Sedgewick wiped the quill clean with a flourish as he surveyed the notes before him. It was hardly his finest work, but after mentally going through the various tracking spells he knew, he'd finally managed to alter one in a way that should theoretically allow him to cast it without eating up too much of his magic. Of course, it would be better if he could test it without risking not having the energy to cast it later.

And it would be best if I didn't have to do this at all, he thought, twirling the quill in his fingers as he recalled how easily he could have set it ablaze were he was not worried about conserving his magic. Was that really less than a week ago? Clenching the quill in his hand, he began bending it back until he was met with a very satisfying snap.

"Did it insult your writing?"

Sedgewick quirked his ears at the sound of Feyla's voice and dropped the mangled remains of the writing instrument on the desk in his room. "Indeed. In addition to absolutely refusing to spontaneously combust," he said as he pushed back his chair enough to face her.

She chuckled for a moment, and he assumed she would enter the room, only for her to continue lingering at the doorway. Silence followed, and not the comfortable type he was used to. It was as if an awkward tension had descended upon the room, hanging between them like a thick, ugly curtain.

"You don't have to just stand there. Unless, of course, you find the door frame more comfortable than a chair."

Feyla rolled her eyes and strolled into the room, taking a seat on the edge of the desk. She pushed a strand of her hair behind her ear and he noticed that it was put into some sort of fancy bun...thing.

"Why do you have it all knotted up like that?" he asked, gesturing to his head and spinning his finger in a poor attempt to reference her hair.

Feyla stared at him quizzically. "I was getting ready early. This hairstyle takes awhile." She tilted her head to the side. "What's wrong with it?"

"Well," He stood from his chair and shuffled his notes together. "Nothing I suppose. But why you would waste so much time on something that already looked lovely is beyond me." He finished stacking his notes and turned back to her. Her eyes had widened and held a strange, wild look that did uncomfortable things to his chest.

"You think I look lovely?"

As the implications of what he said struck him, Sedgewick was possessed with the sudden urge to shuffle his notes again. "Yes, well, most people probably do. What did you come to see me for again?"

The look faded and he could breathe again.

"I just came to check up on you. It's about time to start getting ready."

"And as you can see, I'm practically done, so--"

"No, you're not," she cut in. "Sedgewick, you're not even dressed. Did the over shirt and trousers I picked up for you not fit? Unless," She hopped off the desk and put her hands on her hips. "You didn't even bother trying them on, did you?"

"I was busy!" he shouted, waving his notes before smacking them against his hand.

She stepped closer and her voice took on a suspicion tone. "And that's another thing, why are you even bothering with a new tracking spell? You already know several!"

Gates, he thought.

"What aren't you telling me, Sedgewick?" she said as she jabbed a finger into his chest.

He began slowly backing up in the direction of the doorway. "NOTHING! There's nothing--"

Feyla yanked on his jacket and pulled him closer. "Lying is unbecoming." She pushed him back into the chair. "Tell me. Now."

"Feyla, it's nothing serious," he snapped back.

"Sedgewick, I'll decide that for myself!"

He shifted in his chair and propped his face against his hand. "Why must you be so pushy?"

"I wouldn't have to be if you would just tell me things," she said, her voice now more sober than angry.

He sighed in resignation. "I'm altering a spell to conserve as much of my magical energy as possible."

Feyla slowly lowered herself back onto the desk. "It's gotten that bad?"

He rubbed his temple and gave her an almost imperceptible nod.

She picked up on it immediately. Her eyes widened as she jumped from her seat and knelt down beside him, grabbing his hand in the process. "Sedgewick, if you can't even cast this spell without worrying that you'll run out of magic, then how are you going to face off against a sorceress?"

"I DON'T--" Sedgewick stopped himself short and took a deep breath to collect himself. Glancing down at their hands, he half-heartedly rubbed his thumb across hers. "I don't know," he whispered, more to himself than to his companion.

"I'm coming with you."

His breath caught at her words and he jerked his head up. "What?"

"To face Bilara. You're in no condition to be...fighting...her alone," she said, pausing with obvious discomfort over the word 'fighting'.

