Drops Of Sweat

With Maya's sudden departure, Ironstone had fallen back into the hands of the two loyal people that had always kept watch over the rock.

Rom frowned, profusely sweating, covered in grime, soapy water and other things that he would not rather know the name off.

With a heavy content sigh, Rom pushed himself up from the floor, pleased with the work he had done. Edýia was right about one thing.It took all he had to push through. Most nights he would zonk out when his head hit the pillow. Rom glanced around the sparkling clean massive quarters, proud of himself and he knew Edýia would be too. The first man to live in Ironstone had fine taste. The furniture was durable, it had lasted the ages well and it would probably outlast Maya and Dakran.

" All done?" Edýia asked from behind him, breaking his thoughts, wearing a bright smile.

Rom hummed, proudly " Yes. Happy with the work of the layman?" Rom asked, mischievously grinning, hopeful that Edýia would finally lay off and cease handing him punishments.

" Yes. It looks really good and clean. Smells nice too." Edýia beamed as she strolled on the long corridor, opening each door to have a look around.

" Sala gave me a hand with the bed sheets and curtains, but the rest is all me" Rom was so pleased with himself that he could bearly fit in his skin.

Edýia turned to him wearing the same bright smile, glowing " You look beautiful. Your smile " Rom paused for a moment and closed the distance between them, brushing his thumb over her lip.

" I miss you." Rom leaned in and pressed his lip on hers, and for the first time since all went down, Edýia didn't pull or push him away and leaned in.

" That mouth of yours" Rom bit his lip, chuffed with the treat " I wonder what else can do?" Rom hissed a breath a little too excited just after a brief kiss.

Edýia grinned, mischief sparked in her steely blue eyes " Complain " Edýia giggled, and briefly pecked his lips.

Rom chuckled " Yes, that it does" he amusedly said and pulled Edyia into his arms, before she even had a chance to run away again.

Rom wrapped one arm around her waist, cupped her face and pressed his forehead on hers " I love you Edýia" Rom shakily sighed " I'm sorry. Please, believe me." The plea in his eyes and voice was heartbreaking. Rom kissed her nose and tucked her under his chin.

Edýia nodded " I believe you. But I'm also afraid that you will do it again. You broke my trust, Rom. That hurt more than everything else" Edýia mumbled with her face buried in his shoulder. Rom deflated, that was the worst, he was the worst. He was supposed the one to be at her side, not the one that would hurt her.

" I know" Rom kissed her hair, hugging her tighter to his chest " And I'll do my best to gain it once more. I let my anger get the best of me. I'll do better. Just" Rom closed his eyes " Just give me another chance Edýia " Rom rested his cheek on her head, rubbing her back, to soothe her worries.

Edýia nodded " You smell" she giggled, tearful and it seemed that Edýia was still carrying the mark of those moments.

" Don't cry. Not because of me. You know, I don't deserve your tears." Rom wiped each tear with his thumb and kissed her eyes. Scrubbing floors and grubby furnishings had brought some of his manners back.

Edýia sniffled and took his hands in hers " Let's get you washed and then you can have some food." Edýia picked up the bucket before he had a chance to, as they headed out the door.

" I'll take that. I'm sure you had a long day, running around, and doing things. When you know you shouldn't." Rom lightly scolded and took the bucket out of her hand.

" Pelham said that it's alright. I can go about as usual" Edýia retorted as they stepped into the kitchen to find Sala. She was the one that got rid of the dirty water. He had no clue where it went.

" Little one" Falkirk jumped out of his chair when he laid his eyes on Edýia, his usual jauntiness was infectious. Edýia giggled and ran into his arms, and hugged him like they haven't seen each other in ages. She'd spent most of her day in the kitchen.

" Rom" Falkirk nodded as he pulled away from the hug " How is the cleaning going?" Falkirk asked, giving Edýia a knowing look.

Rom flustered under Falkirk's inquisitive eye " It is done. We just have to wait for Dakran and Maya's return" He turned around and placed the bucket in its usual place.

" It looks nice. Maya and Dakran will be pleased with it. I know Dakran will be" Edýia grinned ear to ear, chuffed.

Falkirk chuckled " Yes. I'm sure he will, little one. There is plenty of room in those quarters for a small calvary. And soon, I'm sure we will hear good things." Falkirk added in his usual jauntiness, at the thought of young ones running around.

" You and Rom can have the old quarters. Now that you have one coming" Falkirk chuckled, when Rom blushed and flustered again.

"First, we must see if Maya would like to live there," Edýia added with furrowed brows, unsure if Maya would like it.

Rom closed the distance and took her hand in his " She will like it." Rom pinched her chin " There is a garden. I will tend to it in the following days. She will love it" Rom reassured her and kissed her forehead.

" You two " Falkirk sighed " Adorable. Have you eaten anything?" Falkirk clapped his hands and turned around and began placing food on a tray.

" Eden has already left a washing bowl with water in the chamber. Best you hurry before it turns ice cold" Falkirk turned around placing the tray with steamy hot food in Roms' hands.

" Thank you" Rom murmured, looking at Edya " Ready? You need to rest" Rom added with a frown. Edýia was lively, but all of sprinting around, while growing new life was taking its toll on her, even though she didn't like to admit it.

" Yes." Edýia turned to Falkirk " I will see you later ". The bright smile never faded off her lips. Falkirk nodded in agreement and shooed them out of the kitchen.

" Now go. Sala will be here soon." Falkirk nervously chuckled, lunged towards the bucket in the corner and stepped out of the kitchen. He was always trying to do things for Sala.

Edýia giggled and craned her neck to watch Falkirk scurry his way outside through the back door of the kitchen.

" Come" Rom beckoned her when she stayed rooted to her spot.

Edýia sighed and finally moved her feet to follow him.