The Slums of Euridayl

30: Home

The docks of Taudor greeted the tired travellers like a mother. She ushered them inside and wiped the snow from their brows, gushing about how the trip had gone. Enid and Kieran were greatly relieved to be home.

First on their list of businesses to attend to was finding their way to Silverpelt manor. It was a sizable house on the rich end of the merchant city where all the other rich bastards stayed. Kieran admittedly resented the rich, Enid however cared only to see their dear friends.

The way was a cobblestone path which was hardly trodden at such a late time at night but the dim light of lanterns slipped out of the closed windows, giving them just enough visibility to watch their steps as they hurried about.

Neither figure felt the need for idle chatter as they drew closer to the home. It wasn't until they stepped through the gates that one of them spoke.

"What if he isn't home?"

Kieran shrugged. Their footsteps settled on the porch now and his fist was drawn to tap on the large wooden doors.

The first two knocks went unresponsive and Enid had started to gripe about how they'd be better off finding a pub for the night.

"Damn you, wench, be quiet."

Enid's eyes went wide in disbelief as she stared at the man. Realising he'd spoken aloud, Kieran opened his mouth to apologise. Enid had started to slap him wildly about the head when the door drew open and the two of them stopped their bickering.

They met eyes with a grinning Idemay Silverpelt and their cheeks tinged pink from embarrassment. The young girl opened the door wide so they could step inside and mentioned her father was in the sitting room.

"Thank you, dear. You've had a growth spurt since we last saw you!"

The young woman smiled at Enid and nodded.

"I'm almost as tall as pa now."

The woman's brown eyes shined proudly and she pulled her long dark curls back into a tie before taking Enid's arm and ushering her into their spot in the sitting room. They fancied the sofa amidst all the books rather than the window seat that Niall often occupied.

Idemay was a sweet girl, but not one to be crossed for any reason. She was nearly twenty now and getting wiser and wiser by the days. At times Enid felt she could not keep up, but she was forever fond of her young friend.

"What of the lessons?"

Idemay nodded, brows furrowing in thought.

"With my other family? The Amistoso?"

Enid nodded.

By now the men had gathered amongst themselves near the window and Niall had drawn Kieran into his arms for a crushing hug. Niall appeared to be in good health, still ever the handsome and tall stranger. Though the reading glasses about his nose betrayed his growing age. Kieran was relieved to see Niall, but it made his heart ache for Cael. Nevermind that, he sat beside his companion as the man excitedly asked how he'd gotten his legs back.

"We found a healer outside of the Euridian city. An older gentleman. He had an old potion recipe that did the trick. A lucky shot really."

Niall nodded, eyes glimpsing over to the brown sofa set where Enid and his daughter were chatting. Upon catching a glimpse of the woman, his face darkened.

"What's with the bandage?"

Kieran sighed, shaking his head.

"She won't tell."

Niall nodded. He was familiar with such matters. Whenever someone gave Idemay trouble, it was a hellish endeavour to get her to admit the details.

"Well when she does, you let me know."

Kieran grinned a little at the hidden meaning of Niall's request but nodded.

"Anyhow, the two of you, what will you do now?"

Kieran allowed himself a light blush and smile as he looked at his companion. Niall raised a curious and prodding brow, waiting.

"We're to be wed this spring."

Niall's eyes widened to the size of ponds as he crushed his friend in for another tight hug.

"Bloody brilliant. And she agreed??"

Kieran scoffed at the comment but accepted it. Enid was hardly a loving companion but she cared for Kieran very deeply and that was something he could accept.

"She did. We're going back to Dillac for the wedding. We've already written to our families, some of them will attend."

Niall's smile was sharp and his eyes were alight with mischief.

"Cael always wanted you to have some little ones running around."

Kieran scrunched his nose playfully as he glimpsed back at his lover fondly. The woman was sitting with Idemay, musing over her latest lessons contentedly.

"How is Cael?"

Niall's eyes grew weary and he waved for Kieran to follow him.

"Not here"

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