Saving Ilkar Chap 5

Began revising this side project again. Am thinking some people are darn rude,simply don't bother to tell me politely they won't reply anymore. It's not as if like my OC has a mission a top secret one so she can't tell!Bridget Mendler: Ready or not (song)

When Ilkar saw his familiar home, he told her to stay behind him as he spoke to his lover in their language. Ren'erei still glared at her but made no comment. He held her shoulders and then they kissed briefly. She softened and they exchanged gentle words in elven, "I had worried for your safety. Sorry I shouted. I… I want to cook a meal, as a peace offering." The girl blinked back tears and caressed his cheeks.

Ilkar beamed. "Sure. I am not injured, just wanted to show my apprentice some scenic places. That's all, we're teacher and apprentice. I'm tired, wake me later."

Ren agreed. He was pleased that their communication had improved. Jaren still stood outside, watching unflinchingly. Ilkar held out his hand and beckoned her to come in. He knew she had not understood their language. The uncertainty was clear on her face and she seemed to prefer being outside. So the mage closed his eyes and thought, knowing she could hear him, Everything is good now. No one is angry. I want to sleep, come in and join us. Then he walked into his room first. Ilkar had barely slept a wink, worrying where J had gone alone. Why did she want to get into danger on her own?

Taking off his clothes, the elf took his bath.

Jaren swallowed. She had analyzed the other female's reaction, although Ren was happy to see Ilkar again, she barely glanced at her. The kind mage invited her using their shared thoughts. He had not been shocked that she could talk to him internally. How hurt and upset he sounded that she couldn't talk about her sudden departure. These vanishings would be part of life.

There is always chaos in the world. How to make him understand?

Ilkar was lying down on his bed, white tunic on and looked asleep when she had done the baths and changed into a dress. Previously she had spent the nights outside wandering and returned in the morning. Jaren stood in the open doorway, elven homes here have no doors, only curtains to partition the rooms. 'I am going to make this work apprentice. Don't worry, soon you'll be one of us. I shall teach you how to cast….' She smiled at his enthusiasm of welcoming her. Quietly she stepped into his room. Simply furnished, Ilkar's room was just a table, two chairs, some basic accessories, a rack for clothing and his bed. He breathed deeply, asleep on his side.

'I want this to work too, my friend. I need help to try though, for I don't know how. I never had a bond as an Observer. It just hurts too much…' Jaren sighed thinking. She was still staring into space above the same spot near his clothing and pondering what to do, when Ilkar called her. She almost thought he was her lover again.

Sitting up, the elf said, "You came in. All right? Did you eat?" He rubbed his eyes groggily.

"Oh no, I didn't. I'm thinking, um… about what happened."

Ilkar nodded, more alert now. "Yes? Why did you disappear like that? I tried to look for you, wanted to talk to you. But, you had no footprints. I couldn't follow.." His face pinched in a wounded hurt, as if someone had shot his chest with an arrow.

She wanted to tell him she would never be in danger. Mortals on earth will be more at risk than her. But the Rules forbade it and as she tried to explain her voice went mute. Carefully, the new girl said, "I don't. I am.. an angel, didn't you first name me that? So sometimes I have to leave, to complete… missions. The wounds you saw, were an illusion. I have no physical permanent form."

He blinked, confused. Jaren had placed a barrier around them so no one else could hear. Before he opened his mouth to speak, Ren appeared in the doorway and said it was time to eat. This time she looked at her too and tried to smile. Jaren smiled back, stealthily with some subtle handsignals behind her back, she removed the barrier of silence.

Ilkar processed what she was saying. No physical body? But, she's real, she's flesh and blood. Yes I have noticed she does not need to eat or sleep. Many odd and unusual things had he seen in the years passing, including dragons, prophecies, forbidden rage, forbidden castings. Jaren however surpassed them in mystery. Ren looked annoyed that she had spoken but he couldn't hear her voice at all. Jaren's face was a mask of innocence. Ilkar sensed a different sort of magic emitted from his new friend. Then just as suddenly, he could hear again. Ren was speaking loudly, "Didn't you notice me? I've been calling and now I'm thirsty. Ilkar!" She folded her arms.

