Abandoned Courtyard
Autumn 73
Talith stood at the well where only ten minutes ago, he had spoken with Astarael. That’s when he heard the moving of boards once more. Talith kept his eyes on the entrance, waiting for a figure to appear. Sure enough, a hooded figure cautiously entered from the shadows and walked step by step towards Talith.
“That was actually really good timing.” Talith said
The hooded figure stopped in front of Talith. A beat passed by before a palm unsheathed itself from beneath the cloak and thrusted into Talith’s shoulder. She proceeded to pull her hood back to reveal a familiar face, Amberlyn.
“WHY didn’t you meet me last time!?” She lashed out.
“I’m sorry, Amberlyn! I couldn’t.” He placed a hand on his hip before looking somewhere off to the side. “I messed up real bad and I’ve had a lot on my mind.”
The sound of relief and a hint of exhaustion left Amberlyn’s lips as she let out a drawn out sigh. “Talith— I thought that the Swans had captured you! Couldn’t you have at least left a note!?”
“I’m sorry. Really, I am-” He scratches his head. “Ughhh! It feels like all I’ve been doing lately is apologizing. Look, I can’t just go and meet you every single time. I’ve told my allies that I’ve cut all contact with the Petriar family. I’m not even SUPPOSED to be meeting you!”
There was a pause between both of them. The sun had begun to set on the horizon as a hue of orange and red reflected across the courtyard. A chilled breeze howled and brushed from behind Amberlyn before waving past Talith as well, both of their cloaks swayed and flapped in the breeze.
“I know, Talith… And I know I shouldn’t be meeting you…and I know you don’t need a babysitter, but I don’t want to lose another friend.” Her words sounded more frustrated than anything.
Talith’s gaze met Amberlyn’s as he placed a hand on her shoulder.
“You won’t. I will not die— I can’t die. I refuse to leave this life until I’ve achieved my goals — you don’t have to worry.”
Her eyes scanned every inch of Talith’s face, his expression. He could tell that she was searching, investigating something. She didn’t believe him.
“Well,” Whether it was pure emotion or the cold air, Talith couldn’t say, but she couldn’t hold back the urge to let out a subtle sniff before continuing. “Then I suppose this will help with that.”
Amberlyn proceeds to pull a pack off her back, which was previously obscured by the cloak, and reached in to grab something. “Here, this is for you. Don’t ask how I got it.” With both hands, she gifted him a fine, a perfect piece of armor. It was chainmail, only different. This particular suit of chainmail bore traces of emerald green along each chain link that seemed to shimmer in the light.
“What are these traces?” Talith inquired.
“It’s adamantite.” Amberlyn responded. “It’ll keep you well protected, I promise.”
The girl shifted around a little. “Remember, Talith? I said I would look out for you. That’s what I’m doing…”
“Amberlyn…” Talith pulled her in, embracing her as if he hadn’t seen her in years. And so, Amberlyn returned the gesture as the two held onto one another as if it might be their last time meeting. “Thank you for looking out for me.”
“I’ve got your back, Talith.” She responded.
The two eventually broke away from each other before Amberlyn began scanning the courtyard.
“Well, so anyways, I waited at a distance before entering, like you said, and I have to ask — who was that girl you were meeting with?”
“Oh, that was Ast— it was one of my allies. She’s a kind person. At least from what I gather.”
Amberlyn seemed a little disappointed. “Talith, you don’t have to tell me her name, I’m fine if you don’t, but do you really not trust me…?”
He stopped for a moment as he attempted to catch her meaning. And he did. He realized what he’d just done, but at the same time, he didn’t quite know if saying Astarael’s name to an ally HE trusted would betray Astarael’s trust. It was quite the dilemma he found himself in. He pondered a moment longer before responding.
Talith offered Amberlyn a smile. “Her name’s Astarael. I trust her. She’s— well, she’s an ally, like I said—”
“—And pretty too…” Amberlyn smiled as she turned her head to look up at one of the surrounding walls. She turned her head back to him, her eyes bouncing back and forth between random places and Talith. “Definitely not like the prostitutes you seem to like so much.”
This earned a light hearted laugh from Talith. “Hahahah it’s not like that, Amberlyn—”
“—Hey.” She cut him off. “Do you wanna?” She smiled and Talith confirmed his answer with a smile of his own. Within seconds, a cloak landed gently to the ground. The sun had set and the night continued on.
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