It was dusk but since dawn a party had been going on in a broad streed in Arca the capital of Serendipity. Whatever the occasion, it was a happy one. With quality drinks, appetisers, and performances. One of the performers, was Leyla. A young adult in the bloom of her life. She would not earn that much from performing today but she did not mind. She did it for the fun. The release. She was wearing her special green dress with yellow and orange flowers embroided on it, and yellow mesh sleeves.
She was agile. Capable of something named contortion which allowed her to make movements impossible for basicly anyone else. Unless they had trained themselves to do so. But most of her dances involved her playing a silver sideways flute. Around her ankles were silver bands with bells making a soft jingling noise with every step she took.
A performance showing off her contortion was her final act for the day. And when her performance was done those who watched clapped and Leyla bowed deeply before she wished everyone a fine evening and took on the offer of the one whom had invited her to eat some of the lovely food. But not everyone on a party was there to celebrate occasions and her moment of calmness were soon to pass when two men widely grinning stood on each side of her.
''Hello there lassie'' one of them said and took a piece of food. ''Nice flexible body you have. We know something else that is usefull for it too.'' the other added. Before Leyla could comment however one of the attendants took Leyla's hand and pulled her towards him. ''Sorry men. She's mine. Also. Invited people only''
The one who spoke spat on the ground. ''Fine. We were just leaving anyway.'' he said grumpily and left with his buddy
''Thank you Olaffson'' Leyla said and sighed deeply. ''Please. Leyla. Its Denzel.'' he said with a chuckle and gave his empty glass to a servant. ''A final dance with me? The party will end soon'' he said and offered his hand which Leyla took.
(to lazy to pm ya :P sowwy can we close this for now to just us))
2 Strangers entered the dance and looked out of place one in blue pants standing taller than than the on in black leather, Both sharing white cotton shirts
"Kato did you see those 2 ruffins try their luck with the dancer"
Tetsu whispered to Kato his hand on his broad swords hilt
Kato turned to Tetsu
"Yes i did"
He hissed trying to stay calm, he walked upto her,He tried to smile through the feelings and memories rushing at him
Leyla laughed as she danced with Denzel. He was a handsome man. At least, handsome for a human. The wellkept ringbeard made him look a little older then he most likely was however.
Her laugh however vanished when she believed to see a glimpse of a familiar face. But more had joined in on what seemed to be a folk dance. And soon it was impossible to reach Leyla the normal way. Fortunatly this dance required the people to switch partners every few seconds and both Tesu and Kato were soon involved in the dance by one of the female attendants.
Leyla on her side, wanted confirmination. That face. Was that truely his? Had he finally come back? If so before she would remotely hug him perhaps a scolding would be in place for never writing her. A few more glimpses. Until she felt a firm grip on her wrist and a pull. When she looked up she saw the same two men. Grinning with their yellow teeth. She wanted to scream but then felt something burning painfully on her skin. Iron bracelets. Being from the fae folk iron was a natural weakness and soon sipped away her strength and fell on the pavement almost like a ragdoll.
''Looks like you are highly sensitive'' the biggest goof said as he knelt down. ''All we wanted was some private entertainment.'' he took a handfull of her long hair and smelled it. ''Like a flowerfield.'' he said as he exhaled and observed her. ''Come brother. She wont scream now.'' he assured as he let go of her hair.
Kato bared his teeth and turned to Tetsu
"distraction"
He whispered
Tetsu grinned and drew his broad sword and cut a few patrens
"HAHAHAHAHAHA"
he laughed manically scaring the place into silence
Kato snuck to the goons and drew his katana and ingulfed it in fire and stabbed the smaller one through the chest saving the one who pulled her hair for an open fight, He quenched the flames
"For touching her I will make you beg for mercy"
~C~
Tetsu sheathed his sword and stayed in the shadows
Kato grinned wide and sheathed his katana and unshouldered his elegant long bow
"For you a special treat"
He whispered engulfing the first arrow in ice
He notched his arrow and aimed at his leg and leg it fly
He repidly drew a second and chose fire and and notched and let fly into the other leg
Redrew and notched a 3rd and chose not to use it
"No not today"
Whispered and shouldered his long bow and lifted Leyla up
~C~
Kato looked into her eyes wondering if she remembered, Wondering if she would know that she had been on his mind every night for 4 years
"L-Leyla"
He whispered softly looking into her eyes deeper the green slightly dulled from when she last saw them
~D~
''Kato..'' she whispered. The cuffs were still on her wrists but would be easy to remove as long as it would be done by someone not so sensitive to iron.
