The Awakening

Chapter 20 ~ A Crisis

"And despite your pain, I watch as you struggle to stand, eyes narrowed with conviction, a fire burning so deeply in your eyes."

- Kalil

~*~

A Crisis

Chapter 20

Saskia observed the meeting room warily, the vast number of figures alerting her to how serious the situation was, if she had not known already. At her and Ophelia's entrance, they all paused their light conversations and faced them, all sporting different expressions at the sight of her. A red-haired woman with a high bone structure as she knew to be Elthia Ainsley approached them and greeted the master beside her with familiarity.

Her stormy, aquatic eyes flashed as they regarded Saskia distastefully, a raised chin accenting her proud nature. Saskia merely raised a cool, indifferent brow before brushing past her in what would be classed as discourteous. She felt the burning gaze of a pair of eyes and tilted her head slightly, her eyes catching onto fiery, wispy locks and a tranquil gaze that was honed in on the high court member with something akin to irritation.

Her eyes rotated back to the older woman, narrowing slightly as she put two and two together instantly. Her steps were silent as she made her way to the back, ignoring the pinpricks of eyes following her every move. She settled at the back, leaning against the wall as conversations started up once again. Her lips flattened. She resisted the heavy sigh that threatened to break out as a familiar presence slinked up beside her.

"Why is it you follow me everywhere I go? Do I have an admirer?" he mused, full lips grinning at her as her nose flared with annoyance. Her lack of control was evident. She was starting to slip.

"I have just arrived and you dare test me?"

"I'll be honest, love. I take pleasure in testing you, sue me."

She inhaled slowly, eyes surveying the members present, disregarding the presence beside her. A breathy chuckle tickled at her ears as he loomed closer. Her voice stopped his movements, the iciness behind it cold enough to make anyone freeze. "One step closer and I'll break every bone in your face."

Saskia, Adena admonished, appalled.

He whistled lowly, "Alright, alright I'll stop." As an aftermath he added, "For now."

"Is he bothering you, Miss Saskia?"

"Lieutenant," she greeted as she faced the leader of the group. "Your comrade is as irritating as ever. Please forgive me if I happen to deck him across the face." She clenched her jaw immediately after as the words registered in her mind, noticing the way looks were given as keen ears heard their conversation. She berated herself silently. She had to be careful, she was in a room full of important officials and losing grip on her tongue would not do.

"Oh please, you do not need my permission. Go right ahead. In fact, you may do it as many times as you would like," Lillith declared, cleverly positioned hand hiding the secret smile painted on her face. She nodded respectfully, "I see you too have been summoned. I had a feeling you would be involved in this, Saskia."

"In everything it seems like," commented a male.

Chad smirked, "Oh Caspian my friend, lighten up."

He stepped into their circle with a condescending glare directed towards Saskia. "Must you be everywhere? It is irritating enough I have to see your face every day during practice."

"You're in a strangely lively mood," Chad commented warily, sweeping the people behind him for an indication to his behaviour. His eyes rested abruptly on a snowy haired dame. A slow smirk overtook his face. He approached Caspian, wicked intentions gleaming in his eyes. He rung a casual arm around him and pulled him close, "Say a certain woman wouldn't be on your mind, would she?"