Author's Pov:The sun had finally given up--as the city of Byzantium have begun to close its eyes. There in the lush forests -far away from the city--Were two souls, one's penetrating gaze seemed to hold storms--If they had been let out, it will surely drown the city.
The night's gentle breeze seemed to be grazing Eleanor's cheeks-As her eyes soon fluttered open--near her was Flaytus, his gaze glued to her, fingers absentmindedly grazing her face. He didn't even seem to notice that she was awake.
Eleanor's eyes traveled to his face--At how his mind seemed to be clouded, at how his honey-orbs seemed to be illuminating under the fire and at how feather-light his touches were.
Her whole body seemed rigid even though his touches were soft--It was as if every touch of his was burning through her flesh. Who...are you? her mind swirled, her lips parted to ask that very question--though nothing came. She gazed at him-Why do you have so much of an effect on me...? she gritted her lips as he still didn't notice the very fact that she was awake.
Just as he was about to get up--His cloak was tugged at by something or someone--Flaytus stopped dead in his tracks as his heart began to thud louder than necessary.
Is this who I'm think is...? he slowly turned--Gaze locking with a fragile figure--Eleanor. Her lush eyelashes drenched, her lips gritting--Flaytus's eyebrows furrowed as he made his way to her--His hands reached out to graze her face. Her sobs then became more imminent--as she then lowered her head. Flaytus's gaze softened--Wy are you crying? he asked. his head ever so slightly tilting. He then rose her head up by lifting her chin by his fingers--Forcing her to meet his gaze. hmm? Why are you-Her hands then quickly wrapped around his torso, as her tear-drenched face rubbed against his cloak-- As he felt the low thrum of her heart. unrhythmic, erratic.
-Thank y-you for your kindness. her voice came out low, as her ocean blue gaze stared straight at him. Flaytus's jaw clenched in frustration-"Kindness" his lips casting a bitter smile as he watched her innocent face. waiting, sensing a reply.
He didn't utter a word and got up, his back to her-- "From tomorrow you will be living in a ranch with an elderly man"--He then looked at her from the corner of his eyes--At how her eyebrows furrowed. "Think of him like your father" he saw the relief in her face as she lets out a low sigh.
Eleanor then watched him go--Flaytus, the man who had saved her from the atrocities--Now seemingly leaving her in the care of a random old man. Would I ever get to meet him again? is this their last time? Then--She shook her head as the image of how he had just watched her sleep, guarding and grazing her face as if she was someone meaningful-Flashed through her mind.
Her chest tightened as she watched walk off--Not sparing her a glance.
Pov Flaytus: My gosh...I murmured, running a hand through my hair as I walked away from her--The innocent in her eyes, how her lips quivered when she shivered--And at how that man's gaze lingered on her. My hands clenched as I felt the vein in my jaw tick--No one...I meant no one should dares to touch her--Other than me. Flaytus's lips then curled in a bitter smile as he gazed at the moon--I know I had made her feel unsettled, she would have never thought I of all people would leave her. Then his gloved fingers absent mindedly traced his cloak--Feeling the warmth of her touch--At how she had clung to him--His lips curled.
Just then--The low rustle of the leaves bought he back from his wonderland--As Flaytus's gaze furiously darted against the dark.
Who is it? he asked--His grip on his sword tightening ever so slightly. Just then a shadow emerged from the dark--As the cloaked man revealed his face--Flaytus's eyes widened with recognition. it was Justinian--His right-hand man. He then kneeled Infront of him--eyes low. "The head of the byzantine army commander Aristos has sent out a request."
"Go on" He commanded. so, Justinian did. "There has been a shipment of slaves from Ruthenia--And some of them are now put into training-to serve the army"
Flaytus's brows furrowed--As he then went near him--Justinian didn't dare look up as he stayed as he was.
Finally stopping an inch before him--So, what does he require? Justinian then continued, well, master, he urges for you to make an appearance so that the new recruits as well as the old ones may gain strength from your speech.
Flaytus glanced at him then at the sky--This is why... Eleanor...this is why... he murmured.
Justinian sensing the awkward silence--his gaze traveled to Flaytus's face, M-Master?
Flaytus flinched slightly as he then shot him a look--His eyes dark, as he nodded.