''Is she alright?'' Denzel asked.''Not stabbed or scratched?'' Denzel was no descendant of the faefolk but know what iron could do to them and quickly removed the cuffs before turning to the man whom tried to make his way to his brother.''You two again..'' he growled. The one stabbed was the most injured and he could not say he wished more harm upon them. But taking them down now would be murder.
''We just wanted to play with her... have her dance for us..'' the one who touched her sobbed.
Denzel ordered two guards to bring the men to the infirmary andthen shoukd be taken into custody to await the consequenses for their actions. He then looked at the two rangers.''mind to give a little demonstration to ease the minds of my guests?'' He asked them.''you made quite the entry''
Kato didn't put her down he looked to Tetsu and smiled before walking to the edge of the party
"Yes ..I-its K-Kato"
He managed to murmur his mind running off without him, He sat her down then sat next to her
Tetsu drew his broad sword and looked to Kato
Kato flicked his fingers and engulfed Tetsu's broadsword on fire
Tetsu grinned
"Ok who wants a story ?"
He asked as he buried his Sword into the ground
"As a ranger I have many a story to tell, I am Tetsu Hitake"
He bellowed
Most people fortunatly had missed the ruckus.
''Denzel! Never a party thrown by you without suprises.'' One of the guests spoke. The attention at the least was now on Tetsu. And many buying this improvisement as a planned event.
Leyla still felt weak from the iron and looked at Kato. ''I want to both hug you and punch you... where the helk have you been... not a single letter or reply of any sorts. What were you thinking.'' She muttered. But then smiled.''it is good to see you are back though and had made a friend.''
He smiled weakly and seeing her hurt he rubbed his hands together and whispered some words and slowly healed her and restored some of her energy
"I-I couldn't write ...I chose Drgoni Forest and the most Isolated and violent part, I....My father ..I ..We had a fight and I left"
He whispered to her and looked into her eyes
"Many a night you were all I could think of, dream of, My only friend I could count on and only friend I missed"
he took her hand and smiled feeling her skin again
''Four years Kato... I am sure you could have sent one letter. I mean... mine arrived right?'' She asked with a pouting face. She then looked at him and smiled. '' Welcome back.'' She whispered and placed a kiss on his cheek like she had done so many times when they were kids and watched the show Tetsu was performing.''how long will you be staying? If you are looking for a place to sleep I could make some space for you both.'' She suggested
"Y-Yes ...I-I ....never o-opened them"
he whispers and pulls out very bent and crooked papers that look like they were hanled a lot
"Permanant, Im staying Tetsu might stay"
He added as Tetsu finished One of their long tales of adventure in Dragoni Foerest
Tetsu walked Kato and stayed Silent and grinning at one of the dancers
"Tetsu is an odd person"
He murmured softly and smiled putting the letters away and pulled out an Emerald jeweled necklace with an elagant gold chain
Leyla seemed disappointed and sad that Kato had not even bothered opening her letters. Had their friendship not meant anything to him? Then again he did save them.
''When a girl sends letters... you are supposed to open them.'' she said a bit sad. ''Idiot...'' she muttered and took a deep breath before pulling herself together and got on her feet. ''Alright. Settled then. Until you both have a main residence or figured out what to do you can stay at my place.'' she looked at Tetsu and then at Kato. Noticing the necklace in his hands. She had not noticed it before since her mind was wondering why he had not opened the letters she had sent and tilted her head. ''Whats that?'' she asked curious. It looked pretty and certainly way out of reach with her current salary
"I-I couldn't open them, I-I tried s-so many times"
He whispered and quickly put the necklace over her neck and done the clasp
"I-I put all my gold into that, A-All my pay"
He whispered, He knew she was sad 4 years and he could still tell
Tetsu turned and smiled
"dumb kid spend 3 years gold wages on that"
He told her and looked at the dancer again
Kato coloured a little holding her hands in his
Leyla barely wore jewelery. If she had it were either silver bells on her wrists and ankels, or beads made out of cheap gems or glass. The main reason was her sensitivity to iron. It was not visable where the bands around her wrists had been but she certainly still felt it.
