|[ THE FAERI'S KEEPER ]|

Chapter 30: Scars

I scratched at the inside of my wrist absent-mindedly. The skin tingled slightly under my nails and I could feel the slightly rough lines that were my new scars. I felt contempt bubble inside me. My skin was permanently marred... never again would it be smooth. I wondered briefly if Cedric would've cared, if he got to see them. I sighed. Claude noticed, reaching out and grabbing my wrist. He pulled my fingers away to stop me scratching.

"You will get used to it," he said softly, "It will just take time."

"I don't want to get used to it," I said truthfully, "I shouldn't have to get used to them. I wish I didn't have to carry these scars with me."

"Everyone has things they wish they didn't," Claude said softly, "Things that change us. But change isn't always bad."

"I don't see you covered with scars, or things you wish you could change." I said ruefully. Claude didn't even blink.

"Not that you can see." Claude said quietly. He offered me a small smile before he strode away from me and began talking to Jordin animatedly. I stared at him. Claude, I thought, would never fail to puzzle me. I just didn't know what to think about him. Natona fell in step beside me as we walked.

"Where exactly are we going?" I asked her, looking down the line of men stumbling along. Claude had moved from Jordin and was approaching the front of the group.

"Claude wishes to go to the eastern shores, and as that was our original plan I saw no issues with it." Natona said, "And I didn't think you would either. You even said to me yourself that you want to leave."

"That was before this happened." I said shortly, holding up my arms, "What if war starts? Surely there is something we can do?" I asked, "We'll need to go back. We can't just... just abandon everyone!" Natona sighed, as if she had expected me to react thus. She placed a small hand on my shoulder.

"Irene, if war starts... I'm afraid there will be very little we can do, aside from fighting alongside. Besides, the trees whisper that an Elf tribe lives in the east. If I can find it I will be going to leave with them."

"You mean you are just going to leave me?" I snapped, slightly angrily. Natona's expression hardened.

"Irene. I am not your friend. Do not think there is companionship between us; though it may seem I have forgiven you, I have not forgotten; it is because of you I am without a tribe, and must leave. Be thankful I have not killed you before now." I bit back a retort, glaring up at her. I had come to think of her as a companion, a sort of friend. But it appeared she did not view me in the same light. I don't need her, a voice thought viciously within my chest, I've survived on my own for years. I can make it back on my own. It was true I had, but being surrounded by people... I had come to enjoy company at night, come to enjoy having someone to look out for me instead of having to rely on myself all the time.

But I supposed all good things had to come to an end.

"Will you two ladies hurry up?" Claude called over his shoulder, "We haven't got time for you to keep stopping and smelling the flowers." I narrowed my eyes at him. He was so confusing, kind at some times and then others he became a complete pompous air-bag. Natona sighed and sped up, walking past the straggling men. I stared at them all, refusing to walk any faster than I was already going. Claude sighed as I bent down in an exaggerated movement and smelled one of the wild flowers growing at my feet. But though there was annoyance on his face I could see a shred of amusement.

"Why do you have to be such a pain in my ass?" he asked, exasperated, "Now hurry up."

"Why do you have to be such a pratty little...?" I began.