The remainder of the day passed without incident. Edileth had joined the younger elves in the training grounds and practiced her swordsmanship. Everyone had eaten a simple meal; there was little in the way of conversation. They had entered a waiting game, of sorts. The scouts had been sent out. Now they waited for the news to return, and for the military leaders to make the decisions of what would be done.

Joenek had offered to escort her to her chambers, after dinner. Edileth noted Arun's amused grin but agreed to let the roth keep her company. The two elves walked in silence. When they arrived, Edileth found herself hesitating at the door.

"Are you okay?"

Joenek tilted his head, studying her. She started to answer, but found she had no words to explain. Instead Edileth asked something that shocked her.

"Can you come in for a moment?"

Joenek paused. She could sense his struggle. Edileth did not want to make things difficult for him. Yet she thought she would go mad if she were left alone with her thoughts.

"I don't want to be alone, quite yet. I'm...worried."

The roth stepped into her chambers without hesitation, after her explanation. Edileth offered one of the two chairs to Joenek; he sat down but did not relax. The rothnak did not blame him for his unease. She was also apprehensive and sat tall on the edge of her own chair.

"So, what do you think about Rikku and Marrik?"

Edileth started at Joenek's voice. When she realized what he had asked a small laugh escaped her lips. Joenek grinned in response.

"It's rather peculiar. Although, I suppose they would make a good match."

"Oh?" Joenek leaned forward, curious.

"Rikku is often timid around elves, and Marrik so enjoys talking to others. There is a balance."

"I guess so. But Marrik is nervous in crowds."

"What?" Edileth laughed at the thought.

"Really, he is. When we first arrived here, he was nervous. When I asked him if something was wrong, he said he doesn't like crowds."

"Hmm. That's odd." Edileth smiled. "Maybe it is because he knew all the elves at the Ferlian meetings, but it seemed as though he was always seeking after attention. Regardless, I am glad that they have one another for company."

Joenek grinned.

"What?"

The roth shook his head and continued smiling. Edileth glared at him, which only succeeded in stirring up his mischievous nature. Joenek stood and stretched in an exaggerated manner, stifling a yawn. Moving with a casual air, he neared the bed. Edileth felt her face flush.

What is he thinking?

Seeming unaware of her presence, Joenek took off his boots and flopped back on the bed. He let out a contented sigh.

"Just let me lie here for a moment."

Edileth stirred. Her mind was still befuddled from sleep. She rolled over, releasing a small grumbling moan as she bumped into something. Not quite alert, Edileth lay still for a moment, trying to discern where she was. All at once, her mind was fully wakened.

Joenek was lying beside her on the bed. Shock coursed through her, and the rothnak stifled a gasp. She remembered now what had happened the evening before.

After having sprawled across her bed, Joenek had fallen asleep. Confused and exhausted, Edileth had settled onto the opposite end of the bed, intending only to rest her eyes. Sometime in the middle of the night she awoke with a start. Having looked around, she saw Joenek sitting beside her, struggling to stay awake. He had told her that he was keeping watch, to make sure she was not tormented by her fears.

Moved by his kindness, and still drained from the emotions of the day, Edileth laid down to sleep and told Joenek to do likewise. He had taken her words to mean that he should sleep in her room. She started to protest, but Joenek had scooted toward her and held her close in his arms.

"Just for a moment," he had said.

For a moment, indeed, Edileth sighed.

She started to move away, but soon felt Joenek's arm wrap around her. Another sigh escaped her.

"Where do you think you're going?" Edileth could hear the smile in his voice. "I stayed and protected you all night. Don't you think you should express your gratitude?"

"Why would I do that? Now the others will think...that we..."

"Would it be so bad?"

Startled, Edileth turned to look at the roth. He bore an amused smirk. She tried to pull away, but this only caused Joenek to pull her closer. He nuzzled her neck, giving an exaggerated sigh of contentment.

"Stop...you shouldn't be here; not like this."

"Why not?" Joenek grinned.

An odd, predatorial light flashed in the roth's eyes, and he rolled over and straddled Edileth's body. She trembled in fear, trying to loosen her wrists from his grasp. The rothnak barely managed to inhale a gasping breath before Joenek kissed her. Even after he pulled away, Edileth found that she could hardly breathe; her heart pounded fiercely, and her throat felt constricted from anxiety.

"Edileth..." Joenek stared at her for a long moment. He released one of her wrists, and took hold of the collar of her blouse, pulling on it. Edileth felt her face warm, as he continued tugging on the fabric. She placed her free hand over his, preventing Joenek from revealing too much of her flesh. He looked into her eyes, once more.

"I want you, Edileth. I've never felt this way about anyone."

"Joenek, please...don't do this."

The roth sighed and shifted until he was lying beside Edileth, once more. He wrapped his arms around the rothnak, holding her close. She began protesting, but Joenek nuzzled in all the closer.