Sedgewick looked at her as if she'd just sprouted wings. Feyla hadn't been in a combat situation in years. And excepting the one incident that had led her to his employment, she was used to responding in the most non-violent way possible. It was as ingrained in her as magic was in him. The thought of dragging her into a volatile confrontation with Bilara and whatever goons she was toying with at the time... He grimaced as images of burn-covered brown skin and blood-splattered blonde hair flashed before his eyes. No. This was non-negotiable. But how to convince her otherwise? The woman was so stubborn. Perhaps he could appeal to her sympathies...

"I can't focus on Bilara if I'm worrying over you," he said, taking her other hand in his own.

Her lips parted and panic flooded her features as she shook her head. "No, you don't understand; I can handle this, I can help you!" She leaned in closer and he could have sworn there were tears forming in her eyes. "Please, Sedgewick. For once in your life, let me help you!"

For a brief second, the intensity of her gaze made him want to rush from the room and never look back. But then her voice was cracking and tears were rolling down her cheeks and gates did he hate that. In the end, the only thing he could manage was pulling her into an embrace.

She flung her arms around him and buried her face in his shoulder. "I'm not letting you go," she whispered.

"Do you trust me?" he asked equally quietly.

"More than anyone."

"Then stay here."

She jerked back, her face red with indignation. "NO! I'm not--"

His patience snapped.

Grabbing her shoulders, he straightened himself and pushed her even further away. "I am not taking someone into a dangerous situation who is incapable of taking a life if necessary."

Anger flared in her eyes and if it had been anyone else, Sedgewick was certain he would have received a punch or a slap by now. She shoved him off her shoulders and scrambled to her feet. "Well, at least I value life instead of throwing mine and everyone else's away with no regard for anyone who might care or, or, URGH!" she shouted, clenching her hair in frustration, and undoing an hours' work in the process. "Why do I even stick around you?"

Truth be told, he used to wonder the same thing. As decade had faded into decade, however, she had become a sort of constant in his life, while memories of switching assistants every half-year or so became as foggy as a dream. "I was under the impression it was due to some semblance of friendship. Although," He smirked. "I suppose it could be because of my charming personality."

Feyla huffed and wiped away her tears. "Well, it's certainly not your vacation benefits."

He chuckled and rose from the chair. "Don't worry about me, Feyla."

"I can't help it."

His ears slicked back in irritation. "Well, try to help it. As I've told you numerous times, I am quite capable of taking care of myself. And although the current situation complicates things, I have every confidence that I will remedy it shortly."

"That's not what you said earlier," she said, crossing her arms and scowling at him.

His hands clenched at the mention of his earlier weakness. "Never you mind that! You're not a mage and Bilara is none of your concern. This discussion is over." He stalked to the door and held it open, gesturing for her to leave.

She stormed by, shooting him a death glare on her way out. "This is not over."

"I'm afraid you're mistaken," he said before closing the door and cutting off any possible reply.

Feyla usually liked parties. The music, the conversation, the dancing. Currently, however, she was stewing under one of the pavilions in Beryn's gardens. A light breeze twined through her hair which now hung about her shoulders in gentle waves. Music floated down the paved pathway that led to the stone courtyard where the sound of stomping feet and laughing voices could be heard. Night had fallen, but torches and glow-lights illuminated the area in a gentle light.

"It's lover's lighting, Feylie Belle."

She brushed away the memory of dances from parties past. Beryn wasn't someone she wanted to dwell on. Of course, the other thoughts keeping her company weren't much better.
Feyla resisted the urge to crumple her dress in her hands. It was a lovely shade of deep, rosy pink that tied around her waist and flowed about her legs like flower petals. Definitely not worth wrinkling over him.

He's trying to keep you safe, a small part of her thought.

"He's being a stubborn fool," she muttered. It was so typical of Sedgewick to only show concern for her exactly when she didn't want him to. If he really cared, he wouldn't be so determined to leave her alone and worrying.

"Mind if I join you?" asked a rich, accented voice.

Feyla looked up to see a Meridian coming up the path.

