"And they would think of ambushing us"
Terra murmured while eyes glimpsed at the familiar shape of the other castle. The shape was almost the same - walls, stairs, even the obsidian stone. Only now, A few pool of blood smeared the floor while echo of battle, the steal against steel still vivid beside the castle walls.
The giant star had already set, letting the small one takes their reign across the night sky. A thousand of torches lit the halls, casting shadows that seemed to watch with their own eyes.
"You've Arrived"
His head snapped towards the voice. Gabriel rested his back against a black door. The hinge groaned as Terra stepped closer, passing the door as a click, then followed by the scrape of Gabriel's shoes against the floor. A chough echo's to the chamber as a smell of iron and old books filled the air.
Angelina's hand rested on the giant table, her makeshift stage as she hummed a happy - go - lucky melody, up and down while he pulled up a chair. Eased his spine, letting the wood groaned under the weight of his armor.
'No more corruption for her'
That's also one of the perks for being here, away from Altaris and his mate, or whatever their bond is. They felt a bit scary sometimes, the way they talk and what not. Thinking at it make him glance at Angelina. He hope for god sake the girl would not turn out to be like that.
"Did you talk with them ?"
"Yes... its really confusing. Why don't you be the one who talk to them Gabriel, you should have an easier time" "That was the problem Terra~, he won't understand a thing"
"Are you calling me dumb ?"
"Aaa... Terra, help me~"
And there comes Angelina over dramatic run. Taking Terra whole hand just for her. While purposely hugging it closer to her chest. Meanwhile Gabriel, just stood there, like your usual totem. Yes, he glares more than usual, but he still stand firm.
"She is not wrong tho, you won't understand a thing...right Gabriel ?"
Terra tilt his head, while also pushing Angelina a bit, a little tiny bit.
"They are confusing, i hate nobles"
"See, just for the record, they also hate nobles"
"And you believe them ?"
A gesture, just a gesture, successfully out from Gabriel ever stoic face. A rise in one brow.
"By how they oppose and over maneuver the crown prince, its seems like it"
"Oh... oh i want to ask something...Terra~"
"What is it Angelina ?"
"Why do you chose him back then ?"
"Because...he is interesting"
"Hmm~"
That perked their ears - both of them. Terra never tell them about this, no... not because the topic are sensitive, or he wanted to keep it a secret or something... it's not. He just don't tell, because they don't ask. As simple as that.
"Define Interesting"
"You know back then, when the instructor first announce the team, i don't know what to do. I was thinking for a long time. What to say or what the best thing to do so i can become the king. And then, he came, and told me to use force. And now, here we are"
"And now you trust them ?"
"I don't"
"Then ?"
The words lingered. Gabriel might not be the most talkative. But he's not a fool - at least outside articulation. The guy sometimes become his second doubter, forced him to ask question, even after his mind locked on to something. And actually, he didn't mind it. He needs friend like that, to help him uncover the mist, even if a rope already guided his way.
"It's just..."
He sigh, with a tint of dew can be seen, even by naked eye.
"I want to give them a chance. I need friends you know, especially after the strategy session, i need more brain, especially like him. And you know what he told me when i talk with him face to face ?"
His question was answered by silence. Both of his friend in silence, waiting for the grand reveal
"He want's me to be the screenwriter, Instead of the Actor, right now. And also, his eyes. It's not like the crown prince, the guy still have a bit of thirst. I can see it. Not like..."
"That's enough, Terra"
Gabriel cut, drawing his gaze to both of them. They way their eyes observe him, not with thirst, not with desire, of wanting, just... with trace of concerns. That make him realize. He is not alone. He never fights alone.
"We trust you... we always trust you"
The reassuring words touched his heart once more. He almost cry, almost. But man can't cry, not right now, and not ever.
"Thank you... both of you. For trusting me... for following my whims. You don't need to get close to them, just me... me is enough"
"Eh~, but i want to be friends with Violet"
The notion jolted Terra from his little heart touching moment.
"That was a no"
"Eh~. Why ? I learn a lot from them"
"Angelina, listen to me, she is corrupting you"
"Eh~"
The banter last for a moment. Witnessed by myriad of stars adorning the darkness of night sky, even though they were hidden behind the castle walls. The night, unlike day, was surprisingly calm. Both of the team didn't start any skirmish. Letting the night pass, and rejuvenating both their body and spirit. Maybe that's the reason.
One team was preparing for what's to come, while the other were licking their wound, like a tiger cornered in to a cave. Just an inch away from slaughter. The problem is, that Tiger doesn't even know he is cornered.
'You can't prepare if you do not realized you've been played'
That was what Altaris thought right now. He was standing in the balcony, enjoying the night sky while being in the embrace of his beloved Fiance.
"Its... Salty"