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Relian scowled. “Of course it’s a woman. I don’t like males in that way.”
“I believe there are many details you’ve left out because I can’t see how you’re aware of all this.” Kenhel gave him a chiding look.
“There are many things I haven’t told a soul. If you wish to discuss this further, let us go to the kitchen for our supplies first. We can speak while we ride. I desire privacy when talking about such matters.”
Kenhel nodded. “That’s understandable. Let’s go before the afternoon is gone.”
Once in the countryside, away from prying ears, Relian recounted his story. Kenhel listened, his eyes wide and his lips parted, while hardly bothering to guide his horse on the trail. Relian knew his story sounded fantastical, but his friend believed him. Kenhel’s expressions played over his face, leaving no doubt about that fact. Although his friend could apply that mask of elvin inscrutability if the occasion warranted it, he often didn’t do so around close family members and friends. It was a side of him that Relian had always appreciated.
The tale finished, Kenhel shook his head, awe written across his features. “Simply amazing, my friend! Leave it to you to liven up this place when I’ve been trying to do so for centuries.” He pouted at Relian before growing serious. “Have you thought about looking in the main library for any information or prophecy on the veil? How about the smaller studies and libraries that litter the palace?”
Relian shook his head. “There’s been much research done because of the recent rending of the veil. I know there’s nothing of help. Besides, we were both there for the forming of the veil, even though we were very young. We would’ve certainly heard about a case like mine involving a human had there been one.”
“That’s true, but there were a few humans who crossed over with us before the veil’s final closing. Some, albeit not many, Erians have human blood.”
“But as you said, all this happened before the final closing of the veil. The full-blooded humans that are alive are all bonded. None of these could be my human. So while they might have gained our longevity, that doesn’t help me.”
Kenhel’s hopeful look deflated. “I guess you’re right.” He paused and then cringed. “You’ll soon have to tell your father. Otherwise, he’ll find out somehow. If he learns of it through gossip or the such, it won’t be a peaceful scene. He has quite the temper.”
“I’m well-acquainted with it,” Relian said, his tone dry.
“You would be. I’m afraid you inherited part of his temper.” Kenhel became serious again. “Thank the heavens you two rarely display even a portion of it.”
“In this case I don’t see how he’ll hold even a fraction of it in. It’ll not be a restful scene, no matter how he finds out.”
“Aw, Relian, do you want me to hold your hand while you face your father?”
Relian made a face at him. “No, I think not. I’m quite past the hand-holding stage of elfling-hood, thank you. Now, when will you be?” He raised a taunting brow. “I can remember a certain elf who had to learn self-control over his temper. He once broke his friend’s toy horse when he wanted one like it but didn’t get one.”
“You’ll never let me forget that, will you?” He frowned, his mouth turning down in displeasure. “I was only a hundred years old—just a babe.”
“I forgave you a long time ago. Still, when you had to help the carpenter in his shop and serve as his lackey, I found it quite pleasing.”
“Yes,” replied his friend sourly. “I’m sure you found great joy in it.”
They rode for nearly another hour until they came to a secluded waterfall that cascaded from high up a sheer rock face into a crystalline pool. As young elflings, they’d often snuck out of the royal city and into this wonderfully fun paradise.
Once they saw to both horses, they set about feeding themselves. With full bellies and after a slight rest, they stripped down to loincloths to swim. As they splashed around and tried to dunk each other, Relian’s stress floated away. His father was right, as much as it rankled to admit it. This afternoon relieved much of his tension. Telling Kenhel of his binding to Cal played a big part in that. Though he still had a great deal to worry about, all seemed brighter at the moment.
