The Promise

Chapter 4: Rift

Callum had become accustomed to Rayla's new sleeping arrangement somewhat begrudgingly over the past couple of days. He made a joke and accused her of enjoying it too much, to which the elf became rather defensive and blushed brightly. At the prince's continued jests, she unceremoniously leaned back and jabbed her horns into his chest. Much to Callum's pain, and Rayla's relief, this got him to shut up.

Their time spent together in the cave had been filled with uncomfortable silences and awkward conversations. Rayla couldn't seem hold on to a topic for long. She hope that her actions wouldn't be cause for too much suspicion on the boy's part. She would tell him how she felt, when the time was right, and right now was definitely not that time.

Callum knew she was hiding something from him, but he didn't press her to tell what it was. He trusted her that she would tell him when she was ready. Still, it was going to be a difficult journey, and the crazed behemoth that hunted them didn't help one bit.

"Breakfast?" He asked her. Rayla nodded at the few berries and strips of jerk that were left. "This is all we have left. We'll need to head out today." He couldn't express his relief. He was bored. He missed his brother. Ezran had always been the one to fill the awkward silence, and without him part of the older prince couldn't stand being around Rayla. He shrugged that thought off. "Things will get better," he resolved to himself.

"How are you feeling?" The prince inquired.

"Are you going to ask me that everyday?" She huffed

"Yup. And you're going to deal with it."

She rolled her eyes at him. He was obnoxious, but in an endearing sort of way. "Yeah, I'm feeling a bit better than I was yesterday."

She let out a wistful sigh. She knew a human-elf relationship would never work in the world they lived in. But first that would require him to reciprocate her feelings.

They finished their breakfast without another word. Zym had fallen asleep again, and Rayla had to prod the princeling back to the world of the conscious.

She got up to find her chest guard, which had gotten buried by their packs and Callum's cloak. "Help me with this, will you?" He was somewhat reluctant to be touching at her, and was relieved once the side straps were secure.

"How's it feel?"

"Eh, it's a bit tight from the swellin', but it'll get better with time."

He nodded and turned to repack his belongings.

"Hey Callum?" Rayla voiced rather nervously, unsure about what she was going to ask. He looked at her and raised an eyebrow. She pursed her lips before speaking. "How come you have such a hard time helpin' me put my armor on, but you have no problem wrappin' your arms around me when we sleep?" He furrowed his brow and looked away. "I can't be held responsible for what I do in my sleep." It was meant to be of teasing nature, but came out more defensive and irritated.

He picked up his pack and slung it over his shoulder. "We heading out?" His voice still somewhat harsh. She nodded, feeling dejected. Callum squeezed through the crack that was the cave mouth, relieved to finally have some fresh air. The portion of the cave that they had used for their 'leavings' had begun to waft its smell towards them, and was getting to the point where it was unbearable.

Rayla had a bit more difficulty exiting their temporary hideout. As she pushed herself through the crack, a small rock jutting out from the cave mouth caught her side, causing her to yelp in pain. Callum turned and gave her a concerned look. "'M fine," she muttered, clutching her side. The boy didn't look satisfied, but didn't press her.

"Sorry I snapped at you. Being stuck in that cave for so long was kinda getting to me." He offered her an apologetic glance. "'T's alright." Was all the response he got, and he knew it was not alright.