In Lost Dreams the Four Were Bound

40 - Elis - Evening Delights in Troubled Times

Elis's small abode could barely accommodate three, much less four of them. As Elis and Rais prepared the small bits and whatnot, Elis lured Davnian and Neris to the upper terrace in a bid to leave the housework to the inhabitants. With a couple of bottles of honey wine, the pair seemed content to wait out the setup above her abode. All the while, her ruby-haired ears listened for telltale signs of arguments and fighting. As a pleasant surprise, the turmoil had abated.

The meal itself had been simple soup, bread, and aged cheese. Neris had grunted, no doubt used to rarer fare. Elis laughed at her scoffing but knew she appreciated the hospitality. Davnian, on the other hand, was less picky, though more distracted than anything. He had laughed and commented as they talked but did not add much to their conversation. Despite his overall morose demeanor, he had worn a jovial smile as Rais tried to tell her story of sitting with him the day prior.

With the late afternoon winding away and the gilded rays of sunset encroaching, Neris took her leave. Elis listened and peeked from her window as Davnian followed the Delvori out. For several moments they whispered together before Neris let out a sad sigh. About to turn around, Neris spun Davnian in place and brought her lips to his. Without another word, she turned and strutted off into the evening.

[Remember, I'll be coming back for you.]

Neris's words unsettled Elis as they rattled through her gold-seated brain. She had expected something akin to them from Davnian but not from Neris. Why would she be coming back? Was she reading too much into them? Maybe she meant that night. But the sense she had from the tone made the hairs on her neck rise.

The rest of the early evening had drawn on. Rais had begged to take out her colors. As Davnian watched patiently from the corner, Elis obliged. For a few hours, they tested colors with sentae, prepared older mixtures for application, and steeped the blue flowers from earlier that day. As the sun's gilded reds gave way to dark blues and purples, Elis pondered a series of blue and green vials. The pigments were weak, as she had feared, but when added to the potent sentae, they seemed vibrant and alive. By the morning, they would be ready for application. Perhaps it was time she tried doing Rais's face.

With the last hour of the azure evening fading, Rais let out a deep yawn, and Davnian dozed in the corner. He was just like his boyhood self, if not a little less severe despite the morbidity.

"Alright, Rais, let's wrap up," Elis said as she pulled the girl away from her project. Rais nodded in response as she staved off another yawn. Elis fetched the lantern, then led the little girl into their small bedroom.

"We didn't get to talk a lot," Rais said as Elis closed the door behind them.

"You'll have plenty of time to talk in the days to come. Let's change back into your other dress."

In response, Rais raised her arms and struggled to free herself from the yellow sundress. Elis patted her elbows. Rais straightened her arms upwards, and Elis pulled the dress free. Elis ran her hand through the little girl's hair and then drew Rais near. She tickled her brown ears. The little girl giggled and sighed. With agility, Elis fetched one of two white dresses. Elis had Rais stand with her arms up as she placed the garment on her. After coaxing her into bed, Elis tossed off her sullied white tunic, then reached down and fetched one of her loose lavender dresses. Donning the garment, she turned to Rais, who was huddled under their quilt.

"Are you going to stay up, zaisure?" Rais asked, fighting to stay awake.

"Just for a while, my little one," Elis said as she sat beside her. She stroked Rais's hair, then bent over and kissed her forehead. "Davnian and I are going to talk for a bit. Is that OK?"

"Yes, zaisure," the little girl said, yawning once more.

"If you need anything, we'll be either in here or right outside. You can call for us."