She looked at the necklace. It was beautiful and nearly wanted to refuse. How the heck was she supposed to accept this? She released her hands from Kato's and embraced him warmly. ''Why on earth would you do such a thing for me...'' she said finally allowing her tears fall. A few of them anyway. ''Welcome back'' she whispered. ''I missed you...'' she was just not capable of being mad at him or pretend to be. Till a certain degree though.
''Well Kato. Are you going to properly introduce your friend to me?'' she asked.
Before any answer could be given though Denzel showed up with two pouches. One was smaller and was given to Tetsu. The bigger one to Leyla. ''Thank you for today. For multiple things.'' he told them. The pouches contained coins or better said, their payment.
Kato flinched a little
"Tetsu take it all, I want no pay for protecting Leyla"
He said calmly to Denzel
and stood up and bowed
"I am Kato Misaki Former Ranger of Dragoni Forest"
He said to the crowd
"I have returned to Arca my home"
he finished and smiled at Leyla
"He is Tetsu my friend I was his commanding officer and we became friends"
Tetsu walked to the dancer he had been and grinned as he tossed the gold to her, He soon started talking to her
''Former ranger...'' Leyla repeated. She wondered what happened.
''Pleasure to meet you. Kato. My name is Denzel. Sorry about those men earlier. Despite guards some always manage to sneak in.'' he looked at Leyla.
''I am alright'' she told him before he could ask and looked at Tetsu and the girl he was talking too. And watched her making some more exclusive moves. ''I hope he wont be disappointed that she is already married.'' she said and took a deep breath. The party was as good as over and both those who took care of the entertainment, and those who attended as guests were leaving the area.
''You can choose to stay or head home. I suggest though Leyla you get some rest. You are highly sensitive for iron after all. Thank you for performing today.'' he took her hand and kissed it gently before bowing to Kato. ''Till we meet again. Thank you for saving her.'' he said and walked to Tetsu quickly and thanked him too before departing.
Leyla took hold of Kato's sleeve. She actually would not mind going home, make something warm to drink and rest. But she figured it would be nice to wait for Tetsu.
"I'll explain later and nope he wont, In fact he might take her home if she allows or the an Inn"
He replied and grinned to her
"We can go, We ..Might see him tomorrow"
He whispers and takes her hand
"Lead the way"
he murmured
Tetsu smiled he was enjoying her company
''Her being Denzels fiancee I rather doubt it.'' Leyla said with a chuckle and guided Kato to her home in the area where the less wealthy among the commoners lived.
''Make yourself at home. Can I make something to drink for you?'' she asked as she lit a fire in the fireplace, some candles and oillamps for warmth and light. It was a cozy home and a simple one. Before she went to the kitchen though she removed the bells from her wrists and ankles and put her earnings away safe. She placed a kettle with water on the fire to make some tea or coffee from.
He was a little shocked at where she lived, Even when they were young she was good
"Why do you live in this district"
He suddenly asked when she had finished with the kettle
"N-nevermind"
He looked down realizing it was not his place in fact after 4 years he was lucky she didn't spit in his face and smack him or worse kick
"Im a former Ranger because Tetsu got drunk and beat up a high ranked Soldier, He was gonna get it bad so I took some blame and my rank helped"
~C~
"My ranked Helped us get out good discharge instead of jail or worse for Tetsu and I recieved an honourable discharge for my services"
He explained his voice not like someone who regreted leaving
"I guess I needed an excuse to come home, I was on my way to the top and there wasn't anyway I could leave"
He said and stood near the stove
~D~
''so it was not possible to say 'sorry guys it has been fun but I'm leaving' ?'' Leyla asked. Gathering a teapot and put herbs in it for the tea.
