Rune

 They set out again soon after breakfast. Amrunela glanced back at where Rena was watching them go, complicated feelings rising. But she turned back around quickly, reaching for Jaekel's hand. He clasped her hand instantly and even as her heart gave a thump, she felt herself relaxing.

She tugged absentmindedly at the chain that Talon had given her. She could feel the spirit that was currently residing in the pendant's presence. And felt a lot closer to him than she had with her other necklace.

 She just could tell that she would be able to communicate with him easier. Which was a relief. There were still many questions she had for him.

 Her eyes turned to gaze at her best friend as they walked. He seemed in high spirits, a slight smile hooking up his lips. His dimple just lightly showing.

 She closed her eyes, trying to regain her composure. She had often held his hand before. Often seen his smile. So this was normal. It was nothing special. There was no reason to be feeling giddy about it.

 His hand was warm in her own. A comfortably familiar yet exciting warmth. She sighed to herself. Oh well, she might as well just let it be. It would probably eventually calm down. Once she felt more comfortable with these feelings of hers.

 Suddenly Jaekel turned and glanced at her. As his eyes met hers, her cheeks felt hot. But she did not turn away. Not this time. She noted that his cheeks got a tinge of red to them. Noticing the blush, a thrill went through her.

 For a moment he held her gaze before turning back. "You should pay attention where we are walking Rune. Not that I'd let you trip."

 "Such a gentleman." She murmured. Softer than she had meant to.

 "Mmm." He made only a small noise of acknowledgement. Were his cheeks even redder now?

 She felt her lips tugging up into a smile almost without meaning to. Yes, there was quite a bit of encouragement in his reactions to her getting flustered at him. She was a bit embarrassed it was that noticeable though.

 But it made her feel like it was even more probable that she was his future wife. If that was the case though, exactly how had he managed to keep that to himself for so very long? It was already difficult for her not to blurt out her feelings!

 She rubbed the back of his hand with her thumb, still focusing more on him than on where she was stepping. It was no wonder then when she stumbled. True to his word, Jaek caught her with his arm.

 "Are you spacing out that much, Rune?"

 "S-sorry. Just have some things on my mind." She managed quietly. She looked down, knowing her cheeks were quite warm.

 "… Here then." He threaded her hand through his arm and pulled her closer. "I'll do better at watching your feet for you."

 "Thanks." Usually she would have knocked his shoulder, but found herself freezing before doing so. This was really troubling. She needed to get herself thinking straighter so she could treat him the same she had always done. It would just confuse him if she got too self-conscious with him.

 She finally though teared her eyes away from him and looked up. They were now heading further into Nix'Ryl. "So we are heading to the center of Nix'Ryl right?"

 Talon glanced back at her. "Hmm? Oh, yes. To where Ryl once stood. That's where we will find what Jaek saw in his vision."

 It was a bit odd hearing Talon using people's names after so long of utter refusal to. However, it was something else she focused on, "Ryl?"

 "It was the capital city of Nireal. And the land is now named after its destruction. Nix was the word for destruction in the old tongue. Of course most people no longer even remember what the capital's name was or what Nix'Ryl even means. Fascinating really, how things like that fade with time."

 "That is fascinating." Amrunela felt intrigued. "I can't wait to explore it. I'm sure a lot can be learned from the past by studying it. I wonder how intact it is? Do you have any idea?"

 "My family generally avoids actually returning to it. After all, it's a reminder that… there is no High King."

 "Ah. How do you feel about going there now?"

 "I trust in Xi'eli." His voice was calm. "No matter what happens, I know who I serve."

 She regarded the young male. His face had a rather serene look to it. As if no matter what happened, he would not be shook. "Don't you have any preferences for what you want to happen?"

 He nodded. "Of course. I would like to accomplish what we set out to do. But if we die trying then I will be able to go on without regrets."

 She nodded, but gave no reply. Well, according to Jaek they would at least not die in the attempt – though it was not given they would succeed either. How would their future be colored?