Naveen

Rina:

I got quiet for a few strides.  I didn’t want to tell him I had failed.  But he was my closest friend.  After a couple minutes of silence, I spoke up, “I mean, yes… A lot happened.  It wasn’t easy on our own…  Maleen was right when she said trouble would follow me.  It was hard just to survive.  I wasn’t entirely successful.”  I kept my eyes planted on the ground as we walked.

I smiled faintly, "I guessed as much. But I wanted to hear it out of your mouth." REaching over I took her hand in mine, squeezing it gently as I did so. "I won't let it happen so easily again."

Rina:


I let out a soft breath and squeezed his hand back. I felt safe with him. I didn't have to worry about him getting in the way like I worried about Dorian. Talon could take care of himself. I leaned my head on his shoulder for a moment. "Thank you," I said quietly. I straightened but I didn't let his hand go for the rest of our walk until we got closer to camp.

I didn't let her hand go until we got closer to camp, wanting to spend as much time with her as I could before we had to return to camp. We chatted about anything and everything on the walk, the little things that we had yet to tell each other, favorite places, foods, experiences. Anything we could think of that didn't involve talking about having to appear apart again.

Rina:

When we reached camp Maleen hurried over to hug me. She looked between the two of us and her lips quirked into a tiny smile. I glanced at Talon. The rest of the day I tried not to watch him excessively but I found my eyes resting on him more often than not.

Talon:

I could tell things were tense among the people who followed Rina. I eventually got tired of it and entered into a spar with several of the soldiers. I held back, just enough that they felt good about what they did, but I certainly didn't lose any of the fights. Things seemed a bit better after that, the mood of the men while not welcoming exactly, felt more accepting of my presence.

Rina:

I sat next to Talon when he was finished with the men. Now that they were somewhat more relaxed I didn’t think they would be overly suspicious if I was closer to him. They knew we were friends after all.

“Maleen could heal those,” I said, glancing around to see if anyone was watching then lightly touching a bruise on his arm.

I looked at her then laughed softly. "I could heal these myself. But better I let them enjoy their handiwork for a little bit longer before I do something like that." Raising my hand I touched hers for a brief moment then returned to picking at my food. "I did this to earn some trust. But I believe I'm already hated by someone in your group."

Rina:

“What do you mean? They seem more comfortable now,” I commented removing my hand reluctantly and taking up my own plate. I scanned the group of men, all of them seemed preoccupied with dinner. Dorian and Maleen were huddled together on the other side of the fire.

"Hm. Most do, but not all. I've felt someone glaring at me off and on all evening." I took a slow look around then shrugged. "Who ever it is, I don't feel their eyes now." Leaning over I bumped my shoulder into hers. "I'm not worried about it, I'll be fine."

Rina:


I glanced down at his lips for a moment then away. “I don’t think any of them are likely to attack even if they are angry. They know you’re a friend.” I brushed his arm with my finger tips then went back to eating. I stood up when I finished.

“Do you want to come to my tent tonight?” I murmured, leaning down so only he could hear me.

A slow smile spread across my lips. "I can come by...am I sneaking or..." I trailed off with a raised eyebrow. Briefly my gaze dipped towards her cleavage then back up to her eyes.

Rina:

“Try not to be seen,” I said then turned away with a hidden smile. I went to set up my tent for the night. We never left camp set up for the day even if we planned to spend more time in the same spot. If we had to leave it was easier this way. I set my tent a little farther out form the rest.

Chuckling under my breath I remained where I was and finished my meal in peace.  The entire time my mind thought about just what would be waiting for me inside her tent tonight...

Liam:

"Calm your heart Liam."

"How can I be calm?!?  You saw them holding hands too!  How could she be interested in that...that thing?!"  I paced the small clearing, scowling at the ground while Rune stood amongst the trees.

Rune sighed into my mind and then stamped a foot with impatience, "Things are not always what they seem, and He of Two Names is not your enemy."

Whirling I stared at Rune.  "He's an elf!  How can I sit by while such a beautiful princess soils herself with an elf?"

"You are naive Liam.  I told you long ago that her heart wouldn't open to yours.  She is plagued by too much shadow for a heart as white as yours."

"No...I love her...you know this..."  Whirling away I marched off towards the camp.  The walk helped me cool my head some, regret replacing most of the anger I'd felt earlier.  But that regret turned into jealousy as I spied Rina sitting with the elf.  I looked away and went to get my food.  Scarfing down the simple fair I looked around again and spotted Rina setting up her tent.  Approaching I folded my arms and asked her softly, "What makes him so special?"  Hurt and jealousy darkened my tone.

Rina:

“What?” I asked surprised by Liam approaching and by his sullen tone. Aero came down from his tree branch and perched on my tent with a warning chirp. I searched his face but I had a suspicion of what he meant. My stomach knotted.

"What makes that....elf...so special?" I asked again looking away. "Why did you pick him?" I swallowed uncrossed my arms and walked right up to her. "I love you Rina, I feel like I'm going to lose you now..."

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