Mark’s 16th Journal – 05-14-10
I awoke sometime in the night. I know this
because I was not alone. I had been dreaming of being lost and alone. Groping
around in the darkness, I could not find anything that felt familiar.
Waking, as I said, to darkness wasn’t all
that comforting, and for a moment I wondered if I was really awake, but there
are senses other than sight. I could smell the subdued coals of the fire
nearby, and hear Leviss snoring peacefully to my right. I was glad that he was
getting some rest. Normally, the most energetic and optimistic of our group,
Leviss has been quiet as of late. While the healers assured us that his legs
would mend in time, Leviss’ introversion has not altered so far. I understand
what he is going through. Blinded in battle and having your world suddenly
changed does demand a bit of introspection, if not outright hostility.
Sitting up, I felt the cold wind and knew
that the sun would not be up for some time. Wondering to myself who was on
watch detail, I took a deeper breath, trying to read my surroundings. I could
smell Leviss, barely, and yes! There it was, the faint smell of wax, candle wax
to be precise, emanating from James, letting me know that he was still nearby.
Avaron then, Avaron was on watch.
Thinking as I so often do, my mind dwelled
on Avaron for some time. I realized that the two of us had barely spoken
lately, barely spoken at all during our time together, but I felt closer to her
at times than to anyone else. We shared the burden of responsibility, the need
to take charge of situations and protect others. Of course, James and Leviss
shared these feelings, but in a different way. Avaron and I were always
thinking, always planning. I looked to her for guidance, and for support in my
decisions, and she did to me. I had never known her to be outwardly emotional.
Without a doubt, the most practical person I have ever met, Avaron would have
found the notion of inner-reflection a private one, if not an unnecessary one.
We had never talked about her father’s death, and she had never made mention
what it was like to be in a city so touched by his presence. But, now we had
left it, in ruins, but hopefully for the better, and I wondered what she was
thinking.
“Avaron?” I called.
“Here. Don’t worry,” she said.
Having checked that my sword and shield
were exactly as I left them, ready should I need them, I left Avaron to her
thoughts and fell back asleep, dreaming of sunrises.
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