Through the Haze - Part Six

Enjoy each moment you get, for that moment is precious; you will never get it back, and you may never get another one like it. --Kenzeth Arcala, Book of Moments
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Cassius McTray rode his stallion through the rocky terrain, watching the sun hit high noon in the sky, directly overhead. At the age of seventeen, he had had his fair share of warfare, of chaos and destruction. But he didn't let it ruin his day. He liked to live in the moment, to cherish each moment he got. He wasn't one to waste any of his life.

He was a looker, even though he had his battle scars. He had a devilish grin that women seemed to die for. His eyes were a unique amber, and his hair was a chestnut color. At his side rode Karaya Tragden, one of the three gifted. She was sixteen, and his half-sister. She was an ambitious girl, with bright green eyes and long brown hair that was currently tied back in a ponytail as she rode on her mare, Santala.

His stallion, Lazco, was Santala's brother. Together, Cassius and Karaya had bought them especially for this journey. They were just traveling the area, looking for adventure, not liking the boredom that regular life brought with it.

He looked over at his sister. "So, sis, when shall we take a break? I dunno about you, but I'm gettin' hungry."

Karaya smiled, a few of her cute dimples showing. "Honestly, Cass, you eat all the time. We just stopped three hours ago."

"I know," he said. "But seriously, I'm hungry. We didn't eat then, if you'll recall."

"Yeah, yeah," she mumbled. Something about her eyes gave away that she was preoccupied.

Cassius frowned for a moment. He knew she was a gifted, and that she had certain responsibilities, but she was still his sister. He worried about her and her emotional state, what with the dreams she seemed to have every night. He would always wake to her pants and whimpers, and it made him worry as to what was going on, what she was dreaming about.

He wanted to ask her about it, but figured it best not to pry. She would talk, when she was ready. Then and only then would she confide in him what was bothering her. He sighed heavily and took to watching the trail.

Dust flew up from their horses' hooves as they trotted. He blinked through the dust, his eyes watering slightly, but he was used to it. He'd always enjoyed riding horses, and knew he had to endure the dust if he wanted to ride. He was willing to endure it.

"You okay, Kar?" he asked, looking at her thoughtfully. Karaya looked at him and nodded.

"I'm fine, Cass," she said. "Just having a few sleepless nights."

He nodded, frowning to himself. He wished she wouldn't shield the truth from him like she always did, but he knew he couldn't force her to talk to him. She was a gifted; this was something she had to endure, and he knew it. It came with the position. But still, sometimes he wondered what it was she kept dreaming about that had her so spooked.

"You still want to stop?" she asked, looking at him. "We can, if you want."

Cassius nodded. "Yeah, I'm still hungry."

Karaya nodded and slowed her horse down. "Come on, then. We'll tie them over there and give them some food and water."

"What about me?" he pouted.

"Well, I guess we COULD feed you," she said with a smirk.

He scowled and grumbled something inaudible under his breath.
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Gabriel still had his dreaded hangover when he awoke around noon. Loukoi was still snoozing on the couch when he stumbled out of his room. Scowling, he made his way to the couch and shoved his friend off of it.

Lou hit the ground with a dull thud, and let out a sharp yelp, jumping up immediately, looking around for the action that wasn't there. "Who's there?" he asked, cat eyes wild. "Whas goin' on?"

Gabriel smirked. "Get up, sleepy head. It's noon."

Lou glared at Gabriel. "You," he snarled under his breath. "I should have known." he followed Gabriel to the kitchen, rubbing his head. "Thanks to you, I hit my head."

"Are you sure you hit it, or is that hangover I warned you about? Honestly, I told you not to drink that much."

Lou scoffed. "Yeah, yeah."

Gabriel shrugged. "Anyway, nothing could penetrate that thick skull of yours."

"Yeah, make jokes," scowled Loukoi.

He gave another shrug and grabbed two glasses, filling them both with water before he handed one to Loukoi. Lou gratefully accepted it, and even let out a delighted sound when Gabriel handed him some aspirin.

"God bless your soul," he said happily, swallowing them with a swig of his water.

Gabriel smirked.
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Isaac waited impatiently outside of Ember's door while the doctor, Mr. Lambart, was inside checking him over.

Eventually, after what seemed like ages to Isaac, Mr. Lambart exited the room and shut the door slowly. "From what you've told me," he said to Isaac, "he should look a lot worse. But he seems to be getting better."

Isaac let out a small breath of relief.

"I'll come back later, if that's okay with you, and see how he's doing then."

Isaac nodded. "Yeah, that's fine. Thanks. Do you think he'll be okay?"

"Right now, I'd say his chances are good. The fever's gone down, if only just."

"That's good," said Isaac.

Mr. Lambart nodded and turned to walk down the stairs. "Good day to you, Mr. Renald."

"You too," Isaac called out to him from Ember's doorway, before he slowly went in.