I laughed, my body feeling limp and liquid. “Much.”
He cradled one hand at the back of my head since we were lacking in pillows. After a moment, he said, “I’m glad we came here, Eva.”
I couldn’t help getting the warm and fuzzies that he was actually glad to have faced his past. Maybe moving forward, it wouldn’t pain him so much. And I was glad we could do the whole moving forward thing together.
17
Serentha returned at dawn. It was way too early, but at least with the magic Crispin had given me, I was feeling steady. Serentha could be rude all she wanted.
Crispin made tea, offering me the only available chair at the small table. Serentha already occupied the other. She wore the same dress as the day before, not a single hair out of place from her tight bun, her pointed ears bare. I briefly wondered where she had slept, then decided it was none of my business.
“It’s gone?” she was saying. “You’re sure?”
“Quite sure,” Crispin said, leaning one hip against the narrow kitchen counter as he cradled his tea. His hair was still a little mussed and his clothing was dirt-stained, but the twinkle was back in his eyes, and that was what mattered.
Shaking her head, Serentha peered down into her tea. “I discussed with Allistair the possibility of a new pathway. We ask that you do it near to the village.”
All of the sparkle drained from Crispin’s eyes. “You don’t like celestials or magic. Why would you possibly want that?”
Her fingers flexed around her teacup, her eyes still downcast. “If the pathway is here, folk will travel from all over to visit. They’ll bring goods and coin. We won’t be so isolated.”
“I take it this is Allistair’s concern and not yours,” Crispin said blandly.
Once again, I was wondering if I should step outside, but there seemed to be no good way to excuse myself.
It took a moment for her to nod. “That is true, but I find I have come around to the idea. Should you like to visit again, it would be an easier trip.”
We both stared at her. I would say I was waiting for the punchline, but I was pretty sure Serentha wouldn’t know a joke if it bit her on the ass.
“I won’t stay permanently,” Crispin warned.
“And I will not ask it of you.”
Since she wasn’t looking at either of us, Crispin took the opportunity to look at me, but all I could do was shrug.
Still seeming unsure, Crispin said, “I will return when I can.”
It was almost imperceptible, but it seemed like Serentha relaxed. If having perfect posture and a perpetually tight jaw could be considered relaxed. “Very well. Shall we see to it then?”
We were left blinking at her once more.
“You want us to regrow the pathwaynow?” I asked.
She finally looked up from her tea. “Yes. Why not? Have the celestials not left us separated from those on the earth realm for long enough?”
I blinked at her, thinking it over. “Well we may end up needing a little extra help, but I guess we can at least try.” It seemed like a long-shot, but we did have the Realm Breaker, and Crispin had a lot of magic at his disposal here.
Plus, he seemed relieved at my words. He may not have forgiven his mother—and I didn’t blame him there—but it seemed part of him still wanted to please her, and I wouldn’t get in the way of that. We could at least try.
Serentha stood abruptly. “Allistair asked that we meet him at the tavern. The others will surely want to stand witness to anew pathway being formed.” She stepped around her chair, then pushed it in. “I’ll go there now. Come when you are ready.”
Neither of us said a word as she walked across the small room and exited her home.
After the sound of her footsteps receded outside, Crispin looked at me. “We cantry? Are you mad?”
I waved him off. “Hey, you’re all filled with magic here. It won’t hurt to give it a go.”
He stared at me for a moment, then stepped close and kissed my cheek. “Thank you, Eva.”
