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Lara hid in the shadows, waiting for her moment. Jacob had seen her, urged her with a subtle shake of the head to stay hidden. She had to trust that he had a plan. Jacob rose, took the gun from the mercenary and the next sequence of events seemed to happen in slow motion. He pointed the shotgun but the mercenary was quicker. A knife slid from his sleeve and in the next second, it was embedded in Jacob's ribs. The gun went off, the mercenary fell to the ground, and Lara rushed to help. She had the element of surprise on her side, taking out what was left of the Trinity invasion quickly. Gunshots rang out from all sides. Lara tucked herself into the side of a house and fired back. The whistle of an arrow flew past and Trinity dropped like flies. Lara fought on, determinedly not looking towards the crumpled form of Jacob on the ground.
When the last man was down, she ran to him, dropping to her knees and rolling him onto his back. Panic threatened to overcome her. The dark red stain on his clothes grew bigger, the knife embedded deep. He coughed as he was moved. Blood dripped from his lips. He tried to speak but he could do nothing but choke on his own blood. The knife must have pierced his lung. Lara gripped his coat tighter, tears threatening to spill as he struggled to draw in a breath. She had seen so much death in such a short time, but this was one too many. There had been an understanding between them, a closeness she couldn't explain. And it was all about to slip away.
“Jacob,” she whispered. Bleary eyes looked up at her, the struggle of each breath marked on his face. He reached up and wrapped a shaky hand around her gun, shoving it into hers and pointing it at himself. He tried to speak again but it was no use. She already knew what he was trying to tell her.
“No,” she sobbed, “you-you'll be okay. We just need to-”
Jacob shook his head. His eyes were so understanding, soft in a way she rarely saw. How could he be so soft when he was choking on his own blood? It wasn't fair. None of this was fair. His grip was weakening. He was fading. She didn't know how long he would have but no doubt each second must bring unbearable pain. With the last of his strength, he pulled the gun to his chest and gave a small nod. Lara clenched her teeth enough to ache, offered a silent apology, and pulled the trigger.
The shot rang out somehow louder than the rest. The silence that followed was deafening. She looked down in shock at what she had just done. She was frozen in place. Even as frantic footsteps gathered round, she couldn't bring herself to look away from the lifeless form of the man below her. As though there were the possibility that he could still be there for as long as she kept her eyes on him. The minute she looked away, he would be gone. It wasn't until she heard Sofia's voice that she looked up.
The second her eyes landed on her father, the girl froze. It was only for a moment, but it was enough for the guilt to set in.
“We need to move him somewhere safe,” she addressed her people. Lara pulled back without thinking as people gathered around her to carry Jacob's body away. A hand appeared in front of her. She looked up to find Sofia's concerned face staring back at her. Without a word, she took it and rose to her feet.
“It'll be okay,” Sofia said, giving her shoulder a squeeze. Lara couldn't comprehend it. Her father had died by her hand and Sofia was comforting her. Lara scrambled for words.
“I'm sorry,” she rushed out, “he asked me to-”
“You did as he asked,” she replied firmly, “I thank you for that. You've risked a lot fighting for us. Come.”
She led lara along the pathway and down the steps towards the home she shared with Jacob. The remnants were already laying his body on the bed when she stepped inside. Sofia pushed past the small crowd in the room to be by her father's side.
“Sofia,” someone spoke beside her, “what about her?”
“She can stay,” Sofia said, not looking up, “I trust her.”
Lara was offered a chair and she sat automatically. Her eyes were fixed on Jacob. If she were in a better state of mind, she would have been thrilled to have been allowed access to their burial rituals. As it was, she only saw Jacob's reassuring face in her mind's eye. The nod that told her it would all be okay. And now in front of her, he lay still.
Sofia was strangely composed. Lara knew that they had strong faith, that they would believe he was with God. But still, she expected something more. Tears at least. The furrow in her brow and sharp frown on her face was as much as she was prepared to show around her people. Perhaps she was waiting for privacy. She wouldn't blame her. It was impressive really, how composed she could be in the face of tragedy. Lara could never manage that feat.
Sofia took a blade and cut open his shirt.
“Get a fire going,” she instructed, “keep him warm.”
It was an odd request. Lara bit back her questions. Whatever they did here, it was not her place to interfere. She kept cutting until it could be pulled away. The reality of her actions were laid bare in front of her. Sofia picked up some forceps and inspected the bullet wound.
“It's a good thing you're not awake to feel this,” she mumbled. Lara swallowed hard as Sofia gently but surely pushed the forceps into the wound. It took her a few moments to latch on to the bullet, and then pulled it free. She dropped it on the side with the forceps and turned. Their eyes met.
“Makes it a bit easier for him,” she explained, though what that explanation meant she did not know. Her head was swimming in too much grief to try and work it out. Instead, she watched silently as Sofia dipped a cloth in water and washed the blood away from her father. The care she took was almost too much to bear. She cleaned the wound, wiped the blood away, held his face in her hands as she washed it. When she was finished, she sat down at the edge of the bed.
“Now we wait.”
