Tap tap… The sound of footsteps approaching her door made Kalina wake up. She blinked and the first thing she did was check the sun high in the sky.
Knock Knock. Some soft hits sounded and then a voice:
"Kal, I'm just checking to make sure you're okay." It was Dante.
"Alive and kicking, Dante."
There was a soft pfft behind the door and then he spoke once more:
"I already saw that Stef is in one piece. I'm going to have lunch."
Stef was another one who couldn't see what was right in front of her. When would she realize how much into her Dante was? So much he wouldn't look at anyone other than her? Kalina had to admit how hard Dante tried to hide it from Stef herself. The matter was complicated: those two had known each other all their lives. Maybe Dante couldn't dare risk their friendship. Thinking that way, Kalina got out of her bed. She would never say anything to the pair: it wasn't her place.
After ruminating about her friends' relationship, she reluctantly got ready and dressed in her usual attire; looking for comfort and ease of movement. She had to meet with Irion that afternoon since the next day, they would both visit the imperial palace. Surely Irion would want to prepare beforehand. Thinking about her future mission, Kalina finished braiding her hair. She looked at herself in the mirror for a second before getting up from her seat and cursing under her breath. If only she could make her hair look presentable! But no, her pinkish locks seemed to have a will of their own.
Knowing Stef almost like herself, Kalina knew that her friend wouldn't get out of bed until after noon. As always it was her or Dante's job to bring soft food to Stef to get her through her recovery phase.
In the dining room, Kalina took a seat next to Dante. He was almost done with his plate of food. However, they both finished their lunch right at the same time.
"I don't know how you do it, but you must be the fastest eater I've ever seen in my life, Kal."
"Oh, Dante, tell me something new, please. I think we have already confirmed that fact, right?"
"That's true, but you never cease to surprise me."
"Well, continue to admire me then."
Dante laughed at her comment. Once he made it past that moment of hilarity, he spoke to her seriously:
"I'll bring something to Stef. Irion asked you to come to his office after lunch."
Of course. Kalina thought. In any case, the sooner she discussed the matter with him, the better.
"We can get together afterward and have some fun in the game room. Stef will be as good as new in the afternoon. What do you think?"
"Sign me up for that adventure."
Dante smiled at her before getting up and taking the dirty dishes with him.
"See you Kal." He said over his shoulder as he walked away toward the kitchen.
Kalina sat for about three minutes before getting up and walking towards Irion's office. She knocked on the office door with two solid knocks.
"Come in, Kal." Irion's voice was heard.
Without further ado, Kalina moved and pushed the doorknob. Then a strange aroma hit her right in the face. It was a woman's perfume.