Something Found - Book 2

Chapter 11: The Golden Stag

   The prince's sword cut through Alanis' thoughts as it whooshed past her arm. He had been going at her in full force ever since she mentioned interest in partaking in one of the Winter Festival tourneys. She figured, it was his own way of telling her it was a bad idea without saying so.

   After several minutes of heavy swords play, Alanis stumbled backwards and lowered her sword, signaling a much-needed break. He stopped, but gave a telling smirk, informing her that he was unhappy with her request.

Oh, well, she thought while she panted then took seat on an uprooted tree. Faris sat across from her and drank from his canteen. She could tell it was something strong, from the foul smell that carried on the breeze.

"Did you spring from the womb with a drink in your hand?" Alanis joked as she reclined against the cold-stone-tree, sighing contentedly at the magic it was working on her achy back.

He chuckled. "Don't tell me you haven't noticed how damned cold it is out here."

"You can't be serious. How can you be cold after all of that?" she questioned again, thinking he couldn't be too cold.

   Hell, even her tiny frame was becoming accustomed to the chilly weather of the north. Especially now, after their training sessions. She was so hot during their exercises that she stripped most of her winter wear away.

His laughter continued as he replied, "Try it, it will do wonders for your aches."

   I'm sure it would, she thought skeptically while raising a brow at him. To his surprise, she lifted her head from the tree and joined him, accepting his canteen.

   She took a sip and nearly gagged—nearly. Somehow she managed to swallow the gulp without so much as a wince. He better appreciate the show she was putting on for him, acting tough, and pushing herself to the brink of exhaustion, just so he wouldn't give her one of his famous cocky smirks.

   Again she drank from the canteen, to add to the illusion that she wasn't fazed by the taste, then smiled.

"So," he said, noticing her smile, "We've got several hours till sundown. I was wondering if you wanted to continue training until then. And since you like that drink so much, I'd like to take you to the tavern and share a few more with you—that is, if you want to."

   Her eyes lowered, she was both intrigued and worried by his offer, wondering why he was being so friendly to her. Usually he made it his mission to avoid her while in town. In fact, the only time the ever interacted was in passing in the castle.

   So yes, she was suspicious at his sudden interest in taking her out for a friendly drink.  

   Despite her concern, it was a tempting offer. It would be nice to get to know the prince a little better, outside of training, she thought, but realized canceling her plans with Wesley last minute would be rude.

"I'd like to, I really would, but I've got to get back to Ati soon," she said politely then capped his canteen.

   Damn the timing, she wanted to say, instead she handed him his canteen hoping he'd ask her again at some later date.

"This wouldn't have anything to do with a certain captain returning?" he asked with a smirk playing at his lips.

   Wait, was he merely asking me out to see if I'd change my plans with Wesley, she pondered as he uncapped his canteen again.

He took a drink, then another before adding, "I'll take that as a yes."

   They finished their short break in silence then continued to pack their belongings for the trip back to Ati Harei in silence.