Dyn's' first impression of the Elhena was frailty. Her arms were sharp-edged and brittle, jutting from the layered strips of mountain silk that blew against her in the breeze, revealing an impossibly thin frame, delicate lines and severe angles that belonged to some geometric sketch or proto-Dynian cave drawing. It was difficult to imagine her shape had any flesh at all, any muscle that could hold her up or move her. He imagined her a girl made of bone and skin, or fashioned from bleached wooden poles, her joints scraping together as she advanced, stilt-like legs creaking with each step.
Her skin too, paper-thin and clear as glass, as though she would tear or shatter with the slightest touch. So delicate that the silks she wore were like armour in comparison, shielding her stark blood vessels from being snatched by the wind, crisscrossing threads of blue and green ripped from her body by the slightest breeze. Each point of skin that the sunlight could reach, forearms, cheeks, neck, already bore the sign of damage, peeling redness and creeping blush the only colour in a paleness that extended to her eyes, her lips, her hair, all shades of white and grey.
He had seen Felldanans before, with their strange thinness, but hers was more pronounced, certainly several degrees more so than Ellith - she at least had familiar curves and shape where muscle and fat grew under her skin. But it was his first time seeing the paleness she'd inherited from her father - the tribe he was from, the Aleun, didn't leave the mountains.
The combination was certianly unsettling. He could almost imagine her the spectre of his childhood nightmares, flying down from the mountains to snatch him out of his bed. But in reality, it wasn't exactly intimidating and Dyn felt his panic fade slightly. Despite his grandmother's warnings, he couldn't marry the Alehihedd reputation with the wisp of a girl he saw now, not much older than him, confined to a cabin for her journey, struggling to keep from wincing at the bright sunlight. However impressive she must be in her homeland, here she was surely as weak as she looked. She had relied all her life on the high-spirit environment of the capital. Here, it was probably difficult for her to even stand.
Yet, stand she did. If she felt the burden of the heat or the weight of her body, she didn't show it, maintaining a regal posture and eyed him and Scholar Mallin with cool, flat authority. Dyn met her eyes - steely grey flecked with yellow, like marble, with glittering veins silver running throughout. She examined him. He felt like he was being paraded before her, a curiosity, a novel amusement like a trained animal brought to market, expecting him to do tricks for scraps. No matter that this was his home, that she was a stranger in these lands, she was certain that everyone was here to cater to her desires.
And there he did see danger, and the fear grew again. He felt a pull. Something within her gaze, her stance, the ceremony, her titles, the announcement, the deep blue silk emblazoned with the sigils of the Five Tribes. She was here with authority. He understood the importance of this moment, this visit, and the warnings of his father now screamed louder than his grandmother's. If he could See then, he was certain he would see that pull around her, altering his energy by the reach of her influence. Her very presence changed things.
He felt his knees shake, but stubborn instinct returned her look in challenge, denying her the chance of belittling him, refusing her claim on him. Within, he grasped at all that was his and held it tightly. She would not change him.
He was suddenly aware of the length of silence after the Elhena's appearance. He didn't want to show deference, but it was still proper to show courtesy to a guest. He searched for the right things to say, cursing himself for not paying attention in Dynian politics lessons. Was he the representative here or Scholar Mallin? Did Felldana go by seniority or was it family member? Was the standard greeting appropriate or would the mention of friendship be presumptive to royalty? He was thankfully saved by the scholar.
"W-we are of course incredibly honoured by your visit to this humble estate, Elhena." Scholar Mallin broke the quiet, a disbelieving stutter before becoming seemingly distressed. "Apologies, you must think us incredibly uncivil with lack of preparation. Especially watching you approach with so much trouble and not offering aid sooner. We must have missed the anouncement of your arrival, or we surely would have endeavoured to prepare more suitable arrangements." The concerned tone sharpened, and Dyn's heart skipped a beat at the implication. The two attendants' expressions visibly darkened, though the girl kept her imperious stare. Scholar Mallin continued, seemingly unaware.
