The Complement

Chapter Twelve

Caspian leaned back against the rough stones of the fountain as Archer finished recounting his experience with the Completer. "And you just ran off afterwards?"

"Well, what was I supposed to say after that?" Archer rested his arms across his knees, legs drawn up as he reclined next to Caspian. "That would have terrified the little slip away for good. The Completer was right; she is flighty. Even her mother agreed."

Caspian leaned hard into Archer's shoulder, shoving him sideways. "I hope you made a good impression on her mother. You know how important meeting the family is." He winked at Archer, dodging a half-hearted counter attack from Archer's fist.

Archer resumed his position and scrubbed his face. "I just don't know what to do now. The Completer has read my aura and told me who my Complement is but she has no idea because her aura has never been strong enough to be examined. How am I supposed to win her?"

Letting his head drop back to rest on the lip of the fountain edge, Caspian starred up into the clear night sky. "How would you win a lady back on the Mainland?"

Archer mirrored Caspian's relaxed posture. "I would woo her. Flowers, candies, romantic walks, picnics, seaside carriage rides, stolen midnight kisses, dances, grand gestures. I've not met a lass that would not cave to such attention."

"Then commence thus. Once she comes to know you and you her, I daresay her aura will reveal itself and she will come to know you as her Complement."

The two fell silent as they sat, both lost in thought. Archer strategized how to win his Complement's affection and Caspian wondered if this type of instant puppy-love was typical on the Island or if his Lieutenant was simply eager. Would he act so if he had a Complement?

After some time, Archer shook his head. "'Tis hard to believe. I never thought I would be caught up in this strange custom."

Caspian shrugged, "You manage to get 'caught up' in something at every port of call. Truly, Archer, sometimes I wonder how you are still alive or how some angry Father hasn't managed to trap you to his daughter yet."

"Hah!" Archer puffed out his chest, "'Tis my dashing good looks and unparalleled luck! But, will it interfere with our mission here if I pursue her?"

Caspian smiled at his friend, the warmth evident in his gaze. "Indeed as loyal a Lieutenant as a Captain could ask for. The Completer was right in that. Nay, Archer. Your romantic pursuits should not hinder our goal. It seems as though our search has led us here and the best way to proceed will be in stealth and subterfuge. To be honest, your courtship would lend our expedition a sense of legitimacy. 'Twill solidify our reputations as honest workers."

"Careful there, Lord!" chuckled Archer. "If you don't watch it, I may start to think you are using me!"

Caspian laughed a deep belly laugh and pounded Archer's back. "It wouldn't be the first time, nor the last." His laughter died to a chuckle before he asked, "What was the girl's name?"

A small smirk played on the corners of Archer's mouth. "Arabella."

Bright emerald eyes danced in Caspian's vision. He wondered briefly if her shiny chestnut hair was as smooth as it looked. "And she was quite recovered from her fall?"

"Aye. Seemed fine when I left, although I was slightly distracted."

"Understandably." Caspian pushed himself to his feet and offered a hand to help Archer up. "Congratulations, my friend, and good luck. I look forward to meeting your Complement."

Archer took the proffered hand and fairly sprang to his feet. "Of course, Captain. But please do not mention any of our conversation to her. I want her to discover it on her own."