43- Front Lines 2

Dain escourted us to the group waiting, scolding about how we need to look at the time instead of talking about ' frivelous' topics. I felt like I was 5 again.

He grumbles something before he walks more to the front of the line where Pike was about to start the tour. There were turrets on all 4 sides, a large empty space in the middle for what I think they use for training exercises, then the barracks where we stayed in, a stables for the dragons, a small building they call their lunch room and black smiths for all the weapons they could need.

" And this base is set up like this so we're ready for any attack. All closely knit, all accessible. Here we have 12 riders, 6 patrol, 6 stand by and rest. This obviously excludes us in Command here."

Just as he says this, 3 of the riders fly just overhead so low I thought they might hit us, talking loudly, even laughing. One looks down, one I know all to well, one that brought me to the Turret and made me promise her I'd be alright. 

Mira.

I see her eyes widen so wide like saucers, " Freya!"

She makes her dragon dip just a little, doing this jump off only a show off and someone as experienced as Mira could do, landing so effortlessly I almost wanted to scoff at her. But my emotions get in the way as well as I run to her, not caring if anyone sees this side of me.

I haven't seen my sister for almost a year. And I missed her so damned much.

I fling into her arms, she holds me in one of her death grips that she'd always had. " Your ok."

" I'm ok." I whisper back, almost on the verge of tears though I will not let any fall today. " Freya! get back here!" Dain calls following me, obviously pissed I ran away from our little  tour.

Mira looks up " Oh, loosen up your belt Aetos!" now holding me with one arm, " Get over here!" She snatches him up as well squeezing us both so tight I was smashed against Dain's chest and Mira's.

" How have you two been? Alright? Keeping each other safe I presume?"

If only she knew the half of it....

I could tell her right now what a pain Dain has been, how insensitive and cold he's gotten. " Umm.." He says looking down at me, knowing damn well what I was thinking.

" Fine. It's been quite the year but we're still here." I say quickly, taughtly.. Mira of course noticed as Dain and I look at eachother then her. She squints...scanning us over.

" WHAT did you two DO.." She says slowly.

" What didn't you two do that night?" Rhys's laugh rings out in my head, I almost yelled for him to shut up, obviously I made some sort of face because's Mira's face contorted into an annoyed smile. 

" I thought I told you NO second years!" She hisses punching me lightly. " And Aetos! Your lucky we have a crowd otherwise I might actually castrate you!"

" Settle down..and shut up... It was only one time Mira.." I say lower, not wanting anyone to know about Dain and I... I regret it.. horribly.

She sighs " So.. what? What are you two?"

" Squad mates." I answer quickly. " Just..squad mates." 

Dain and Mira both look at me, Mira with a look loaded with wanting to know, and Dain's....maybe hurt? Anger? Though I feel nothing seeing he brought all me resentment on himself.

" Alright then...." Mira began looking between the two of us. " How have the both of you been?"

" I'm a Squad Leader this year.. obviously." Dain smirks, " Other then that.. it's been..fine." He says tightly not wanting to say to much about himself.

Mira gives a short hum lookign at me. " You?"

I give a little smile, " Top of my class, only got defeated a few times. Have two dragons and seemingly alot of people who still want to kill me."

This makes her chuckle, " And you got a few cool scars to prove it. Where'd you get those from?"

" Most of them are from spars." I say, " Not really sure who gave what."

" The one on your neck is from Orren's knife, the one tracing your lip is from your favorite Wingleader... I remember then clearly..what can't you?" Rhys mentioned again I kow just being an ass.

" Your on thin ice..."   I grit back.

" What are you going to do? Stab me? I'm shaking in my scales.." He says back.

" This is why Andarna is my favorite..."

 He chuffs in response.

" How about you.." I finally see the huge scar running from her ear to her collar bone and lower. " Shit Mira..." I mutter taking a better look.

Dain's eyes widen as he looks at her. She only shrugs, " One of those damn birds, we were in a storm and he came from above us. Tried lucking me off, Tiny scorched him so he skimmed me instead."

" Yea.. she just skimmed you." Dain adds. " That's deep."

" I only almost bled out, but I'm fine. And look like more of a badass." She grins making me laugh, " Your insane..."

She shrugs looking slightly over me, " Is it ok if I steal this one Pike.. you know since you owe me a favor from saving your ass last month!"

Pike looks over, sending her a look. " I wouldn't press your luck Mira."

" You told me you owe me yourself! I'm just cashing it in."

Pike sighs but nods, " Only today, your still on duty Soldier."

She nods, " I'll be ready for my next rotation."

I see Liam give Xaden a look, he looks at him then at Mira..who notices. " And no guard dogs.." She snaps glaring hard at the two. " I'm perfectly able to protect my own sister."

The way her tone and whole..everything changes... makes her seem exactly like my mother. Her distain for marked children so evident it makes me even feel uncomfortable for them. She scans them cynically " Are you guys only supposed to have 3..."

" Mira.. we're a whole squad." I say quickly, she holds up a finger to me. " Maybe some of yo should go make yourselves useful somewhere else.. Riorson?"

My eyes snap to Xaden who's jaw was so clenched I though he'd break his teeth. But he gives one of his smiles " Right. Imogen, Bohdi.. we'll keep the first years here." They look at Mira briefly before following Xaden, who only glanced at me before they walked away.

" I suppose you better go keep those other marked ones in line.." Mira says looking back at Dain. " It's been really nice to see you Aetos. Hopefully we can speak a few more times before your little trip is over."

He nods, " Ofcourse."

He gives Mira a smile before it slowly fades as he looks at me then walking away as their tour continues.

Mira's grip was on me once more, tight but lighter then her normal strength. " Tell me everything.."