Chapter Text
Recovered correspondence from Lutenant Riorson to Cadet Sorrengail
I have arrived in Ivybridge. I've met the Major and my Captain and been assigned my room. Now, as promised, I am writing to you.
Gods. I miss you already, my love. Sgaeyl has reminded me that it's only been hours and warns it will be a long two years at this rate.
Although it’s perfectly comfortable, this room won't feel like home until you're here. The pillows don't smell like you and there is a lack of hairpins scattered on every available surface.
I don't have much time to write more now. I'm expected in the gym soon by my Captain, who wants to put me through my paces and ensure Basgiath hasn't slipped in standards when it comes to turning out lieutenants. I'm looking forward to wiping the mat with him.
I'll finish this letter now in the hope it makes the dispatch to Basiath and reaches you by breakfast tomorrow.
Yours allways,
Xaden
Ridoc throws an arm over Nikhil's shoulder and leans close to speak to him in a quiet voice. I don't hear what Ridoc says but whatever it is makes the other man flush with colour and stammer a reply.
I share a conspiratorial glance with Jackie who is hiding a grin behind her mug of beer. She'd told me earlier in the week that Nikhil has been harbouring a crush on Ridoc for a while but lacked the courage to approach him.
I had been a little worried, when I decided to leave second squad with Liam, what my new squadmates would be like, but I'm warming to Jackie and Nikhil quickly. They were both happt to be assigned to third squad with Liam and I, more than happy really: excited to be in proximity to the iron squad and hopeful we bring some of that success with us. Now all my friends, old and new, sit around a table in Chantara celebrating the end of the first week since Parapet. All of our first years have survived so far, and that is definitely worth drinking to.
Further down the table Liam is in discussion with Rhi, comparing notes on their first years and Rhi is reassuring Liam that Sloane is fitting in, bonding and making friends.
I know Liam had hoped his sister would be assigned to our squad so that he could keep an eye on her. But Dain had found me after conscription and told me he couldn't allow it - it would raise questions of favouritism. Placing her with Rhiannon was, he hoped, an acceptable alternative.
‘All right, flame section.’ Bodhi plants his hands on the table, preparing to push back. ‘It's getting late. Time to head back before your section leader notices you are all gone.’
There are laughs and sounds of agreement as slowly we all stand and follow Bodhi out. I'm between Jackie and Sawyer; we watch Nikhil and Ridoc who are close enough that their hands brush as they walk ahead of us. Sawyer shakes his head at us as we giggle, light hearted and a little tipsy.
Outside the sky is growing dark and the street isn't yet lit by the glow from lanterns. Stopped in the street outside the tavern Bodhi is speaking to someone who is facing away from me. The last light from the sun silhouettes the other man and his form is familiar, one I would know anywhere.
My breath catches in my throat and I stop walking.
‘Violet?’ Jackie calls loudly as she realizes I'm no longer beside her.
At the sound of my name he turns, looking around for me and when his eyes meet mine I'm flying across the street to throw my arms around him.
Xaden gathers me to him and holds me close, his arms wrapped tight around me and lifting me easily off the ground. He smells like dragon - he has come straight from the flight field but I don’t care . I lift my lips to his and kiss him as I've been longing to the past weeks.
‘Hello, love.’ Xaden says when we part for air. He rests his forehead against mine and breaths heavily.
‘You didn’t tell me - I had no idea you were coming tonight.’
‘I know, I'm sorry. I only got given leave this afternoon. But if this is the welcome I get I might surprise you more often.’ Xaden smirks.
‘You'd get the same welcome - just sooner ‘ I narrow my eyes at him and he chuckles.
‘I know.’ Xaden admits. He puts me back on my feet and kisses me again, briefly this time. ‘Do you want to tell me everything that's happened that you haven't been able to write as we walk back?’
We are alone in the street now. The rest of the cadets having left us to walk on ahead.
I shake my head and Xaden raises an eyebrow.
‘I have so much to tell you.’ I agree, ‘But talking can definitely wait.’
Xaden’s gaze turns heated as I wrap my arms back around him and reach with my signet to wield.