"Unfortunately, we will need some time to prepare your rooms, so must ask you to please wait here for the timebeing." Scholar Mallin turned to Dyn, and he saw in the stiffness of his smile, the tenseness of his jaw, the scholar was irritated. It gave Dyn heart to know that, despite her expectations, the Elhena would find no willing subjects here.
"I apologise for no notice. That was my oversight." Ellith responded, her easy smily now a little more forced. "I expected the staff of the famed Lythdin estate capable of accomodating our small company."
"Ah, and there lies your error. This 'staff' you speak of is myself and young Dynil here. It's a sad reality for many of us in the outlands after the no-trade policy was enacted and we lost vital sources of income." The attendants stiffened, and the Elhena's pale lips tightened. "Dynil, please wake Ma Lythdin from her afternoon sleep so she can keep our esteemed guests entertained while we make arrangements."
Dyn sped off through the courtyard, containing the impulse to break into a full sprint.
"It may be some time before she is ready to receive you. She would surely not have been taking her daily rest if she knew you would be arriving. Apologies for the discomfort in such heat, it's truly a terrible time of day to be travelling..." Scholar Mallin's voice faded as he entered the house. Kifa followed him inside curiously. She'd been roused by the commotion outside but had still been unwilling to go into the full heat, the sun soaking readily into her thick black fur. He faltered, scratching at her soft head and drawing comfort from her presence while he fabricated scenario after scenario of terrible consequences.
You'll be fine. They'll keep you safe.
Maybe they would. From her, they probably could. But he could feel the change with every step. The secure obscurity they'd worked for was being torn from him strip by strip. He wanted desperately to speak to his father but didn't know whether it was even safe to bring him here.
Ma will know.
With a deep, shaky breath, he knocked at his grandmother's door, holding himself straight. His grandmother valued resilience and he thought this was surely a moment to be brave. There was a pause, then she answered drowsily from the dark room and her voice, the voice of stern lectures and hard truths was also the voice that soothed, inspired, promised him home.
It dissolved what strength he'd pulled around himself and he finally broke, pushing through the door and falling onto the bed, clutching at her with tears, the fear he'd been keeping at bay now rushing to the surface. Trembling, chest and throat constricted, fingers curled against her back, shaking so hard their joints ached.
"Oh. Oh no, it's OK. It's OK, I'm here. What's wrong?" She woke immediately, arms round Dyn, head pulled up and away, searching him for injury, looking to the door, to Kifa who softly padded into the room and curled against Dyn's back. "Where's |Mallin? Are you hurt? What's happened?"
The soft, firm voice prised Dyn momentarily from his panic and he managed to tell her what happened. She stiffened a moment before drawing Dyn closer, holding him tightly, now drawing strength from him as he drew it from her. They lay there for a short time before she sighed.
"Well, let's get this over with."
She rose and drew her dark, tangled hair back, tied in place with a grey ribbon, and quickly splashed her face with cold water from a basin. Pulling aside the curtains, she paused again, a dark shape against the window, her wide figure and deep, rich skin was all the soft warmth that the girl outside lacked. She turned back to Dyn, now curled with Kifa's head clutched to his chest, and kissed him softly on the forehead.
"Stay here for a moment. I will excuse you. Then you need to rise. Wash your face and come back out. Show them what a Lythdin is made of." She squeezed his shaking hand firmly. " You can't stay hiding in here. And send Kifa out. We need your father." She walked from the house with a steady purpose, and the lady of the Lythdin Estate greeted royalty in her nightclothes.
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"We have one guest room, which of course will be for the Elhena. And Dynil will happily vacate his quarters to accommodate the administrator. Unfortunately, that means you and Attendant Adir will need to stay on the wagons." Ellith grimaced as Scholar Mallin led her into the courtyard, struggling with a large woven basket filled with the Elhena's possessions. Dyn trailed behind them with a load of his own. He'd rejoined the welcome after sending Kifa off, drying his tears and cooling his swollen eyes.
His mind drifted from the discussion of practicalities as the heightened emotions gave way to irritation again. He remembered he was hot, and the basket was heavy, the course woven handle digging into his fingers. Adir had taken the barrow to load the belongings of the administrator - the occupant of the other wagon who hadn't yet emerged from his cabin - and so he and Ellith had to haul the baskets by hand.
