The Tiger Within 40 The Garden Part 2

"Thanks." Kyera whispered a bit embarra.s.sed but forgetting that awkwardness the moment his eyes met hers. The soft warmth a.s.sured her he didn't mind, he never had. She tilted her head and allowed her cheek to rest in the palm of his hand, her eyes closing as she took in his warm sent. It reminded her of the earthy spices and the smokeyness of a campfire blended together in perfect harmony. Comforting and safe.

"Don't mention it." He smiled a bit mischievously "Officially we had a training session today and you didn't show up for it." Her eyes opened and she arched a elegant eyebrow. A slow smirk started to form on her lips and he shared a grin.

"Unofficially?" She asked taking a step forward, as if challenging him. He laughed, knowing she was going to ask, he lowered his lips within a few inches of hers.

"Well it's obvious isn't it?" His lips brush against hers gently, the lightest brush of skin to skin. Then he gently rested his forehead to hers, meeting her eyes with a soft smile. "I was worried about you. I knew where to find you thanks to the little hint on your pillow." She smiled as well, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"Thanks, let's head up to the Bazaar and get something for breakfast. Once we eat something we can head up to the training grounds." Kyera replied kissing his cheek before letting go and stepping back. He chuckled and nodded following her as she walked out of the garden.

Kyera's walk had a new bounce as her aura soaked in the shadows and positive energy from resting. He knew the moment she noticed Talis standing near the edge of the wood. Her head tilted to the left quizzically before turning to look at Verone. He coughed, running a hand over the back of his neck… the realization that he probably should have warned her about the tag along hit a little late.

"Oh I told Talis that you wouldn't train him as a warrior… he wanted to talk to you about it and tagged along." Verone explained and she nodded flas.h.i.+ng him a teasing grin. Kyera ultimately loved the way he avoided her eyes with that slight embarra.s.sment on his face. The sweet vulnerability endeared him to her.

"Oh? Well that is a bit of a dissapointment…. Guess your determined to spoil my plans." Kyera sighed but offered him a soft smile. "That's okay… guess next time." she waved to Talis as they moved closer. He waved back, perking up tp see them both walking out of the gardens together.

Something about the way she said that hinted to Verone that he would very much regret having brought Talis. Her tone was teasing but… her eyes were not. The hint of disappointment there was deep set, a small pang of guilt hit him.

For the last two days he had been working toward getting Talis's training started. He never stopped to wonder if there was another reason Kyera didn't invite him along as of yet.

"I'm sorry, Ky. I didn't know there was a plan." he replied following her with that uneasiness dancing in his chest. There were very few times Kyera made plan for them. He was caught between curiosity and not wanting to know what he had unwittingly spoiled. She shot him a smile, full of mischief and he realized he wouldn't have that option.

He was going to pay for this… and he was fairly sure he knew how.

"Don't worry about it… I just thought you might like a date, but guess we will put it off." she said nonchalantly before das.h.i.+ng forward to hug Talis in greeting.

Verone stopped in his tracks and blinked rapidly a few times. His brain trying to process exactly what had just been said. After it sunk in and he watched the pair engage in conversation he shook his head laughing ruefully at himself.

There was no denying he was his own worst enemy.