit yet you drink and smile like nothing is wrong. " Nuri looked toward Kael disapprovingly as he looked toward her before continuing. " Are you a hunter? "
" You registered me. Why ask? " Kael looked confused as Nuri's expression changed to a look of irritation.
" Are you a hunter? " Nuri waited for a moment before Kael nodded before speaking irritably. " Then act like one. "
" Excuse me? " Kael looked shocked before motioning to speak but staying silent as Nuri cut him off.
" Did I stutter? You say you are a hunter? Act like one. My hunters may drink with you and laugh with you but do you think any one of us approve of hunting solely to slake your anger? " Nuri paused for a moment as the hunters around the room shook their heads as Kael looked around before Nuri continued. " We hunt to protect the people we love and to keep the ecosystem balanced. If monsters bred and roamed without check, Half the towns and villages in this region would not exist. My daughter in fact, Would not be alive today if hunters were not here. "
" You spoke of a plan to fix my lack of spirit. You plan on telling me? " Kael looked irritated before Nuri spoke forcefully.
" Do not deflect! This is not a joke nor is it acceptable! " Nuri looked outraged before her expression softened slightly and she spoke sternly. " While I support that you dealt with monsters that were a problem, I would much rather have dealt with them myself than given you an excuse to indulge your anger like an undisciplined child. Your status as a hunter is suspended. You will not be hunting. "
Kael looked irritated as Nuri walked away before he stood and spoke bluntly. " I don't know what else to do! I don't know what else to feel or think. Indulging my rage is the only thing that made sense. "
" Finally, Some honesty. " Baruki spoke calmly and smirked as Kael shot her a disapproving look before Cyrene whimpered nervously before speaking shakily as Kael turned toward her.
" Mom might speak harshly, But she is right Kael. Rage is no reason to hunt. " Cyrene seemed disappointed in herself as she glanced away sadly before Kael spoke.
" It is all well and good to say all this but words won't fix it. I need help not lectures. Otherwise this is all I have. " Kael sighed irritably before sitting down and speaking again. " I am angry all the time. Literally. It is all I can feel right now. "
" Which brings me to my plan. There is a Wyverian village nearby. You will go there, Alone and get the help you need. " Nuri spoke sternly but walked over and placed a hand on Kael's shoulder before speaking sweetly. " We all support you Kael, Rage and all. But there is a way hunters do things. Your rage should be part of your strength not an anchor weighing you down. Go to the Wyverians. They can help you. "
After sighing softly and looking around the room to see the other hunters looking toward him expectantly, Kael sighed again before speaking. " You better have a barrel of that diabolical acid grog waiting when I get back. "
" You can count on it. Now get your ass in gear. " Nuri smiled as the other hunters all laughed approvingly before she handed Kael a map and he left the cantina as Tara and Cyrene watched him leave sadly before Cyrene spoke softly.
" Please be safe... " Cyrene whimpered nervously before Tara looked toward her.
" That's my line. What's with you anyway? Why are you so attached to him? " Tara waited expectantly for a moment as Nuri motioned to speak but froze as Cyrene sighed and spoke softly.
" I don't know... Maybe because he didn't just brush me off when I got in his face... Maybe because he saved my life... I don't know... I just know what I feel. " Cyrene sighed a second time before looking toward Tara with a defeated expression on her face before continuing. " I want with everything I have to give myself to him and I don't understand it. I have never been interested in romance and honestly until now it kinda disgusted me. But Kael... I want to love him. I want him to love me. I want him to need me... I don't get it... But I don't want it to go away... "
" We have more in common than I thought. " Tara smiled as Cyrene looked stunned for a moment before she continued. " Even as a child, My heart raced when I saw him. He made my world light up with a single smile no matter how sad I was. When I was hurt, He helped heal me. When I was lost, He brought me home. When I was scared, He gave me courage. When I was in danger, He didn't hesitate to protect me. I know all too well what it is like to feel this way. "
" Then... You aren't mad? You don't hate me? " Cyrene looked shocked as Tara stepped into her space and spoke fiercely.
" Who is he betrothed to? " Tara smirked before sitting down as Cyrene gritted her teeth before slamming her hands on the table and speaking fiercely.
" I won't just give up! He can have two wives! " Cyrene huffed as she turned away while Tara choked on a mouthful of drink before glaring toward Cyrene irritably.
" Why you... " Tara stood rapidly as the hunters around the room chuckled softly before Tara stood and spoke forcefully. " He might marry you too but I'll give him children! "
" What makes you think I won't?! I can have babies too ya know! " Cyrene growled irritably as Tara flipped her hair nonchalantly and spoke teasingly.
" But I will have him first. " Tara folded her arms and grinned before Cyrene growled irritably before sighing.
" That's fair... You will be his wife first... " Cyrene glanced up and grinned before speaking impishly. " But I'll do things with him you can't imagine little girl. "
As Cyrene laughed happily and walked away, Tara looked as if someone had slapped her before huffing and sitting down as the hunters around her roared with laughter at the conversation they heard.
Chapter 3
End