Battle Scars

Guest between the Exiles

They had decided to spend her last day outside. Rhysand himself was to come pick her up next morning and they decided to make the best of it. Since Vassa was living her curse during the day, it was only her, Jurien and Lucien. They made their way to a nearby waterfall, wanting a day of peace and beauty.

Eve stumbled a bit as a particularly wet marsh land came in picture. "How far?" she asked. "Just a few more minutes," Lucien called out. Jurien was already ahead with their lunch in his hands. "What's up his ass?" Eve asked, he had been grumbling all day yesterday and had a preoccupied air since the morning. "It's the day he lost his friends," Lucien answered quietly and Eve felt a pang of sadness at that. "We are going to distract him," she said. Lucien nodded even if wasn't a question.

Together, they followed him till they came to the clearing. Lucien whistled, "told you it was worth it," he said, when he noticed her state of awe. "Not bad," Eve admitted as she made her way to where Jurien stood, a few feet ahead, staring at the waterfall.

"I didn't know the mortal lands here held such beauty." Jurien still looking at the scenery in front of him replied, "there is beauty even in despair. Tragic but still present." Eve didn't deign to reply, instead observed the scene in front of her.

The leaves parted at start to give them an entrance to this hidden gem. The only sound in the place was that of the water and the occasional chirp of a bird. She spotted a chameleon nearby but it quickly ran off. They were one of her favourite evolutions of nature- changing colours as they wished to fit in places they didn't belong.... Sometimes, she wished she had a similar ability.

Eve let her feet lead her towards the waterfall. Removing her shirt and shoes, she stepped in, letting the water sprinkle itself on her face, washing away all her problems for a blissful moment. Lucien soon joined her along with Jurien who now had a wicked smile on his face.

Suddenly, Eve let out a laugh. She could stand here all day, a sense of freedom and detachment with it. Lucien, his eyes closed, let his smile tilt a bit upwards. Jurien was still looking at her, his eyes scrunched as if he was trying to figure her out. Eve not caring, let out a sound as if gasping for breath. She stepped closer to the waterfall. "Careful," Jurien called out. She waved him off and stepped closer once again. Water was now completely drenching her, falling on her face as she tilted it upwards, her eyes closed and mouth a bit open. Someone came nearer but she paid no heed but let out a surprised scream when she was thrusted inside the water. Gasping she came up again to see Lucien, smirking.

"Oh you are so dead," she swore between coughs and jumped to take him down.

They stayed like that, a bunch of children not caring about a single thing in this grey world for some respited time. Eventually though, they had to step out. The sun was on top of them as they sat on the grass, shivering a bit. Lucien offered to warm her up but she refused while Jurien readily agreed. She instead, revelled in the cold nip of the winds as the sun shone on her entire being, warming her up naturally.

"Pass me some bread," Eve said once she mastered her chattering teeth. "Get it on your own," Lucien said, comfortably rolled up in his blanket. Jurien rolled his eyes and handed it to her instead. "Be like him, he is nice today," Eve commented making both males scowl. "I am nice!" "Take that back, I have a reputation." They both said together, making her smile.

"You look exceptional at the moment, Lady of Ice and Fire," Jurien said, winking at her. Flushed, she let herself bathe in that compliment. "Why, thank you." He was suddenly closer than he was moments before. "But not as much as Vassa, I think," she added and a grin formed over his face.

"You two are like different kinds of poisonous flowers. Cannot be compared," he replied. She raised her eyebrow, "Poisonous?" Jurien solemnly nodded, "Beautiful and unexpectedly deadly." A smirk found its way on her face at that. "And I suppose you have a type?" "I do," he winked back.