Without Words, Without Sight

18: Home

"There we are, child. Remember you promised me to rest well today."
"Thank you ever so much as always, Master Aren. Please take care on your way back."
"No need to worry about this old fox, dear", Aren laughed and waved lightly. "Good night."
"Good night."

As soon as her feet touched the familiar carpets, Iris began to strip off the heavy cloak and carefully placed it onto a chest beside the door.
She promptly felt exhausted. Surely, Nyx would not return before the middle of the night today as well.
"Feels like I won't be able to stay awake again", she mumbled and let her feet carry her heavy body over to the paravent they had brought into the chamber in order to give her some privacy. Her black dress ran down her body like pitch and fell to the floor. Its weight had not changed one bit in days. The cloth was still intact, not a single thread torn, no stains, no leaves or burs sticking to the seam. The next full moon would shine on the clearing and the lake without her. The same voices humming and chirping, the same rustle of the wind dragging its invisible veil over the land. But she would not be there to behold any of it. How lonely the thought!

She wondered if a lake had feelings. If it would somehow miss her.

Iris silently snorted at her own childish imaginings.

The cool cloth of her new nightgown slid over her skin, reminiscent of the lake's gentle waters. Nyx had seen to everything. The cloth was nothing like she had ever worn before this incredible journey to the castle. And this was only a night gown! It was simple, voluminous and flowed around her body weightlessly.

Had Larentia also been given such wonderful things? Did she have a room of her own? Did she have it warm there? She would not meet her again until the wedding ceremony, they had told her. A few days.
Iris stepped out from behind the screen.
She tried spinning around once, so that the cloth would whirl around her.
She chuckled.

Iris.

A voice from the direction of the bed.

She hurled around.

"Nyx?"

So he had actually been there!

"You are back early today!", Iris greeted him with a warm smile, after having digested the surprise. She had not noticed him at all.

Come here, he urged. His voice sounded tender.

Iris had to restrain herself from running. Nyx was sitting on the bed, a relaxed pose, offering his hand. She could already discern as much, although it still tired her greatly. She met his claw with ease, grinning broadly.

"I am making progress, aren't I?", she enquired, clearly trying to provoke a compliment.

Nyx surrendered before her enthusiasm.

Indeed, you are.

He took both her hands and gently squeezed them. His own were about three times bigger than the delicate, small-boned hands of his beloved bride.
Let me look at you, he asked, pulling her a bit closer to the edge of the bed. I haven't talked to you in three days.
"I have missed you as well. Although you were beside me every night."

You look pale.

Iris shook her head. "I am fine."
Have you been eating properly? He sounded strict.
"You worry about me too much."

Nyx clicked his tongue.

These past three days I've had my hands full with preparations and dry procedures and the only thing I was looking forward to was you, but when I got here, you were fast asleep every time. I'm not worried. I am sulking.