The Light of Roria

Chapter Eleven

"Are you warm enough?"

Elijah pulled our couch blanket over my shoulders as he spoke. I was so emotionally and physically exhausted, when we'd reached the house, I hadn't even bothered going upstairs.

"Yes, thank you."

Jake, who had stepped outside to speak on the phone for a moment, came through the front door, kneeling directly before "Is there anything I can do for you?"

I declined. I wasn't even sure what I could do to help myself.

"Call me for anything, Addisyn. I meant it." I gave Jake a polite smile as he said his good-byes to Elijah and Staci.

Staci set out a few blankets on the floor, setting two sets of pillows on opposite ends of the blankets. "You can sleep here if you want, Elijah." She pointed to the pillows furthest from me. "I'll take the spot next to the couch." Staci recognized Elijah's desire to protect me, allowing him to remain close, but there would be no compromise. Tonight she would be the one to remain at my side.

Closing my eyes, I wondered if sleep was even an option for me, fearing also what I might find in drifting away. What kind of dream would follow me there? It was a path I was truly scared to take.

Seconds after, and as if he'd read my mind Elijah spoke. "My lady, remember, fury light guards this place. Your sleep will be a peaceful one. The magic of fury light keeps the weary heart at bay as best it can, so there shall be no dreams to fill your worried mind. Let rest your eyes. Sleep. Myself and Staci are here."

Comforted, I closed my eyes, amazed at how quickly I'd fallen asleep.

***************

I awoke to the sound of crackles and the smell of maple and ham. Yawning, I opened my eyes. Elijah, who was surprisingly busy at the stove, immediately brightened when I sat up.

"Good morning, my lady." He wiped his hands before coming over to greet me. "Do not be alarmed. I have prepared breakfast many a time, and with the help of Staci, I have come to realize that cooking is much easier here than it ever was at home. I hope you like small sections of pig and eggs."

"Sounds fine, thanks," I raised my hands above my head, standing on my tiptoes the whole way over, stretching every tight and contracted muscle.

Staci hurriedly made her way down the steps, sitting in front of a very large cup of coffee. "He really knows what he's doing! And what a fast learner, too." She took a sip, rolling her shoulders; the night having taken its toll on her as well. "You were completely passed out, so I didn't even bother waking you." Staci added.

Elijah pulled out my chair before heading to the kitchen. "Sit, my lady. Allow me to serve you."

He was catering to my every need, and I didn't have the energy to explain it wasn't necessary.

"Here you are." Elijah dumped a large slice of ham and eggs onto my plate before sitting to my right.

"This is great," I admitted. I wasn't exactly hungry, given the heavy anxiousness dwelling in my stomach, but knew a hearty meal would do me some good.

Twirling my fork around the plate, I was lost in a sea of thought. Mixed with the pain, the emptiness, and grief was an unpleasant amount of guilt. How could I have been so cold to my mother at times? Yes, she was overbearing and outrageously controlling, but she was still my mother. I should have never taken her for granted.

My own consideration reminded me of her last words. She wasn't my real mother. Some picture in a drawer would reveal who my real mother was. Still in pajamas, I slipped on my flip flops, and headed for the door, thankful Jake had retrieved my car on our way home last night.