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Mydei made his way through the long corridors of the Marmoreal Palace. Their fight against Nikador was over, the Destruction Titan was dead, and Phainon was in the middle of its test in order to achieve the coreflame's ownership. He couldn't lie; he was worried about his friend and rival, he had his demons and struggles, he only hoped the best for him.
On the other hand, their assault to Castrum Kremnos, his homeland, made him think about his people, his clan, his mother. It didn't quite help the Trailblazer found a slate stone with the final words of his mother, and he had to translate that for them, it made memories he wanted to forget come back from the land of dead. And talking about death... He saw Castorice crossing the hallway some steps away. She always had that somber expression with her. He heard Aglaea almost made her use her condition to end the lives of those two people from the other side of the sky. What was her deal? Didn't she know about Castorice hating doing that or what? She said she wouldn't do it, that it was a test of sorts to be sure she could trust the newcomers... but he knew her. He knew Aglaea lacked empathy and would use all means to an end even if they were morally grey. He was okay with it, though. He respected her posture. But for Castorice, it was far too cruel for her. Before he could realize, he followed her to the Garden of Life (yes, he knew how ironic was for Castorice being there), luckily, it was already quite late, so they ended up alone.
"Hey, you. Shouldn't you go to sleep?"
"Ah, lord Mydei." Her soft voice greeted him, despite that, when she turned to look at him, she barely showed a smile. "I apologize, I couldn't fall asleep. A lot... happened today." Mydei took a step forward, and Castorice took one backward. "I'm sorry, but please stay five steps away from me, lord Mydei. You are aware of my..."
"You are aware that bullshit doesn't work on me." Mydei paid no mind to it. He was immortal. Her presence or touch wouldn't do anything.
Castorice did not say a thing. She allowed Mydei to stand by her side as they watched the sunny sky. It was quite a shame that in Okhema, it always was day, having normal day cicle would be nice for a change. To sleep properly, as main reason.
"... Worried about lord Phainon?" She asked.
"You could say. You also know about his struggles."
"Yes, you are... right." Her gaze softened. It was quite hard to notice, only if you knew her expressions well enough. "I hope he returns safely and victorious."
"He will. You already know him. He is stubborn enough."
The fragile girl looked at him from the corner of her eyes. There was something else troubling him, enough to seek company, even hers.
"... Lord Mydei-"
"You know, Castorice, you should also follow that hero's steps and start saying what you truly think."
"Apologies, I think I don't quite understand-"
"Cut the crap, Castorice. You know what I mean. Stop acting like that golden woman's puppet. If you don't like her actions or decisions, just say so."
She sighed softly. So he knew too about the trial... Maybe Tribbie, Trianne, or Trinnon told him about it. Aglaea also told her several times to state what she wanted and share her thoughts, but it got quite difficult from time to time.
"... Lord Mydei is quite kind, worrying about me."
Mydei blinked, and then... frowned. Kind? He was a warrior, a barbarian, almost. Kind was quite the insult.
"Oh, shut up..."
"But you just said..."
"I know what I said, no need to remind me!" Mydei growled. "Either way, I'm gonna lay down, so see you later."
After all, he was still wounded. He could be immortal, but his body was still human, and so, he could bleed to death. Well, not to death, but he didn't want to feel weak.
"Wait, Lord Mydei, one last thing if I may...?"
Mydei, who was about to leave, turned to look at her. Her gaze met his but quickly looked away.
"The Trailblazer told me about the texts they found in Kremnos."
"Ah. Right."
"...And its content. The ones you translated for them."
Mydei didn't want to talk about that. In fact, it was the main reason he wanted to avoid translating more of those stone slates. Castorice did notice the change in his expression. But maybe Mydei needed some comfort, too.
"... I am so sorry about what happened to your mother. If I may, I'd like to accompany you to Kremnos and present flowers as a sign of respect."
Mydei's gaze widened so slighty, as if he heard the most surprising thing. Right, she always took care of the local graveyard... it wouldn't be a bad idea. Instead of a reply, what followed still puzzled Castorice to this day. She felt the warmth of his hand caressing her cheek, then he felt how he took her chin and lifted it up. Their eyes met again, golden against purple. Castorice stayed silent. It was the first time in forever she felt the warmth of a body against her skin. She almost couldn't hear the words Mydei left for her.
"My mother was a warrior. Warriors do not need flowers, nor the living weeping for them. We find honor and glory in the fight." The warmth quickly faded as Mydei put his hand away. "But the thought is what it counts, I guess. Goodnight, Castorice."
And he left, leaving her alone. She took a deep breath, as it she stopped breathing for a good while. Usually, whoever touches her dies within a few seconds, but Mydei... She saw him walk away for a while until she lost him in a turn. He was fine. He was alive. Castorice put a hand on her own cheek. The warmth already left her, but the feeling remained.
"... Lord Mydei... he is so warm..."
She mutter under her breath. If he wanted her to speak her mind... Would he be okay if she were to ask him for more simple touching? Hand holding, just touching her arm,or something as simple as... hugging. For now, she was content. As she hugged herself, she looked back up to the dormant Kephale.
"... What would be a good gift for a warrior, then?"