40 Aniyoh

"And just where have you been, hm?" Aniyoh asked deviously as a breathless Caroline slid into the room the two were sharing at the Silver Shell.

The younger witch shut the door behind her softly, "Do I need to tell you? I'm sure you already know." Caroline said, her cheeks blazing red as she flopped onto the quilted surface of the bed next to Aniyoh's.

"I mean, you don't have to tell me, I can already sense your feelings of pure joy, love, and sexual-" before Aniyoh could finish her sentence, a pillow collided squarely with her face. The older witch hucked it back at Caroline in one fluid motion sending them both into a fit of giggles.

It was true, Caroline's emotions were so intense it was impossible Aniyoh not bring it up. Typically the girl's feelings were complicated and shifting frequently, but to Aniyoh, they seemed almost subdued. Except for the time Caroline almost burned down Castle Mont, it appeared as if Caroline was trying to tamper her thoughts and push her feelings down.

The younger witch was almost bursting at the seams with vibrant passion and excitement. It was exhilarating just for Aniyoh to be near her. Not many people, human or otherwise, exuded so much all at once.

Aniyoh watched as the girl hugged the pillow to her chest while smiling to herself, "Will, you teach me how to do that? Know what other people are feeling?" Caroline asked.

Aniyoh shrugged, "It's like the forest path I told you about before. Once you clear it, the spell will become easier. Just close your eyes, focus on the fire and water within the person you are near, and you should be able to discern their emotions. You've probably been doing it for a while without realizing it to a smaller degree. It's much like knowing when someone is lying. But once you get the hang of it, all you will feel for a while is what everyone else is feeling. The skill is hard to shut off. Once you do, the world just feels colder."

Caroline nodded slowly. Aniyoh wondered if the younger witch even wanted to know what others felt around her when Caroline had such a difficult time understanding her own range of ups and downs. Aniyoh decided that ultimately the skill would be useful to her, especially when negotiating with the King.

"Go ahead, close your eyes and focus," the older witch continued, "tell me what I'm feeling right now."

Caroline nodded again, tossing the pillow to the side. Aniyoh observed as she relaxed her body as they had practiced so many times back at the castle and felt the girl pull onya within herself.

"It's hard to tell," Caroline began, "it feels like so little is coming from you.." she said with eyes closed.

Aniyoh shifted in her seat and tried to relax a little as well, "Sometimes it is harder with people who keep their guard up. Humans are the easiest to read, witches and vampires less so. Ender is almost impossible. His walls are built up so high I can never tell if he's thrilled to see me or wants to murder me." she said with a laugh.

Caroline broke into a small smile, the blush returning to her face. Aniyoh had a hunch bringing up the vampire might help Caroline focus a little more.

"You feel...happy?

Relieved, nervous, worried, and...jealous?" Caroline opened her eyes while blushing even redder. "I'm sorry Aniyoh, I didn't mean to pry."

Aniyoh felt her eyes widen with surprise. She hadn't even realized the undercurrent of envy running through her after Caroline had come through the door oozing with happiness. Maybe the feeling had been growing even before that she thought to herself. Stealing kisses from the serving girl was fun but paled in comparison to what the younger witch had with Ender. After so many years of living chaste at the Academy where relationships were strictly forbidden, and then the time spent at the hands of the merchant, Aniyoh realized she did long for more.

Aniyoh gave the girl a reassuring smile and moved to sit next to Caroline on her bed. She wrapped a strong arm around the girl's shoulders. "It's okay, Cari. Maybe I am a little jealous of what you and Ender have. Who wouldn't be, though? Other's may not be able to pick up on it, but I can tell it's something special. The only time I've ever felt Ender's emotions is when he's around you."

"What does he feel?" Caroline asked, leaning her head onto the older witch's shoulder.

"I think I'll you experience that for yourself," Aniyoh said, "Just be careful, please?"

"What do you mean?" Caroline asked.

Aniyoh moved to take both of the girl's upper arms in her own hands, turning Caroline to face her. "You are the best friend I've made in 67 years, and I don't want to see you get hurt, emotionally, or physically."

"Ender would never hurt me, Aniyoh," Caroline said, her eyes narrowing at the older witch.

"I don't doubt that Cari, but he's a vampire and you are a witch. Your body is fragile, and he could accidentally crush your skull or break your arm, considering how strong he is. He feeds on blood, and I don't want him coming for yours when the hunger or temptation overpowers his senses. Vampires are predators. Ender seems to have exceptional control, but it's in his nature to hunt and kill. Not to mention, I"m not even sure it's legal for your kind and his to be...together." Aniyoh finished flopping her arms to her sides with a sigh and continued,

"I'm sorry, Cari. I don't mean to unload all this information on you, but it's only fair you know what you are walking into when it comes to loving a vampire."

Aniyoh expected Caroline to be angry, or at the least defensive. Instead, the girl just smiled calmly and took Aniyoh's hands in hers. "I know you worry, but please don't. Ender would not let any harm come to me, nor would I let anything happen to him. I trust him, Ani."

"Ani? No one calls me Ani except my grandmother," she said with an exaggerated eye roll.

"Aniyoh is too long," Caroline replied, a sly grin played at the edges of her mouth.

"Fair enough," Aniyoh smiled back weakly. She squeezed Caroline's hands a little tighter, "It's not just Ender that gives me doubts. The Mont's are dangerous, have been for centuries. They've garnered many enemies over the years. I'll let Lucian or Ender explain Marcius to you, it's not my place to say, but just be wary when we get to Ravin-Sha."

Caroline reached out and hugged Aniyoh tightly. "I will, I promise." the younger witch said.

The pair dressed for bed in comfortable silence. When Aniyoh snuffed out the light, she could have sworn she saw a tiny blue blur whiz by the window, but when she looked again, it was gone.