Elryia was asleep for over two hours or so when she was again jolted out of it, this time not by snoring but by a hand covering her mouth. Her eyes flung open and she let out a muffled murmur before she saw that it was Graham in her gaze. Her eyes softened and a smile pressed against his hand.
“Did you come to kiss me good night?” she asked once his hand had been removed.
“Quiet.” He whispered, moving as though he would put his hand back.
She smirked, playfully disapproving of his serious attitude. It was only when it remained through her taunting smile and toying nature did she focus, “What? What is it?”
Graham tried to quiet her again, “Shh…Don’t wake anyone up.”
Elryia nodded, but off in the distance one companion—an elf with superior hearing—was listening to every word, trying to determine if the situation warranted action.
“Patrol,” Graham whispered, moving closer to her ear.
Elryia blinked hard and slow, again trying to resist the urge to press into him, “How many?” she whispered, thankful that her voice didn’t crack.
“Fifteen…maybe twenty.”
She sat up at that point, acting as though she would wake the others. Graham held onto her hand tightly to stop her, “No, I don’t want them to know you’re even here.” Elryia tried not to let shock cross her face when he locked her fingers in with hers. “I’ll lead them away, one may follow you back if you come. Keep them safe. You stay safe.” His hand held hers tighter, Elryia wasn’t sure if he had noticed that their thumbs were gently, innocently caressing each other. “If we get separated, I will meet you at Sharia. Please be careful.”
He squeezed her hand gently before he let go. She was half-tempted to kiss him but he disappeared into the valley before she had even finished the thought. She sighed, more frustrated than alarmed. She had nothing but faith in the man, and knew they were not in immediate danger, though she would still not sleep. It was not the reason for the visit that riled her, rather the visitor himself. And her mind would wander, she would drift back to that intense crush, forcing her into a tension that would rob her of rest.
Across the valley, as Elryia swayed from peace, Lanyan found it—at least from the impending danger. As Elryia had all the trust one could have for Graham, he had that same resolve in her. Only two things truly plagued him: Who was that mysterious man, and how did he always know where they were?