Book of Valors

13-Reelan

Reelan is sitting around the burned out fire with his knees to his chest, staring out at Reo and Calliope bantering back and forth. He can't hear them, but he can tell they're disagreeing about something. Calliope's body language is guarded. Despite her violent outburst, her current state is collected and reserved. On the contrary, Reo's body language is open and warm. His pleading expression makes it obvious that he's softer than she is.

After a few moments, Calliope relaxes. Reo smiles fondly. Calliope says something that makes Reo laugh. He tucks a lock of hair behind Calliope's ear, Reelan swears he saw Calliope blush. They reenter the cave and Reo sits beside. Calliope moves with heavy feet and plops down across from the boys. Reelan's eyes meet Calliope's. Her gaze hardens and she becomes guarded, flipping a white-blonde braid over her shoulder. Reelan's stomach turns at her gaze, this girl looks to be a few years his junior and he's already terrified of her. Calliope's gaze goes back to Reo; her eyes visibly soften when they meet each other's eyes. It's obvious that they're fond of each other, maybe close friends... or something more?

"Reelan, Calliope and I were talking and we've decided to make you an offer. You can decline if you wish." Reo says, his voice is mellow and warm. His grey eyes are soft. Reo continues, "Your thieving skills are very good. Your stealth almost got past Calliope before her creepy sixth sense kicked in." Calliope rolls her eyes. "So we're asking if you would like to accompany us on our mission?" Reelan stares at Reo blankly.

"I, um.... Huh?"

"We've been sent on a mission by a Roschan thief guild to steal something from an Allori temple." Reelan stares at the duo for a moment. He can feel his jaw fall on the ground.

"You do realize the Allori are bat-shit crazy right?" Reo smirks, looking completely unbothered.

"Trust me I know, I'm Allori myself." Reelan gives him a droll stare. What a whackjob.

"So you're betraying your people."

"Trust me you have no idea." Reelan shifts uncomfortably. He shrugs.

"What's in it for me?"

"Whatever you want." Reo says nonchalantly. Reelan pulls his knees to his chest and he lets it mull over in his mind. Working with them could be his one way ticket to Roscha, however, if they're caught it's death. But Reelan has been trying to get to Roscha for years, this could be his only shot.

"So I help you on this mission, you'll bring me back to Roscha with you?"

"If that's what you want," Reelan sucks in a breath.

"I-... I guess I'll go with you." Reo jumps up and dusts himself off.

"Good! We'll be on our way soon and we should be through these mountains by nightfall." He happily grabs his things. Calliope and Reelan stare at Reo in bewilderment.

On their way out, Calliope and Reo walk side by side and Reelan falls into step a few paces behind them. After a little while, Reo falls back to walk with Reelan. Calliope stays ahead of the boys.

"Reo, how did someone like you end up working with someone like Calliope?" Reo just shrugs.

"The guild lord thought that our skills combined would be suitable for this mission."

"But she seems so...cold."

"Yes, but once you get to know her, she's actually pretty amazing." Reelan shoots him an incredulous glance. "I'm serious! She's had a rough life and she has a hard time trusting and opening up to people, especially ones that try to steal from her." Reelan's cheeks heat up in embarrassment.

Calliope stops suddenly, causing Reelan to almost run into her. Her entire body is rigid. Reelan moves up to stand beside her. Her eyes are wide and she's looking around frantically.

"What's wrong?" The boys ask in unison. She makes a face almost as if she smells something bad.

"I thought I sensed something, but..." She trails off.

"It's gone?" Reo asks. She nods and continues walking without another word. Reelan and Reo exchange confused expressions.

After a while longer of travelling in tense silence, they finally reach the other side of the mountain. Jagged and steep hills block their way to the forest. Reo trudges down first, maneuvering the sharp rocks and treacherous drops with an experienced foot. Calliope follows suit, leaping down and landing at the bottom with feline-like grace which leaves Reelan at the top.

"You coming, Keftis?" Calliope yells. Reelan slowly and methodically climbs down, making sure not to let his long limbs tangle up. But unlike his other two companions, he lands in a very ungraceful lump on the ground. Reo helps Reelan back to his feet.

"We've gotta work on your rock climbing skills, man." Reelan smiles sheepishly.

"Just a little." He laughs. For the first time ever, Calliope smiles at him.