Alexia and Evan had only first gotten to know each other when they were deployed for this mission five months ago. He was the only person willing to talk to her with only pure intentions. Another major reason was the fact that he was a healer while she on the other hand, was a frequent patient.
In the short span of time he was the only person that she confided in and joked with in years. He was probably her first proper friend, someone who wasn't with her for her identity instead he just liked her personality. So she cherished him a lot.
Smiling she passed through the familiar entrance of the healing bay. Like any other shelter here, it was a tent. There was nobody in here because it wasn't until recently that they began to hunt again. Leaving just her and Evan alone inside.
He was munching on an apple, his back turned. Smiling, she creeped up to him. Gently bending to pat him, she didn't notice the bowl of the floor. Tripping, she flailed her arms before crashing into his back. Evan let out a " what?". Wide-eyed, they both crashed on the ground.
Startled, it took some time for Alexia to understand what had happened. But the sound of choking underneath her, brought her back to the present.
" I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to." Frantic, Alexia tried to get up, only to fall back heavily on his chest. Heaving and coughing, Evan clutched his throat. Knocking his chest, a piece of apple flew out of his mouth. Standing up, Alexia offered him a hand to which he gladly accepted.
Her guilt worsened when she saw how nice Evan was still being to her. Still coughing, he tried to talk to her. " Oh Alexia *cough* I didn't see you * cough* Have a seat *cough* you don't look good." Trying to smile, he spoke in a hoarse voice.
He took some deep breaths." Are you sure you're okay? You can rest if you need to?" She said gazing down while twiddling her thumbs. He smiled. "That was a rather close call but I'll be fine. Just give me a minute." He coughed again causing her to flinch. " You on the other hand, don't look too good." He said while leading her to the chair.
Taking her seat, she squinted her eyes trying to make something out of the blurry face in front of her. Alexia wasn't sure if Evan was really fine or just comforting her. Her actions were impeded by a soft hand on her face covering her eyes.
Warmth flowed from his palms, relieving her pains and soothing her injuries. During the session, Alexia's tense muscles relaxed. She let out a contented hum. Evan's healing magic always made one feel like they were immersed in a hot spring." Thanks Evan, I don't think I'll ever get tired of your magic touch." The words escaped her mouth without much thought.
All she heard in reply was a quick whispered" Okay." Followed by "I'm done."
She sprung up from her seat. Stretching her arms and legs. Her body felt reborn and filled with power like nothing could stop her. " I won't get too cocky if I were you." Slowly opening her eyes, she grinned widely. Everything was so clear and her eyes didn't hurt anymore. Turning her head towards Evan, she frowned.
Probably because of the choking incident, his face and eyes had reddened slightly. His eyes were wet though he was still smiling. He looked like a puppy who was bullied but was still trying to be happy.
The culprit, Alexia, heaved a sigh of relief when she no longer saw him coughing. Closing the distance, she placed her hands on his cheeks, inspecting his face. His face that had calmed down, flushed crimson again, his pointed ears pink. He bit his lip and lowered his head staring at his feet, letting her touch him. He could hear his own heartbeat at that moment.
Alexia meanwhile was feeling no such things. With a calm gaze, she made sure nothing else was wrong and his wounds had healed. Feeling his face grow alarmingly hot, her forehead creased.' Maybe he has a fever, as an elf he may not be used to our climate.'
Intuition, who was watching all these, felt sorry for the poor elf. If only she had her physical body, she would have treated him much better. " You're a complete idiot, you know that?"
Alexia of course ignored it . After making sure Evan was fine, she removed her hands, taking a step back. Feeling the lose of warmth on his face, he raised his head up in surprise. Standing on her tiptoes, she tapped his shoulder lightly.
" Thanks for the session but don't overwork yourself too much. You also need rest."
" What?" He stared at her, trying to realize how that relates to this. She quirked her head cutely to the side,
" Isn't the heat why you're so red? Or is there something else? Is the choking still affecting you ?" Her brows furrowed a bit.
Evan's shoulders slumped slightly. For a second, disappointmet flashed in his eyes. Only to disappear before anyone could see it. He just smiled at her comment, nodding.
