Snippet #2666254

Lir cut short the reuniting embrace and pulled back, staring into the eyes of the stranger. Who was this stranger that hugged her so and had been worried by her? Her eyes traced his countenance, the two scars, one on each cheek had stories to tell. His long faded robes hinted at a past nobility long gone, laid low. His smile, though crooked after some years, still bore a sign of earnestness.

"Antius? Is that..."

She saw the lines had deepened on his face, now chiseled after the years. He had changed. When he held her, he was forceful and bold, not like the shy and reserved young boy she thought she once knew. Her hand reached to his cheek and caressed the scar, while her eyes looked at the golden locks, long dirtied by age. As she looked the length of his face, she felt as though she could cry at how the world had changed him.

"The years have not been kind."

Antius' expression fell as he saw the look of horror on her face. He had tried not to let the world change him, but it seemed he wasn't as successful. Lir's own manner was different: more guarded and less carefree. He placed his hand on hers and squeezed it.

"It seems that they have, but you're here right now. That counts for something," he told her softly. Gently, he led her away to a corner to better avoid detection by anyone who might be walking down these halls.

"What happened Lir? Why are they after you?" he murmured.

Lir could not remember the last time someone held her hand that did not involve threats upon her life if she chose not to yield.

She eyed the hallway before returning to Antius.

"Lots of things have happened to me, lots of things have happened at the Academy. There are crimes being committed there, but we don't have much time to talk further. We need to make haste and leave Opynonias as soon as possible. I will speak more of this once we are out of harm's way."

"Many gladiators are planning to escape tonight. I do not know exactly how many, but Ya'weh is and I have two allies assisting me. Your gift should come in handy," he told her with a slight grin, "It will be best to wait until then. In the meantime, we should hide you until the time comes."

He flushed slightly as he considered the next words that were about to come out of his mouth, looking for all the world like the Academy apprentice he once was, "You can hide in my quarters... Most wouldn't spare you a second glance coming in. Gladiators are allowed certain... privileges."

Lir thought over his words and measured their diligence. An escape, already? She admitted to herself that this serendipitous news brought a mixture of relief and anxiety. How fortuitous it was that their plans coincided so well.

"Interesting..." she paused and her eyes locked onto Antius' eyes, "Okay, we'll do as you say. My journey here has been fraught with assassins and other agents sent to squelch me, bought by whatever riches the Academy could offer them..."

"I feel that there is some design beyond mere mortals' at work," Antius told her with a slight grin before frowning as he took in her words.

Then her eyes narrowed on Antius, what if this was just a ploy? What if Antius had already been bought by the Academy? What if she had already fallen into some trap? She pulled back several steps, it all seemed too convenient for her. Her wits felt frayed.

"Look me in the eye Geminus, and tell me who you really are. I haven't seen you in years, but trust these days is very hard to come by."

Of course, she would be suspicious. It made no sense not to. Nonetheless, he couldn't help but feel a bit hurt at the implication that he could be working against her.

"I am Antius Geminus, son to a murdered father and a murdered mother. Brother to two murdered sisters. I have never cared for wealth or power. I have only wanted to travel throughout this world and learn what little I could. I do not care who wants you dead, Lir. If they try to harm you, I will show them why magic is a force to be feared."

He took a deep breath and continued, "And I still think you're beautiful."

Lir stared at him for a moment, she shook her head disapproving of the last bit, "Tis not the time for flattery Ant."

She pursed her lips, wracking her head. Being two steps ahead of an enemy always required concentration and effort, it never happened by itself.

"Have they any plans as to what they'll do after they've gotten out? Imperial soldiers are in the city already. I have no inkling as to why they are here, but any reason will be a bad reason for our plans."

Antius could not help but laugh, "If any day might be your last, you always have time for flattery."

At her words about the imperial soldiers, he frowned. Things were worse than he thought. He sighed, shaking his head, "Okay, don't get mad, but this is all a spur of a moment thing due to a shared dream. Also, a would-be-assassin after me and you is helping us because he had the same dream. Don't look at me like that, I don't exactly trust him either."

He was starting to feel like he did the time she caught him red-handed with a spell that could level a building.