“I believe you may need spectacles.”
Laughter overtakes him, and she smiles in return.
“The sentiment is appreciated, though,” she adds.
“I’d offer to brush your hair, but I’d probably just make it worse. I don’t have any experience with long hair.”
“It’s all right. I’m ready to lie down again, anyway. Don’t tell Tharios I said that.”
“Of course not. We wouldn’t want your healer to know you’re tired.”
She tries to hide a smile, but she can’t. She’s far too expressive for that.
He lifts her again and fumbles for the door before carrying her back to the bed.
Tharios starts to rise from the table, but he glances at Arisanna and changes his mind. Is she insisting people eat again? The thought makes Rominy smile. Some things never change, which is oddly comforting given how much his life has changed in such a short time.
Sanna is still Sanna. Taking care of everyone.
Tharios shovels what’s left of his eggs into his mouth before downing what looks like tea. Then he wanders to Elowyn’s side, where she’s curled up under the covers again. That trip to the water closet took a lot out of her.
“I dislike this deadweight that is my arm,” she mutters to Tharios.
Rominy tries not to smile. She complained about it in the water closet, too.
“Give it a few hours. Healing takes time.”
“Mother healed Pera on the battlefield in minutes.”
“And almost killed them both in the process. You are not the King of Lostariel trying to prevent an unnecessary war, I’m afraid. You’ll have to heal the slow way. That’s the safest option.”
“I wish to note for the record that I do not like this at all.”
Tharios grins. “Noted. I’ll put it in my healer’s log.”
“Good. I’m just closing my eyes now. I’m not sleeping.”
“Of course not.” Tharios shakes his head.
“I want more coffee when I’m done closing my eyes.”
Rominy sighs. Of course she does.
“That can be arranged. I’m going to help Cerian with something while you close your eyes. But you’re in great hands.” Tharios glances at Rominy.
Elowyn mumbles something unintelligible in response. Sure, she’s just closing her eyes.
“Will you be all right?” Tharios asks Rominy. “Grandmera is nearby if you need anything.”
Rominy gazes down at the slow rise and fall of Elowyn’s chest. “We’ll be fine. Do you have a book or something I could read?”
Tharios collects a volume from the chair in the corner. “I hope you like elven fables. Viala’s been working her way through this one.”
Rominy frowns as he thumbs through the pages. It’s written in Elvish. Then he shrugs. It has nice illustrations.
And it’s better than nothing.
As the others leave, he turns to the first page and stares at the Elvish runes.
