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Lorik stood there, talking with a Chi I hadn’t seen before.
He had a solid build, a strong jawline shadowed by a gruff beard, and a certain sternness about his eyes that screamed ‘security’.
As I approached, they both turned to me.
Lorik introduced the Chi as his security servant, a title that did little to soothe my initial unease.
Pleasantries exchanged, and their conversation resumed, albeit in hushed voices.
My ears picked up snippets of their discussion — a veiled reference to ‘problems’ and ‘cleaning blades’.
I froze, my heartbeat thrumming in my ears.
My mind began to connect the dots.
The two Katari males, Aznai’s intimidating demeanor, the veiled conversation…
My stomach churned, an unsettling sensation that amplified my growing unease.
“Oh, I see. I just finished cleaning my blades this morning,” Aznai remarked, his gaze flitting to me, then back to Lorik.
My breath hitched in my throat, my worst fears confirmed.
A wave of nausea washed over me.
I swallowed hard, the taste of fear lingering on my tongue.
My instincts screamed at me to run, to flee this place that had suddenly been tainted with the possibility of violence.
But I knew that fleeing would solve nothing.
Lorik was watching me, his eyes filled with concern.
I met his gaze, my own eyes reflecting my internal turmoil.
His expression shifted from worry to understanding.
He moved closer, a silent offer of support.
I forced a smile, attempting to regain my composure. “Well, we should get going,” I said, my voice wavering slightly.
I gave Aznai a curt nod, a silent thanks for whatever he had done to ensure my safety.
The rideon the Hiikas was quiet.
The creatures moved swiftly and steadily, their rhythmic strides soothing my frazzled nerves.
The scent of the strange vegetation filled my nostrils, a rich, earthy aroma that grounded me.
I closed my eyes, the gentle breeze rustling my hair, the sun seeping into my skin.
The more I considered the situation, the more I realized the extent of the danger I had escaped.
The fear gave way to relief, the weight lifting from my shoulders as I leaned into the safety of the present moment.
Lorik rode beside me, his eyes constantly scanning our surroundings, ever alert.
He was the same Chi who had smiled at my sketches, the same Chi who had offered me his bed.
