It has been over a week since I have been rescued, and everywhere I go, rebels are running around like the base will be evacuated any second. A constant flurry of action everywhere. It's sometimes overwhelming.

Most of the time, I would just wander around the base, memorizing the layout and scanning for possible escape routes if it ever came down to running for our lives. I hoped not, everything was so much more realistic done here, as if the war was the only thing anyone could remember. And for some older rebels, that was true. It was why I respected Clane's father, the rebel leader himself so much despite the negative murmurs I always heard whenever he passed. He had survived everyday of the war since he was born, and was always expecting things to go off the rails. Him building this rebellion from nothing was proof of his bravery.

"Hello, Earth to Raila!" A voice jarred me out of my thoughts as the real world came back into focus.

Kanin stood in front of me impatiently. His hands were curled into upraised fists and he was rocking on his heels back-and-forth.

"Did you suddenly forget about training? 'Cause I've got more important things to do if you're just going to waste my time."

"Sorry, Kanin," I mumbled, raising my hands in front of me again and sinking into a casual fighting stance.

"You've been distracted lately, and I know it's not pressure from training. What's up?"

"Just a lot on my mind is all. I'm still getting use to everything around here."

He snorted, "Maybe you could have adjusted to everything before you came running and begging me to train you."

I glared at him as I threw the first punch which he easily dodged, "Stay on the balls of your feet, it will be easier to control your balance," He commented.

"I--know," I growled between pants. Ever since I had had that conversation with Clane while I was drying off, Kanin's group of rebel friends had been nothing but welcoming to me despite my history as a thief. I was still deciding whether I found it an insult that they weren't worried about me stealing anything or grateful that they could see past my history and welcome me as a friend anyways.

"Why are you training anyways?" He asked, barely winded despite our morning run and stretches.

"I told you before. When a rebel came into our quarters and said that you all were to leave right away to go and rescue a group of rebels, I panicked. I was worried for you all. I paced non-stop when you all left because I didn't know if any of you were hurt or dying, and I couldn't do anything if you were. I was completely useless!" I shouted the last line and flung out my hands in surrender.

"Hey, hey, we all feel that way sometimes."

"Yes, but this is different."

"How so, Rai?"

I looked around for snooping eyes, "I have wings remember? And I don't know how to use them. I want to help fight. I didn't join the rebellion just so I could sit around and do nothing."

"Is that why you practically ran up to us when Kalinier teleported us back?"

I stopped my punches as he reluctantly lowered his arms as well, "Yes. I'm sorry if this is taking up your time, I can stop if you want."

"No no, you've already learned the basics pretty fast. I guess that's a thief thing." I smiled at that, "Even the basics can save your life. Tomorrow we can start with actual sparring. And I don't blame you for feeling that way. Maybe one day, you can join us on rescue missions."

"I'd like that."

"Well then, you better get good at sparring," I gave him an exasperated look as he chuckled, "Don't worry, that's enough for today."

"Thank the moons."

"No, thank me." I punched him in the shoulder as he winced at the impact.

"Thank you, Kanin. You have no idea how much this means to me."

"Consider it a basic need around here if you want to survive."

"If it's a basic need around here, does that mean you're going to train Xylin as well?"

"The prince? Doubtful. All he's good at is making speeches and drinking tea." We both let out a laugh.

"I'll make you a deal."

"I'm listening."

"You teach me and Xylin how to fight with real steel in exchange for my silence about you loving Kyra."

His face turned a warm shade of red, "I do not love Kyra."

"Right, and I don't love Xylin," I answered sarcastically. He didn't deny either. I grinned in triumph.

"Fine! I teach you and the prince to wield a weapon and you keep quiet about Kyra and me. Deal?" He stuck out his hand.

"It's a deal."

He coughed as I released his hand, "A sword would be to heavy for you to properly wield by the way. Short swords and daggers are more of your style." I nodded as I listened to his advice.

"My father fought with daggers."

"Well then, he must have known how to properly use them."

I nodded in confirmation, "And Xylin?"

"What about me?" A new voice asked, seeming to echo around and above us. I smiled as Xylin came into view, apparently having bathed in the river as well and washed his clothes as they were all clean.

He stopped at the edge of the first step leading down to the sparring circle and slid his hands into his pockets casually. I smiled wider as he took me in from head to toe, finally meeting my gaze. An emotion I couldn't place swirled in his bronze eyes as he offered a hesitant smile.

"Kanin and I were just talking about what weapon would best suit you," I replied. He straightened as I spoke, as if transfixed by my voice.

"And?" I certainly felt transfixed by his voice.

I looked at Kanin expectantly. "I was thinking we could try a light sword. You could carry a few extra daggers with you just in case."

"Alright. When do I start?"

"Tomorrow. I'll begin teaching you at the same time as Raila's lessons."

"Thank you. I guess being in this environment requires me to know how to fight?" What was that supposed to mean? A nod was Kanin's only confirmation.

I nudged Kanin gently with an elbow, "I told you he could do more than just give speeches and drinking tea."

