Playing Hosts

I couldn’t help it. I tried not to smile so widely because I knew I looked like a goofy five-year-old excited to eat cake, but no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face. Aiden and I sat on our horses just inside the gate of the outer wall to the castle. The envoy had been announced a few hours before and now I was completely giddy with excitement. Tallyn and his wife Lily were getting close to having their first child, so he was unable to make the trip, but Maerryn who had trained right alongside his brother was coming to help train the new recruits and with him, his soon-to-be-bonded mate Fairwynn.

I had been in a much darker place when I went to my cousins’ home in Vesaria, but now that hope had been restored to my life I was more myself and could now return all the warm love and support that Maerryn and Fairwynn had tried so desperately to show me. When the envoy crested the hill so they were easily viewable, I shifted back and forth on Ghost. The horse twitched under me, causing me to tighten my legs to make sure he stayed under control.

Aiden looked over at me with a raised brow. “You didn’t seem this excited to see me when I came to collect you from Vesaria. Does our home not fit your needs, little sister?” The sparkle in his eyes told me he was just teasing but I realized there was an element of hurt there too. I grinned wider. “I’m excited to show them my home after they were so kind to me. It is ok, if I call this home and am excited to welcome them, right?”

My words had the desired affect on Aiden. His smile deepened, his chest swelled with pride, and he nodded in agreement. Since the moment Aiden had met me we had a deep connection. He says that it was because while he was growing up he wanted siblings more than anything. Now that he had one I felt like he was trying to make up for lost time. Then again, by Elf standards I am still sort of a “baby sister”. If I hadn’t been raised by Humans I would still be treated like a child.

Just then Maerryn and Fairwynn, along with all the king’s horses and all the king’s men, rode through the gate and into our outer bailey. Maerryn quickly dismounted and helped Fairwynn off her horse. She did the typical walk and stretch that signifies her tailbone was done with the whole riding thing. Taking each other’s hands, they turned and faced us, giving formal bows. Aiden held up his hand and prepared to say something while I quickly threw myself off my horse and flung my arms wide, hugging them. Aiden stammered behind me.

“I’m so glad you’re here! It’s great to see you again,” I declared.

Fairwynn laughed and hugged me back. Maerryn pulled back long enough to see I was smiling, then crushed me tightly in a bear hug. “Oh, it is so good to see you doing better little cousin.” He growled happily as the air was forced from my lungs.

Fairwynn patted his arm and he realized I was turning blue. She hugged me again. “You have color again, and I don’t think I’ve ever really seen you smile.”

I motioned for Aiden to follow then linked arms with the couple and marched them towards the castle where we could let them rest and talk more. Taking Ghost’s reins in hand, he guided my horse back to the stables with his own all the while mumbling about how I had stolen his moment to make a speech.

Once our guests were settled into their chambers and dinner had been enjoyed by all, I made my way to the sanctuary of the library. I had underestimated how much playing hostess would take out of my energy levels. Voice?

Yes, my Princess? answered the familiar voice.

You’ve been quiet lately and I miss you. Are you mad at me? I asked.

No? answered Voice.

No? That’s not reassuring. You are or your not, I told him, frustrated.

I’ve been thinking, he told me.

That’s never good. What about? I asked.

Where I am, all I can really do is think. He was hesitant. You know who I am, don’t you? I’m someone very important to you, aren’t I?

You are.

When I think of you I feel hollow and it hurts. I think I need you, he told me.

I felt like the wind had been knocked out of me. I need you too. I’m so tired of hurting.

How do I come home? he asked.

You can’t just come home. You’re dead. It hurt telling him that. My heart squeezed in my chest.

Well that’s problematic. How much longer will you be alive? Voice seemed concerned. I couldn’t tell if it was loneliness or hope that made him ask.

Centuries. I paused.

Well, then there is only one answer. My heart pounded in my chest. If he asked me to join him in death right now I might not be able to resist. We need to find a way to make me not dead.

My heart melted. My death wasn’t an option. It was then I realized someone was shaking me. “Alizeyah, are you all right?”

I blinked up at Fairwynn. “Yeah, sorry. I am tired. Hostess is a new job title for me,” I told her, smiling.

Fairwynn smiled softly. “Let me walk you to your room.” As she offered I felt her pull me to my feet. I was helpless to resist her. I nodded and answered the questions she asked me along the way.

Alizeyah? What is my name? Voice asked softly.

Lord Hudraer. Your name is Hudraer, I told him.

Hmmmm. Call me Hue, he told me. I felt my lips curl into a smile.