Perhaps Tharios can use his life magic to make it permanent.
For now, Rominy crawls into bed beside Elowyn. She’s waiting for him in the heartlanding. The thought makes him smile as he drifts off to sleep.
Whenthedoortotheir suite is closed behind them, Arisanna looks around at the garden Cerian created in this hidden room. Every time they step inside, it’s more spectacular than the last time.
“Your eyes hold the same sadness they did when we left Levina,” Cerian whispers as he wraps his arms around her from behind, and she leans into his chest.
“Do they?”
“You miss your parents when we part.”
She sighs. “You’d think I’d be used to the idea of being apart from them. It was always my future. But saying goodbye is still hard.”
“Just because it’s expected doesn’t make it easy.”
A smile threatens to sneak up on her. “I believe you’ve said that to me before, my elven prince. On a train outside Levina.”
“A lifetime ago.”
It feels that way.
“Here are words I’ve never said to you before,” he whispers. He sounds almost nervous.
What in the world is he planning to say?
“Dance with me, Arisanna.”
She lifts her eyes to his over her shoulder, trying to hide her shock. “Dance?”
“You’ll have to teach me your human steps. And promise not to laugh when I fail miserably.” He presses his lips to hers before she can respond.
Is he trying to cheer her up? Distract her from the sadness of saying goodbye?
“You really want me to teach you how to dance?” she whispers when he pulls away from their kiss.
“I wish to relieve the sadness behind your eyes.”
“I love you, Cerian.”
“And I you. Will you teach me?”
How hard those words must be for him. She definitely feels his love tonight.
Turning in his arms, she looks up at him. “Take my right hand in your left one?”
He seems unsure of himself as he glances at her hand. She should have been more specific.
“Hold your left hand up here, like this.” She moves it into place, and he doesn’t resist. “Then I’ll put my hand here in yours.”
“And we just hold them in the air like that the entire time?”
“Most of the time. This must seem strange. How do elves dance?”
“It is...difficult to explain. There are many steps to memorize. I’m not good at remembering the steps.”
“Well, this should be easier. It’s just a few steps to remember. Now put your other hand on my back like this.” She moves his hand into place, and he smiles.
“This part is pleasant.” He pulls her against him, but she shakes her head.