Wait for what, she wanted to ask. Any words were stuck in her throat. It didn't matter, though. It was only a few moments later that she witnessed something extraordinary. Jacob inhaled sharply. He shifted where he lay. In a second Lara and Sofia were on their feet. Sofia held his hand in hers. Lara stood over him, watching in awe as the bullet wound began to close on it's own. Jacob's breathing evened out, colour returned to his features. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. His eyes flickered open and he looked around blearily.
“Father,” Sofia spoke softly. He turned towards her, squeezed her hand gently and gave a small nod.
“I'm okay,” he whispered. Lara almost welled up at the sound of his voice. She must have made a sound because his eyes flicked over to her.
“Lara.”
He seemed wary. And concerned. And alive. Somehow alive. It was all too much. She couldn't cope. The room was stifling. There was no air in here. She needed air. Without a word, she turned sharply and bolted out the door. She walked with no destination in mind. She just knew she had to get away from that room. She headed down to the river, crossed the bridge and came to the campfire in the ruins. The sun had set since she had been in there. She should probably stay by the fire. The valley was warmer than its surroundings, but cold was cold. She sat down on the ground and held her hands out. Warmth emanated from the fire. It was something to focus on. She watched the low fire flickering in the dark of the night. Listened to the sound of the flowing river. It was peaceful here. You would never have known the horror that had happened here mere hours ago.
She lost time just sitting there, her mind going over everything that had happened repeatedly. The sun was beginning to rise when she heard quiet steps coming closer towards her. She didn't bother to turn around as Sofia sat down beside her.
“My father was worried you had left.”
Of course he was worried about her. He had been shot, died and came back to life all in a day. And it was her that he was worried about.
“How is he?” she asked.
Sofia sighed.
“Physically, he's okay,” she replied softly, “another day or so and he'll be back on his feet. He's...he's worried that he's driven you away, showing you the truth. He's trying to hide it but I can tell he's beside himself.”
Lara watched the flames begin to fade.
“He's the Prophet isn't he.”
It wasn't a question.
“I trust you'll keep it to yourself,” Sofia said, the warning in her tone just at the edge of the surface.
“I-”
What was she supposed to say to that? How was she supposed to deal with any of this? The things she had seen. It made no sense and yet of course he was the Prophet. All of this. It was him. She had more answers than questions. She was still hurting from before.
“I don't think I'm in the right state of mind to promise anything,” she answered honestly. Sofia was the kind of person who appreciated honesty, that much she could tell. They sat in silence as the fire went out, the sun rose, and the valley was slowly filled with light. Then Sofia sighed and rose to her feet.
“Just don't leave him hanging for too long.”
And with that she was alone again. Lara stayed there until the sun rose and the village woke up. She had no desire to be around people. She decided to hide out high up where the people probably wouldn't go. But she knew logically she couldn't hide forever. From here, she could see the wisps of smoke emanating from the house. Jacob was in there waiting for her. She did leave quite abruptly. It must have upset him after he trusted her with his secret. With a sigh, she collected herself and made her way to him.
As she walked up to the door, a remnant walked out. For a moment she thought she was going to be turned away. But the man simply nodded and stepped aside to let her pass. Lara took a deep breath, straightened up, and walked through the door.
Jacob was sitting up in bed, staring out the window as she walked in. As soon as he spotted her, he straightened up and winced, immediately regretting his sudden movement.
“Lara,” he spoke softly, “I was starting to think you wouldn't come back.”
“I didn't go far,” she admitted, stepping closer and sitting down on the edge of the bed, “didn't even leave the valley. I just...needed some air I suppose.”
“I understand.”
She took the opportunity to look him over. He was dressed in a new shirt. His hair was tussled. He looked soft. She was almost tempted to reach out to him, to run her hand through his hair or just hold on to him. She resisted temptation.
“How're you doing?” she asked instead.
“Wounds I can heal fast,” Jacob sighed, “coming back from the dead- well, that's another matter.”
“Hmm so I've read,” she contemplated, “I saw your tomb in Syria. The Prophet, fatally wounded by a spear only to come back to life.”
“You've done your research,” he commented.
“All part of the job.”
Jacob reached over for the jug of water left by the bed and stopped short. Lara got up to pour the water into a cup and handed it to him. He took a long sip and sat back, looking up at her again with those soft blue eyes.
“Is that was this is to you?” he asked, though there was no hostility in his voice, “a job?”
“I don't know what this is, if I'm honest,” she admitted as she laid the cup down for him, “it was a mystery. And I suppose I've always been attracted to mysteries.”
Jacob smiled his all-knowing smile. She wondered what conclusions he had drawn from her, what he saw in her that other's didn't.
“I'll keep your secret,” she added.
“I appreciate it.”
They sat in silence together. It was strangely comfortable. Lara decided not to question it. She shifted on the bed and her hand brushed against his. She felt him reach out. He brushed a finger against hers.
“I should let you rest,” she said, standing abruptly.
“You'll visit me tomorrow, I hope?”
She turned to look at him. The spark had returned to his eyes. As messed up as the situation had become, she couldn't stay mad at him.
“You have my word, o mythical deathless prophet,” she exaggerated, bowing her head in a mock fashion. Jacob cringed at the display.
