A Court of Light and Darkness

Fifteen: Freesia

The tent was warm, heated by the big hearth radiating from the center of the spacious tent. Walls made of thick fabric separated the rooms from the main area of the tent. Females buzzed to and from the rooms, trays of food and medicine in their hands.

A group of elderly sat around the hearth, their chairs shaped to fit their weathered with age wings comfortably. They all chatted with each other, giving no attention to the others walking about the space.

Freesia followed Nesta to the second room on the left, leading into a kitchen. A door on the right showed a room with a table displaying trays with readied food and medicines awaiting their escorts to waiting mouths.

The working females in the kitchen seemed to stiffen at Nesta's arrival, their conversation halting or becoming more hushed. They all looked at her with weary eyes and a hint of annoyance. It seemed Nesta hadn't warmed to everyone just yet.

The females' eyes darted away as Nesta met their stare with a challenge in her glare, all but one. A small female, her long white hair reaching her lower back in a braid. The challenge in her bright blue eyes was just as charged as Nesta's. The smirk on her lips just as devilish.

Freesia knew exactly who the female was before Nesta and her approached her. Knew that this female was one of the only Illyrians in this camp that matched Nesta's fire, and didn't back down from the challenge.

"Good morning, Meg." Nesta purred, her arm still holding Freesia's. "This is Freesia. Azriel dragged her here for a good part of the week so she'll be with me for a little." Freesia's heart swelled at Nesta's words. The fact that Nesta wanted to spend time with her meant more then Freesia ever thought.

"I'm Meg. I'm one of the few people here that can stand to be around Nesta for more then a few moments, so you'll see me a lot." Meg's eyes stared into Freesia's, a challenge and a test to see if she would back down. She did't.

"I'm a little new to social interaction, but I haven't grown a disliking for her just yet. Maybe give it a few hours." Freesia said, giving Meg a small grin that matched her own.

"Ya. I like her." Meg said to Nesta before turning back to the stove she was stirring a pot of what smelled of rabbit stew on top of. "Emmy and Lilliath still need their breakfast and meds. Wouldn't take them unless it was you delivering. Per usual" Meg ordered, muttering that last part under her breath.

Nesta started for the table with trays lying on top, grabbing one and handing the other to Freesia. They walked out the opening in the fabric that led back to the first area, the hearth still burning a bright red over the coals.

They neared the group of elderly huddled around the heat, still chatting with one another. They all turned to Nesta as she stopped in front of them, right next to a old woman with long, gray hair that was in a half up half down bun. She was still beautiful, Freesia noted, despite her age.

"Heard you wanted me, Emmy." Nesta said to the old female looking up at her, her grin growing at the sight of her. "You too, Lilliath." She looked over to the female two seats from her. Long, bone white hair draped over Lilliath's shoulders, her eyes a piercing blue that almost seemed to glow.

"The other females are suck ups." Emmy complained, waving her hand in front of her in a dismissing manner.

"I just like the sight of your face." Lilliath crooned, her lips tugging upward in a devilish grin. Nesta laughed at that, walking over to the female and placing her tray on top of her lap. 

"Take your meds you old crone." Nesta sauntered back over to Freesia, leaving the other female to eat. "Emmy, this is Freesia. She'll be with me for a few days to help out." Nesta gestured for Freesia to step up to her side.