“You made it,” Ilario exclaimed excitedly, walking up to Eyden and giving him a quick hug before he had a chance to react. Eyden hugged him back a second later. When they broke apart, Ilario’s eyes shifted to Lora. “Welcome to my childhood home, special Lora.”
She wanted to correct him again but he pulled her into an unexpected hug and the words died on her lips. Lora awkwardly returned the gesture.
Once they were all seated and food was passed around the table, Ilario picked up the conversation. “How was the walk here? I keep telling Eyden to get a horse, it makes things much easier.”
Lora gave him a quick sideways glance. Eyden chose not to look at her and said, “You know horses eat up too much money.” He took a bite of the food and Lora decided to give it a try as well, her hunger encouraging her. The brew was better than she expected and not that far off from human food.
“If I can afford it, so should you,” Ilario said as he picked apart a slice of bread, dunking it into his brew. “Unless you’re spending it all onotherthings?” He met Eyden’s stare and she could tell they were having a silent conversation about something she wouldn’t guess even if she tried. And she did try.
Eyden broke their eye contact and said, “Anyway, the walk here was fine.” Sure, if you ignored the part where she almost got killed. Absolutely fine. “How are the preparations for Falea Night going?” he asked.
Mrs Marsyn’s face lit up. “It’s going well. I’m excited to have more company tomorrow.” She looked at Lora. “We are throwing the feast on our farm every year, since we don’t have a town square in our little village. I hope you’ll both attend after your trip.”
Eyden answered for them both. “I’m not sure—”
Ilario interrupted him, pointing his fork at his friend. “Come on, Eyden, you’ve never taken me up on the offer and you’ll be here anyway.”
“I suppose we might,” Eyden said, darting a peek at Lora, who was too lost to really agree or disagree. She knew Falea was their Goddess of Fortune and they celebrated her but she didn’t know what tomorrow’s feast would include. It sounded like it was more than solely enjoying a meal together. Did Eyden not want to join the festivities or was he trying to decline for Lora’s sake?
“It’ll be good to have some young folk around,” Mr Marsyn added. “I still can’t believe Halie is turning down our gathering for the big feast in Chrysa. You kids and Chrysa, always hunting down something bigger.”
Lora turned to Eyden, a silent question on her face. Did Eyden bring Halie here? Maybe they were more serious than she had assumed. Ilario must have noticed Lora’s quiet confusion. “Halie is my cousin. You’ve met, right?” he asked.
“Oh, yes, only once. She seems...friendly.”
Ilario laughed and she noticed his mother and Eyden tried to hide their grins. “I’m sorry, I love Halie dearly, but friendly is not the first word I’d use to describe her.”
“Our Halie is quite the spirit. She always says what’s on her mind,” Mrs Marsyn added, a smile on her lips. “But I want to know more about you, Lora. How did you meet Eyden?”
Lora didn’t hesitate as a half-truth formed in her mind. “Through the market. We’re working on a deal together.”
“Did you grow up in Chrysa?” Ilario’s father chimed in.
The full-blown lie ran over her tongue instantly. “No, I’m from Opalia.”
His eyes reflected surprise. “Really. What drew you here?”
“My father grew up here. He left when he met my mother on a trading deal in Opalia. After his passing, I decided to expand my trades outside of Quarnian and go back to my roots.” Lora almost tripped over her last words.
Ilario frowned. Before he could ask a question, Eyden intercepted, “This meal is delicious.”
Mrs Marsyn beamed and Ilario’s face relaxed as he asked, “Remember that time you gambled for that turkey brew?” He didn’t pause for Eyden to reply. “The guy was so mad he lost, he threw the dish in your face.”
“If I remembered correctly, you told him he was a fool for having taken me up on the challenge.” Eyden cracked a smile and the same happy expression was mirrored on Ilario’s face.
Ilario threw his hands up. “I was innocent in all of this. I only stated the obvious.”
“Well, the few bites I actually managed to eat were worth it,” Eyden said.
Their infectious laughter made Lora smile at their recollection.
“Lora, did you know Eyden here has a habit of getting himself into these situations? He has a real knack for provoking people,” Ilario said.
Lora bit her lip, trying to pull back the grin that wanted to spill out. “Really, I would’ve never guessed.” She shifted her eyes to Eyden and raised her dark-blonde eyebrows. She thought she saw a spark in his eyes and it made it difficult for her to look away.
Mrs Marsyn’s voice broke the spell. “Well, I’m going to bed. I have an early morning. But your room is ready. Ilario can show you later,” she said as she got up. “Good night.”
They said their thanks and when she left the room, Eyden took in their empty plates. “On that note, I think we should go rest too.”
