Dearest Evelyn

-chapter 4-

(to the right is Geraldine)

Father was unhappy at first about the fox, but Mother talked him to better sense.

“The child has never had a pet before, and you won’t let her have a kitten. Let her have this. Besides, it’s a gift from her friends.” Mother said gently to Father.

“Oh, Donatella, you spoil her so. Fine, she can keep it.”

I leaped with joy, still cuddling Geraldine.

“I named her Geraldine, Mother, Father.” I said.

“That’s a lovely name,” Mother praised. “for a beautiful girl and her lovely fox.”

Father smiled his agreement, petted my hair like he always did, and left for the training grounds.

~

“Evelyn,” Hector said to me one day. We were alone, sitting atop the orchid hill. “Do you ever fear death?”

“My mother says not to, so I try not to.”

“Yeah, but have you ever thought about it?” Hector looked to me, his luminous blue eyes watching me. His very dark chocolate-colored hair swayed in the breeze.

I had noticed a change about Hector- in all of the boys. They began to drop the more childish habits, as well as playing together- although we still spent tremendous amounts of time together.

They had all lost their child-like chubbiness around the cheeks, as well as the rest of their bodies. They had become taller, and seemed to grow taller still by the day. Their shoulders had also begun to broaden, and their necks thicken. Their faces now had almost sharp features, and I could clearly see their graceful eyes. Those beautiful, wonderful eyes.

“Sometimes.” I shrugged, looking out over the hill. The breeze felt wonderful. “Like I worry about Gwindire sometimes. Since he’ll be out on the battlefield.”

“What if that were me on the battlefield?” Hector asked.

“I’d be just as worried. You know I’d be worried about all of you.”

He slightly smiled.

“Eve,” he said quietly. “Thank you.”

“For what?” I asked. I returned his smile.

“You’re a great friend.” Hector lay down on his back, resting his head on his palms. He sighed and closed his eyes. We were peaceful.

“You’re welcome.” I said after another moment.

~

Terrin caught up with me the next day. I had been walking through the small garden that belonged to the cooks, collecting herbs I needed.

He looked like he had been working all day.

“What have you been up to, Terrin?” I asked in a teasing manner.

He just smiled, leaning his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath.

“I was . . . practicing with . . . Gwindire. Then . . . I saw you . . . .”

I giggled. “What do you need? More mint salves? A concoction of clover?”

He shook his head and stood up. I was jealous of how he towered over me now. “No. Just wanted to say hello. I thought I saw some parsley or whatever it is you like so much.”

“You mean lemon thyme?”

“Uh, yeah.” He laughed sheepishly.

I smiled as he handed me the small bundle of herbs. I suddenly laughed. He gave me an odd look.

“Terrin! This is dill!”

He gave me an even odder look.

“Oh, don’t feel bad, it can be hard to tell the difference. Don’t worry though, I needed dill. Thank you, Terrin.” I placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

He looked relieved and smiled.

“Evelyn, can I ask a question?” he suddenly asked, serious.

“Sure.”

“Can I trust you?”

I crossed my heart and held up my hand.

“Good,” he said. “I was wondering if you’d like to take a ride out later through Barkley Meadow.”

I turned to face him fully. I was a little surprised by his request, but nonetheless flattered. “I’d love to.” I smiled.

He breathed in relief. “Thanks.”

“Does this require trust?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, I just don’t want any rumors going around. Especially about my Eve.”

I giggled again as he saluted me and went back towards the training grounds.

My Eve. I wasn’t sure why, but that little statement had sent jitters through my stomach. I wanted to tell Joanna, or at least Mother, but a promise was a promise. Of course I think I was just overreacting, I mean, it was just a friendly ride. Nothing more.

I was getting ahead of myself. And I half-expected the other boys to go as well. We were all friends anyways.

This wouldn’t be so bad.