Alexia felt a strange feeling in her heart. Something felt off but she couldn't put her finger on what exactly. She would have gotten to the bottom of it if she had time, but she didn't. Hesitating briefly, she turned to leave.
" Are you going so soon?" His voice sounded casual and sweet but anyone looking closely would notice how tensed he was. But Alexia wasn't in that group. Back faced to him, she responded before leaving.
" Someone important to me is visiting today. I need to go see him."
Evan silently watched her leave. He wanted to stop her but he knew he had no such right. Remembering who was visiting today, his eyes glinted slightly as his fists involuntarily clenched.
Exhaling deeply, he sighed and turned to face the messed up room. Chuckling, he shook his head. Walking towards the side of the tent, he picked up a broom.
***
Oblivious to all this, Alexia was currently asking some soldiers about her uncle's whereabouts. Some comforted her while few sneered at her, looking like they were about to watch a good show. With her uncle's fierce reputation, most thought that she was in for the scolding of her life.
' They have no idea on our relationship. If they knew, those scornful gazes would be filled with reverence'. But as much as she wanted to announce it, her other identify wasn't very pleasant either. Being called a crazy girl was light considered to the things she had been called at home.
Following their directions, she soon saw her uncle in the distance, giving orders to a trembling soldier. His chestnut hair grown a lot, now resembling a wild mane fluttering in the wind. Looking at some women drooling, she scoffed at them.
Those witches who loved to intimidate her now looked like lovestruck fools. ' Keep dreaming, withches' she giggled viciously in her heart. Turning her gaze away, she put on the best serious look she could muster, she approached him." General Casen, sir!Permission to speak." With a respectful salute, she interrupted their conversation.
Casen frowned at being interrupted but when he noticed his favourite niece, his sharp sapphire blue eyes involuntarily softened.
He sent the soldier away with a nod. The soldier, who looked as if he had survived a death pardon, fled immediately. Gesturing for her to follow him, obviously to his living quarters to avoid these prying ears. As they walked, the people watching had mixed reactions. But one thing was certain. All it needed was a glare from her uncle to chase away any malicious gazes.
Crossing the threshold of Casen's tent, Alexia was caught by surprise. The infamous cold and unapproachable general was hugging her tightly in his arms. She smiled feeling warmth in her heart.
" How's my little firecracker doing? No one is bullying you right?"
Kicking her feet in the air, she tried to wriggle out of his embrace. " Sir, unhand me. What will the soldiers say if they see the great General Casen holding a little girl like me." Uncle Kace gave her a knowing look before sighing. Smiling softly, he placed her down gently.
" I can see that you're doing fine since you have the strength to tease your poor uncle." Grinning, he continued. " You must be enjoying this place quite a bit. What do you say if we extend our stay."
Her eyes widened in horror as she held on tightly to his arm while frantically shaking her head.
"No way! Uncle Kace, you don't understand the horrors of this place. At this rate, I'll be akin to those scary ancient people that lived it the wild. What were they called again?" She asked scratching her head.
" They're cavemen." He had on a slightly exasperated look. Snapping her fingers, she nodded. " Yeah, those people. I can't take much more of this. When can we leave?" Pouting, she willed tears to fall. ' Sorry Uncle Kace but desperate times call for desperate measures'.
Looking at that pitiful face, his heart melted. Letting out a sigh, he tensed up his face and said in stern tone." Alexia, you can't go back until you saturate your soul." Looking at her expression that looked like she would faint any second, he softened his tone. " I'm just a warrior, my job is to fight dangerous beasts and that's what I'm doing on this expedition. I can't disobey royal orders."
" Why? But he's your brother." She whined. Inwardly, her annoyance was growing towards her father and his ludicrous training methods.
" And he's your father. And may I remind you that disobeying him is treason ?" He asked with an eyebrow raised. She pursed her lips, shoulders slumped. " Am I really going to stay here for another five months?" The memory of being sent away to demon infested land with a royal decree, made her eyes sting.
She wasn't really angry about the training. Okay she was a little bit annoyed but the major problem was that he didn't even tell her why he sent her out. He just gave out a vague answer that she'll understand in the future.
" Bring us glory." Those were his last words before dismissing her.