''As for why I live in this district... I am no longer living with my parents, do not really have an honorable job... so if I earn less a few times I cam simply still make it. Although I considered leaving since a few years.'' she admitted. She sat down since she still had to wait for the water to boil. ''I would like to join a traveling circus of some sorts. Dance elsewhere. Without memories. If things had been different... it was me being Denzels fiancee.'' she paused. ''But.. I was not interested despite he is rich. I could not say yes over his money and I did not love him in a different way then friendship. My mother called me an idiot.'' she chuckled and looked at Kato. ''You sure you do not want anything to drink? I am not angry at you anymore. Well. Not as much as first.'' she winked and chuckled.
"Nope I couldn't walk away"
he murmured and looked at the water and boiled it faster
"Tea"
he added not wanting to talk about Denzel's proposal, He had known Denzel but back then they been friends, And Kato had been a sort of smart kid that couldn't fight very well, But had a heart of gold and determination like non had seen
"Gimme some time outside please"
He left
(he is about to read Letter 1 and if ya want you can say whats written, Everynow and then he will read a letter)
'Kato... where did you go?
The one finding and delivering the letter to you will know sooner then me.
But I am worried. I heard you had a fight with your father. You could have went to my place you know. Then again... you wouldnot be you if you did not have these kind of actions right?
I am doing alright but miss you. Will you write me back? Please? Tell me how you are doing. Where you are. I would like to see you again.
Leyla'
She watched Kato leave and tended to making the tea for now. Understanding that Kato needed the distance for now. She could not blame him. Perhaps she had been to selfish. But still. Four years. It had been a long time.
His jaw tightened it was like looking at the past the fight, His packing up and leaving in the night the journey, and She sent him a letter through all that, His eyes filled with tears, silently he weeped he had more letters and this was the first, he put it back inside the envelope and put it with the rest and hide them in his coat knowing he was not ready for the next
He stayed out longer till he regained himself then entered for the Tea his eyes slightly puffy
''Here..'' Leyla said softly and presented Kato a cup of herbal tea placing it on the low table near the fire before she walked to Kato. She could see he had been crying. But decided not to ask. ''You know...'' she gained a playfull smile. There had been enough serious things going on for one night. It was time for some fun. ''I did not manage to tickle you for four years either!'' before Kato even knew it she started to tickle him all over
he gasped at her words and tried to flee but she caught him and he started laughing and gasping for air she had him and after 4 years she still caught him by surprise
"Help. Help help"
He gasped more and tried to escape writhing and wiggling, His jaw aching after so long not laughing
Leyla stopped after he had fallen and sat on his stomach victoriously. ''Fortunatly there are things that do not change.'' she got off him and offered her hands. ''Dance with me'' she requested. A faint blush on her cheeks. She smiled and there were a few tears in her eyes which fell down her cheeks when she blinked. But she did not seem sad. She just seemed happy
He smiled and took her waist his hand on the small of her back and took her hand into his other hand
"Tears of joy ?"
he murmured his voice a little strained as he thought about what those other letters might hold, he slowly swayed with her dancing to the sound of life
"Been years since I laughed"
He said cheery almost like old days
''Tears of joy.'' Keyla confirned. Although there were tears of relief too. How often had she almost hoped for him to be in the afterlife so nobody could hurt his soul? Those days were over now.
Leyla allowed her head to rest against Kato's chest.''welcome back'' she whispered
He held her close to him happy to be back, He had missed her a lot
"Im happy to be back"
he whispered and kissed her cheek
"I'll take first watch"
He said and immidaitly wished he hadn't said it
"Ignore that where c-can I sleep Tetsu has the sleeping sacks, Im sorry about that"
He added and lifted her chin to look into her eyes before he let her chin go and went to make himself more tea
''Well we are not kuds anymore so the same bed would not be a good plan. I will prepare something for you.'' She quickly finished jer tea and headed up the stairs where she prepared a thick mat and some blankets. It would have to do for now.