He shuffled impatiently as Ellith stopped to marvel at the courtyard garden, nodding along to all the usual lines.
Yes yes, so colourful. All plants from the forest. Yes, that is a tree, yes such a thick trunk. Mmhmm, completely solid all the way through. Yes, very difficult to grow here.
And so on. Dyn usually took great pride in showing people his garden, even Sumani were impressed with the level of growth this far out of the forest proper, but he was much too distracted to care. For many visitors here, it was their first time seeing petalled flowers, fruit, a fully grown tree. Even if they'd seen some decorative planting as they passed through Afis Dynon, their garden was on a different level.
"... setting up a cot in the kitchen. Which will be convenient for him as he will be preparing the meals for us the duration of your visit. Isn't that right Dynil" Dyn's attention snapped back to Scholar Mallin.
"I will? Well of course, I would be honoured just... How long do you intend on staying? I wouldn't want it to interupt my studies." He glared at the scholar indignantly. "And you're not a scholar who would take time to teach me lessons or anything." The man was in a mood though, and his eyes glinted dangerously.
"Ah yes, but certainly no trader either, to simply deal business and leave without enjoying our hospitality." And under his spoken words, a condescending voice.
"Trader or no trader, that was the wager. Be careful of the terms next time."
And a laugh that grated against both of Dyn's ears. He froze, speechless that the scholar would still hold him to that after everything. It wasn't his fault the guests had agitated him. Dyn stormed forwards, grumbling to himself, and Ellith chuckled at the bickering pair.
"Don't be too disheartened, young Dynil. We aren't intending to overstay our welcome. The Elhena and administrator are very curious to observe your life here, but they have taken poorly to the low-spirit conditions. And Adir and I are perfectly happy to assist with the meal preparation. We may not need as much food in the city, but as royal attendants we are capable of serving a fine banquet. Under your instruction of course." She smiled warmly at Dyn. Though she now regarded Scholar Mallin with apprehension, the boy had been nothing but helpful.
"Wonderful. I am sure he will appreciate that very much."
An awakward silence as they passed through the entrance hall.
"Have you been eating well since leaving Danala." Scholar Mallin asked politely.
"Quite well, thank you. It was unpleasant at first becoming accustomed to the increased input. I never knew someone could be that shade of green until I saw Adir those first meals. I'm sure you remember from your own journey."
"Of course. Although it has been over two decades, I have to admit I still find it rather burdensome. It does take up rather a lot of time."
The tense exchange and forced laughter was too much for Dyn. He pushed past them to the guest room and dropped the basket on the floor.
"Well, this is the room. Is there anything else to carry, or should I take care of the animals?" He didn't wait for the response before starting his way back to the wagons.
"There are two more, but I can take those if you get the beasts." Ellith called out.
Then he was alone in the courtyard and he took a relieved sigh. He would be much more comfortable in their company, and he could watch for his father from the stable. However, he braced himself; returning to the wagons meant withstanding an even more uncomfortable interaction.
While Scholar Mallin had kept his sharpness subtle, Ma Lythdin eyed the Elhena with open contempt. She leant with her hips against the low wall, arms crossed, white cotton nightshirt and trousers blowing lightly in the warm breeze. The Elhena wore a deep scowl, and her rigid posture had begun to look pained.
"Ah, Dyn. Surely there's not more to carry? If so, we should have helped out." His grandmother lifted a challenging eyebrow to the girl.
"My attendants are perfectly capable of carrying out their duties." The Elhena replied stiffly. Her face reddened, although that may have already been from the sun exposure.
"It's fine Gran. I was just going to take the akizhi" Dyn quickly clarified. "I'll make them comfortable in the stable. If the Elhena permits me to unhitch them from the wagons."
"Of course, First Son Dynil. They must be requiring... water?" She watched him curiously as he approached the akizh he had connected with before, stroking her gently down her flank as he removed the straps of the harness. She accepted his touch gratefully, pushing her nose roughly against his shoulder when he stopped petting her to pull loops of rope from her horns. Giggling, he gently slapped her wide forehead, and moved on to the others. They were intelligent herd animals and used to being handled, so they followed the first's lead with no protest.