“Please, Jacob is fine.”
She huffed a laugh at herself.
“See you tomorrow, Jacob.”
It took him a few days to be up and about. She caught sight of him leaving his home with Sofia by his side. It was nice to see how close they were. She would be lying if she said she didn't envy that. She didn't know what had happened to Sofia's mother nor did she ask. Whatever had happened, she was oddly proud to see that Jacob had stepped up to the mark. He was there for her. And in turn she was there for him. It was a relationship she was robbed of. At least someone got to have that, she thought. His eye met hers across the way. He smiled at her as they approached.
“Lara,” he greeted warmly, “Sofia insists on accompanying me on a walk-”
“-to make sure you don't push yourself too far,” the girl interjected.
“-care to join us?”
Oh, how she wanted to. To insert herself into a family unit. But she couldn't. It wasn't for her to push herself into their lives.
“Actually, I've been asked to help out a little.” The excuse was partly true. She wasn't competently lying. “Trinity may have backed off for now but this isn't over.”
A shadow passed over the prophet's face, only for a moment.
“Something to worry about tomorrow,” Sofia insisted gently but firmly.
“Of course.” Just like that the shadow was gone. Lara watched them walk away. She had a sneaking suspicion that she was about to get deeper into this than she had intended.
She spent the day helping out wherever she could. The people here seemed to welcome her without reserve. She supposed she was part of their inner circle now. She had been invited into their world. It was almost enough to make her forget her hurt. Almost. The images still played over in the back of her mind. Jacob, lying on the ground struggling to breath. The sound of a single gunshot. His first new breath.
As evening drew in he came to her. He brought her high up the valley as the sun set. They sat together, looking down over the place he called home. The air was still and quiet. Peaceful. She glanced over at him. His expression gave nothing away as he stared out straight ahead.
“So,” she said, breaking the silence between them, “what happens if someone...cuts your head off or something?”
He offered a sideways glance in her direction and arched a brow.
“Are you planning on cutting my head off anytime soon?”
“I'm just asking,” she chuckled, “how does it work?”
Jacob paused and pondered the question.
“I always come back,” he answered, “Lara, I'm sorry for the hurt I caused you. You have to understand that I couldn't simply heal myself and risk Trinity finding out who I really am.”
She knew there was a reason he had brought her up here. She looked out at the fire's being lit around the valley, such small specks of light from up here.
“I understand why you did what you did,” she began slowly, “but that doesn't stop it from hurting.”
“I'm sorry,” he said again. Lara looked towards him. He was staring back at her, sorrow etched on his face. He was genuine. Lara reached out to take his hand in hers.
“I'll be okay,” she reassured, “I just need time.”
He rubbed his thumb across hers. She returned her gaze to the valley below.
“It's beautiful here,” she commented in awe. And it was true. Lara had had the privilege of travelling the world. Finding beauty in the most remote parts of the world made everything worth it.
“I have seen the sun rise and set on this valley for centuries,” he said wistfully, thinking back over a life that Lara couldn't imagine, “and it's still just as beautiful as when I first laid eyes on it.”
“You're an old romantic,” she teased, bumping him with his shoulder.
“Perhaps,” he chuckled.
“Do you ever think about leaving?”
“Even if I could,” he responded, “I fear the outside world has left me behind.”
The air changed. Something more serious hung in the air. “I can't give you what you're looking for, Lara. Very quickly you have become...important to me. And I sense that your feelings on your quest here has changed. But whatever you are looking for, I can't provide it. I can't- I love Sofia. She's...wonderful. And I loved her mother. But it shouldn't have happened. I was weak. I can't do that again.”
Lara thought over his words carefully. From it she could draw two conclusions. One, Jacob had feelings for her. Romantic feelings. And he knew that she had feelings for him, too. She had tried to deny it, tried to hide it. Clearly, she hadn't been very good at that. And two, he was telling her that he couldn't be a husband to her or a father again. Whatever complicated feelings he had about his previous relationship, he didn't want to repeat it.
“Well,” Lara said eventually, “it's a good thing I'm not looking for any of that.”
Jacob's brow furrowed in confusion.
“I have a whole life ahead of me,” she continued emphatically, “and you a thousand lifetimes. I don't even know if I want any of those things. Certainly not yet. I know you're worried about everything that's to come but...can't we just be? Do we really have to talk about the future?”
“No,” he replied, realisation dawning, “no I suppose not.”
“So, let's just be.”
She leaned in close, hoping to all hopes that she hadn't misread this. Jacob closed the gap between them and their lips met. The kiss was soft, tentative. He pulled back all too soon. She didn't like that. She wanted more. Gripping his coat tight, she pulled him back in. This time it was more heated. It was like a dam broke. All those emotions that had been building inside her since she arrived here finally, finally, tipped over the edge. She pulled him further, leaned back as she tried to pull him on top of her.
“I uh-” He began to pull away. “I can't risk-”
Lara laughed lightly.
“There's things that can stop that,” she assured, “perks of the outside world.”
Jacob took a moment to understand, and then smirked. He laid her down on the cool grass, crawled on top of her, and for the first time in a long time, they could just be.