Before the Battle

Reckoning 10/20

--Taira--

When we came out of the woods a few minutes later in a small clearing hidden in the valley, I had to agree with Shira.

It was a beautiful place.

As well as the wonderful landscape, this place was special in another interesting way.

Hot springs gushed out of the ground, forming several interconnected natural pools. You could tell from the piles of worked stones around the edges of these small pools that these outdoor baths were occasionally used by the locals.

But now there was not a soul in sight.

At first we ate a little from our scarce supplies, but then I could not resist.

I took off my clothes and stepped into one of the smaller rock pools from which steam was rising. The hot water smelled slightly of sulphur and was a little muddy, but after the arduous journey this bath was something indescribably pleasant.

Shira was watching me with amusement while he was finishing his apple.

"You were right," I gave him a grateful smile, "I love it here."

The hot bath made me forget my fatigue, the muscles strained by the long walk relaxed and I felt great. Even the prospect of another hike through the beauty of the local countryside couldn't dampen my spirits.

"Won't you join me?" I glanced over at my black-haired companion sitting a short distance from my bathing paradise, his sharp eyes scanning the area, ready to reach for his rifle at any suspicious sound.

"One of us should stay alert," he shook his head.

"Please," I made puppy eyes at him. "We got rid of those mercenaries a long time ago, there's nobody around. So come to me."

I was sure I'd convinced him before he put down his katana and threw the leather jacket off his shoulders.

He unbuckled the pistol holster strapped to his thigh and gradually put away all the other weapons he carried. The firearms as well as the ones with sharp blades.

I watched as he kicked off his shoes, took off his t-shirt, unbuckled his belt and pulled his dark trousers down from his hips. I couldn't help but smile as my eyes wandered over his bare chest, his flat stomach and finally drifted a little lower.

Looking at him made me forget my tiredness and my thoughts started to wander in a completely different direction. Even more so when he stepped into the small pool and sat down next to me in the hot water.

I could tell from his expression that the bath had done him good too, and I took advantage of the situation to snuggle up against him, feeling his bare skin against mine.

"It is so beautiful here," I said, looking at the wild nature around us, the snow-capped peaks and impenetrable forests.

He looked into my eyes and smiled, "I've been to this place many times, but I've never found it more beautiful than now, with you by my side."

I put my arms around his neck and pulled him closer. "And Maya thought you weren't romantic."

"Don't tell her then," he grinned amusedly. "I have a reputation to live up to."

I laughed and tried to get as close to him as I could.

He hissed as I put my hand on his left knee, a faded scar running across it. It was caused by the open fracture Shira had suffered the night he tried to get out of the Imperial base.

I could have said something. About whether he was in pain, or if he was having trouble with his leg, but I said nothing.

What would that have changed? If he wanted to talk about it, he would have told me. But he didn't, and if I brought it up it would just lead to more arguments.