Chapter 13: Considerations

The room was massive, its high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings and golden embellishments that reflected the dim light of the ornate chandelier overhead. The walls were a deep mahogany, complementing the lavish red-and-gold carpets that stretched beneath their feet. Large windows framed the outside world, though the curtains were drawn, casting long shadows across the space. Each side of the room was occupied by a grand king-size bed, their frames elegantly carved and draped in silk sheets softer than anything either of them had ever slept on.

Dain stretched his arms overhead with a sigh before casually pulling off his shirt, tossing it onto a nearby chair. The bruises from the earlier battle were already fading, but a dull ache still lingered in his shoulder. He pulled on a simple black tank top and rolled his shoulders, testing his mobility before making his way toward his bed. Meanwhile, Sen slid out of his combat-worn outfit before slipping into the sleeveless shirt he always wore for training. He sat at the edge of his bed, running a hand through his hair. For a moment, the two sat in comfortable silence, both exhausted yet still restless from the events of the day.

Dain: Today was… crazy.

Sen: Yeah…

Dain: Any one of us could be next.

Sen: Yeah.

Dain: But we knew that… right? It’s war.

Sen: Yeah.

Dain looked over to Sen.

Dain: You good?

Sen: Not really.

Dain: You’re only answering with ‘yeah.’

Sen: I mean… what else is there to say?

Dain: I know. Just… maybe… I dunno.

Sen: I saw two people die. And now Fex.

Dain: You saw two people die?

Sen: Yeah. Zan killed his own people.

Dain: Oh, right. I forgot about that.

Sen: But, this was the first time I’ve seen a comrade die.

Dain: Well, Ken…

Sen: Damn, that’s right. Ken.

Dain: We did well though.

Sen: Hm? You mean against the three headed Zagon?

Dain: I know we work well together and all, but we really have each other’s backs.

Sen: Yeah.

A minute of silence.

Sen: Hey, Dain?

Dain: Yeah?

Sen: What President Andin said… it bothers me.

Dain: Hm?

Sen: About how he can make the people here work in the name of Yeshma.

Dain: Oh that.

Sen: It’s messed up.

Dain: Yeah. It’s how religion works here, I guess.

Sen: And this is how these people cope with this trauma.

Sen lays on his bed, arms stretched out.

Sen: And here we are, trying to save them by getting to Krutone… just to share intel on this Penim guy.

Dain: Well, yeah. But we’re also trying to save Clyden.

Sen: Yeah, true.

Dain: Troita and anywhere else is just something that gets saved alongside us.

A minute of silence.

Dain: I’m not gonna lie, but I’m so hungry.

Sen: Dude, same.

Dain: Let’s get food?

Sen: I’m hungry, but I’m feeling lazy.

Dain: You don’t want to at least explore this palace a bit?

Sen: Eh, maybe tomorrow morning.

Dain: Want me to come back with some food?

Sen: Sure.

Dain: What do you want?

Sen: Dude, I’m down for anything.

Dain: You think they got good stuff here?

Sen: I wouldn’t be surprised.

Dain gets up.

Dain: I’ll be back.

Dain leaves the room. He wandered aimlessly at first, taking in the sheer size of the place, every corridor stretching further than the last, lined with statues and paintings of old rulers, their stern gazes following him as he passed. After a few turns and a couple of near-dead ends, the scent of freshly cooked food caught his attention and followed the smell which finally led him to the kitchen. The warmth of the room was immediate, the flickering firelight giving the space a welcoming glow. A maid stood at the counter, carefully plating a meal, while just a few feet away, Yerah sat at a small wooden table, her posture relaxed, yet her expression distant. Dain walked in.

Dain: Oh hey!

Yerah: Oh— hey, Dain.

Dain approached Yerah.

Dain: You’re here for some food too!

Yerah: Haha, yeah. Makota and Shera just left a while ago too. They’re bringing food back to their room.

Dain: Haha. Funny, I’m going to be bringing food back to Sen too.

Yerah: Oh, haha. He’s in his room.

Dain: Yeah.

Yerah: Is he doing better?

Dain: Hm?