The woman's skin was a light, foamy green. Her irises were large, covering all but the slightest rim of brown. Scale-like slits rested on the sides of her waist which were bare due to the cut of her dress. Similar slits lined her neck, and together, they gave her kind their famous ability to stay underwater for extended periods of time.

Feyla gave what she hoped was a friendly smile. She wasn't very familiar with Meridians, but previous experiences had taught her that a friendly face was a universal welcome. "Of course." She held out her hand. "I'm Feyla Everbloom."

The woman smiled and shook her hand. "I am Ambassador Inia. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." She moved next to Feyla who was leaning against the railing of the pavilion. "What brings you to the party?" she asked, blinking her large, dark eyes.

Feyla muffled her surprise at being in the presence of Sedgewick's future 'target' and strived to keep her tone casual. "I'm here on business with Master Alverdyne."

Inia's smile widened. "How fascinating! He is the famous mage, yes? You must be so honored to work with such a powerful and beloved man."

Feyla snorted, unable to contain herself. " 'Beloved' is probably not the best choice of words, I'm afraid."

"Then perhaps you would be willing to educate me in the correct one," Inia responded smoothly. "I'm afraid my people do not share the fascination yours has with exploring the mysteries of magic. It would be interesting to hear about working among those who do."

Feyla grinned. "I'd be honored. Although I'm afraid it's not nearly as exciting as you would think."

The two women made their way to the refreshments. Feyla spooned herself some punch while Inia drank water. It soon became obvious why Inia was an ambassador. She released a comfortable, open aura that made it easy to confide in her, one that had doubtless aided in many negotiations. As their conversation continued, Feyla found herself speaking more and more of her personal thoughts regarding her employer.

"...It really is the sweetest thing. Faren and Glemdring just adore him and he's so good with them," she gushed as she recalled times when the two of them had watched the prince and princess.

"It sounds charming," Inia said in reply.

"He is," Feyla sighed.

"So how long have you been in love with him?" Inia asked, looking at her innocently.

Feyla turned as pink as her gown. She opened her mouth to refute her question but closed it a moment after. "...Is it really that obvious?"

"Ridiculously so, I am afraid." she answered, smiling in amusement.

Feyla groaned and stared dismally at her punch.

"Has he given any indication of returning your feelings?"

Feyla huffed and rolled her eyes. "Don't get me started; he's a master of mixed messages. I'd go insane trying to figure them all out."

Inia ran her finger along the rim off her glass. "You know, there is a saying in my homeland. It is a bit difficult to translate, but I believe it would go something like, 'A blunt word beats a vague one to death.' "

Feyla laughed hollowly. "He's not exactly willing to listen. No matter how I say it."

"You seem like a smart woman. Something tells me you will figure it out." Inia set her glass down. "It was lovely meeting you, Miss Everbloom. Have a nice evening."

After Inia left, Feyla moved away from the refreshments. The faces of the other partygoers blurred before her as she lost herself in thought. Maybe Ambassador Inia was right. Maybe it was time to stop letting Sedgewick dance around exactly what they were to each other and start beating him over the head with how she felt.

He's obviously not going to get it any other way, she thought.

Her face thwapped against a broad chest.

"There you are, Feylie Belle."

Feyla placed her hand to her chest in surprise. "Sorry, Beryn. I guess I wasn't paying attention."

"Well, I don't think any man would complain about bumping into you," he said, as his eyes swept over her.

Feyla smirked and lightly smacked his bare, muscular arm. "Flatterer."

"Guilty as charged," he said, flashing her a charming smile and holding out a hand. "Dance with me?"

She glanced around Beryn and spotted Sedgewick sulking against a tree past the courtyard. Their eyes met and she saw his shoulders relax in what she was fairly certain was relief. He inclined his head back, gesturing for her to come over.

She bit her lip in irritation and took Beryn's hand. "I'd love to."

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Author's Note:  Well, this was a few days later than I had hoped, (it gave me a ridiculous amount of trouble) but here you go!  The teaser line from the last chapter ended up getting cut, and I have a feeling something similar might happen with the next chapter, so I'll just skip that part this time. Sorry! Don't forget to vote and comment to let me know what you think!