The Champion *ON HOLD*

Chapter 20- Mourning and Loss

Avery stood, frozen with shock in Cian's arms as Leovar knelt over the dead body of his former instructor, the body of his dragon lying only a few feet away in a crater. At first, she had hated the man for coming here to kill Leovar. She had hated Leovar even more for not standing up for himself; he who had argued so vehemently with the red dragon rider of his innocence, had not even uttered a word in his defense to his instructor. That had made Avery furious.

But now, she could only feel shock. Even from their high altitude, Avery had noticed the obvious suicidal display, had watched in horror as Sila bit into the other dragon's neck and tore through her jugular. The dragon was already dead before she hit the ground. The rider however...

Watching Leovar, a man she barely knew but still trusted completely, kneel over the body of a man he obviously cared for made something in Avery awaken. Her shock disappeared and she felt sadness well up inside her. It hurt to watch him there, all alone as he grieved for the dead man. She couldn't stand it.

Breaking out of Cian's grip, wrenching her injured shoulder in the process, Avery made her way over to Leovar. As she slowly walked over to him, she felt doubt rise inside of her. What if he didn't want her to comfort him? What if she, practically a stranger to him, would not be welcome? By the time she reached Leovar, she wasn't sure what to do anymore.

Hesitantly, she lifted her hand and touched Leovar's shoulder, hoping he could somehow feel her touch through his armor.

"I'm so sorry, Leovar." She offered. His only reaction was to hunch his shoulders more. Avery got the message and removed her hand. She turned to leave, but before she took her first step, he spoke.

"Why?" Avery froze. His voice was small, the question a child's plea. She turned back around and he was sitting up straighter, but still not looking at her.

"Why? Why did he do it? Old fool! He didn't have to..." His voice broke and all doubts flew out of her. She went to him and knelt beside him. She hesitated only a moment before taking his shoulders and turning him so that she could wrap her arms around him. It was the first act of affection she had shown him and he tensed for a moment before accepting her offer for comfort. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her roughly against him, gripping her tight. Although the embrace was anything but comfortable, she hugged him back and silently offered him comfort. He buried his face into her uninjured shoulder and stayed here. He didn't make a sound, only shook as he worked to hold back his sobs. Her eyes widened when she felt tears fall on her skin and dampen her collar.

"Shhh," she soothed, "it's okay, shhh, it's okay." She wasn't sure if anything was actually okay, but the words seemed to help and after a while he stopped shaking and his tears no longer fell against her neck. Avery didn't pull away, knowing if she did, he might never get another chance to grieve like this again, so she waited.

When Leovar finally pulled away from her, she ignored the ache in her ribs that felt bruised from his crushing embrace and fought off a strained gasp. She looked up into his eyes and without really thinking, brushed the tears from his cheeks with her thumbs. He seemed surprised by her touch, so she pulled away. Taking in a deep, somewhat strained breath, Avery sighed.

"He needs a burial, Leovar." She hated making him face reality but they had bigger problems to deal with. He nodded and cleared his throat.

"You are right. He must be laid to rest properly." Leovar stood, taking Avery's hands and pulling her up with him. He looked at her and smiled a small, gentle smile.

"Thank you." Avery just nodded before letting go of his hands and turning away. She had so many questions, and no doubt Leovar did as well, but they could wait after the funeral.