Kanin scowled and pushed me away as I let out a laugh. I watched him ascend the stairs, smiling back at me once before slipping around the corner and heading towards the battle strategy room probably.

Alone with Xylin, I walked over to the low stone ledges and unwrapped the cloth from around my hands, gently laying them down before facing Xylin.

"So, what have you been doing all this time? I haven't seen you at Kanin and his friends' quarters."

"You're beautiful," Xylin murmured. I think he meant to keep that to himself, but I guess it just came out.

"Thank you...?"

Silence.

I smirked and gave Xylin a look, "You can talk to me you know."

He cleared his throat, "Sorry."

"For what?" I smiled at him. He looked even more uncomfortable at that. I sighed and took one of his hands. He flinched but didn't let go. A thought crossed my mind, "Is this about Quintus?"

"Don't," He gasped out. I had completely forgotten about that after everything I had been through here. I was tempted to let go of his hand out of disappointment at myself for forgetting about him, but his grip on me tightened instead.

"Xylin..." I peered into his tormented eyes. I was going to punish Captain Sandrien severely for doing this to Xylin. I tried thinking of another topic, but curiosity got the better of me, "How's the scar Captain Sandrien gave you? It will look pretty impressive to anyone you show it to."

He let out a weak laugh filled with pain. It broke my heart seeing him like this. Xylin must have noticed it as he slowly rose his head and met my gaze again, "I said you were beautiful because your features are sharpened when you're clean."

I jabbed him in the ribs as he grunted with amusement. A smile tugged at my lips as Xylin looked at me and the world just suddenly stopped. My gaze flicked towards his mouth, but that just seemed wrong judging by our current situation. Plus the fact that anyone could walk into the sparring ring at any moment.

Xylin noticed my worried gaze, but didn't seem to care at all as he gently tilted my chin up and gave me a long-overdue kiss.

I returned it without hesitation, sliding my fingers into his silken hair and grasping it tightly. He wrapped an arm around my waist, drawing me closer as I brought his head down to my height. I couldn't help but slide a hand down the back of his neck, just barely slipping inside his shirt as Xylin kissed me deeper at the request.

"Oh get a room!" A voice shrieked. Xylin and I instinctively pulled apart as we stood gaping at the short brown-skinned girl.

"Nej?" I exclaimed.

She put a hand on her hip and waggled a finger at Xylin, "You are supposed to be resting. And you are supposed to be in the middle of getting your daily check-in with me."

I rubbed the back of my neck embarrassed, "Ah, sorry, Nej."

"Mm hmm, come on, Raila." She turned around and stalked for the door.

I didn't move, "My leg is fine now, Nej. Really." I added on the last part as she whirled around and glared at me.

"It's not fine until I say so."

"Three moons," I raised my hands in mock-surrender, "so bossy for a thirteen year old girl."

She growled, literally growled at me. No sign of the sweet child I had grown so used to wandering the halls, "I am not a girl. This war made sure of it."

"I meant it lightly, Nej."

"Well then maybe you thieves should just keep your mouths shut next time. I'll see you around if you insist upon your leg being fine." She wiped furiously at her eyes and ran out the door. I stood there dumbfounded.

Xylin's hand squeezed mine tightly, "Are you alright?"

I scoffed, "No. Why would I be?"

"Raila—"

"I'll see you at training tomorrow." I whipped my hand out of his, but he latched onto it again, holding it more tightly this time.

"Raila," he growled. I snarled and faced him. My expression must have been frightening, because he took a step back. Just one.

"What do you want, Xylin?"

"Why are you like this? Blocking everyone out and snapping at people all the time?"

"I'm not!"

"Really? Kalinier told me about you slamming and then suspending him against a wall, and the time when you nearly strangled Quintus to death—"

"He deserved it!" I snapped.

"He deserved it?" Xylin shouted incredulous, "What about just now, you knew you were baiting Nej. What happened to you, Raila?"

"Everything!" I pulled at my hair and whirled around, pacing in a circle before facing him again, "I killed someone, Xylin. I killed a guard so we could escape!"

"Raila, we're all here today because of what you did to save us."

"How can you look at me still? I killed a guard!"

"I know. And that guard killed many before he ever met you."

"H-he did?" My anger faltered.

"Yes. The Royal Family's guards have all killed someone to prove themselves. It's requirement."

"Innocents?"

"No. Criminals. This was no different. Most guards take a liking to killing, enough so that we switch guards every five years at least."

"I-I never knew, Xylin."

"Is this what has been bothering you?"

"One of many."

"You can talk to me."

I snorted, "Don't use my lines against me."

"That line is used a lot, Raila."

I laughed and smiled at him, "You always know how to lift my spirits."

"I know. It was in the requirements when I first met you."

I hit him in the shoulder and laughed again. He gave me a quick kiss before taking my hand and steering me towards the sparring room entrance, "Let's get some rest first. You must be exhausted."

"Okay." He smiled.

I leaned my head on his shoulder as we made our way there, and as we walked through the entrance to Kanin and his teams' quarters, I knew I was never going to forget that smile for as long as I lived.