All the while, he felt the weight of the Elhena's stare on his back as she spoke with his grandmother.
"It is well that you have provisions for the beasts. I admit, my attendantss were overly confident in their abilities to control them."
"We get traders here. It's good to keep their draught animals cared for, especially in the bad weather. Honestly, it was irresponsible of you to get the animals without anyone who knew what to do with them. Dyn'll be too shy to say but you could'veinjured them making them walk in the sun like that."
That made Dyn wince, but the Elhena didn't rise to the insult.
"Noted. And what of your own beasts? Do you care for any creatures on your estate?" And there was a hint of eagerness in the question that unnerved him. He resisted looking at her.
"Yes, we have a small herd of beshi." Ma Lythdin did not miss the change in tone either, continuing carefully. "They're a grazing animal that bears the low-spirit well. They're likely out grazing at the moment, closer to the forest, but they return in the evening. You will likely be treated to their products from our store. They produce wool and milk and meat."
This didn't seem to be the answer the Elhena wanted, but she was drawn into an in-depth discussion on the estate's farming activity. Ma Lythdin attempted to meet Dyn's eyes, but he was making a concerted effort to be forgotton. So, she let him be as he led the akizhi along the left outer wall of the courtyard, dissapearing round the corner. She hoped he was careful.
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Out of sight, he relaxed, taking a moment to breathe with his head back, eyes closed, forcing his shoulders down and his jaw to loosen. Just a breath. Then he continued leading the animals to the stable, encouraging them over the patchy scrub. Unburdened and watered, they were more animated, easily distracted by clumps of grass or the smell of burrowing insects, and Dynil found himself grabbing the lead female by the horns and urging her forward.
Come on. You can wander later. Follow me now.
He liked akizhi. They had expressive eyes peeking from the side of wide, flat heads, easy to miss underneath their woolly, dark fur. They watched intently, long looks before careful consideration, then a sure action. It wasn't always the action you wanted from them, though. They liked to test you, see whether you would challenge them, so you had to be firm. Some found that difficult, and they could certainly be intimidating - four foot tall at the shoulder, broad and strong, thick curving horns and heavy hooves. Once you stared them down, though, and pushed them in the right direction, they paid attention to you.
They remind me of Gran. Probably shouldn't tell her that.
He got them to the stable, a long, low stone building where they housed traveller's animals. Although, six akizhi might not fit. They may need to share the barn the beshi sheltered in at night, a little further from the main building. Dyn focused on the task at hand, gently searching the animals for injury, rubbing and scratching where the harness had been and fetching a small bale of dry hay in hope they wouldn't explore too far for grazing. He debated pumping more water into the clay-lined basin where the other animals drunk from, but decided it was too hot. for the manual labour. They would survive with what was there and what he'd given them already. That was an evening job.
He looked around carefully to make sure none of the guests had followed him, and then unfocused his eyes, allowing them to drift to that other state. He searched the akizhi again, this time Seeing deeper than their fur and skin, until he was satisfied they were unharmed and undisturbed.
And then he was done, and it was more difficult to distract his mind from worrying. He sat waiting, determined not to return to the hosue as long as he could reasonably still be caring for the animals. He faced west, following the narrow trail that led from the estate over the brush, the rocky outlands giving way to thick briars and gorse thickets, then waxy shrubs and low, bulbous trees, to finally reach the distant, dark wildness of the forest edge.
He squeezed his fingers hard together as time passed with no movement, pain distracting from the rising dread, each breath more laboured and shaking, eyes watering from the intensity they fixed on that green line on the horizon.
Hurry, hurry, hurry!
Until finally there was a shape, solid and swift, with something low and dark running at its side down the path towards him. Dyn rose, just barely resisting racing to meet them, and let out a cheer he couldn't fully contain. He felt tension fall from him and he almost started to weep again.
More than Scholar Mallin, or even his gradmother, Dyn saw his father arrive and knew that everything would be OK.