Emerali: A War Song Tapestry

Chapter 14

It was past midnight when Emerali finally awoke. The room was dark except for a waning candle on the night table beside the bed, and the ruddy glow of an expiring fire burning low in the fireplace. In this dim light, Emerali could just make out Devaen lying sprawled out over a sofa that was impossibly small for his tall body. He was sleeping fitfully, shifting about awkwardly.

Emerali smiled, watching him fondly. She felt a sense of security and comfort with Devaen's presence. His open and cool demeanor set her at ease and at the same time attracted her immensely. All at once she recalled the dance she had shared with him at the Festival; how she had felt in his arms. A fiery glow rose to Emerali's cheeks.

While Emerali was musing thus, Devaen turned abruptly and rolled off the couch. He fell to the floor with a loud thud. He exclaimed softly and picked himself up, muttering angrily. Emerali couldn't help laughing softly.

Devaen turned to her. "Emerali! I hope I didn't wake you."

"No. I was already awake. Are you okay?"

"Oh, sure. I should've just lain on the floor to begin with--can't fall any farther than that. How are you?" Devaen approached the bedside.

"Fine, thanks to you and Thori. I'm indebted to you both. I can't believe I was such a fool!" Emerali said, shaking her head.

"You made a mistake--no worse than the one I made leaving my friends behind when they needed me most. And there are no debts among friends," Devaen told her, warmly.

"I've put you out terribly. I'm feeling much better now; I can go home and you can reclaim your bed. You can't possibly sleep on that tiny thing."

"Absolutely not. It's after midnight. I wouldn't think of letting you go at this hour. I can go down to the sitting room; the sofa's bigger there. I only stayed here to see how you got on and if you needed something. Are you hungry or thirsty? I can get you something if you'd like."

Emerali smiled. "No, I'm fine. Thanks for being so sweet."

Devaen smiled back. "Okay, then. Well, you just try to get back to sleep. Thori asked me to tell you that she'd pay you a visit tomorrow once you were settled." Devaen then added another log to stoke up the fire, stirred it to liven the flames and with a gentle "good night", he left the room.

Emerali settled back into bed, snuggling the pillow and thinking of Devaen's kindness and gentleness. Ere long, she fell sweetly asleep, still hearing the soft sound of his voice in her mind.

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Early the next morning, Devaen escorted Emerali home. Although she was fully recovered, he insisted that she take things slowly and allowed him to pick up the things she had left back in Theobomos. After some convincing, she finally gave him leave.

Devaen left and returned very quickly. "Okay, that's done. Now I'm staying with you until Thori comes."

"Devaen, I'm fine. It's all over, and I'm completely healed," Emerali laughed.

"My mind is made up, my friend. Do you want anything? Maybe something to eat?"

"Well, since you insist, I would enjoy a cup of tea. It's a bit chilly since the house has been without a fire for a couple of days," Emerali replied.

"Okay, just sit down, and I'll light a fire and start on the tea. No protests! I've got everything under control." Devaen set to work with amazing celerity.

Chuckling, Emerali sat at the dining table and watched Devaen bustle about. As she sat watching him, she lapsed into reverie. Something suddenly occurred to her. "You know, it's funny, I had the strangest dream last night." She paused and scoffed. "It's so silly; I'm almost embarrassed to tell you."