Everyone nods slowly, and I take time to look them all in the face.
The one male slave they brought back peers at me, a frown on his gaunt face, but I smile at him. Pressure settles in my chest as the rest watch me, and I catch Melisa’s eye.
She gives me a reassuring nod.
I make another mental note to ask her about the jewels and the books.
It’s a strange space to be in—to know just what they must be thinking and be so aware that my words can either frighten or soothe these people. I’m not that good with words; I have no silver tongue. Even my crystal singing pales in comparison to the rest of the city.
“As you all can imagine, living in a cave is not ideal for humans,” I start feeling my heart in my throat. “The lack of sunlight will do cruel things to your mind, skin, and soul. While leaving the cave is an option, we have had problems with attacks. Add in the state of our relationships with the giants, and the wisest place to be is here. Luckily, we have a way for you to get sunlight.”
I reach to the neckline of my dress and pull it down as far as I can to show the Fuegorra.
There is a ripple of reactions through the group of women, but the leather is too tight to showcase everything fully.
Luiz steps forward and pulls up his shirt, allowing the lines and contours of the crystal to be easily studied.
“¿Qué demonios es eso?”?4 one of the women with a swollen belly says, holding her midsection as if she could shield her unborn child’s eyes.
“It’s called a Fuegorra, and it is our most sacred stone,” Mother Liana says. “Enduares have used these gems since the dawn of time. They extend your life, help your body heal when you are ill, and signal your mate. The insertion is not painful, I can assure you—especially since we already have several humans who wear them in their chests.”
At this point, over fifty people, both human and Enduar, are crammed into the hall, and the humans are looking unsure at best.
One woman raises her hand but begins to speak as soon as I look over at her.
“That child has no stone in her chest. Will we need to place one in our babies when they are born?” She points to Rila, who’s still dutifully carrying bowls to be refilled with soup. Under the attention, she smiles and gives a little wave of her tail.
I look at Liana, completely unsure of what kind of answer to give her.
Liana steps forward, picking up Rila. “Enduares are already adapted to living in the mountain and do not need sunlight. As for the children who will be born in this cave, I know not. Enduares complete the ritual as a rite of passage when they become adults, and I think that may change as our peoples intermingle.”
The last line hangs heavy in the air.
I remind myself that they were excited by this idea. The Enduares are dying out, and the humans need liberation. Mating is inevitable.
Still, I step in and say, “I have spoken to all of you at length about the realities of life in Enduvida. If you do not wish to stay, I would remind you all that there are other options.”
Ayla comes forward, “I will also remind you all that we will take whoever wishes to go with us to the Enclave with us when our business in this place has been completed. However, like Enduvida, the Sisterhood de Bhaldraithe has rules. You will not be free to roam. The elven lands are too dangerous.”
Another human woman raises her hands, “But there are stories among our people of humans finding refuge among the elves.”
My stomach drops, but Ayla continues.
“Stories are not always fact. The current Elvish King has made a deal with the giants. You will not be welcomed there as anything other than what you were in Zlosa.”
The room goes quiet.
I study the faces of all those who watch us, looking for a solution to the problems.
“I want to stay—put that rock in my chest. A choice to live is more of a choice than I’ve had before,” onewoman says. Then she turns to the Enduares in the corners of the meeting place. “I choose love. I choose a future.”
A few other women nod and stand with her, resolute.
The men come to look at the women and are practically jumping off the walls to scoop up each eager human, but I raise my hands.
“Quiet! We will go slowly. The first step is the ritual. Those who want it will come to the grotto behind the palace tomorrow, and we will speak with our allies to send the rest out soon after.”
There are nods all around, and I can see some of the women coming to approach me. I catch Arlet on the side of the crowd.
