The Game Before the Fall

Chapter 21: Another turn (Part 3)

Side Story: Bubbling romantics.

(This occurs a few days after Ardent explains himself to Endi)

Ardent Friend:

I stood in the lounge area of Vanter and Endi's apartment. The two had gone shopping which left me in an awkward place as instead of them, Ana answered and she wouldn't take no for an answer as I was ushered inside. In truth Ana and I got along really well... after the Fall that is. Right now we were just strangers. I was curious to know if she, like Shin and Aria, was remembering fragments of what happened. I certainly wasn't going to ask her straight however.

Ana's powerful eyes locked onto me as I shifted awkwardly. She gestured to the nearby couch, "Please take a seat."

"Thank you," I replied and politely did as I was told. Looking around, the apartment had the same shape as our own, though their furniture certainly was a bit nicer. A cup of water was placed in front of me as Ana sat down in a seat opposite to mine.

"So Ardent," Ana began innocently enough as I took a sip, "what are your intentions towards Endithalia?"

The direct question caused me to flinch, water forcing its way down the wrong pipe, I coughed, "E-excuse me?"

"What are your intentions towards Endithalia?" her eyes hardened.

"What do you mean by that?" I kept up my poker face.

"We have security cameras on the front door. You two shared quite the passionate kiss."

There was no hiding it now and of course Ana would investigate. She was the one who encouraged Endi to try trap me. As a Knight of the Elven table, it was part of her job to protect royalty. Thankfully she hadn't just immediately strung me up.

"Well," I began unsure what to say, "I only have good intentions. I don't want to hurt or mislead Endithalia."

"So you plan to get married?" Ana again asked bluntly.

"Ah-That's a bit early don't you think?"

"So you kissed her without the intention of marriage?"

I wanted to scream. The current Ana was really a pain. Even after the Fall she was a serious person but now it was just too much. How did I get out of the situation? What could I say? The pressure continued to build as Ana's eyes didn't move off mine.

"Marriage takes time to prepare. I'd like to get to know Endi more and for her to know me more. That way we can both make the best decision."

"Hmmm," she leant back, eye's softening. "I see, I won't intervene."

"Thank you," I expressed myself relived.

"Strange though isn't it," her eyes hardened again. "I can't seem to not trust you despite my better judgment."

"Is that so...," I couldn't help smile. "Maybe it means you're actually a good judge of character."

"Maybe...," her eyes looked away and she repeated quieter, "Maybe...."

A silence settled between us, Ana for the most part looking elsewhere, her eyes flicking my way occasionally. I observed her the same. She had her legs curled to the side of her, leaning to one side of her couch looking quite relaxed. Truly she really did appear relaxed. The Ana I knew used to tell me the stories of the work she was forced to complete as a Knight of the Elven table. The overbearing environment and strict rules she had to follow was a favourite for her to spout when drunk.