Moongrace

Part 14

They were standing at a crossing of three country streets in the middle of nowhere it seemed. As far as you could see there was only grassland and nothing else. It was the border to the Queens country Lardon. If they went east they would enter Pacen, a country ruled by a human King. Evan was born in Pacen, but his family lived so close to the border that it was easier to work in the Queens country. At first, he had not worked in the Queens castle but at a rich nobleman's estate. This Lord had sold him one day to the Queen and he had followed. Since that day, he had worked and lived at the castle.

Eleeza seemed weak and was very quiet. So, he decided to first make a short break. Usually he would try to get home as fast as possible from this point, but now he had the responsibility to keep Eleeza safe.

"Do you want to eat something?" he asked her.

But she just shook her head. He put the bread down and took her hand: "What is it? Are you hurt?"

Eleeza nodded. Evan removed the veil: "Tell me! What hurts? Talk to me!"

She sighed: "It's my wounds. They hurt like hell. I guess some have opened again. The buckles on the way made my back bump and scratch to the wood of the seat. I actually feel quite sick of pain." A tear found its way down her cheeks. Angry she wiped it off.

Evan carefully took her in his arms: "Soon it will be over, my dear!"

She nodded and cleared her throat: "Where are we anyway?"

Evan smiled: "At the borders of Lardon, not far from my home"

She raised her head, and though she could definitely not see nevertheless focus him, Evan felt as if she looked directly in his eyes.

"Your home? I have never asked you about it. How does it look like? Do you have family there?"

Her lids closed over her eyes. Maybe it had only been a coincident that she found his eyes.

"I was raised in Pacen, the country next to Lardon. Our house is very close to the border. It's a beautiful place, but very small. We have a little farm in a valley surrounded by meadows and small forests. There I learned to be a gardener – we have a big garden next to our farm where we grow vegetables and roses. I also try to plant more colourful flowers, in honour of my Mom. My Mom died a few years ago, but my Dad still lives there. My sister has already married and built another house next to our farm. There she lives together with her husband and her three children and cares both for my father and the farm. She must be pregnant with her fourth child now."

Eleeza listened amazed: "It sounds amazing! Tell me about your family, please."

He smiled: "Well, my Dad is a great man. He is hard working and affectionate. But he can be very strict and does not like to see you make the same mistake twice. My Mom's death did affect him very much, but he came back to everyday life and is working again as much as ever. He laughs a lot, but I think deep down he hides a lot of sadness. We were all sad when my mother died, but we learned that life has to go on. My sister is kept busy by her family. Zoe is a good mother and my nephews and nieces are awesome. They are loud and wild, but well, you will see when you meet them. I adore them! My brother in law, Arlen, is great. He is helping a lot on the farm and supports my family. He is a strong man and very nice. He jokes a lot, you will see."

A smile was on her face while she listened: "This sounds so wonderful! I really look forward to meeting your family. I just hope that they will like me..." she added.

"They will love you! All of them will try to get your attention."

She smiled. "I hope so very much!"

Then she turned her head. She had heard something, sounds of hooves and a rattling: "Something is coming." she said and pointed west.

Evan turned around: "You are right! There is a cart coming, drawn by a horse. Did you hear that? It's still quite far away!"

"How far? I was hearing something for some time, but could not identify it."

Evan was stunned: "It will take another fifteen minutes to reach us."

Eleeza smiled: "I am getting better!" she said happily.

Evan hugged her: "I am proud of you!"