Yerah: His shoulder.

Dain: Oh, yeah. Much better. Small scar, but he’s fine. He’s getting the gist of healing too.

Yerah: Oh nice.

Dain: Yeah. That guy’s a fast learner. Doesn’t surprise me all that much.

Yerah doesn’t respond.

Dain: So, how do we get food here.

Yerah: Oh, the maid there. She can make you what you want.

Maid: What’d you like to feast on, hunny?

Dain: Oh! Ummm, you got steak by any chance?

The old maid looks at Dain’s body.

Maid: We sure do, hunny. Boy’s gotta feed those muscles.

Dain (scratching his head): Oh! Haha. Yeah.

Maid: How’d you like that cooked, sweetie?

Dain: Medium rare please, and can you make two? One for me and one for my buddy.

Maid: I’ll make you each two, how’s that?

Dain: Sure! Can we get some rice on the side with that?

Maid: Of course, my boy.

The maid winked at him and proceeded to work on four steaks. Dain turned away and looked to Yerah and slightly weirded out but flattered. Yerah smiled back realizing the situation.

Yerah: So, Sen didn’t want to check out this place?

Dain: He said tomorrow he will. I think he’s a bit overwhelmed by everything.

Yerah: Was he close to Fex?

Dain: No, I don’t think so. None of us are except for Zarnem and Ira, I think.

Yerah: It’s kind of hard to take in, to be honest.

Dain: Yeah, Sen and I were just talking about that before I came here.

Yerah: Oh, I see.

Dain: You ok? You seem a bit bothered by what happened today too.

Yerah: Oh, yeah. Today was quite something.

Dain: Wanna talk about it? Or maybe you wanna come back to our room and talk about it with Sen and I?

Yerah: No, no. It’s fine.

Dain gave Yerah a confused look.

Dain: You sure you’re good?

Yerah doesn’t reply.

Dain: What’s up?

Yerah sighs.

Dain: I mean, if you don’t wanna talk about it, it’s cool too.

Yerah: No, it’s not that. Just, something I heard that’s been on my mind today.

Dain: What is it?... if you don’t wanna talk about it, no pressure.

Yerah: I do, but if I do, you’re going to say something.

Dain: Who am I not allowed to tell?

Yerah doesn’t answer, then Dain realizes.

Dain: Wait… did you overhear me and Sen talking?

Yerah bites her upper lip. Dain’s jaw slightly drops.

Dain: You heard what Sen was telling me? How much did you hear?

Yerah: I heard that he… likes me.

Dain doesn’t reply. He’s in shock, caught in a tight situation.

Yerah: Is it true?

Dain: I mean… you heard his voice say it right?

Yerah: I did… so it’s true, he does?

Dain turns away, looks back up to Yerah, then nods nervously.

Yerah: I see.

Silence.

Dain: Uhhh… so, do you?

Yerah: Hm?

Dain: Do, you… like him too?

Yerah doesn’t answer, only looking down at her cup of water. Dain sighs.

Dain: Got it.

Awkward silence.

Dain: Soooo… I’m not supposed to say anything… right?

Yerah: I mean, you’re probably going to tell him anyways. He’s your best friend.

Dain: Yeah, but… this is kind of awkward…

Yerah: It is.

Dain: Wait, how much did you hear exactly?

Yerah: Something about Zarnem. Not the full thing… And then I heard you both talking about him liking me… and that war isn’t a time for relationships.

Dain: I see, I see.

Yerah: How long has he felt that way?

Dain: Huh? You’re asking that, right after suggesting I don’t mention anything to him?

Yerah: I mean, you don’t have to tell me. I was just curious.

Dain stands awkwardly.

Dain: Since Clyden.

Yerah: That far back? Since Zarnem brought us all together?

Dain: Uhhh…

Yerah: Huh?

Dain: Before that.

Yerah: Before that!?

Dain: Uhhh… never mind!

Yerah: No, you have to tell me now!

Dain: Uhh…

Yerah: This time I’m actually asking!

Dain: Uhh…

Yerah: Dain!

Dain: So, like… you know the gym we go to?

Yerah: We?