Back downstairs she poured another cup of tea and sat down at the fire.''Thank you Kato...for the present. I do not understand why you'd spend so much on a girl like me but I like it. I just hope you did look after yourself well in the past four years.''
He stayed quiet a little then looked at her his eyes softening
"Your not just any girl to me Leyla, your one of the most important people in my life and after 4 years of missing you that emerald necklace isn't enough"
He explained and thought of her comment on age
"Yeah that would be kinda awkward at this point in time first night back would look funny"
He murmured and tilted his head, he hadn't felt so happy in a long time not even the promotions felt as good as seeing leyla again
"I did as best I can to protect myself. Stabbed 3 times and an arrow in the side, nearly died from that arrow 3 years ago after that they couldn't get me I had trained harder and harder pushing myself to and beyond my limits"
He explained trying to sound offhand about the arrow 3 years ago
''I have pushed some limits too. Although not nearly as dangerous as yours. As for you, what were you thinking!...'' she had walked towards him and slammed his chest a few times. Not hard though. Leyla was agile but far from strong. It had been like that her entire life. She relief more on her cunning. ''You better not get severely injured again mister...'' she poked his chest. She stopped doing so though and observed him a little. ''You've grown though... I think that you've finally outgrown me. As for sleeping, we do sleep in the same room. The other room it is well. Kind of full.''
He took her arms after her reaction
"I'm fine and alive and came back for you"
He whispered softly looking into her eyes
"I won't put myself in warms way needlessly again"
"What do you mean I outgrew you ?"
He asked a little worried as he felt happier with her than he had in years, her mention of packed room made him chuckle she must have a ton of clothes
"I'll take the floor, I'm used to it haven't slept in a bed in almost 4 years in fact as they don't like us sleeping like peacable folk"
He told her flexing himself as he was tired and sleep sounded grand
Leyla smiled softly. ''I always was the one standing up for you. Takig your hand, pulling you along, with you outgrowing me I meant that you are now the one leading the way'' she replied.
After finishing the tea together she lead him upstairs to her room. ''I will clear and clean the other room tomorrow. But till then...'' she opened the door revealing a simple room with a bed beside the window and the mat she had placed down earlier with the blankets. ''Can you turn around for a moment? I will then change into my sleepingwear''
"I guess your right about me outgrowing you if we look at it that way then again I have only just returned what says you won't be pulling me around again like old times ?"
He asked looking away for her to dress tho he had lived a poor life of a ranger he had thought her amazing dancing and skills would have made her more money
''Because I have changed a littlebit concerning that as well.'' Leyla spoke as she unbuttoned the dress and let it slide off her skin. Giving Kato a short hug from behind. ''Just a little'' she added before picking the dress up and put on her nightgown. She hang the dress neatly over a stool.
''I am decent now.'' she spoke. ''I hope you have your own sleeping clothes though... I do not have male ones.''
One of the highest paid rangers and he was the poorest ranger
"Nope I'll be sleeping on that rug in what I'm in"
He told her as he turned and smiled pointing the the rug/mat on her room floor, he did unbuckle his katana and put his quiver and bow down at the door and gave a soft smile before plonking down on the rug, he laid himself back and stared at the roof wondering what Tetsu was doing
"Goodnight Leyla"
He murmured loud before he passed out finally
Leyla watched him sleep for a moment before she finally drifted off herself. Holding the necklace he had given her. In her head she still called him an idiot still. But with a smile.
--
By the time Kato had woken up Leyla was already downstairs. Having visited a local baker and had bought a couple of things to eat. She was preparing breakfast although not sure if she had to prepare for his friend too. As kind as Denzel was he'd probably not allow a stranger to sleep in his home after all unless there truely was no place to stay
He woke up and seeing himself alone took out the second letter she sent and started reading it
Tetsu banged into her front door trying to compose his messed hair and scruffy clothes
"Hello miss ?"
He called through her door he had managed to get lucky with a different dancer the first one happened to be engaged he had a good time tho in this new city of commander Kato he didn't know why he stiil thought of him as commander he guessed he respected Kato for how he helped get his ass away from the hangman
''Not so loud... I have neighbours who already complain if I practise dancing'' Leyla said with a chuckle as she let Tetsu in. She looked at him for a moment. ''Melonni, Erica... or both.'' she asked simply guessing by the way he looked. The twins who went by their just mentioned names were feisty ones. ''And I am sure they stole something from you if you had either of them.''
