Chapter 16

That's when it hit me. This was wrong! I couldn't do this. I couldn't have these feelings for an Astmathian. And that was when I broke my gaze and took a step away from him.

"We should go and get some sleep." I tried to break the awkwardness.

"Yes, let's go in and take off these clothes." he said. What?

"I...I mean let's go in and change these clothes, 'separately, in different rooms!'." he clarified. Oh!

"Actually you go in and change I'll come in a few minutes. Call me when you are done" he said.

I nodded and went in to change. That's when I had an idea. I went in ,changed in my former clothes and found a piece of paper on the shelves. It seemed like an important document but I couldn't read in the dark, so I tore the sides almost exactly like that piece of paper that Lycargos now had. This was scary and my hands were shaking. What if he found out? But I had to. That piece of paper was my only proof. I took it and hid it in my belt overlaps.

I went out to call Lycargos to come in and get changed.

He came, took his clothes and was about to go outside to get changed in a shed just outside the house when he turned and said "I know I'm irresistible Raven but no peeking." And with a wink he turned to go towards the shed.

"I'd rather barf on myself" I said. The calm and wise Lycargos was long gone. He was back to being full of himself!

As soon as I saw the shed's door close I ran towards it. I slowed my pace as I approached the shed. The shed wasn't too big and door was even smaller. There was a little vertical space between the door and the roof. So Lycargos had to hang his clothes on the door. I tried to go as smoothly as possible and that's when I saw it through a hole in the door. Lycargos stood there, shirtless, his back facing me. Water still dripped down his hair, onto his back. For a moment there I forgot everything. I was too busy being mesmerized by his broad shoulders. Focus Verina. Focus! I slowly checked his pants that were hanging on the door and I felt it. A pouch! I took it out slowly and switched the papers quickly. I carefully put the pouch back in his pockets and left quietly.

As soon as I entered the room I went to a lamp to see if the ink was ok. It thankfully was. the paper was a little wet but not too much.

I felt dizzy and so I went to lie down. But I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking about the events of today. I stayed up all night and fell asleep somewhere close to dawn. When I woke up Rinzi was playing on the bed. I went out to find Amizi working in the kitchen but neither her husband nor Lycargos were anywhere to be found.

"Hi Amizi. Good Morning."

"Ah.. Good morning Raven. Did you sleep well last night?" She asked.

"Yes and thank you so much again for such warm hospitality. Can I help you in the kitchen?" I asked.

"No. No. I'm fine. You can go and rest." she said.

"No it's fine. I'd really like to help. I'm feeling much better now and I'm tired of resting. Please, I insist." I said.

"Then could you chop some onions for me?"

"Sure." I tried my best to chop the onions. I didn't really cook much but I never had a problem with blades. It's just that I might have scared Amizi when I started chopping the onions.

"Raven. We aren't trying to kill the onion. You look like you are stabbing it." She said as she chuckled.

"I'm sorry I have never chopped onions before." I admitted.

"Don't worry. I'll help you". She was so kind. It just made me feel bad that they had to live in such conditions. Ostracized.

She showed me how to chop them and I started chopping just the way she taught me. But the onions started to make me teary eyed. I started averting my eyes from the onion. I looked outside the window and saw Danzer and Lycargos coming back with bundles of wood. They both came inside and Danzer sat on a chair to get some rest.

"Why are you crying?" Lycargos asked me.

I showed him the onions. He looked amused as he came inside the kitchen, washed his hand and asked me for the knife.

"Let me do this. You can go play with Rinzi." He said.

"Do you even know how to chop onions?" I asked.

"Watch and learn" and with that he chopped 2 onions with ease whereas I had been struggling with just half.

"How? How do you know this." I asked.

"My mom used to love cooking and I watched and learned." He replied.

"So you can chop onions and trees!" I said.

"Amizi, please, go get some rest. We'll cook. I promise it will be delicious. You have done so much for us. Let us do just this." he said and Amizi looked at the two of us.

"I'd love to Amizi. Though I promise I'll try to make it as edible as possible." Amizi chuckled.

We started cooking and Lycargos taught me how to make soup and a few other things. We finally sat down together for a meal.

"I must say you two make a fine pair. Don't let this boy go." she said as looking at me. I was having soup and I started to cough.

"We aren't a couple."

"Oh. But you should still try. Finding a guy who is as sweet and caring as he is is really difficult these days." said Amizi.

"Sweet and caring?" I asked.

"Yes. When you were down with fever he didn't leave your side. He sat beside you all those hours without eating or drinking. The only time he came out was when I changed your clothes that too when your fever was gone. And even while you had fever he put cold cloth compresses on your forehead." I was shocked and moved. I looked at Lycargos and maybe my expression gave away my feelings. And maybe he read my expressions.

"It's fine. I just didn't want to trouble you people." he said. Lie!

Amizi was about to say something when he cut her off and asked how was the food. She liked it and so did the rest of them. After the meal was over we thanked them and left their abode. We started walking in the direction of the Tavern, hoping to get our rides there.

"So where are you headed?" Asked Lycargos.

"Nydalidia. I have some things to sort out." I replied.

"You know. In case you ever want to visit Astmath or Learnarch you are always welcome. I'll be your host." he said.

"Thanks but I don't think I'll have that much time. I need to head home to father." I said. I hated lying to him.

"But maybe we could meet someday at the Tavern before I go." I suggested. I swear, I thought his face light up.

"Sure. When?" he asked.

"In 3 days?" I asked.

"Sure." he said with a smile. We walked for an hour before we reached the Tavern area. Lycargos got us horses as he had the money. I had just mounted my horse when I felt a hand on my knees.

"In 3 days? You promise? I'll be waiting in the tavern. " he asked.

"Yes St. Lycargos. " I said with a smile. And with that I said goodbye.