7

 

Departure

 

“Come back to me.”

Arillia’s gentle call summoned Elcon’s thoughts from the gray wasteland they wandered. The garden path they walked appealed to him more, for the vibrant garments of fall dressed the trees. A piquant breeze stirred the leaves and searched his collar as he bent his head to focus on her familiar face. “I’m sorry, Arillia. I have much on my mind.”

With a gloved hand she touched his face. “What a weight you bear, Elcon. I hope you will not let it overcome you.”

He captured her hand and carried it to his lips in a courtly gesture that brought a sparkle to her eyes. Tucking her arm into his own, he took her farther into the scented shade. She matched her steps to his and, when he paused, turned into his embrace. This time he kissed her in earnest, much as a thirsting man quenches the need for water. He drew away to look at her and caught his breath at her dewy skin, reddened lips, and pale oval lids. She opened her eyes, gasping a little, and he backed away, for honor’s sake.

She gave a slight smile. “That was not a goodbye.”

“It will have to serve as one, since you intend to leave me this day.”

She sent him a coquettish look. “You must find occasion to visit Chaeradon, Elcon.”

He sobered. “It will be some time before I can do that, Arillia.” He tucked her arm in his and strolled back along the path. “I depart tomorrow on a peace-making tour of the Elder lands.”

“Is that what so occupies your mind?” Jealousy tinged her tone.

“I’ll come to Chaeradon when I return, Arillia. I promise.”

A contented look settled over her face. “I’ll look forward to your return.”

They walked on in silence, but when he started toward the fountain where Kai waited, Arillia touched his arm and stopped him beneath a strongwood tree. “Wait. I’m not ready to go back. I need to know something, Elcon, and I want the truth.”

He lifted an eyebrow. “Go on.”

She looked full into his eyes with shadow and light playing over her face. “Do you mean to court me?”

At her words, laughter shook him.

Horror crossed her face. She stumbled backwards, turned and ran.

Elcon recovered his wits and caught up to her. He took her by the shoulders, but she averted her face. “Forgive me, Arillia. I don’t laugh at the idea of courting you, just that you would ask such a question after…” He sent a look Kai’s direction and lowered his voice. “Do you think I would embrace or kiss you if I did not mean to honor you?”

Her face lit with sudden joy, and he flicked her tears away with his thumbs. “Stop weeping, dear one. I have a journey to make, but when I return, if you will have me, I’ll court you.”

She smiled and reached to place a kiss on his cheek. “Keep safe on your journey, Elcon. Remember, I await your return.”

He laughed at the satisfaction in her tone and pulled her into his embrace. “With that in mind, I’ll take even better care of myself.”