Hunters

23 - Doubts and Harsh Words

Diaval shook his head. "I'm sorry, Alesana. I can't."

Alesana stared at him, staggered. "But... I want to." She bit the inside of her cheek. She didn't know at all if she really wanted to, nor did it sound that way. 

"You can't think clearly now. You feel betrayed and I get that, but I'm not going to abandon you. I know how lonely you felt and I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier that I could take two shapes, but I feared your reaction. And you're upset now you found out, so it wasn't entirely unnecessary."

Alesana suppressed a sigh. She wanted to be alone and think, but deep down she knew Diaval was right. Several creatures attacked her and he had come to her rescue more than once. On her own, she would never find her father. She looked briefly at the Grimm, who made no move to leave. He had an amused grin on his lips as if he found their discussion highly entertaining. The horseman stared at her boldly, as if to challenge her to send him away.

He would probably refuse, just like Diaval had done.

Still, she addressed the Grimm. Perhaps, despite his unpleasant appearance, he could do something for her. "I'm looking for my father. Do you think you can help me with that?"

His bright eyes held her gaze. "And what will I get in return?"

Alesana shrugged. She did not know these creatures. How could she know what they craved? "What do you want in return?"

He turned his head to Diaval and then back to her. "I want you to leave the bird-man behind and accept my help."

Alesana's stomach cramped up at the thought of having to be alone with the Grimm. She felt guilty for even considering his demand. "He won't leave me alone. You just heard that."

"Then we will have to make sure that -"

"Can we stop fussing?" Diaval interrupted the Grimm bluntly. "Alesana's life is in danger. I am not leaving her side; I never have and I never will. We are wasting our time here, we need to find out who is after her and why they are doing so. Furtermore, we also have to find her father. Plenty to do for three men, hm." He cast an angry glance at the Grimm, who shrugged nonchalantly.

Alesana's shoulders sagged. Suddenly, she longed very much for Maud and Roran. She insisted they weren't going with her and these were the traveling companions she got in return. How would everything have turned out if her friends had been by her side? Would she have felt less despair then? Would any of them have died?

She cast a skittish glance at Diaval. He sounded very adamant. Why was he so keen on protecting her? What had she done to deserve his loyalty? Time after time, he risked his life for her.

Suddenly, she realized that she would like to be alone with him, so they could have a conversation that would give clarity instead of more questions. Diaval's words however had urged haste, and the Grimm did not seem to consider leaving either. Alesana felt as if he sensed her tension and loved it. He was one of those types who found the misery and insecurity of others highly entertaining. Yet, he looked strong and confident. And they needed that.