The older elf was sitting in a rocking chair on her wraparound porch with a steaming mug in her hands and a blanket across her knees when Killian approached.
Her mouth was set in a firm line, no doubt she’d heard Killian coming, the familiar tune he whistled as he strolled up the dirt path between their houses having given him away.
Killian stopped before the porch steps, his big bay following his lead a few steps behind him. The horse nuzzled at Killian’s hand with his soft muzzle, searching for treats.
A genuine smile spread across Killian’s face for the first time since returning to Turell. He called out, “Can I tack in your barn for the night, my good lady? We’ve had a long journey, you see, and we’re so very far from home.”
Eria, a plump elf with dark hair and a pale eyes frowned at him. The shallow wrinkles on her forehead crinkled. She had aged visibly since Killian had last seen her, but she looked just as bright and beautiful. “Oh child, you shouldn’t have come.”
Knowing she would never truly refuse him, Killian bowed and started off towards the barn.
Eria didn’t protest.
By the time Killian had untacked, brushed the stallion down, and gotten the horse settled into an empty stall, the sun was sinking behind the mountains in the distance. The sky turning a brilliant show of orange and red.
Eria had set out two places at the table for a hearty meal of stew and freshly baked bread. She bustled around the kitchen, taking out two glasses and a decanter of local red wine.
Killian looked around. The space felt different than heremembered, something missing from the warm, cozy home. “Where’s Oriphen?”
Eria jerked, spilling a bit of the wine on the table. “My husband passed a few years after you were taken away.”
Heart sinking, Killian moved to take the wine from her hands, placing them on the table and then turning to gently bundle the older elf in his arms. “I’m so sorry, Eria. Oriphen was the best of us.”
After a moment, Eria squeezed him back, melting into his chest. Her kind smile was a bit wobbly when she pulled back. She patted him on the cheek. “Thank you, child. He missed you. He took your sentencing hard. We both did.”
Eria and Oriphen’s cozy cottage had been a sanctuary for Killian, it was more a home than the del Torau’s farm had ever been. The first time they’d found Killian with black and blue bruises littered across his face and ribs, they’d insisted he come live with them; take the empty room at the back of the house that they’d never been able to fill with a child.
Killian had refused. Unwilling to leave Kade in that house all alone.
So they opened their doors to Killian whenever he needed it. On nights he went hungry because he wasn’t welcome inside the farmhouse, Eria and Oriphen gave him warm food to fill his empty stomach. On cold nights when his room in the barn nearly froze—the old tack room not meant for keeping heat—Eria and Oriphen gave him a bed and warm blankets. On nights when he was beaten and bloody, Eria and Oriphen would call the healer and watch over him until his broken body was mended.
But every time, after dinner or early the next morning, Killianwould return to Pella and Tyr, because he wouldn’t abandon Kade to them.
It had been something that haunted Killian, consumed his thoughts while he wasted away in the dungeons; he’d never gotten to say goodbye.
They sat down, Killian to Eria’s left at the head of the table, picking at the bread and sipping at the wine.
“I don’t regret it,” Killian admitted suddenly. “I’m not sorry. I know that’s not what you want to hear, but I’m not. I would do it again in a heartbeat. You know what kind of monster he was.”
Eria’s face shuddered closed. Killian was expecting a rebuttal, a rebuff that would shame him more than Pella could ever dream to. Instead, she took his hand, cradling it between her two palms. “I know, child. I know. Oriphen never said, he knew how I feel about things like this, but he was proud of you. He was proud of you for defending yourself, and for protecting that brother of yours. Tyr was a monster, there’s no arguing that, but I still wish things had come out different for you.”
Killian squeezed her fingers, his throat thick with emotion. “It’s alright. I’m alright. I promise. I’ve done well for myself.”
Eria smiled at that. “You have, haven’t you?Look at you.So strong now.” She pinched his cheek. Hard. “Which is why coming back here was the dumbest decision you could’ve ever made. What were you thinking? You made it out, child, don’t ruin that by coming back. There’s nothing for you here anymore.”
“I’m not staying,” Killian said, defending himself. He swatted her hand away from his cheek. “I’m only here because Pella asked to see me.”
Eria reared back in surprise. “And you agreed?”
“I was curious.”
“Right. I’m sure the only reason you’re back is becausePellawanted to see you. Don’t take me for a fool, Killian.”
Killian glared at her, but there was no real heat in it. “So maybe Kade also asked to see me. But that doesn’t mean I’m staying.”
“Good.”
“Good.”