"I'm sorry. I didn't hear you, coming." He got up and kissed her. "What did you cook? Smells delicious."

She beamed and told him about her efforts to find the best fish and greens for the meal. They would eat together at the main table, a short structure and kneel on the cushions. He showed his apprentice how to wash up with a common basin before eating with the fingers. Jaren nodded. Ilkar was sure to ask more questions later and her mind was more focused on coming up with answers. She had no hunger pangs.

"Ilkar I do not need to eat. I will wait outside."

He was halfway through chewing a fruit. Indeed she had always told him that, and he would insist it was not polite to leave suddenly. Ren was eating and did not care. Considering what effort she had gone to cook, he replied firmly, "I would prefer you stay here. We live together now, J. Try some food. It is strange if you stand outside now."

She blinked. He noticed how deep lavender her eyes were as she stared in silence. Ilkar began chatting with Ren about the days and matters. "What did you do on your latest mission?"

"I took care of some mages on their crossing to Balaia. Have the others sent word? Will you return to Julatsa?"

He did not answer the second question because he wanted to return to check on his college. But it was such a rare chance to bond with Brother and the natives again. After the wars, he did not wish to go through such stress again. Also, if Ilkar hoped to recruit people for rebuilding works, he did not plan on leaving so soon. Jaren might be able to help me. I think we understand each other more, he thought. She's a fellow mage I am certain! Of course she had some difficulties that he could not decipher but once those were settled it would be fine.

Ren glanced at J and said in another dialect if she would go along as well to Julatsa. Ilkar shrugged. "Why not? We need every available mage to help."

"Really? She has some magic? Let me know and I will escort you Ilkar. I want you to be safe."

He smiled. "Of course, my love….." They continued talking as the Guardian tried to eat and relish the strange tastes in her mouth. She coughed when the dry stuff went down her throat. Ilkar held out a cup of liquid, apologetic. She nodded. Eating is a tedious practice. Next time I will try to avoid it and leave.

She went into Ilkar's study, to the left of the house, not wishing to eat anymore. Idle, J glanced at the scrolls on his table but had no interest reading them. He mentally said- we have to settle some matters and I'll come back. Wait for me, we need to talk. I don't understand…

All right. Be careful. The girl scried for any dangers that would befall them. Though she did not like Ren, Ilkar would want her to be safe too. No dangers.

Later, he returned and as was his mannerism, went right to the point. "I am not all right when you rush off. I know, you have some secrets and problems." He took a deep breath and regarded her seriously. His fair complexion seemed more pallid and Ilkar seemed as if he had not slept a wink. "All right, I'm alone you can do that, J. but not when we have visitors."

"I'm sorry. I can get the summons. If I don't go,…" She couldn't speak it. Her mouth was open but no voice. She desperately tried to convey through her face.

He bit his lip. Silence. "You will be punished? By whom?"

"I cannot tell. I'm sworn to secrecy, Ilkar. I won't hurt any of you, please, trust me." Jaren took both his hands. The elf nodded without speaking. Then he went back to his room and lay down. She felt weary for the first time and also tried to get some sleep.

When the girl awoke few hours later, she noticed a note on the desk.

I was unnecessarily worried. You know, I had a dream about how you cured me that long time ago and you are very capable indeed. I am sorry that your previous mate passed on and he looks like me eh? I am both chilled and heartened by this. Perhaps when you cast a spell you don't have awareness of the radius and who are affected. Like I couldn't hear anything and Ren was concerned about that. For now I will show you around my homeland and other islands. Then when you're used to our ways, we can head on to Julatsa. The council can help, what do you think?

I await your answer. Glad you've fallen asleep. I am buying some food will be back later. – Ilkar

He wrote in their native tongue but Jaren had no problem translating it. She beamed and danced around her room. Yes yes! I want to be with you! I don't care about consequences.

*yep I Will finish this fic. Ideas aren as forthcoming as in my other present fics tho. Hehe

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