After letting Tetsu in she closed the door. ''Kato is still sleeping. I think.'' she said as she went to the table to place down a flask of juice.
--
Kato,
The messenger told me that you joined the rangers. Be careful out there will you? Hopefully he can bring me a letter from you back to me.
Remember Denzel? He went to school with us after he moved in here. Although he got homeschooled eventually. We well. Started going out recently. Not so sure what it will become. I have no interest in being more then friends with him. He is... well. To playfull I think.
Will you be there for my birthday? I know, birthdays are not so special anymore but we could perhaps have a picknick or something. Your father does not have to know then you would have come back even for a short while?
Also I have decided too to dance a bit more for public. I tried a few times and it was less embarresing then I initially thought. You should watch me sometime.
Leyla
He started crying and snuck out the window and walked to where they used to play and sat down holding the letters the second was worse he pulled out the 3rd letter and opened it and started reading it trying not to ruin it with his tears
Tetsu followed her grinning
"I had them both and what was taken was no price for the fun"
He told her grinning wide and bowed
"I have a date with Erica tonight"
He adds and looks around for food
"I'm starving and after last night 3 days without food is catching up"
He tells hers his tummy rumbling
''Best to wait for Kato though. I am not done yet. Any pre tasting will earn you a little slap on the hands. Got it?'' Leyla replied. ''Although I could give you a coffee prior. Af for the twins, just be carefull they do not rob you naked.''
She was not sure what to think of Tetsu. Personally she had a rather dislike for those whom visited whores but it was to soon to judge.
Leyla went to the kitchen and returned with a cup of strong coffee. ''Milk and sugar is on the table. But no snatching anything else.'' she warned.
---
Kato,
We are... friends right? Perhaps I hoped for to much but I at the least had expected one letter back. I know they reach you, the messenger is giving them to you personally.
Things did not go so well. Mother got badly sick after she got robbed while taking a walk outside of the town gathering plants and herbs. They injured her with an iron dagger. I feel so... lost. Please Kato. I need you.
Denzel and his family supported me and father will soon be back. I hope he will be on time.
Please... a sign of life. Anything.
Leyla
(I remembered what I wanted to ask how many letters ??)
(And do ya know what the gold is for on this forum it keeps detailing gold ?)
Kato was rocking back and forth after that letter he hadn't noticed her mom at the party
"L-Leyla i-im s-sorry"
He whispered and opened the forth letter
Tetsu sighed and went to make coffee, its wasn't his house or his friend so he done what she said and didn't take anything besides the coffee then walked to the door and stood there drinking his coffee
"Its funny kato is asleep still"
Tetsu murmured aloud thinking how for 4 years he never slept more than a few hours everyday and the smell of her food would have woken Kato up
"Commander Kato never slept late if at all we had to wonder, he pushed and was still fair, Miss before he ran off did you to have a thing ? He every now and then I could see he had been crying and he doesn't look so mean I have to wonder how the best ranger also cried"
He said aloud and turned to her, she saw worry in his face
"Did you know he is a half elf ?"
He then asked
((I am not sure what that gold thing is. I think it is inactive. As for the letters... she'd send one every month. So.. yea xD count))
''We are... childhood friends'' Leyla replied. ''Neighbours... grew up together. I know he is a half elf. I know more about him then he knows. At least from before the past 4 years. I descent from the fae myself hence my... weakness to iron'' Leyla replied. She wondered what took Kato so long. But did not dare to go upstairs and check. Not at first anyway.
--
I wonder why I keep writing. It is like a dairy that does not answer back. If writing a letter is to much you could give the messenger a spoken message too. A simple hello... would already mean so much to me.
Mother recovered although barely. It may take a while for her to be her normal self. Father had returned too and is trying to put justice on those who robbed and nearly killed my mother.
On the positive note, dancing is going better. And occasionally am asked to perform.
