Penumbral

Chapter 17: New Dawn

Alimur woke up in the middle of the night, he simply opened his eyes and groaned in both annoyance and pain, a nightmare awoke him and his wounds finally made themselves known as the combat high of a few hours ago faded, he tried to adjust his position in the bed but two glowing claws held him in place.

-Stand still, it's easier to redirect your flow if you don't move- Aurora spoke to him in a slightly tired tone.

-How long have you been awake?- He puts his hand on his face and looks down -Where's my helmet and armor?-

-Relax a bit, I took them off... I simply couldn't let you sleep with a helmet on- His friend explained in a caring tone.

-Thank you... I only feel a slight sting from my wounds-

-I've been at this for some time now... I couldn't sleep... and was afraid you wouldn't wake up due to your wounds-

The Human smiles and nods slowly.

-Don't, even if you survived worse we had Jinetha roots and mother was there to help, besides that I am elated that you finally have a sense of humor- The Demi-Human starts with a serious tone but soon switches to a sassy one.

-hehe, I guess you're right- He looks down, sighs and looks straight into Aurora's eyes -Why did miss Seles agree to keep me in your care?-

-I'm sure she'd never admit it, but it was basically the same reason that I wanted to take care of you... she misses dad dearly... and well... you looked like him... she was... shocked once she saw your face, but quickly recomposed herself... I'm sure it was also her kind nature speaking-

-Hmm... I feel like I can never thank you enough- Uttered Alimur in a somber tone.

-None of that- She stops healing the man and places one claw atop his head -If you want to thank me you have to stop doing that... and take me around Dartasil-

-Doing what?- Alimur raises an eyebrow.

-Falling into a gloomy state... I know you still feel for what happened- Aurora sighs -But you need to keep moving forward for their sake- The woman concludes

The Human sighs and a somber expression acompanies it.

She crosses her arms with a pout.

-Sorry... I'll do better- He responds in neutral tone.

-Good, now let's get some more sleep- She yawns, drops to one side of the bed and uses her wings as a blanket.

Her friend sighs and tries to sleep, after a few hours of readjusting Alimur decides he could not go back to sleep for even in his grave Valok haunted him, the lasting impression he left on the Human's mind that day in Huia may accompany him to the end of his life, with a heavy sigh he shook his head.

-No... I won the battle, why does it still torture me?- He whispered while shaking slightly.

The Human looks at his companion's sleeping figure, his lips curve into a slight smile, with another sigh he gets up from the bed and armors himself, slowly he opens and closes the bedroom door leaving with a slight limp, downstairs he is met by Rathan laying on the couch staring into nothing.

-Where are you going?- The Scaleborn asks.

-I need to recover my sword and take on a lead- The man responds.

-Mind if I accompany you?- Rathan inquires while lifting himself from the couch.

-I suppose you'd also like to discuss about the suggestion I made-