Dain: Yeah.

Yerah: Wait, you two go to the gym in Clyden?

Dain: I mean obviously! Can you not tell the maid was just commenting on me?

Yerah laughs slightly glancing at Dain’s arms in his black tank top.

Yerah: Yeah. I guess I didn’t think about it like that yet. So, he’s watched me from afar?

Dain: Sure…

Yerah: Sure?

Dain: I mean, yeah, if you piece two and two together.

Yerah doesn’t say anything back. She sits, thinking.

Yerah: You can’t say anything to him.

Dain: Ummmm….

Yerah: I mean, do what you will, but I do ask that you keep this to yourself.

Dain: Why?

Yerah: Well, because he’s right.

Dain: Right about what?

Yerah: War not being a time for relationships.

Dain: Oh, that.

Maid: Hey, hunny. Your food is ready.

Dain turns to the maid as she slides two plates of freshly cooked steaks and steamed rice to him. Dain takes the plates.

Dain: Thank you!

Maid (smiling at Dain): Anything for you, hottie.

Dain smiles nervously and turns back to Yerah. Yerah giggles, both not believing what they are actually hearing. 

Yerah: Anyways, I also don’t want Sen to feel hurt.

Dain doesn’t reply.

Yerah: I don’t want Sen to feel bad and then distracted by being sad or hurt.

Dain: I get you.

Yerah: We’re in really tough times now. We lost Fex. We don’t need to be losing Sen either.

Dain: Yeah, I agree.

Yerah: Like I said. Do what you will. He’s your best friend. I just don’t want him distracted.

Dain waits a moment.

Dain: Well, I better get the food back to Sen.

Yerah: Yeah, totally. You two need to eat.

Dain: Ok, well, if I don’t see you for the night, have a good one. I’ll see you in the morning.

Yerah: Ok. Have a good night. And tell Sen I said good night too.

Dain is confused but makes no reaction.

Dain: Yeah, I’ll let him know.

Dain leaves the kitchen. Yerah sits there thinking about the conversation. Shortly afterwards, Makota and Shera enter the kitchen.

Shera: Oh hey, you’re still here.

Yerah: And you’re back.

Makota: Yeah, she wanted some dessert!

Shera: I did? No, YOU wanted dessert.

Makota: Haha, you wanted some too. Deep down you did.

Shera rolls her eyes and sits with Yerah while Makota goes to the maid.

Shera: I saw Dain leaving.

Yerah: Yeah, he and I just spoke a little bit.

Shera: He had a lot of food in his hands.

Yerah: Oh, he was bringing food back to Sen.

Shera: Ah, I see.

Makota joins the table with two plates of ice cream on top of cake. Shera takes a plate and starts eating.

Makota: See, she wanted some too.

Shera playfully hits Makota’s shoulder while taking another bite of the ice cream.

Makota: So, any word on Sen? His shoulder doing fine?

Yerah: Yeah, Dain was just telling me he’s doing fine.

Shera: That’s good.

Makota: Yeah, those crazy looking Zagons were insane.

Yerah: Yeah…

Shera: You good?

Yerah: Why’s everyone asking me that?

Makota: I mean, you’re looking so lost in thought.

Shera: Whatcha thinking about?

Yerah thinks for a moment.

Yerah: Mmm, what do you think of everyone?

Shera: Huh?

Yerah: Like, Ira, Zarnem, Dain… Sen?

Makota: Well, we love Ira. She was our professor. It’s just hard to see her sad because of Fex, you know?

Yerah: Yeah.

Shera: Zarnem is doing everything he can to lead us to Krutone. Which, by the way, if we can just settle and live Krutone, Makota and I already decided to stay there.

Yerah: Oh, is that so?

Makota: Yeah. We’d like to start a new life there. Clyden is nice and all, but I mean, it’s Krutone.

Yerah: You haven’t even seen the place yet.

Makota: Yeah, well. It’s better than Clyden. Not like we have anything back in Clyden anyways.

Yerah: And Dain?... and Sen?

Shera: Huh?

Yerah: What do you think of them?

Shera: Oh right.

