The Dawn of Light

(19)A Vineyard for my Soul

A Vineyard for my Soul

Manos had sent word to us early the next day. Simos and I had broken the record for the quickest execution of the first trail- just over three hours.

The Thesso team was chosen as the next contenders. They'd started about two hours after Simos and I'd left the canyon and they were still busy. It's been exactly eleven hours, and from what we overheard Shaban saying to one of the members of staff, one teammate had already fallen to his death.

It was late at night now and my internal alarm clock was completely skewered. We'd arrived back from the canyon just before noon and I stirred awake after the sun had set, cuddled comfortably in Malreus' arms.

I'd untangled myself from his grip and silently moved towards the door. He was still fast asleep; the exhaustion of the past few days, coupled with red wine and whiskey, had really knocked him out.

I opened the door and slipped outside, closing it behind me with care.

The quarters were empty and the fire had burned out in the hearth. Simos' bedroom door was closed. I wondered if it was rude of me to knock, knowing he was most probably sleeping, but then again, it was definitely rude of me to have him wait about seven hours for a conversation.

Either way, I slipped into my bedroom to finally take a much needed shower.

The water was hot and refreshing. I stood in the steam for a few minutes; appreciating the feel of the boiling water on my cold limbs. It wasn't often that I felt this... hesitant.

After a few more seconds, I pulled myself together and stepped out of the shower. I patted down my body and wrapped the towel around my frame, fixing it tightly at the front. I spent the next thirty minutes staring blankly at my limited wardrobe.

Shaban- or whoever- had chosen the most dreary and simplistic garments for me to wear. I was honestly fine with that, but did they have to be so skin-tight? I pulled a dark grey outfit from the hanger and proceeded to get changed.

While I slipped on my socks, I knock sounded on my door. I froze for a moment, dreading both potential visitors. It could only be one or the other.

"Come in."

The door opened slightly and a dark head of hair peeped through.

Simos stepped in and closed the door. He looked angry.

I waited for a moment, but he refused to speak. I continued to pull up my socks and ignored him standing across from me, glaring down at the back of my head. Eventually though, I'd had enough.

"What?" I sighed and lifted my eyes.

Simos crossed his arms over his chest. "I waited about an hour for you to come."

"Sorry." I shook my head and grabbed a clean pair of boots. "I forgot."

"Really?" Simos didn't sound at all convinced. "I figured you'd fallen asleep while getting changed, so I come by to check on you. Much to my surprise I found your bed empty."

I stood up from my bed and glared at the man in front of me; "What are you trying to say?"

Simos looked from one eye to the other- his face trying very hard to stay expressionless. I could see a hint of anger, annoyance and a small splinter of sadness. "Did you sleep with him?"

"No, Simos." I barked back- what business was it of his? "I helped him into bed and stayed with him until he fell asleep."

"He took nearly ten hours to fall asleep?" Simos muttered back.