magitek (magitek) wrote in imperially, @ 2008-07-30 21:53:00 |
|
|||
Leo had been the one who had escorted Terra back to tent that was now known as hers – a command issued to two men outside that they should keep a close watch on her, to make sure that, in the event that Edgar and Setzer changed their minds, she would be protected. She had seen the looks on their faces when they accepted; the long glances cast between the two, and the unspoken hesitance became all too clear. They might have been dutiful men when their leader asked them to be, but they were also the type of men she realized that Setzer would have no problem slipping by. When Leo finally left her, his promises of hope still fresh in her memory, she let her eyes fall to the dirt floor beneath her feet. She dare not speak, even to herself, for fear that the soldiers outside might overhear, but her thoughts were clear in her head. Is there really a future were we can all be happy?
As she sat on the edge of the cot, she felt her hands curl against the edge of it, blond bangs falling over her eyes as she lowered her head. Terra knew little of the world, but she was not naïve enough to believe that they would all receive a happy ending – if Leo was right, and the Empire could fall, then there would be no future for its Generals. If Edgar and Setzer were right, then there would be no future for her. A sad smile formed on her lips as her brow begin to knit together, before she brought her hands to her head, holding it. She had forgotten what it felt like to be free of the circlet that bound her, the dull, familiar ache in her head growing. She let her hands fall to her lap, lying limp there, as she finally turned her head to look down to the bed that looked so appealing now, before she sighed softly, knowing that she couldn’t allow herself to move. So easily she could give herself away, if she moved from this spot and they found her.
She knew hours must had passed since she was brought here, her eyes growing heavy with sleep, the sound of the distant voices outside quieting as well. Had they retired to the fire pits to keep warm? Or had they fallen asleep. The young girl blinked her tired eyes, raising her hand to rub them, before she yawned. But as soon as she had relaxed, she saw through the dim light, the figure of a shadow outside; a familiar silhouette. Made alert in that surprise, she craned her neck for only a moment, trying to look out, before she immediately recoiled, sitting board-straight on the edge of her bed, a breathing statue. Outside, she heard little from the guards, no calls for help or questions, so she imagined that they had truly left – or that they had been removed by other means – and when he entered, she knew she had been correct in her assumption.
It was as though she had forgotten to breathe when he crossed the room to her, though she said nothing, she knew that he was aware of her state of being. He had seen her, just mere hours ago, as she looked to Locke, but she couldn’t find it in herself to speak to him first. Instead, her eyes followed him slowly, committing his movements to memory, waiting for him to acknowledge her. She was a like a well-trained dog, waiting for its master to give it its first command, and she sat stiff with anxiety and anticipation. In the off chance that he wasn’t alone, she knew this would be expected of her.
She felt vulnerable, with him towering so close to her, her amber eyes rising to meet his – the only sign to her consciousness – feeling more akin to a child waiting to be scolded. What would he say? Would he be angry that she had allowed herself to be taken? Would he be grateful she kept up this act? Inside, she cringed, before she finally dared to speak, her voice as quiet as the wind outside. “I’m sorry.”