Embers in the Ashes

Chapter 5

Jayr ran his hand gently down her side. In those last two days they had fallen into a routine. Every morning he healed her with his ability and three other times he would massage herbs and creams into the burns. Already her skin was lightening into a deep pink as opposed to a blazing red. "Did you think he was hot?"

"Yes, Jayr, I thought he was very attractive."

"It's just...his smile..." She looked over, rolling her eyes.

"Jayr..." He blushed, smiling bashfully.

"Sorry, Cahira. I swear I usually don't get crushes this easily."

"No problem. At least you know how to pick em. Just be careful. He seems to have a lot of relationships. Are you sure I'll be okay to get tattoos?"

"I'll be okay and yeah. That side of your body is healed, it would only be an issue if you wanted it over your burns." A knock sounded. With a quiet, "Come in" Rezon entered. He went to pull Cahira in for a hug, pausing for her acceptance, before turning to Jayr.

"Good morning Jayr, do you have an estimate of when she'll be able to begin basic training?" Cahira turned, curious herself.

"You're still limping a bit on your left foot, otherwise you're healing well. When that stops I'd say you're free to go. I imagine another three days."

"Good," He shifted through his bag for a moment before pulling out a beautiful steel mask. Intricate onyx designs had been etched into the material and a few diamond studs glimmered in the light. It would cover the entire left half of her face and her forehead but was open on the right. "If you must wear one, then it is at least going to look nice. You'll only have to have it on in public and you'll have a full helmet in training. Do you mind if I put it on?" she shook her head, lifting her hair away from the back of her head. He placed it and she held it where it was comfortable. He tied the strings and she let her hair fall. "If anyone asks, it's a village custom." She nodded. "Do you want your hair braided?"

"Can you do that?" He nodded, heading toward the bed and patting the spot in front of him. When she settled he began winding the strands into a loosely twisted braid. Ray entered without warning. When he saw her, he whistled.

"Hello, beautiful." He slid beside her, putting an arm over her shoulders only to be elbowed roughly in the side. He coughed, holding his side. "Feisty." Rezon glared from behind her but stayed silent. Ray smirked but backed off. Instead, he moved toward Jayr. He winks "Hey, cutie. You willing to keep me company?"

"I might." Ray moved closer, hand falling on Jayr's thigh.

"Just might?" Jayr calmly removes the hand, sitting so their bodies touch, but he is free to leave.

"Yeah, intrigue me." Ray shot him that smile again, and he couldn't help the blush that flooded his face. Ray leaned over. His breath tickled Jayr's cheeks. His words were cool and husky but tinged with laughter.

"I currently guard the palace, but I'm entering camp to join the scouting regiment." Jayr turned fully, eyes trained on Ray. He knew Cahira would be doing the same, so his interest stemmed from two areas.

"Oh really?" Ray had a feeling that would get him. He had a hunch he wasn't the only one. His smirk returned but the interest in his gaze was genuine.

"What about you?"

"I don't enjoy violence, I'm a healer in training." Ray looked at the boy, not much younger than him. He stood 5'10" at least and while his build was undoubtedly leaner, Ray could see the muscle rippling across his body. He would have been an ideal runner. Ray mentally shook his head. War wasn't for everyone, hell, he wished it was for no one and it wasn't like he wanted to kill.