Snippet #813774

Aaria's eyes fluttered as she felt Genesis' arm being placed around her. To her own surprise she found herself curling against his chest, resting her head on his shoulder, her eyes still closed. Alone was something she did not want to be and having him so close was comforting for her. It was time for her to open her heart and accept some of these people as her friends. Genesis was most definitely a friend and one she needed when times were bad. If she didn't start making friends, then she'd be alone for years to come. She was coming to understand that the people around her meant her no harm and that they could be trusted. Lily was the one whom she trusted the most, closely followed by Romolus and now Genesis. Orrin too had given no reason for her not to trust him. Although she'd had doubts about Kira and Kaylin, she could tell their intentions were pure and she had nothing to fear. She liked Kaylin, which is why she had broken out of the vow in order to protect her. Realisation washed over Aaria as she came to understand that she was starting to like, maybe even love, the ones she had come to know over the past few days.

Tiredness was overwhelming her and she was fighting to keep herself awake as she listened to Genesis speak softly to her. "I won't change. I'm stronger than that. I know what war is and I know how to handle myself when it comes to war." She whispered against his chest, a mumble that could barely be heard. "Now rest Genesis, for we've had a long day." Sighing she cuddled closer to him, allowing the sleep to wash over her. The silence was comforting this time when she fell asleep and no nightmares haunted her. For when she experienced such headaches, she was likely to wake screaming from a dream where she recounted her brother's death. However tonight, with Genesis close to her, she felt no such pain.

After what felt like only a few minutes Aaria woke from the movement of Genesis shifting on the bed. Frowning, she stayed where she was, listening silently. And then it hit her. A foul stench, the same one from the night before, lingered in the warm air. Aaria forced herself not to retch at the disgusting smell, for it brought back horrible memories. Beside her Genesis had returned to the position he had been in before. Closing her eyes, she made it so that he did not realise he had woken her. Were the beasts in the castle? Why had the alarm not been sounded? Where was everyone? Many questions flew through her head all at once. However, a wave of calm washed over her as she realised that it must simply be a lingering smell from the night before. Settling back down, she returned to sleeping, allowing the darkness to seep into her mind one more time.

A few hours later

Opening her eyes, Aaria was surprised to find herself so close to Genesis. Flushing a bright red, she edged away, lifting his arm and placing it carefully on the bed. For a moment she stared at his peaceful sleeping face, before slipping out of the bed, trying not to disturb Genesis with her movements. Let him sleep some more. He needs it. She thought to herself, taking her bow and quiver from the side of the bed, along with her sword that rested there. "I'll be back later." She whispered, reaching over and brushing hair from his eyes. Realising what she was doing, she froze in mid-action before hurriedly rushing from the cubicle, red in the face and slightly flustered. Of course she had to run straight into Kiane, who was heading to check on them. He raised an eyebrow, a smirk on his bruised lips. "Kiane, have I ever told you that I dislike you very much?" She asked, glaring at him with all her might.
"Message from the King, Aaria. He wants to speak with you. Right away." He told her, tilting her head to get a good look in her eyes. "You're feeling better?" She nodded a response, pulling away.
"I need to go then Kiane. Tell Genesis when he wakes that I'll be back later. Unless the King wants to see him too?" He merely shrugged, shaking his head. "Ok, well give him the message."

Hurrying off, she headed for the King's meeting room, dreading what was about to happen. They were bound to be in trouble for not reciting the vow with everyone else. Tiredness was still eating away at her mind. All she wanted to do was sleep. Tying her hair back, she slipped through the main doors, her eyes catching onto everyone kneeled at the front, in front of the King. She whispered her apologises, before joining them. Kneeling, she bowed her head, listening in silence. Not once did she speak up from them or try and make a point. Aaria kept her mouth shut, chewing her bottom lip as she listened to the King and the Spring Maid as well as Lily pipe up and speak on their behalf. Her eyes barely rose from where they stared blankly on the floor. Once again, her old worries had returned to her, now that the comfort was gone. Not only that, but there were more worries added on top. She'd allowed her heart to be opened, but would it only cause more hurt and grief?

Snapping out of her trance, she realised that they were going to recite the vow. Clearing her throat, she spoke it with them, her voice lacking it's usual strength and confidence.

“Eu son leal ao rei,
eu son leal ó trono,
eu vou seguir os comandos do rei e do exército do rei sen dúbida.
Son do exército e se ve con el ata a morte ou a vitoria.
Para o rei,
para o país e
para o amor.
“Eu non vou permitir que outro para ir no meu lugar,
esta guerra meu eu,
esa guerra é nosa,
ata a vitoria ou a morte,
para a terra da miña casa.
Para rei e do país,
ata a caída da nosa gran terra.”

Once the vow was over, Aaria rose with the rest of them, still silent, though her eyes now bore into the Spring Maid, who apparently had a name. Surprise flickered through her when she came to realise that the Spring Maid actually had a name, after being called by her title for so long. Now the battle would begin. The time had come for them to stand and fight, but like Genesis had said, not to lose themselves in the chaos and havoc of war. But what exactly would that war bring? And how many would be lost before they could defeat the most deadly of foes?


Kiane pulled back the curtains, exposing Genesis who was still asleep behind them. "Genesis, wake up." He called in a loud voice, walking across to the bed, shaking the autumn man to rouse him from his slumber. Stepping back, he took his uninjured arm in his hand. "Aaria has gone to the King and I'm not sure if he is awaiting you as well." He said, pressing two fingers to the man's wrist to check his pulse. He made a note on his clipboard. "She stayed the whole night? Not like Aaria is it?" A smile flickered across his face as he checked Genesis eyes for any signs of trauma.