Life's Pursuit {Book 2}

Chapter 22: To Hide

The council room was filled with uproar at the start of the new month. High Guardian, Even, led the band of other soldiers who were pleading with the king on what to do. With the darkness growing, the question arose if the elves should stay put in their village or if an evacuation order was to be made. Despite their current collection of fractals, it was impossible to find the source of the evil magic and so it continued to persist.

Loki made a regular appearance at the council meetings, along with Jennica, Sol, and Oveaus. Ever since both Loki and Oveaus had returned from their travels, Kvasir began to grow his supportive council, filling it with those whom he trusted would help during their dire hours. It certainly gave an opportunity for all to hear the trials of the villagers and to discuss plans of action.

As Even conversed with the king, Loki's mind trailed off from focus. He was finding himself not as able minded since Jennica's admittance to carrying their child. It became the core thought that seeped into everything he did. They never told Sol and Kvasir, not so far. From the sound of things, no time was good enough to tell them. Tension was high and it was unnecessary stress. Time would eventually tell for them but the anticipation of it made him nauseous.

As if Jennica had sensed his apprehension, she found his hand under the table where they sat and she held it, gentle yet firm all the same. He glanced over in her direction and their eyes met, sharing a silent sympathy. Although the worries shared amongst them persisted, their understanding for each other was most important to them in this moment. There wasn't much hope they could offer the others, anyway.

Kvasir eventually charged Even with the duty of creating a refuge within the castle grounds to bring the other villagers in. Protecting the people was of the highest importance in terms of what they could currently do. This revelation silenced the uproar and those in the council room eventually diminished. Loki and Jennica remained inseparable.

They conversed away from the others, finding a quiet spot in the garden. It was behind the castle towers and hid the darkness well. They were glad to ignore it for a time.

"The air is growing colder now." Jennica mumbled, partly to herself. As the darkness ate away at the sky, even the weather around them changed.

Loki had his arm locked with hers and he tried to notice the cold. It wasn't substantial enough for him to pay attention but he did feel her shiver. "So it seems."

Jennica's hands plucked a dying rose from a bush and watched as a couple petals dropped to the ground. She was careful not to prick her fingers on the thorns. "Everything is changing so fast... the light magic is slowly dying, more every day. Has my father discussed another expedition to find more fractals?"

"Not with me personally. Everything that has been discussed since I returned has been in front of all who are invited to the council meetings. But I'm not eager to think about leaving again any time soon."

"You're not looking forward to finding the others?" This came as a surprise to Jennica.

If Loki were to be honest, he would admit that he wasn't ready to leave her again so soon. He felt a sense of responsibility towards this unborn child, even if he wasn't sure that either of them wanted to be parents. Plus, his attraction to her had tremendously grown and he wanted to spend what time he could with her. It was a grand distraction from the surrounding evils.

"I just feel that my energy is needed here a bit longer," he replied. "Your father was very gracious to invite me to the council meetings and it is clear that this kingdom is now in great distress."

"Yes, and I do love having you back. I just figured that more progress could be made once more are found."

"Honestly, it's a wild goose chase." Loki was obviously more than disappointed. "We don't have any more leads and the universe is vast. It could take us years before we find the rest. Our plan of action needs to change."