Jovari the Blue

Chapter 29: Spiders in the Forest

Ashvale

Claire took in the sight of Ashvale, enamored by the cottages spanning the main thoroughfare. They reminded her of Taylynn's. Only, these were less overgrown. She hadn't yet been inside the city of Esterpine—Taylynn wanted to wait for her to regain her memories first—so this was the first spriten settlement she'd set eyes on.

It had taken two days to get here. Two days in Talon's brooding company. She'd quickly learned that the best way to halt his brooding was to surprise him with kisses, so she'd done so at many opportunities. But, that also came with it's own challenges, because he had a way of pushing her towards the point of no return, and she wasn't ready to give her body to him. Yet.

"I don't even know where to start," she mused, setting off down the main thoroughfare. Sprites were out and about, some in their yards, tending to gardens, others out for a stroll. At first, no one noticed them. Then, a gasp sounded and a female sprite rushed over. "My queen," she cried, loud enough for everyone to hear.

Others stopped, turning to gaze at her. Within moments, she was the center of attention. Sprites gathered around her, echoing their surprise. Talon moved in close, as if worried they'd harm her. His hand squeezed hers.

"I am looking for a woman named Lixiss," she announced. "And possibly...a place to stay."

"But, you already have a home here," one of them said, while another said, "I can take you to Lixiss." Suddenly they were all talking at once, offering up information, making it impossible to follow.

She looked at the spriten woman who'd first recognized her. Perhaps they'd met? She didn't want to ask, for fear of revealing the loss of her memories. "If you are willing, can you act as our guide?"

"Yes, of course," she said. Then, "Back to your own business, all of you!"

The crowd dissipated.

"This way," the woman beckoned.

"What is your name?" Talon asked, saving her from having to do so.

"Neiah, Your Majesty. It is an honor to meet our queen's mate. I did not know you would be here—none of us did, else we might have prepared a feast in your honor. But that is no matter, as I am sure we can whip something up tonight."

It was on the tip of her tongue to refuse, but Talon beat her to it. "Do not trouble yourselves on our account, Neiah. We have other matters that will keep us busy."

"Very well. Now, here we are. The royal cottage. This was where you stayed the last time you visited Ashvale."

"Yes, of course. I remember now," she lied.

"I can also take you to Lixiss, if you are ready."

"Thank you," Talon said. "We would like to go at once."

Lixiss's cottage sat at the edge of the city's settlement. The woman in question greeted her warmly, sending Neiah on her way. Her cottage was cluttered with books, crates, and other nicknacks stacked precariously. Everything looked a single breath from toppling over.

They gathered in the kitchen, around a large central table. "I assume you are here for the drink of enlightenment again?" Lixiss asked, curious.

"Actually, I am not sure." If the king tree felt it safe to trust Lixiss, then she would. She told the woman of her missing memories, of the way her magic had been cut off after Kane had done something to her. Lixiss listened in silence, bustling about her kitchen as she placed ingredients into a pot, humming here and there. When she finished, Lixiss set a cup in front of her and Talon, each filled to the brim with dark liquid. It let off a repugnant scent that had her crinkling her nose.