Dragon's Khu'meir

Chapter Three

I woke up next to something warm. I was in a bed, but I wasn't alone. Slowly, as I opened my eyes, I turned my head towards the warmth. I saw Nakiirn lying next to me, sleeping. His face looked so peaceful. As I watched him, he moved just a bit, almost as if to get more comfortable. I also realised that he wasn't actually under the blanket with me, and still clothed as well.

What happened? How did I get here? I wondered as I looked around a bit, trying not to move too much so as not to wake him up. Then I remembered how I had collapsed on him when he had wanted to take me to the pools he was talking about. Moving my body to the side of the bed, I managed to wriggle my way out from under the blanket and got to my feet. Looking around the room for a moment, I headed for the bathroom. I hope there's a mirror. I thought as I slowly made my way to the sectioned off part. Upon entering, I was faced with a mirror, though my eyes hadn't fully adjusted yet. But it was exactly what I had hoped for. I was looking at something a little blurry, and it was looking straight back at me. As my eyes focused I realised it was my reflection. It looked like a mess, my hair was standing up in some places, my eyes looked like I needed at least a year of sleep and my cheeks were red. Funny enough, I didn't feel all that tired.

I looked down and turned on the tap, letting the cool water run along my hands. It felt nice to the touch. Making a cup with my hands, I splashed the gathered water in my face. Letting out a light hum and feeling refreshed, I watched the water fall down my face and into the sink again. My cheeks were less red, which was good. I didn't want to look like I was blushing in front of Nakiirn. Though at that moment I heard him stir and I hoped he wouldn't wake up. I peered around the corner to see what had happened, and when I looked to where the bed was, he was gone. My face went white from shock and I searched the room frantically.

"How do you feel? You had quite a few injuries. Been asleep for the majority of the day," Nakiirn's voice came from the open porch. Then he stepped back inside from the left and offered a small smile. "I'm sorry if I worried you."

I gave a nervous laugh, Me? I wasn't worried. Never.

"I'm fine, I feel much better after that, thanks." I gave him a smile. Though my face probably still looked like a mess. And I wasn't going back to the mirror to check.

"I'm glad to hear it. Your wounds were mended and you should feel no pain. If you do, though, please tell me. I will take care of it. Would you like to eat something?" He crossed into the room then, his hand gently adjusting the flowing shirt that he'd pulled out for me earlier. It fit nicely, loose and yet warm. For a moment I wondered how I'd even gotten into the new clothes. And then it hit me, Na-Nakiirn! He... No! No way, had he? Seen? I felt a bit light headed as I looked up at him in shock. I couldn't think anymore and even his question faded from my mind as all I could do was stare at him. He had seen me, and there was nothing I could do about it anymore.

Trying my hardest to remember what he had actually asked, I answered him slowly, "Yes... I do." I told him with some uncertainty.

Nakiirn's soft hum in return was almost unnatural sounding. As if a beast were purring in his chest. "You have nothing to worry about. My essence is enough to make redressing quick and easy," he offered and I swallowed hard. Apparently he was either a mind reader, or my face was an open book. "What would you like to eat? Whatever you want, I can get it for you."

"Sushi!" I answered without hesitation, then realised he might not even know what that is. Although, if this was a dream- which it must be, he would know. "Do you have a dining hall of sorts?" I added, looking up at him.

Nakiirn stared, his gaze unmoving. Perhaps the worst of it was the lack of expression. It seemed to me that Nakiirn was taking my request rather seriously, except as the silence passed between us, his facial expression finally began to show concern and even a touch of confusion. Finally, he shook his head. "Forgive me, I don't think we have... sushi. What is it? Perhaps we can still make it if we have the ingredients."