Makota: Dain’s really cool. Very strong guy.

Shera: Yeah. Very intense fighter. Some of the best fire control. If anything, the best I’ve seen.

Makota: Yeah. Not even our professors could control flames like he does. It’s unique how he concentrates flames. It’s like he owns the movements of fire.

Yerah (rushing): And Sen?

Shera: Good guy.

Yerah thinks.

Shera: In Revano, he was eager to help the people there. It was such a sad sight to see, and even though the people of Revano are our enemies, he wanted to help the civilians there.

Makota: Yeah. Shera and I had a talk about that actually. He was questioning Zarnem which is surprising enough as it is, and it was for helping people.

Yerah: Hmm, yeah. I guess I didn’t think about it much until now.

Shera: I learned to never question leadership, but Sen speaks up.

Makota: It’s also just kind of neat he uses dark and light.

Shera: Oh right. When we were training, he held us down—

Makota: You don’t need to mention that!

Shera: Hahahaha. Well, he did own us in our sparring.

Makota: He cheated.

Shera: How?

Makota: The guy literally wrapped us in darkness so we couldn’t see anything.

Shera: I mean, those are his abilities.

Makota: Yeah, whatever.

Yerah: Hahaha. Yeah, I guess he does have something unique about him.

Shera: Why do you ask though? About what we think of everyone?

Yerah: Oh, it’s nothing. I’m just thinking about how we’re all our own people… and how we lost one.

Makota: Oh, I see. Fex dying has you thinking.

Yerah: Yeah…

Silence.

Yerah: How do you two do it?

Makota: Hm?

Yerah: You’re both in a relationship… but in war… Aren’t you two scared? If that’s too personal to ask, no worries.

Shera: Oh no, that’s fine. It’s totally understandable why you’d ask.

Makota: To be honest, it is scary, but it makes me want to protect her even more.

Makota takes Shera by the hand. Yerah notices.

Shera: And it’s funny, because I didn’t like Makota at first.

Yerah: Oh? How’d you two end up staying together then?

Shera: Well, to be fair, I wanted a bad boy.

Yerah: A bad boy?

Shera: Yeah. Someone naughty. Someone who could care less about how others felt and strong in his own opinions.

Yerah: What changed?

Shera: One day, in sparring class at Clyden Academy, I was seriously injured.

Makota: That was your fault though—

Shera: Shut it!

Makota laughs and takes another bite of his dessert.

Shera: Anyways, yes, it was MY fault, thank you, Makota. I put myself in a position to get hurt badly to get this other guy’s attention.

Makota rolls his eyes.

Shera: But the only person who came to help me was him.

Shera looks to Makota and rests her head on his shoulder.

Shera: It was always like that too.

Yerah: Always like that?

Makota: She did it several times—

Shera smacks Makota’s arm.

Shera: I said shut it! Eat your damn cake. Anyways! That guy never looked my way, no matter how big of a scene I made. It was always Makota who came to help me. Even to this day, when we’re fighting Zagons, Makota is always keeping an eye out for me. I notice it.

Yerah: I see.

Shera: Are you hoping to get someone like that too?

Yerah: Haha. No, not really. I was just curious to how you two manage in this war.

Shera: Well, there you go. That’s how.

Yerah smiles at them.

Yerah: Well, I should really get some sleep.

Shera: Ok. Have a good night, girl.

Yerah: Haha, same for you both.

Yerah gets up and leaves. Rising from her seat, she offered the maid a small nod of gratitude before turning toward the hallway. The air in the palace felt cooler now, the stone floors carrying a subtle chill against her steps. Her mind was clouded with thoughts. She thought about how much Makota was always there for Shera. Then she began thinking about Sen.

Yerah (thinking): When those spies ambushed us, Sen was near me. When I was training with Ira and I got hurt, he ran to me immediately to help me recover. When we arrived here, he checked to see if I was hungry. When I was attacked by that Zagon, Sen defended me and was hurt doing so… and he’s been watching me since Clyden…

Finally, Yerah reached her quarters. She opened the large wooden doors and stepped inside, exhaling softly as she shut the door behind her.