Part 8 - Mysterious Words

Allana smiled when Adira finally stopped her busy pacing and sat by her side.

“And then? How do you feel?”

“Better now. I was famished.”

Adira laughed loudly and patted her hand.

“Elian told me you’ll be leaving with them … ?”

“Yes. I’ll be returning home …”

“That’s good. But be careful not to lose perspective of things.” Allana looked at her, intrigued, and Adira smiled. “Don’t let yourself be dragged by your own feelings. There are times when one has to listen to our head and keep our heart in silence. Sometimes we need to think first of ourselves before thinking of others, which is mostly easier said than done.”

“Oh, I know.”

Adira considered the girl for a moment and smiled kindly.

“Was it the pain I see in your eyes that led you to leave your home?”

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Allana looked suddenly startled but the motherly expression she found on Adira’s face made her feel more at ease.

“Yes. I ran away. Maybe I should have stayed …”

“Just look at it this way. If the sacrifice you were willing to make could be avoided than it wasn’t the right sacrifice. It wasn’t worthy. There are much bigger, more important things in the world than the whims of ones and others, or the existence of this or that Kingdom. But you’ll understand what I mean soon enough.”

Allana was taken aback by the older women’s words. She had never heard anyone talk like that, not to her, anyways. After all she had always been the irresponsible child. The one that didn’t understand anything. All that was required from her was that she’d behave and obey to what she was told. And to think that that woman was a mere cook that hardly knew her … Adira smiled, all understanding, and patted her hand once again.

“You’re still young. There are lots of things you have yet to learn. The next time we meet you won’t be the same you are now, and you’ll have understood all I’ve told you today.”

“I don’t understand …”

“I know. Don’t worry. I only ask that you watch out for our Elian. Up till now I’ve been the one in charge of that, with Elipson’s and Denar’s help. But from now on …”

“I can’t promise you that. I’ll be returning home and Elian … Elian has his home to defend.”

“I don’t want you to promise me anything. Just to listen to my request. That’ll be enough,” Adira smiled and stood up. “One thing you two have in common. Neither of you knows how to lie,” she added and turned to walk away, picking up a pile of clean pans on her way.

Allana was about to leave when Elipson appeared at the door.

“Everything is decided, as expected. Come. Let’s ready our horses. I need your help,” she added, lowering her tone, and Allana nodded following her outside.

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