Riza knew that she should have gone back to Red Keep by now. She knew that she should be back home, informing Phelix that the deed was done, but instead she was meandering around in East Reach. It would have been perfectly plausible that she was there. She could have easily said that she was planning to see an old friend.She just simply couldnāt leave because she wasnāt in the right state of mind. She wasnāt ready to be cheerful or celebrate her feat. She had taken a life and it was wearing on her. It wasnāt a happy action even if it did free Ainsley and get the Rebellion what they wanted in the murder of the Duke. Senseless violence and murder, just was not a trait that was within her. She didnāt enjoy it as much as she enjoyed manipulation and facades.
Being among the people in the market place reminded her that she was human, that life went on and it reminded her of why she was a part of the rebellion. It had reminded her of what she was fighting for - The people. Sometimes doing something awful could be justified if it was to benefit the many. The death of one to eventually save the many. Ā
Riza had been deep in thought when she heard her name, she turned at the sound, her feet practically immobilized at the source. Kelaniā¦letting him go had been the hardest decision she had ever made, but in her heart, she had also known Ā that it was the right decision. The mage had put away the thoughts of him, the feelings that she had for him all those years ago, locked them up tight because there had been no room for love in her life, or anymore pain and disappointment when she revealed the real person behind all the facades. Even after all of this time and her decision, her cheeks still heat with a rosy tint and her lips upturn in almost a timid smile as if her body remembered the butterflies that danced about in her stomach at the sight of him. She stared up at him for far too long, trying to figure out what to say.Ā āKelani, of all the people I expected to see in East Reach. This is a most pleasant surprise. How are you?ā She hoped that the years had been kind to him, but she didnāt want to bombard him with questions.Ā
Ā Ā Ā Seeing her was completely unexpected, yet he was happy to see her. Back then he thought heād never be able to look her in the eyes, at least not for many years, but now ā he couldnāt look away. He was a mess ā heart going crazy, he couldnāt speak, there were butterflies in his stomach. But despite of it all he would have deeply regretted not going after her. She was gorgeous... And was she blushing? He had to suppress a smile, how cute she still was. It seemed she was just as surprised about this sudden meeting as he was.
Ā Ā Ā āIām well. Still sailing under the Kumaras flag,ā he smiled, eyes never leaving hers. āIn fact weāre here on business, so I decided to come here and take a look around while the captain is away.ā For some strange reason it was easier to talk to her than he had thought, and the more he said, the more he wished this moment would never end, it felt so good to see her again.
Ā Ā Ā āAnd how are you, my lady? I hope what have been happening lately havenāt affected you, with all the attacks.ā There was worry in his voice that he tried to hide, but unsuccessfully. He cleared his throat and looked away fro a moment before he spoke again. āI apologize, itās very rude of me. I hope Iām not keeping you away from important business, or am I?ā Pleas,e please, say you are in no hurry and have some time to spend with me, he thought looking at her expectedly.