The many journeys of the phoenix god

Chapter 10

Myrin

as I watch his eyes slowly drift shut, his hand falls from my sleeve to his side. The tattoos glow like embers on his skin, visible through the thin material, stopping just under his collarbones. 

I turn and walk out of the room, slowly closing the doors behind me. I meander slowly back to my study, my thoughts wandering to the look in his eyes as the final swirl of light appeared, the pain cutting deep, almost into my very being.

I try to return to my work, haunted by his beauty. exasperated, I close my books and head to my room.

I toss and turn restlessly under the sheets, eventually fading into an uneasy sleep, the cold dark world slowly envelops me, burying me deep amongst my dreams.

I awake to sunlight gently filtering through my window, its gentle touch pulling me out of the darkness. I dress in silence, walking along the corridor towards the courtyard.

as I near the area, I hear voices. moving quickly but quietly, I round the corner and see two figures, one in the pagoda, the other on the bank. as I move closer, the two figures come into focus, the long white hair of the young elf tied up in a ponytail on the top of his head blowing gently in the wind, his neat blue robes billowing gently around him. I follow his unwavering gaze to the other figure.

she stands tall, hand resting on the hilt of her blade, clad in blood-red and white cloth. suddenly, she breaks her gaze and turns to me hesitantly, more cautious than before. 

I turn away from her, blocking her out as if she isn't there. I approach the pagoda, crossing the bridge and stopping in front of him. as I slow to a halt, he suddenly kneels and greets me with respect.

I hurriedly pull him to his feet, not saying a word and lead him along the path towards the training yard. it's empty, not a single person in sight. I turn to him, allowing a small smile to dance its way across my face.

"you will train here for a month, then we shall see if you are fit to become my bodyguard. I have had a courtyard and servants arranged for you for the time being. I hope you don't disappoint me."

he nods his head silently, not once breaking eye contact with me.

"well, I will be leaving now, train hard and don't embarrass me."

I turn abruptly and walk away, knowing that he will do well and hoping there is no problem he cannot solve.