"I won't do anything. I just want to lie here for a moment."

The blonde wished desperately to escape Joenek's embrace. She was discomfited by his nearness; the warmth of his body pressing against her own.

At the sound of gentle knocking, the two elves leapt from the bed. They looked to one another with widened eyes; panic kept them in their places, their bodies tense.

"Edileth, are you awake?" Yena's muffled voice came from the other side of the door.

Joenek's eyes darted about the room, looking for somewhere to hide. Edileth dashed toward him. Placing a hand upon his arm, she prompted the roth to turn, pointing to the wardrobe behind him. He scrambled toward the piece of furniture, yanking the door open and leaping in. Edileth pushed him into a squatting position before throwing a spare blanket over the roth.

As she closed the door of the wardrobe, Edileth heard the latch on the door to her chambers click. The blonde spun on her heels, tucking a few loose strands of hair behind her ears. Yena moved into the room, her eyes sweeping the space until they rested upon Edileth.

"Oh, good, you're already dressed. We shall be meeting in the Tactics Chambers again this morning. Whence you have eaten, please join us there."

"Of course."

Yena turned as if to leave but paused. Glancing back at Edileth, the healer studied the younger elf. Her eyes drifted over Edileth's attire, before looking to her face once more. The blonde looked away, feeling certain that Yena would discover everything if their gazes met.

"Are you quite well, child?"

"Y-yes."

"You seem especially weary this morning. Have you had difficulty sleeping, recently?"

"My heart has felt burdened, of late. I suppose that is affecting my rest."

"I shall prepare something to help you sleep. There are herbs which should help calm your mind and allow you to rest undisturbed by any burdens."

"I should be most grateful for your aid."

Yena tilted her head, smiling with warmth. The healer stretched her hand out and cupped Edileth's face.

"If Feridh is for us, who shall stand against? Do not fear, child; fear is of the enemy."

The blonde felt tears welling in her eyes. Yena pulled Edileth into a motherly embrace, patting her back.

"I know these are troubling times, and it is difficult to have courage. Remember that no matter what may befall us in this life, Feridh has given us one another for support and encouragement. More important still is the fact that we have a hope and an eternity to look forward to."

The healer pulled away from Edileth. Giving a cheeky grin, Yena startled her with a question.

"How is Joenek?"

The blonde felt her eyes widen in surprise; her face flushed from shame. Yena gave a quiet laugh.

"Goodness, child, there's no need to be so flustered. I apologize if you felt I was making light of your situation. I was simply wondering if you had had a chance to speak with him, yet."

"Oh...er...somewhat."

"I won't press you on the matter. Should you ever need to discuss this with someone, please know that I am available to listen."

"Thank you."

"Now, I really must go." Yena started to leave the room but turned before exiting. "Make certain you eat a decent meal, this morning. I shall see you in the Tactics Chambers."

Edileth released the breath she had been holding – and some of her tension with it – as the door closed behind Yena. With her heart still fluttering from the anxiety, the blonde moved to the wardrobe and opened it. She stared down at the blanket for a moment.

"Are you going to come out of there?"

The blanket shifted and rolled, as Joenek tried to find his way out from beneath its folds. At last, his head peeked out from the fabric, and he gazed up at Edileth. Giving a hesitant sort of smile, Joenek disentangled himself from the blanket, stretching tall as he exited the wardrobe. He tossed the fabric back into the furniture.

"That was close."

"Which is why you should have left sooner."

"I only wanted to spend more time with you."

Joenek wrapped his arms around Edileth. She tried to pull away, but he held her tighter still. When she realized the roth was not going to give up easily, Edileth poked his side. Letting loose a startled laugh, Joenek released her from his embrace and stepped back.

"What was that for?"

She glared at the roth; he grinned. Shaking her head, Edileth reached into the wardrobe and removed one of the simpler gowns that hung inside. After locating a clean chemise to wear beneath the dress, Edileth turned toward the bed. The rothnak flinched as she realized that Joenek still stood behind her. His gaze drifted over her, and a shiver of apprehension trickled down the blonde's spine.

"You had better remove any indecent thoughts from your mind, this instant. I shan't allow you to entertain yourself at my expense any longer."

An abashed look crossed the roth's face. He lowered his head, drawing his brows together. With dejected countenance, Joenek shuffled away from Edileth. Exhaling, the blonde followed him. As the roth reached the door, Edileth extended her hand, placing it on his shoulder. Seeming surprised, Joenek spun around to face her.

"I shall check the hall."

She opened the door just enough to scan the corridor and ensure no elves were about. When she saw that all was clear, she turned and informed Joenek. He gave one last, longing look before slipping through the door and disappearing. Breathing a sigh of relief, Edileth leaned against the closed door.

Oh,Feridh...what am I to do? Help me resist Joenek and stay true to Your teachings.