Talos and Cyrus

Chapter 21 - Neema

The air felt fresher in Mahali Patakatifu, almost lighter. When Queen Imani led Cyrus outside, they were met with a crowd of faeries eager to catch a glimpse of the newcomer, of the white haired Man. Cyrus felt his face flush as their whispers died off and they merely stared at him, eyes wide.

"Greetings, my friends," Queen Imani quite nearly bellowed, clasping her fingers behind her back. Cyrus tried to mimic her, but when he too clasped his fingers behind his back, his hair fell into his eyes. He moved his hands too quickly to brush it away. There was a collective chuckle throughout the crowd.

"I would like to introduce you to our guest, Cyrus, Friend of Dragon and Pilgrim of Crasmere."

Queen Imani made him sound like some grand being. Cyrus cringed at the thought.

"As I am sure you have all heard," the faerie queen continued. "We have an injured dragon on our grounds, Talos is his name."

There was a hushed murmur throughout the crowd.

"I ask of you not to disturb this dragon in any way. I am sure he would not appreciate strangers coming and gazing while he is in this weakened state."

The faeries in the crowd nodded at her words, a mutual understanding that eased Cyrus' concern.

"Thank you." he blurted out, instantly regretting piping up. All eyes were on him now, curious and unrelenting stares.

"Thank you for giving my friend some much needed space." he said quietly, feeling his cheeks grow hot.

Queen Imani brushed his shoulder with a kind hand.

"Neema!" she called out suddenly, her voice like the crack of a whip. Instantly, a girl in the crowd began to move forward, gently pushing others out of her way. She wore a short lilac cloak, draped over her shoulders and tied in a knot across her chest. Beneath it, Cyrus could see she was wearing a form fitting, forest green shirt, which matched the trousers that ended just above her ankles. She wore no shoes.

As she drew nearer, Cyrus felt his breath catch.

She was absolutely entrancing. Her ebony hair fell in tight curls all the way down to her waist, tiny braids hidden amongst the locks. Her eyes were gray, as gray as the sky after a heavy rainfall. Colorless and pristine. A small smile crept onto her face as she met Cyrus' eyes, and she gazed at him for just a moment more when he looked away abruptly. She stopped before Queen Imani and bowed shortly.

"You will take our friend to the guest abodes. Please see to it that he is comfortable." the faerie queen commanded, her voice firm.

The girl, Neema, dipped her head.

"Yes, My Queen." she replied, her voice quiet. She glanced at Cyrus and smiled at him, taking a step in his direction.

"Come, this way." she said almost excitedly. Cyrus gave her a tiny smile before following after her, feeling the eyes of the crowd of faeries burning into the back of his head. He walked alongside the girl, who seemed no older than he was, careful to keep enough distance so he wouldn't accidentally brush her hand.

"Neema, that's your name?" he asked after a moment when they were out of earshot, feeling his voice quaver. The girl grinned.

"Yes, it was my grandmother's name." Her voice was like a song.

"Oh, that's very nice." Cyrus replied, gritting his teeth. He didn't think he could survive walking in silence with her. Thankfully, Neema carried on the conversation.

"So," she said. " 'Friend of Dragon', huh?"

Cyrus chuckled.

"A strange title, isn't it?" he laughed. "It's not every day you hear 'Friend of Dragon.' When I was younger, I hoped to be an 'Esquire' or a 'Knight.'"