As time passed, the sun was gradually descending and evening was quickly arriving. It was steadily getting late, but the two men were still here.
The youth frowned. 'Don't tell me they plan on staying the night?'
It's about time they leave already. Roan stared blankly at the handsome man. "Why haven't you left yet?" They had clearly overstayed their welcome.
Carlisle didn't mind the snappy tone and answered slowly, "I was thinking about something." The thought had crossed his mind since earlier.
'Thinking about leaving? No need, just leave.'
To Roan it wasn't hard at all. All they had to do was use their own two feet and walk away. For powerful men like them, they could easily do it.
So what was the problem?
"I was thinking.... Why not come with me." He stared straight into the youth's eyes, his gaze strong and unfaltering. He didn't want to force Roan to come with him, but if the youth refused he wouldn't give up. He'd just find another way to get him to come.
Roan calmly stared at the man as he carefully thought about his answer. With this offer he could leave this place and truly discover the world beyond the vast green mountains of The Forest Of Souls. Travel to unknown planes and see different species and kingdoms, it was all so tempting. However, he was a bit hesitant to except. This new life he was given, one far from the life of a mercenary was even more tempting.
This peacefulness he had, where he wasn't controlled by anyone or anything was pleasant to him. It hadn't even been a full day yet, but he grew to like it. How could he not, when he had a taste of what could be for him. If he chose to go back to the original's home it would be even more pleasant. He'd be spoiled to the point he'd rot and turn liquid.
But it would be a life he was unfamiliar with. He wondered how long this 'peace' of his would last.
Could he really go a life without fighting? Without fighting for himself or someone else?
Could he.... live exactly the way he wanted?
To be honest, he didn't even know what he wanted in this life. But he did know that he would live it without any regrets. And following this man in front of him didn't seem bad, but not following him seemed even better. He had made his decision already.
"Unfortunately, I will not be going back with you." Roan's gaze was strong and his tone was resolute. He'd leave when he wanted too, not a single minute before then.
Perhaps, if they were to meet again...
He'd change his mind.
Carlisle nodded as he had expected as much. "I thought you'd say that." He smiled softly. "I'm a little late in saying this, but thank you for saving us earlier. I appreciate it."
Saving? Saving whom? Who exactly did he save? It couldn't have been these two men who were fully capable of protecting themselves, now could it?
No. Can't be. Roan inwardly shook his head.
"No need to thank me." He felt that he didn't do much of anything, not when they were the true VPs of the battle. He looked toward the young man named Reid. "It'll be dark soon. You guy's should get going now."
A pair of excited blue eyes fixated on Roan. "Your amazing you know that? Thanks to you we were able to handle the them quicker then we expected."
"With you guys alone, the assassins didn't have a chance." It was true, they would've survived with or without him. They were giving him way too much credit. However, since they were leaving he'd humor them a bit. "I don't think I did much, but you are welcome." Roan excepted the thanks and moved on.
He waved as he gave the two men a quick farewell. "Goodbye."
Carlisle released a small hum of agreement. "For now. But as long as your in Orrin Empire we will, see each other again."
"Maybe." Roan lightly responded. "Maybe not."
Carlisle smirked at him and said nothing. The future was indeed unpredictable, but he was a man with a lot of power. The possibility of them meeting again was bound to happen. He gave a slight bow and turned away his steps calm yet powerful. With his subordinate in tow he headed back to the capital, leaving The Forest Of Souls behind him as if they were never there in the first place.
•`•`•`•`•
Two full days had passed and unbeknownst to the two men, Roan had long left The forest Of Souls and was now staying in a shabby inn within the capital. He had decided that he would treat himself to a cup of bear while waiting for the duke to come get him.
He had walked a couple of miles and even hitched a ride on a wagon to where he was now. By the time he had reached the inn in the capital it had took exactly 48 hours to get there. And when he arrived it was late into the night and there was only one room available. It was a bit broken down and the water was ice cold, but it worked so he took it.
Had some dinner and went to bed. It wasn't until late in the afternoon that he decided to wake up.
He stood up and went over to the sink to wash his face. Then changed his clothes from the ones he woke up in to the new ones he had taken from downstairs. His mind was a bit groggy from drinking last night, so he asked the man behind the counter for a cup of water. He sat down and waited while listening to the group of men across from him.
"Let Sir Ian be. He drunk himself into a frenzy."
"He's right. It's too early in the morning to be using that brain of his."
The man with a beard snorted. "What do you two slackers know? All you two can do is lay up in taverns during practice and gossip when you do decide to practice." He tsk'd at the two idiots. "I told him we had to get back and now we're going be late."
"I don't think the commander would mine too much."
The angry man glared at his comrade. "You! Shut up and eat. So we can dammit leave already." It was obvious that he had enough of these two lazy brats, who couldn't take anything seriously if it slapped them in the face.
Roan released a soft chuckle as he suddenly remembered an old memory. He had a comrade in the past during his late rookie days who was the same as these two across from him. Everyday he would get scolded for his behavior but he would never correct it. He partied, skipped practice, constantly made horrible dad jokes and he would even pull pranks on his superiors. He was careless but he was talented, very talented. He had eyes of an eagle, with every shot he fired he had never missed. He was a sniper at heart but even with a pistol he could shoot from a distance and still hit his target.
Funny thing about it was that Roan was older then him. Raon was 19 when he first became a mercenary. But the kid was 16 when he joined. His name was Leon and he liked the color green. He loved candy but hated his veggies. He had his first kill at 14 and he died at 21.
Roan grimaced at the bitter sweet memory. He remembered mourning the kid for a long time after his mission had ended in tragedy. He had looked at Leon as his younger brother. As annoying as he was, and as opposite as they were. They were pretty close to one another.
They had spent 6 years together as comrades. They did solo missions but when it was group missions they had always paired up. Until one day they didn't and it resulted in Leon's death. Roan knew deep in his heart that if he went, if he had gone with them the kid would still be alive. He was on a solo mission when Leon was picked to do the job. So he knew blaming himself for his death was useless, but he couldn't help it.
Even long after Leon had died he still felt responsible for his death. He always thought if only he was fast enough. If only he had finished his job a day before. If only.....
There was only so many excuses he could make up. The truth was, that he wasn't there by his side when Leon needed him most. He had failed him.
Sighing, Roan frowned. It seemed that even in this life he couldn't get over the kids death. How could he? It was one of the many regrets he had in his past life. A familiar nightmare amongst many others that kept him up at night.
He massaged the sides of his temple, his frown deepening the longer he listened to the group across from him.
'Haah.... how annoying.'
He remembered something he had thought he had buried long time ago. They said time healed all wounds but it was evident that his wounds, even after a long time and with a new life, was still not healed.
''I should get going.'
But just as he stepped outside, he was immediately stopped by a burley man who looked to be the inns owner. "Where are you going? You haven't paid yet."
"Paid?"
"Yes, paid. One night stay, a set of clothing and 7 drinks. That will be two Lens all together."
Roan was a bit stuck as he checked his pockets to see it empty and full of lint. He looked at the man and said seriously. "I don't have any money."