It distracts me a little from what has been going on. Are you, safe? You better be.
Leyla
--
Leyla took a deep breath and went upstairs. ''Kato! Breakfast is ready! Are you coming? If not Tetsu will perhaps eat your share!'' she called. She stopped at the door and knocked. ''Are you decent? I will count to five and then open the door. One...''
He stopped himself opening another his mind in pain for what he had done ignoring the letters he had 44 letters left to read 1 every month
He tried to stand to return to her house but his tears were blinding him
"I'm sorry I'm sorry"
He whispered over and over his eyes red from crying by the time he finally managed to sit and stop crying
He stayed in their old hide out
Tetsu stayed down stairs wondering what was wrong
"Yes what she says may be true"
He bellowed and went to the room and barged in intending to shake kato up and us some excuse for a joke but instead an emty room welcomed him
Not knowing kato left and thinking she done something to him since he hadn't been around Tetsu drew his katana and pointed it at her throat
"Where is Kato"
He hissed venomoulsy his eyes showing worry and anger at her and himself for trusting kato's word that she was good and trust worthy
''I dont know I swear!'' Leyla replied. Feeling the metal burn on her skin even though it did not nessesarily touch her. Steel was made with iron and basicly was just as bad to her. ''P.. please... blade... iron...'' She closed her eyes. SInce it was not removed right away she apolagised and bent herself quickly backwards in the way not many people could. Contortion had its positive sides and Leyla was agile enough to fit herself in a small box if she had too. With another movement she tackled Tetsu and after he fell pressed her knee on the wrist that held the katana so he could not use it. Her other knee was on his other arm giving it a pressure. As quick as a snake she moved her hands towards his eyes until her fingers were barely an inch away from them. Her nails certainly could blind him would she have proceeded.
''If you want me dead just do that without the torture. Kato was here when I left the room.'' she said as tears from her own eyes fell down her face.
''I understand your frustration since four years ago he left without a word. He could have suggested to take me along but no. He left. He abandoned me! Had not responded to my letters for all those years. I have waited alright? And now you are accusing me?''
She weakened the pressure on Tetsu's arms and wrist. More tears forming. ''He... did he abandon me again?...'' she burried her face in her hands and cried.
Kato had arrived in time to see her pinning Tetsu and heard what she said, tears were streaming down his eyes
"N-no I will not leave you again"
He said his voice shaky as he staggered to her his vision still blurred from crying and hugged her pulling her tight against him
"I-i'm s-sorry I left you here I'm so sorry"
He whispered crying openly, he held her closer to him
"For 4 years I looked at these letters and never opened them in the beggining it was fear of being found then after a years and 12 I ....could bear to read it and after 4 years they hurt so bad to read and I will read them all, Why my dad and I fought was over you"
He said sinking to his knees holding her. He went silent after that
Tetsu bolted up and bowed
"Sorry commander"
he breathed
Leyla was not sure how she felt. It was a mix of everything really. Anger. Relief. Built up hidden pressure from emotions from the past years. Her body shook. She had told herself last night she would pretend nothing had happened. That if she'd just let things be things would go back to normal. But perhaps, 4 years was just a gap to big for now. It required time to built a bridge.
''Will it matter if you read them now?...'' she asked. ''Also. Why on earth would the fight be about me.'' she burried her face in his clothes like she had done so often before if she had fallen on the pavement or got hurt in whatever other way. It had the nostalgic feeling of safety.
Tetsu left them to talk and walked to an inn to get food he wasn't going to wait any longer for food and he figured that chat would still be a while and he desperately needed food now
Kato held her staying quiet what would he tell her "I think I should read them....I'm so sorry I never wrote back I'm sorry"he whispered rocking slightly as he held her he didn't want to talk much after that he only held her his tummy was hollow and he was hungry but he wanted to hold her forever and not let go
By the time Leyla was out of tears, Kato's shirt was wet. She had surrendered herself to the embrace and it was not until a short while after Tetsu had left that she dared even as much looking at Kato. ''Can you... tell me what the argument was about?'' she asked. Using the sleeve of her blouse to wipe away the remains of the tears from her face and released the longheld embrace. ''Perhaps over breakfast? I did make it after all.'' she joked.
