Wanderer

34 - Daeron

Jade

"We need time." 

After deciding that it was too dangerous to reconvene in Erenion's quarters, we've relocated to my Elite rooms.  It's dark out, and quiet. Only the soldiers that are being mobilized in the streets as we speak are aware of the approaching danger. 

Erenion, Daeron and I sit around my candle-laden table, food quite disregarded. And Daeron, as usual, is being realistic. 

"If, by any chance, the Edain Plainspeople actaully decide to help us, then they need to get here, and get here fast." Daeron says dourly. "We should have done this earlier." He shoots a remorseful, blame-ridden glance at Erenion.

"Hey." I say, suddenly taking offense. "He's doing the best he can. It doesn't matter if the Edain get here a few hours later. We're winning anyways. And no thanks to you."

Daeron switches the full power of his dark gaze to me. And suddenly, I wither. My arguments are suddenly forgotten. I am only able to melt under the piercing look. There is something lurking beneath his eyes that doesn't concern my arguments. It concerns me.  I blush.

Erenion frowns from me to Daeron.

"We do have a problem, Jade, no matter what you may urge to the contrary."  He says carefully, trying to discern what has passed between me and Dae. "We do need time."

"How many do we have?" I ask. Daeron...won't stop...staring. It's making me uncomfortable.

Daeron glances at Erenion, and both men erupt into laughter. "Jade...." Erenion manages.

I'm not immune to it. After a few seconds, I break into a grin. "You are such boys. Get a grip."

Which only makes them laugh all the harder.

"Listen!" I say. "Anyways. How are we going to survive the night? Tell me that?"

Daeron doubles over. "With you!"

I reach across the table and wham Daeron across the face with my open hand. "This night might be your last, and you want to spend it hitting on me? Get a life, Dae."

He makes an effort. "We have enough elves to make a nominal attack. "

"That's good." Erenion encourages. 

"And so we should be able to make the night with the number of elves we have, 10,000."

Erenion draws on his goblet of wine at last. "That sounds right. I think we'll be alright."

"Alright?" Daeron's voice reaches a shrill pitch. He's losing it again."Alright? This is a fail. We have an army on our doorstep and one night to decide how to best repel them. And there's no way of winning unless her" - he points at me - "her father and her fiancee's father complete this impossible mission in a timely manner. Yeah. " Daeron slumps back into his chair and folds his arms. "I think we'll be alright."

Erenion takes a deep breath, steadying himself. "You want a plan? Okay. Let's make a plan. You take the archers, Dae. I'll take the reinforcements behind the gates. We'll check in in the morning. How's that?"

"If there is a morning," Daeron mutters.

"Excellent. Your vote of confidence is overwhelming. " The sarcasm is unmistakable. "See you in  the morning."

"Stop, stop stop!" I jump up as I see Daeron open his mouth for a retort. "Dae, just...find a nice quiet room and a girl and get ready for the night. You need time to mentally prepare for this."

He shoots me yet another foul glance, but gets up. "Fine. I'm sorry, majesty."

He's acknowledging the king's title. That's good.

"I'm sorry. I'm not myself. I'll be back presently." He gets up, bows, and leaves.

It's Erenion and I.

"Do you want to be a general?" he asks hopefully.

I smile, albeit grimly. "I just want to survive the night. Then we'll see."