Chapter 96 A Morning at Por (1/2)

Aegin watched from the other side of the room as Rassa slept. There were times when Rassa knew he was watching, and pretended to sleep just so Aegin would leave him be. What Aegin hadn't spoken about was the fact that Rassa faking it was very different to Rassa's actual sleep.

His sleep was full of nightmares, and it showed.

There were times, in this arrangement the three of them had subconsciously made, that Aegin knew he was overstepping Rassa's boundaries. But he didn't do it to pester or annoy, at least not intentionally so. Aegin did it because he'd been witness to it as every night Rassa slept through nightmares that he spent the rest of his time denying and hiding from. Nightmares were not just bad dreams. Aegin had seen on the Ridge how nightmares undid people. How it tested their mental strength to its limited then broke past it. Aegin could sense Rassa's intentions though. The Vampire had no plans to talk about them, and seemed, for lack of a better word, indifferent during the day. But Aegin had seen that too. He was withdrawing into himself. Looking and leaning on only his own experiences and abilities. He had no intention of seeking outside help, and Aegin could only watch as he withdrew further and further, and talked less and less.

It was not an ideal situation.

Aegin continued to watch as Rassa turned over, his face scrunching as if he was in pain. Aegin's eyes softened somewhat as he glanced out of the window, the first signs of sunrise appearing to the east. Sighing, Aegin approached Rassa and gave a light kick to his foot.

Rassa bolted upright, glancing up at Aegin with wide eyes. His expression was schooled immediately, but not fast enough for Aegin not to see the fear within them.

”Get dressed, we should head off soon,” Aegin said, then exited the room.

He closed the door behind him, looking up to find Ebony cutting off pieces of bread and cheese for their breakfast. Aegin approached silently from behind. But she knew he was coming, simply sliding a handkerchief loaded with bread, cheese, an apple and a boiled egg his way. She didn't speak, simply glanced at him questioningly.

Aegin shook his head.

They didn't get along on anything. Except for Rassa's well-being. If Aegin had learned anything, it was that Ebony did not have any desire to cause Rassa harm. Her questioning look in the morning? Just to ask on whether or not he'd slept well. She knew he had nightmares as well, though did not seem as clued in as Aegin on what they were about. Aegin was sure she knew something about Rassa's experience at Jerrica, but she hadn't actually witnessed any of it.

Aegin took the egg and the apple, eating both as the two of them waited for Rassa to appear. Ebony munched on her own apple, as well as a wedge of the bread and cheese. She then tied her package and stowed it in one of the many pockets she tended to sew into the clothes she made. Aegin had to admit that at least those were useful.

Ebony then pointed to the jacket on the table, ”I finished it last night. It'll be more suited to the winter months”.