Flower Falls and Crystal Calls

No More Dresses

Chapter 7

When they made it back into the compound, they were immediately stopped by a guard and told they were expected. Elle wasn't shocked by that news as she then followed Caius deeper into one of the buildings. She was surprised when they walked out into a private courtyard that had a small fountain. Yeul was trailing her fingers in the water and didn't bother looking up when she spoke.

"I trust you both slept well?"

Elle had a hard time keeping her tumbling thoughts from making her voice come out hard. "Well enough, but there are a few things we need to discuss."

Caius and Praes both glared at her for the tone she used, but Yeul only sighed as she stood and finally turned to them. "I suppose that means you have had the chance to understand. Very well." She then gestured to the two guardians. "Please leave us."

Praes stepped forward with a frown. "Please forgive me, but is that wise?"

Elle understood why Yeul didn't want things to be overheard, at least if it was what she thought it was. She waved her hand to grab Praes' attention. "How about we compromise? I can stand in the doorway so you can see me from the other room. Would that work?"

He gave her a look like she was crazy, but Yeul's next instructions were clear. "Praes, do not forget that Edelweiss was sent here by the Goddess. Etro would not have sent someone that wished me harm. The Emissary should be afforded the same respect you would give to me."

Elle cringed at Yeul's continued insistence in using her full name, but she didn't call her out on it. Hopefully, neither of the men would pay it much mind. Praes was still frowning, but he bowed. "Of course." He then turned to Elle. She could tell he was not happy about the request, but he wasn't going to contradict Yeul. He then bowed to her as well. "Forgive me, Emissary. I only speak out of concern for the Seeress."

Elle nodded and resolved to try and stand where he could see her anyway. She hoped it would ease his mind a little. "I understand."

Both men then bowed and turned to leave. Elle moved to stand where she could still see them as Yeul turned to her with a smile. "So, what did you want to discuss?"

Elle took a moment to see what she could gather from the girl's body language. She still wasn't sure if Yeul knew more than she had led her to believe and was keeping quiet, or it was something else. She sighed in frustration when she couldn't get more than what the Seeress wanted her to see. Her voice was aggravated when she spoke.

"Look, I know I tore out of here yesterday without asking a lot of questions, but with time I think I have a better understanding of what is going on. My questions have to do with how much you know? I know you aren't obligated to tell me anything, but I'm running blind here."

Yeul gestured to the wide lip of the fountain. "Please, join me."

Elle looked back with a sigh. The Guardian would just have to deal with it. She sat down on the edge of the fountain and looked to where Yeul's attention was back on the water. Both women watched the waves spread as the girl ran her fingers through the water. Elle was once again reminded of her theory and her gut clenched.

When Yeul finally looked back up again, there was a far-away look in her eyes. "Did you know that each Seeress always foresees her own death?"

Elle's fist tightened involuntarily at the thought, but she nodded. "Yes. I also know you have been forbidden from trying to change it."

Yeul raised a brow at her confirmation. "You know more than I expected." She tried to give Elle a reassuring smile. "Do not worry about me. I have had time to come to terms with that vision."

She then turned troubled eyes back down to the water. "Though the idea of my death has haunted my life, it was a set point. That is no longer the case. I have now seen two drastically different versions, and neither will resolve into clarity."

She looked back to Elle with a frown. "Why would your presence affect my death?"

Elle stood with a curse and took a few steps away. Her mind was whirling. She had been correct in her assumption that she was there to prevent the tragedy of the future, but how was she supposed to do that? She could only remember the high points of the story, and that was all hundreds of years in the future. She was mumbling under her breath while she paced.

It was several minutes later that she looked up to see Yeul watching her with interest. The Seeress' voice held surprise. "You know what is to come."

Elle sighed and retook her seat. "I know some of it, but I don't think sharing will make it better." She chewed on the corner of her lip while she tried to think of a way to line her thoughts out. She wanted to growl in frustration.

When she felt she could at least make sense, she spoke again. "Look, I am not 100% sure about this, but I think I was sent here to keep a tragedy from occurring."

When Yeul frowned, Elle held up her hands with a negating gesture. "Look, I am well aware of the paradoxes that can be caused, so I have to be careful, but nothing else makes sense."

Yeul looked into her eyes without speaking for long enough that Elle started to squirm, but she didn't look away. Finally, the girl nodded. "I will trust that anyone marked by Etro understands the consequences of rash action. I will not ask for further details, but know that any changes may result in added visions."

Elle frowned when she realized what that could mean. There was also a part of her that wondered if the future was really written in stone. It wasn't something she could control either way. She nodded. "I understand. I will keep my head down and watch. That's all I can do for now."

Yeul smiled once more. "While you are here, please enjoy our city. I already have a room set up for you here, and Caius can be your guide. I saw enough of where you came from to know this will be a change."

Elle took a deep breath. "That's one way to put it." She managed to smile in return. "Thank you. I know this has to be hard for you too. I've got to say that you handle it better than I could."

Yeul's smile widened. "Perhaps." She stood and gestured to the exit. "Please let Caius know if there is anything else you require while you are here, and we will do what we can to assist."

Elle nodded as she headed toward the door but stopped and turned back around. "There is one thing. Could I get pants instead of this skirt? I feel uncomfortable as hell in this thing."

Elle almost felt like cursing when Yeul laughed but held it in. The girl nodded. "I will see if we can get something brought for you." Elle was thankful for that much at least.

When they walked into the chamber, Yeul paused on her way to speak to Praes. "Edelweiss, please wait with Caius in the outer room. I will have a change of clothing brought to you." Elle clenched her jaw again but gave the girl a nod. It wouldn't do her any good to get pissed about it now. At least not with the leader of the City.