This high up the mountain, dawn came early - no obstructions blocked the sun's rays as it began it's slow crawl into the sky.
Jade eyes snapped open as soon as first light shone over Itachi's eyes. He'd arrived back in Jaela's room rather late last night, having completed his rounds, scrubbed as much of the blood out of his coat as humanly possible, restocked his medical box...
He'd been tired, and it had already been the wee hours of the morning when he finally crept into bed beside Jaela, curling around her and swiftly falling to sleep.
But now, as the dawn split the night, he found himself awake as he did most mornings. Quietly and gently, he pulled himself away from Jaela, noticing how heavily she was sleeping. He smiled down at her, loathing to wake her up.
He decided not to. He'd be back to wake her later, perhaps with a tray of breakfast.
And so, he dressed for the day, again slipping his tunic on. Last night, with his coat still soaking wet, he'd opted for two bandoliers, full to the brim with his knives, and a satchel at his side full of his stars.
His bowie knife, sheathed behind him on his belt, and his combat knives on his hip, completed his armament. His arms, bared and heavily scarred, remained visible.
When he had finished readying himself, he slipped out the door, pulling it gently behind him with a soft click. Then, he made his way downstairs.
_______
Even the other Craol were still asleep, aside from one walking the walls. Itachi mumbled to himself, irritated yet not yet wishing to command them to wake, knowing that his usual yelling would echo within the Citadel. He'd wake them later.
So instead, he sought food. During the previous nights excitement, he'd completely forgotten to actually eat something, and hoped the Craol had thought to unpack what they'd brought and store it away.
Itachi wasn't the best hand at the cookfire, but he figured he could at least bring Jaela something edible to eat.
And so, when he entered the dining hall, in search of the kitchen, he found a hand snapping to one of the knives strapped to his chest, seeing two women at the head of the table. One sat, looking over old texts, while the other poured tea.
The very next instant, he realized both were the same person: Kaida.
He relaxed his arm, letting it fall back to his side, and leaned against the doorway. She didn't seem to have noticed his presence yet.
"Mornin'...boss."
