A Gamblers Luck | Jesper Fahey

Stargazing

When Eliana returned with Jesper, bloodied and bruised, no one asked questions. Besides Matthias of course. It took ten whole minutes to answer all of his questions. Ten minutes in which Jesper had to restrain Eliana for fear of her beating the Fjerdan to a pulp. After the dispute was somewhat resolved, they set up camp in a dry gully bordered by a tangle of shrubs. 

"We should take turns keeping watch," said Kaz, while looking around. The sun was fully set and the stars were visible. The crisp night air was refreshing after the nights events. The hoots of owls, and howls of faraway animals filled the night air. It was peaceful. Almost too peaceful, considering the daunting task that would be taking place mere hours from now. 

"I'll take first watch," said Eliana. She didn't think she'd be able to sleep if she tried. Might as well make herself useful. As the group settled in, she made a small fire. The paraffin needed to be melted and the fire would help keep them warm. She rubbed the two rings on her fingers together to create a spark. When Mila was taken, the only thing her captors left behind were her flint and steel rings. Although Eliana wasn't an inferni, she wore them everyday. As a reminder of what she lost, and what she would now stand to lose. All because of love. Love. Saints, she almost snorted. Love is dangerous. Its a weakness. Love, is what took Mila away from her. Love, is what caused Mila to buy Eliana those precious seconds of time, in hopes that she would escape and lead a good life. A better life. 

Look where that got her. She thought bitterly.

Eliana was now slumming it with some of the most wanted criminals in Ketterdam. Hell, she was one. She put the wax in a tin stolen from somewhere off the streets and put it near the fire. She was about to go back to wallowing in her miseries, when she heard the sound of leaves crunching and felt a presence behind her. A presence that smelled of pine and gunpowder. 

"Ask it," Eliana mumbled to Jesper. He furrowed his dark brows together and gave her a look of confusion. 

"Ask what?" 

"Ask why I killed him," she said. 

"Why would I ask that?" Questioned the sharpshooter. 

"Because I assume your curious," she replied. Because I need you to know why I did it. I need you to tell me it will be okay. I need you to- I need you. 

Instead he said, "You know what keeps me awake at night?" 

It was her turn to bear a look of confusion as she said, "What keeps the mighty Jesper Fahey awake at night?"

He huffed out a laugh and said, "Fear." When she didn't press him for more he said, "Ask what I'm afraid of."

Why would she ask that? Of course she wanted to know what he was afraid of, but she would never press him for it. "Why would I ask that?" 

"That is my point. I know when you are ready, you will tell me." He fiddled with his gun holster. "Until then, I will always be here when you need me." 

Eliana blinked away the tears threatening to spill. "As will I." 

"I'll take watch. Get some rest," said Jesper. 

She was about to protest but he gave her a swift shove away from the fire. 

"You bastard!" Screeched Eliana. 

"Maybe if you would sleep my measures wouldn't be so drastic," he said with a shrug.

"If you guys don't shut up, I will flip your teeth backwards and then shove them down your throat," yelled Nina. 

"Sorry," mumbled Eliana. She curled up near Inej and laid looking at the stars. The little lights brought her hope. Hope for tomorrows job. Hope for a better future. Hope to heal her shattered heart.