Flower Falls and Crystal Calls

Jaded

Chapter 19

It wasn't until they had made it back to the complex that Elle remembered that she had offered to heal Caius' ribs. When he turned to leave with his customary bow, she grabbed his arm. "Wait, I apologize for being distracted. Let me heal you before you take off. It isn't my strong suit, but I should be able to do that much at least."

He frowned as he looked into her eyes. "You still look drained. Do not worry about me. It would not be the first time practice has gone awry."

She rolled her eyes at him before she smirked and pushed a cure his way anyway. His breath caught as the magic wrapped itself around his cracked ribs and started working to knit the bone back together. Once he caught his breath, he glared at her but did not move away. He should have expected as much from the stubborn woman. As soon as he was sure his ribs were healed enough that they would not be damaged further if he needed to fight, he covered her hand with his own. "That is enough."

Elle wasn't going to say it out loud, but she was glad it was. She had just about reached her limit. She hadn't realized how drained the fight had left her. It was likely to be the next day before she had enough spiritual energy to heal herself. Not that she planned on sharing that tidbit. She stepped away and nodded. "Thank you for today. I don't know if you want to do that more often, but I feel I learned a lot."

Caius gave her a slight bow and came up with a smirk. "It is I who should thank you. I have seen there is much I still have yet to learn. It would be best if we do not do this often, but I would also like to face you once again. It was exhilarating."

There was something in his eyes as he said those words that made Elle pause. The thought that he felt it was a challenge was enough to make her giddy, but that look said more than his words. She wasn't sure what it was saying exactly, but whatever it was, her body was responding. For the first time in a long time, she felt heat traveling up her limbs and across her torso. It seemed to be heading toward her middle.

They held the gaze longer than either had realized, but they both nearly jumped when a different voice broke into the silence. "Did I hear you correctly? Were the two of you sparring again? Was that what this was about? She hurt you, Caius?"

They both jerked around to face a scowling Praes and a slightly frowning Yeul. The Guardian looked to be getting more irritated the longer they went without answering him. Elle was grateful Caius managed to find his voice because hers was still caught back in that muddled haze his look had caused.

"Yes, Praes. We did spar. I asked the Emissary to face me as a l'cie. Plus, she has proven many times over now that she is a capable warrior. She continues to improve every day."

Praes looked like he was about to say something scathing, but Yeul stepped forward and tilted her head slightly as she looked at both of them. "As this was a mutual agreement, I see no harm. I only ask that you both remember that many eyes look to you for an example, whether you wish it or not. As warriors, you may teach our young the path to become the best. However, do not forget that they learn just as much from what you are not trying to teach them as what you are."

Elle felt her face heat slightly as she remembered her last exchange with Laer, but she didn't think that was what the Seeress was talking about. Still, it was a good reminder. Especially now that her 'official' title had been revealed to the city.

Caius bowed smoothly when she was done speaking. "I hear and will head your words, Seeress. I do not believe we have provided an ill example, but I will choose our paths forward with that in mind."

Elle rubbed the back of her head nervously. "Yeah, me too. I know I'm not part of your tribe, but I also know that you all put a lot of faith in Etro. As her representative, I wouldn't want to tarnish that."