Keeper of the Lost Cities: Elysian

Chapter 71

Never before had sleep felt so good. Especially with the soft, comfortable blankets nestled around her, the scent of duskbeams and cooking food...

Wait, what?

She threw herself upright, nearly hitting her head on what appeared to be a set of drawers and bookcases. She was garbed with a simple white nightgown that wasn't hers, with her clothes folded neatly in a pile at the foot of the bed. The majestic morning sunlight filtered through the window panes, illuminating Elysian's room.

She was in Elysian's room? Where were the others? But especially...

Keefe.

Did her plan work?

Did he make it? Where was he? Was he alright?

"Oh, you're awake," a voice said. The small brown armchair beside the study swiveled around, revealing Merida perusing a thick reference book. As she spoke, her eyes didn't leave the intricate text, but her voice was joyful. "I assume you have plenty of news for us, given how long you were underwater."

"Wait-" Sophie started. 

"Breakfast first before anything," Elysian ordered, walking in with a tray filled to the brim with delicacies- sliced fresh fruit topped in creamy custard, bread with an aromatic oil spread, and a glass of the special mango lemonade drink.

"Thanks," Sophie said, her stomach growling loudly. How long had she gone without food? She didn't think about that, instead focusing on the task of devouring everything.

"Hey, that's a lot more than what you gave me," Merida complained, but her eyes were playful. "Although, to be fair, I didn't nearly die of drowning and hypothermia while handling a ghost assassin, a creepy hole with a consciousness that's been trapped for billions of years, and a boyfriend who just returned from the dead."

"Wait, I almost died?" Sophie blurted out, her dulled mind still trying to comprehend Merida's long speech.

Her summary and frank tone made the previous night seem much more surreal than Sophie had thought.

Her memories from last night were still foggy, and her restful sleep had been devoid of dreams.

"Again, you mean?" Elwin said, striding in. His expression was sharp but still held concern. "You make my job very difficult sometimes... this time, I had to be dragged through a long, dark tunnel by Flori, charge into a creepy hallway, and help all of you. I don't understand everything... and I know there are secrets that require discretion... but I swear I'll remain silent about it. You were underwater for more than two hours. That's a new record for breath holding at Exillium, isn't it?"

Sophie's mouth fell open, nearly depositing its contents onto the bed sheets.

"After Sandor regained consciousness, he nearly strangled Flori," Merida added. "But after we tried calming him down, he demanded that all of us hold the rope as he dived down. I had a feeling you needed more time, so I may or may not have knocked him out again."

"Um-" Sophie started again but heard a strange commotion outside. Shouting. Banging on the door.

"That'll be Sandor and your friends," Elysian explained with a wince. "Everyone's eager to learn what happened after your parents gave you permission to run off in the middle of the night for a dangerous, unpredictable mission."

Oh, dear, Sophie thought, realizing she would likely face an abundance of yelling soon.

"Anyway... I brought you someone," Elwin said hopefully as he rummaged through his bag. The object he held up was so familiar, yet so impossible. Bright blue cloth. A Hawaiian shirt. A trunk...

"Ella!" Sophie shrieked, squealing in delight before she could stop herself. But something didn't add up. "Wait... how? My parents told me she was lost in the fire."

Elwin looked at the ground sheepishly. "I made a replica of your original... I know it's not perfect... but... I thought you'd appreciate her for companionship and better sleep."

"Thank you so much," Sophie interrupted, hoping that was enough to express her gratitude. She cuddled the new Ella close to her chest."I promise I'll take good care of her."

Elwin leaned down to kiss Sophie on the cheek, and she could have sworn his eyes were wet.

But when he stood, his heartwarming smile was back. "Remember you can stop by to visit. Anytime." Then he dipped his head deferentially to Elysian and Merida, left, and shut the door behind him.

I will, Sophie promised silently. I will.

"Sophie, we know you've gone through so much," Elysian said solemnly. "And we respect any time you feel comfortable sharing. Or if you don't feel comfortable sharing at all."

"Oh, that's- of course," Sophie fumbled. Everything had gone by so quickly, and she was still working out how to ask the question she was dreading.

"But even though we would really like to know," Merida said mischievously. "We think it would be more appropriate for later because you've probably been waiting to see someone. That someone also happens to be waiting for you."

Sophie had been waiting for this moment but hadn't had an opportunity to ask. Or maybe she had been too terrified.

"He really is?" she asked tentatively, searching Merida and Elysian's eyes. She didn't know what she wanted to ask specifically. Was he alive- did he make it? Was he awake and conscious? Was he standing right outside the room, eavesdropping on their conversation?

Elysian's laughter sounded like crystal tinkling. "He woke only an hour ago, and the first things he asked to see were you, a hearty meal and drink, a titanium barrel he could use as cover if Ro arrived, and you. He's in the living room right now, probably stressing out waiting for you."

Sophie felt like stressing and burying herself in a blanket stack as well. What could she say that would ever be enough?

She probably was gripping the tray too hard. Her smile was likely more of a grimace given how she was forcing it.

"Sophie, get a grip on yourself," Merida ordered. "How embarrassing would it be if you managed to survive drowning, hypothermia, a ghost assassin, and a creepy hole with a consciousness that's been trapped for billions of years, but failed to say hi to one boy?"

Sophie felt like any of those things Merida listed would be a walk in the park compared to the task at hand. She also felt like flinging a pillow at her.

"What Merida means is talking to him isn't as bad as you think," Elysian reprimanded, but the corners of her lips were turned up. "Don't compare yourself to anyone- all you have to do is be yourself. You are enough."

You are enough.

The words resounded in her mind over and over until Sophie realized they had been what she needed to hear. She was enough, so there wasn't any use waiting anymore.

"I'm ready," Sophie whispered. She pushed the covers away and stood.

She didn't care that her hair was messy, that she was wearing only pajamas, that she was barefoot, and that she didn't have a speech planned.

After all, a mere wooden door stood between her and Keefe. That was a massive improvement from a dark, raging river.

Without further hesitation, she stepped forth and opened it.