Sekali, "The Sister City"

 

                                Chapter 27

 

     Mabuhi spoke to him freely that evening, as they set up camp, bearing the curses of the dwarf. Sekali answered her questions, hoping she would ask more and more. She seemed to him unique somehow. He could not place her in the library of his thoughts. She inquired of his homeland, culture, religious beliefs, ritualistic ceremonies. She even had him explain how one Sardakk Elf was married to another. He answered them all, enjoying the time he shared with her, sitting next to the warm fire, out in the open grasslands. He found himself wishing it would not end. But, at last, she spread out her thin bedroll and prepared for sleep.
     As she smoothed out her bedding, Sekali found himself at a loss for her company. He stared at the fire for a while. When he looked over at her, she was watching him with no expression. He froze as her emerald eyes caught the fire's light. Sekali of the Wastelands would put himself into danger's path, and not due to an arrogant oath. He looked back into the fire and let his mind become mesmerized by the dancing flames. With a shudder at a growing memory, he tore his eyes from the flames and looked at the Shallant and the dwarf. With confused thoughts, his attention fell to the Aldarian Elf again. She still watched him, deep in her own reflections.
     As the night wore out, she came and sat with him by the fire.
     "I couldn't sleep, do you mind?"
     Sekali shook his head and waved his hand to his left, but did not face her. As she knelt by him, she also gazed into the dancing flames.
     "You are soon relieved as my escort. Within two days, I come to my final destination. Thank you, Sekali. She looked at him in silence for a while.
     After a few moments, Sekali shifted, "It has been a privilege, Mabuhi. Yet if I have been of any service to you, will you count on me again if ever the need arises?"
     She nodded, looking genuinely flattered. "You are worthy company. Few have I met with your skills. I mean that."
     Sekali retrieved a nearby stick and stirred the embers of the fire. "I will pack our supplies so we can start early."
     Mabuhi smiled. He watched her as she stood. He knew little of who she was, but maybe once her destination was reached, she would teach him more. He was curious . . . more than just curious. Was this was the reason he had come to this strange and foreign land?

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