“Incredible.” I adjusted my spectacles and marveled at the ingenuity, squatting down to see how he’d attached everything.
“It’s come in very handy lately.” His words were slightly grumbled, as though visitors were a sore spot. I could understand that completely.
“Chairs?”
“Seir will bring his. And there are these.” He walked down the short hallway and opened a closet, extracting a few wooden chairs that were folded completely flat.
Again, I marveled at the design, poking and examining how they moved. “Fantastic.”
“I’m happy to share the plans,” he said, giving me a genuine smile. “Though I can’t take all the credit. Several of the craftsman who came from the conclave to work on the cabins are the ones who created the design.”
“Well, they’re brilliant. I’d love to have the plans, thank you.” When I’d have time to make tables or chairs was a mystery, but it was a project that excited me, and that alone made it worth pursuing.
“I’ll copy them when I do the logs you need,” he said, chest puffed with pride.
“Can I help with anything?” Phin offered.
“I think we’re all set, actually, but thank you. Make yourself comfortable. Ramsey, would you like something to drink?”
The hound walked into the kitchen, she and Merry having a private exchange. Merry filled a large bowl with water and set it on the floor, and the hound immediately started drinking.
Phin went to the sofa and sat in the end seat, Ramsey settling between her feet once she’d drunk her fill.
“You too, Tap. You’re a guest, please relax.” Merry motioned at the couch, and I went to join Phin at her command.
I was the recipient of a sweet, gentle smile as I sat, and my heart thudded happily.
“How long has Ramsey been with your family, Phin?”
Ramsey perked an ear at me. Her chin rested on Phin’s thigh, and she cracked one eye open to stare at me.Careful, demon. It’s impolite to ask a lady’s age.There was a subtle change in the depth of how her voice registered that indicated she’d only responded so I could hear.
I mean no disrespect. It’s just genuine curiosity, I promise. A habit leftover from all the time I spent managing familiars.
“As long as I can remember,” Phin said.
Both of Ramsey’s eyes opened and she pinned me with that potent amber stare.I was with Terra before Phin was born.
“How wonderful you could be reunited.” I fidgeted with the tiny scraps of black lacquer that remained on my nails and spun my ring. “Am I right to assume you’ll be going with us to the crossroads?”
The naked hope on Phin’s face made the bond flare painfully. I rubbed my hand over my chest, trying to ease the ache.
For tonight, yes. But tomorrow, I must leave again.
“Tomorrow?” Phin’s voice cracked and so did my heart. Even Ramsey whined.
I’m sorry, mistress. I have tasks that are not yet complete. But I will come back to you, as soon as I can. I promise.Ramsey’s glare made me shift in my seat.You and I must speak privately later, demon.
I dipped my head, subtly acknowledging her statement.
The door to Merry’s cabin opened fully, and Hailon came in, arms stacked with baking dishes and bowls. Behind her was Seir, somehow balancing multiple chairs on each arm as well as more food.
I jumped up to help, and before long, the table was set, the food was spread across every inch of Merry’s countertops, and we were all seated with a full plate in front of us. Ramsey had been treated to her own plate as well. Merry had gone so far as to ask her whether she’d like some of each dish and how much.
“This is my favorite thing, I think.” Seir held his cutlery in his fists like a toddler, moon-eyed over his food.
“What, the roast? Or the green beans?” Hailon asked, sampling one of the beans she spoke of.
“All of it. All the time.” He breathed in, head back and eyes closed. “We did so well on stew while we traveled, Moonflower, but I have deeply enjoyed the many hearty meals we’ve had since.”
