Flower Falls and Crystal Calls

Warnings

Chapter 22

Once the six men were gone, the rest of the group finished making camp. The men then thankfully turned to make use of the creek. Elle thought about joining them like she had many times before, but the location gave her a unique opportunity. She grinned at Laer as he passed her and winked. "You know, you can go ahead and get comfortable if you want. I think I'm going to head down to the pool below for a little privacy for once. I don't mind sharing, but since it's here, it would be nice to swim outside of my clothes for once."

Laer stopped and stared at her in shock for several seconds. He didn't get to respond before Caius stepped into the conversation. "That would be unwise. Although we should not be bothered since there are so many of us up here. If you were to go alone, even so close, there is no guarantee you would not be attacked."

Elle rolled her eyes. "I am not defenseless, even when I don't have my knives on me. I won't be gone long. I just really need this before we have to trek back into the city and be paraded in front of the crowds."

Laer had to take the opportunity to add his two cents. "If you want privacy, then at least allow one of us to go with you. We can take turns watching each other's backs."

She raised a brow at him and was getting ready to tell him just how unappreciative she would be of the company, but Caius spoke up first. "If you insist on going, that would be the best option. I would be happy to stand by while you bathed. I know it cannot be easy for you to be the only female among so many men. I apologize for not thinking of it before."

Elle's eyes got so wide at his suggestion that Laer had to hide his chuckle behind his hand. He didn't want any more mysterious objects headed for his skull. She still heard him and narrowed her eyes at the noise, but her temper was aimed solely at Caius. "You do realize the whole point of a private bath is to not have any men around, right?"

Caius gave her a longsuffering look and shook his head. "I can turn my back to the water and still keep watch. Your modesty would be safe with me."

She opened her mouth and closed it again twice before she finally nodded. "Fine. I'll agree. I guess it won't hurt if we take turns."

Caius nodded once and turned to where the creek fell into the waterfall. There was a series of ledges that made it easy to climb down from that spot. Elle had barely paused to grab her things before she followed after him.

Laer watched the two with a look that was mixed between frustration and humor. He called out before they made it to the edge. "Don't forget we're up here if you need help. That means you shouldn't take too long, either. You never know what goes on in men's minds."

Elle looked back over her shoulder, and he grinned at her rolling eyes. It also prompted him to push a little more when he caught them. "Don't do anything I wouldn't."

She scoffed. "What the hell are talking about? I wouldn't do the things you would do. I can't imagine the things you wouldn't."

He laughed at her quip, but they had already started down by that point. He turned with a sigh to see several of the others shake their heads at the scene. No one said anything. That didn't mean he missed it when Ingens separated from his brother with a harsh gesture and made his way to the other side of the creek. Laer paused while he watched the man then walk to the edge near the waterfall. The trainer wondered what the younger Ballad twin was up to, but when all the man did was sit at the ledge, Laer decided there wasn't any point in goading him to return.

With one last look at the waterfall, he sighed and finished taking off all but his underclothes before he joined the rest of the men. He could admit it would be nice to be able to enjoy a thorough washing again. He could agree with Elle on that much, at least.