Warrior Of Light [Complete/Editing]

Chapter Twenty-Five - Part Three

The remainder of the day passed without incident. Edileth had joined the younger elves in the training grounds and practiced her swordsmanship. Everyone had eaten a simple meal; there was little in the way of conversation. They had entered a waiting game, of sorts. The scouts had been sent out. Now they waited for the news to return, and for the military leaders to make the decisions of what would be done.

Joenek had offered to escort her to her chambers, after dinner. Edileth noted Arun's amused grin but agreed to let the roth keep her company. The two elves walked in silence. When they arrived, Edileth found herself hesitating at the door.

"Are you okay?"

Joenek tilted his head, studying her. She started to answer, but found she had no words to explain. Instead Edileth asked something that shocked her.

"Can you come in for a moment?"

Joenek paused. She could sense his struggle. Edileth did not want to make things difficult for him. Yet she thought she would go mad if she were left alone with her thoughts.

"I don't want to be alone, quite yet. I'm...worried."

The roth stepped into her chambers without hesitation, after her explanation. Edileth offered one of the two chairs to Joenek; he sat down but did not relax. The rothnak did not blame him for his unease. She was also apprehensive and sat tall on the edge of her own chair.

"So, what do you think about Rikku and Marrik?"

Edileth started at Joenek's voice. When she realized what he had asked a small laugh escaped her lips. Joenek grinned in response.

"It's rather peculiar. Although, I suppose they would make a good match."

"Oh?" Joenek leaned forward, curious.

"Rikku is often timid around elves, and Marrik so enjoys talking to others. There is a balance."

"I guess so. But Marrik is nervous in crowds."

"What?" Edileth laughed at the thought.

"Really, he is. When we first arrived here, he was nervous. When I asked him if something was wrong, he said he doesn't like crowds."

"Hmm. That's odd." Edileth smiled. "Maybe it is because he knew all the elves at the Ferlian meetings, but it seemed as though he was always seeking after attention. Regardless, I am glad that they have one another for company."

Joenek grinned.

"What?"

The roth shook his head and continued smiling. Edileth glared at him, which only succeeded in stirring up his mischievous nature. Joenek stood and stretched in an exaggerated manner, stifling a yawn. Moving with a casual air, he neared the bed. Edileth felt her face flush.

What is he thinking?

Seeming unaware of her presence, Joenek took off his boots and flopped back on the bed. He let out a contented sigh.

"Just let me lie here for a moment."

Edileth stirred. Her mind was still befuddled from sleep. She rolled over, releasing a small grumbling moan as she bumped into something. Not quite alert, Edileth lay still for a moment, trying to discern where she was. All at once, her mind was fully wakened.

Joenek was lying beside her on the bed. Shock coursed through her, and the rothnak stifled a gasp. She remembered now what had happened the evening before.

After having sprawled across her bed, Joenek had fallen asleep. Confused and exhausted, Edileth had settled onto the opposite end of the bed, intending only to rest her eyes. Sometime in the middle of the night she awoke with a start. Having looked around, she saw Joenek sitting beside her, struggling to stay awake. He had told her that he was keeping watch, to make sure she was not tormented by her fears.