Sharp Flowers

Part 16

Cello strings vibrate through the open air, floor and our bones. It is a beautiful instrument, deep and rich in sound and passion. People lounge around the yard, taking breaks from practice and other tasks. Their chatter fills the space with life as the alcohol flows and the hot daylight air cools with the setting sun.

"Have you seen Kisomen around?" Elfie inquires, eyes glazing over to me.

"No, why?" I wonder when I notice the sly look, she's giving me. "I have not talked to him yet, but I suppose I should,"

"If you think so," Elfie giggles with a sheepish grin. My stomach turns with nervousness. Thunderous hooves beat at the Earth, coming in fast, too. The sense of urgency disturbs the peace, turns heads, and just about ceases chatter. A lone messenger has arrived and hopping off his horse, he scans from one person to another until he spots Henry. Whispers rise from people listening, waiting, and watching. Even Felicity has stopped playing to respect the sudden quiet. Henry says something and nods in acknowledgement.

"Alright, we meet at the gates as soon as possible, and head out!" Henry announces. Goodness, we're going back out there. The adrenaline kicks in and people start to move. It is go, time and no time can be wasted. I run for my sword, and a set of clothes I can pack on my back for how ever far we may travel tonight. A chill runs down my spine. I snap upright and whirl around.

"Sebastian," I blurt out, "How long have you been standing there?"

"Just a minute or two," Sebastian comes, "Is- is everything alright?" he wonders.

"I- um, yeah I'm good," I stammer.

"Good. That's good," Sebastian murmurs and nods. I take a deep breath.

"Is Tennoford's army advancing?" I guess.

"Close, far too close," Sebastian admits.

"Are you worried?" I wonder. Sebastian averts his eyes and sighs.

"I don't know. I have a lot to think about," Sebastian tells me.

"Do you want- Do you think you can win?" I wonder and his gaze returns. With each glance, when our eyes meet, I think I can reach out to him. Yet, part of me can't do it.

"I'd like to think so. If we win-," Sebastian starts and reaches out to me, but I take a step back. He pauses mid-sentence leaving us staring at each other in silence. Butterflies tickle my stomach and I drop my gaze.

"I- should go. Time is of the essence, is it not?" I wonder and go to slip around him under the doorway. However, Sebastian doesn't let me pass. The man so close smells good

"It is. And not a second should be wasted," Sebastian agrees, yet here he is blocking my way. I ball up my fists, suck in a deep breath and back off. "So let me just stay this,"

"We don't have to talk about this," I mutter.

"But I do. I- You saw a side of me that should never have surfaced," Sebastian admits.

"You are who you are, and I can't change that," I shrug it off.

"But you shouldn't have had to suffer because of my mistake. I chose to become this- I became this," Sebastian goes on, getting more worked up in his voice. So, I lift my gaze to him and though his expression doesn't betray much, and he has no breath, he can't hide the air of stress. I shake my head at him.

"Why did you choose to bear this alone?" I ask him.

"Food nor water can sustain me. Only blood can," Sebastian reminds me. I bite my bottom lip. "What?" he guesses.

"Nothing," I lie.

"You can hardly stand to look at me," Sebastian points out, and I take a deep, irritated sigh.

"Well, excuse me if I can't bear to look a man in the eye that's asked me to take his life," I snap back with my fists bawled up at my sides. "Who are you to ask of me when you can barely stand to live your own life?" I continue biting back.

"You have no idea what it's like," Sebastian hisses, stepping forward and closing in on me. I wonder if I held onto you now, could I change your mind? Would you give on your grisly promise?

"No, I don't. But I can't- do whatever this is. Not like this," I shoot back. Oh, Elfie, I think I'm regretting this talk! "How could you ask that of me? Do you even know me?" I push back.

"Then what? What do you need from me?" Sebastian demands to know. My breath catches when he takes my hands in his, reminding me how small my hands are in his. Yet, despite this monster's strength and stature, his feelings betray him. What will I do if he asks me to keep my promise?

"Raven, are you on your way? You've been-," Elfie calls when she pauses in the doorway.

"I was just one my way," I decide and push past him into the hallway. When we leave the castle and start walking, Elfie follows without a word and doesn't ask anything of that situation. I'm thankful for her quiet to let my mind mule over everything running through my head. "It isn't going to work," I admit.

"Excuse me?" Elfie wonders.

"The two of us. It's not going to happen," I murmur. Elfie's wide eyes snap at me, and she makes a face. "I don't know if I can be with someone that only lives life to serve a duty,"

"Maybe you can be good for each other?" Elfie suggests, and I give her a look. Good for each other? What on Earth is she getting at. "I don't know what's been said between you. But you both are running from something, aren't you?" Elfie goes on and comes close to my ear, "Right, Wrenwood?" she hints.

"I am a warrior," I remind her.

"He needs help fighting for life. You need help fighting for your place," Elfie points out. "Maybe consider fighting your demons together?" Elfie advises. Once again, we go quiet. The silence turns into focus on each step. Dense woods around the main road attempt to slow us down, but there's no time to be wasted. We have a long journey ahead of us if we want to be ready out there.