Elorcan Apology

    They had made camp for the night in a dense patch of trees. They had been travelling for days, barely speaking to each other save for the occasional confirmation of directions.
    Rowan was especially silent. Constantly attempting to tug on his bond with Aelin, to no avail. Lorcan didn't blame him for his silence. His friend. Wife. Mate was taken from him. His everything.
    They had all set up their sleeping rolls and laid down, Lorcan was taking the first watch. With all that Maeve had done, they couldn't risk being ambushed. With his fae senses he could feel an emptiness in the corner of the camp. Looking over, Lorcan noticed Elide's empty sleeping roll, her scent trailing off toward the small pond they had gathered water from.
    Elide. They hadn't spoken since that day on the beach. She hated him, and rightfully so. Lorcan knew he had made the wrong decision. Maeve was never on his side and never would be. He knew that now. Too late.  Lorcan had been running the potential apologies through his head. How to beg for her forgiveness. But never had the courage to approach her.
    He didn't know how it happened but he found himself walking toward the pond. Lorcan's feet were silent as he approached.
    And the her saw her. Her knees tucked up to her chin as she stared into the water. One of her hands gently rubbing her wrecked ankle.
    Though they hadn't been speaking, Lorcan had been keeping the magical brace around her ankle, supporting her as they walked day after day.
    Lorcan sighed, "You shouldn't be this far from camp."
    She didn't move as she replied, "I'm travelling with three fae males. I'm sure I'll be okay."
    He took another step forward, Elide now sitting just a few steps ahead of him.
    "Do you think we can win?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.
    Lorcan made his decision and sat down next to her, his legs stretched out before him. "With this crew of people? Not a chance." Elide chuckled and Lorcan couldn't help but smile. She was perfect in her own imperfect way.
    "If Aelin could be defeated then... how can we beat her?" Elide looked up to the stars as though she could see to where Maeve was lurking.
    "No matter my history with Aelin I have to admit...she's strong. It will take a lot to break her. We will find her. And we will take down Maeve." He moved ever so slightly toward her. "Elide..." She looked toward him and he sighed, "I'm...I'm sorry. My judgment was clouded, I never should have called Maeve. There isn't a single good bone in her body. I don't know why I ever believed there was. And Elide... I know you are mad at me, and rightfully so but...I want you to know that I'm sincerely sorry." Lorcan lowered his head. He couldn't bring himself to look at her as a single tear welled up in his eye.
    He shuddered as he felt her finger on his chin, gently turning his head toward her. Elide's eyes were glistening with tears, and Lorcan reached his hand under her eye and wiped one away.
    Her hand dropped as she rested her head on his shoulder, and Lorcan didn't hesitate when he leaned into her and held her against him. His own head resting on hers, as they looked out upon the water, the night sky reflected upon it.
Lorcan savored this moment of peace, sure that in the days and weeks to come moments like these would be few and far between.    
   
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Word count- 606

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