Bridging Destinies

Chapter 41: Not Much to Be Done

Because of my concern, we decided to cut our trip short and returned to Seoul the next day. I still could not reach Dana and grew increasingly worried. I sought to connect with others from my home, including my son, and was informed that Dana was deeply involved in a mission and could not communicate as he normally would. There was implied concern for his safety, and from previous experience I knew this was serious. I did not want to concern Namjoon, so kept most of it to myself, but did warn him that I might have to leave Korea for a time and return home to my people.

"I wish I could go with you, if that happened." He had voiced to me, both of us knowing it would be impossible. I had glanced at Namjoon, at his statement, pulling my eyes away from the laptop screen in front of me, and had sighed softly, as my gaze turned from a glance to a deep observation of his profile. He had felt my eyes on him and had turned his head, giving me a view of his full face.

I had whispered, at the time, expressing my thoughts, as I studied his features, "I wish you could too, but it's not possible. I can be with you here, now, but I cannot bring you with me. Not even for a short time. The impossibility of taking you to my home, allowing you to be in the midst of my people, your career, and so much more will prevent it. It just wouldn't work, though I have tried to puzzle it out, too." I explained. He had nodded in understanding, becoming lost deep within his own thoughts and the matter was dropped, though both of us still considered it privately.

We now sat side by side on a couch in Namjoon's living room, as I explored the internet on a laptop, reading through world news. I was attempting to gain a deeper understanding of what was happening beyond what I already knew. Namjoon read the articles by my side, leaning towards me so that he could see the screen better, as I sifted through the news reports.

What I knew for sure, was that Dana was safe, so far, but that he was quiet, as there were elements within the groups of those who knew about, and hated us, that were gifted and able to sometimes find us, despite our precautions. I was sure that this was why my long time friend and partner was quiet and shielded. He would not expose himself or others by opening up. I needed his assistance, but I would need to forego it for now.

Not finding anything in news reports that would assist me, I shut the laptop and took a deep breath letting it out quickly, "There is nothing new here that explains this feeling." I ran my fingers through my hair, catching my fingers in slight tangles and giving up. I was mildly frustrated and weary of my vigilance, but knew it was important. Namjoon moved his arm over my shoulders, giving me a side hug as encouragement, then kissed my temple softly. He moved away as he stood and I watched him get up, "I will make you some tea." He told me as he began to walk to the kitchen, "I think it will help calm your nerves." He explained, giving me a slight smile, his dimples almost peeking out. He stopped near the kitchen and said teasingly, "And don't worry. I will be careful not to break anything." I laughed with a snort at his statement, which made him smile more, his dimples displayed in full. He then moved to turn the water kettle on and prepare the tea.

I smiled briefly, worry held at bay in the face of my affection for him. The moment quickly fled and I stood, walking to the window, as worry came back in full force. I gazed out from the glass, lost deep in thought. I heard a crash and a brief exclamation from the kitchen and snorted in laughter again, half turning to watch Namjoon as he picked up shards of the broken cup. I went to help him, but felt the pressure in my mind of an attempt to communicate from my home. I opened my mind, as I turned back towards the window, 'Ar'leal.' I greeted within my mind, 'It is good to hear from you.' I spoke into her mind, 'What news?'

'News is sparse.' Ar'leal spoke into my mind, explaining, 'Lariel is still safe, as far as we may see, but we believe you should stay in Korea for now. You may go out from where you stay, but be careful. There are shadows on the paths, as you know, and we do not know what is coming, quite. Nobody can see it fully. The Mother hides the futures at present.'

I felt a sense of frustration, and sighed deeply, 'I will be careful. I know She hides it from us for a reason, but I am not content, Ar'leal.' I explained.

Ar'leal's sense of patience was forged in her great age, being much older than me, and she gently responded, 'I understand.' She responded, 'The Mother has her ways.' She continued softly into my mind, almost a whisper against my senses, 'Her ways are much for us, at times, but they are wisdom and love, child.' She said to me.

I sighed and lowered my head, feeling the edge of defeat, but not ready to give up and nodded, in begrudging agreement, 'I know. I simply do not always like it.'

I felt her amusement inside my mind as she responded, 'As is always your way.' She told me, then continued, 'But for now, simply be more cautious and if you must leave your shelter, then do so sparingly.'

I felt Namjoon approach me and turned towards him. He held the cup out to me, and the scent of chamomile with a touch of honey wafted from the steaming cup. Inside my mind I heard, 'Is that your man? The one Sassa'aen spoke of?'

I smiled at Namjoon and took the offered mug from him with a murmured "Thank you." And responded mentally to her question, 'It is. Do you watch me, then?'

Inside my mind I heard her laughter, as she answered me honestly, 'I do.'

I took a small sip of the hot liquid, then smiled softly over the cup, my eyes showing my amusement more than the expression on my face and responded inside my mind, 'You are far too curious about my man, Ar'leal.' I teased her and at my mental thought, I felt more laughter as she began to pull away.

In parting she spoke, 'I will leave you to him, then. Be safe and farewell.'