He nodded and stood up then helped her up "breakfast sounds good"he whispers and heads for the kitchen "it smells good"he adds very hungry
When he arrived in the kitchen he sat down and made tea not touching the food he had a suspicion she was like her mom and would smack or get angry so he didn't
Before sitting down she poured juice in their glasses and poured the tea he had made in the cups. The bread was not hot anymore but still warm and fresh. She did occasionaly rub the place where Tetsu's katana had been close at. ''It would better taste good, I have been at this nearly the entire morning.'' she said
''So... Kato... mind finally telling me what that arguement about me between you and your father was about? You know I will keep bugging you about it till you answer me...'' Her prestering from when they were kids was not as far as annoying as now. But she was still good at getting someone to talk at one point. She cut a slice of the bread and put it on her plate before applying a paste made out of peanuts. ''If you do not wish to speak of it... will have to live with it but I'd rather just know.''
"It playes over and over that fight and in simple terms he said I would be wasting my talents on a dancer and that I could become someone great with my smarts ...I'm retaliation I joined the rangers in another land ...weakest kid that ever joined the rangers they said ...said I'd be dead in a week ...nearly did die in a week"he explains and notices her rubbing her neck "what's wrong with your neck ?"He asked drinking some of the juice she poured for them
''Iron... steel is just as bad for me'' Leyla replied. ''Like the old days if it even just as much gets close to my skin it just gives this burning feeling. Tetsu judged to quickly and blamed me for your disappearance and acted rationally. I will be fine though. I barely feel my wrists aching. As long as I am not cut by iron I should be alright.'' she paused. ''still... wasing talents on a dancer? Did your father mean we were not permitted to be friends? If I have to believe my own fathers words your father occasionally drooled over my mother when she performed until she heavily rejected him.'' she chuckled and took a slice of bread, topped it with honey and ate it.
"He did ? What why"he asks in surprised "and no my father did not mean as friends"he added leaving it there as he stood up and walked to her placing his hand over her neck he quickly healed neck this time completely "there ya go and I'm sorry I ran off"he murmurs going to his seat to eat
''Sorry for the first time you did so or the second.'' she said but smiled. ''So he meant... as lovers?'' she asked with a blush on her face. ''It Does not matter anymore that you left... I am just very glad you are back so... lets just forget the fact you had ran off. I do not want to hold a grudge against you, or argue with you. I am sure my mother would love to see you again too. If you'd like to see her though. I do warn you she looks a little bit... different since she got robbed and attacked. But fortunatly her personalty is still warm as ever.'' she cut off a slice of cheese and ate it on some raisin bread.
''Truth be told I... had considered leaving as well for already a while. But I can not even as much hold a weapon since they are made of steel or iron. I had saved money to hire someone to take me elsewhere. I just wanted to see a bit more then just well. This.''
"Your mother ...I'd love to its been a long time"he replied though it seemed he was now in deep thought "I was apologizing for the second one..."He added softly before looking at her an tilting his head "I'll join ....you ...in your quest ...I won't charge an we can share the spoils...I don't know if Tetsu will join ...but none the less I will join your quest"he explained 'its the least I can do' he thought to himself promising to never leave her side again as long aaas he draws breath he would stay close
Leyla could not help but laugh. ''Share the spoils?'' she got on her feet and placed one boot on her chair, closing one of her eyes and formed one of her hands holding her fork as if it were a hook. ''Yaharr me maties, heave ho and pirate songs as we go!'' she said.
''Soory'' she said removing her foot from her chair. ''Sharing spoils sounds pirate like.'' she sat down again. ''It would be nice if he could join. He is a friend of yours after all and a friend of yours is a friend of mine. I just hope that the twins at the least let him keep his clothes...'' other then the girls being dancers she had little in common with them and how they treated people was not something she prefered.
''We could meet my mother later today if you like. She knows about my plans of leaving but I am sure her heart would be at ease if she knew I would be in the presence of someone she knows and can well. Protect me.''