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Melantha glanced at Elspetha. The human princess held Melantha’s gaze, her eyes and mouth tightening with a warning, as if she was telling Melantha that she would protect Farrendel from any emotional manipulation Melantha might try to slip into a letter.
Still holding Elspetha’s gaze, Melantha tilted her head in a small nod to let her know she understood the unspoken message. Farrendel deserved to have someone protecting him, and Melantha fully agreed that she should be kept accountable, given her history.
As if satisfied, the smile returned to Elspetha’s face, though her words held an edge, as if they were a test. “Did Farrendel mention to you yet that he has applied to get a magical engineering degree at Hanford University in Aldon?”
“Essie, it is not official yet. They could still say no.” Farrendel ducked his head and shifted, as if embarrassed to find himself the center of attention. Or perhaps he was worried about Melantha’s reaction.
Six months ago, she would have scorned such a choice. But now, all she could think was how good a fit this was for him. He had been such a curious child, incessantly askingwhyuntil it drove all of them to distraction. She smiled and reached out to squeeze his shoulder again. “Good for you. It is time you showed everyone just how brilliant you are.”
When Farrendel peeked up at her again, he flashed his smile, that same one he had worn as a child when he discovered something new and interesting. “I will write and let you know if I am accepted.”
“I would like that.” This was what Melantha should have been doing all along. Encouraging her siblings to pursue their talents and abilities and dreams in whatever place and calling they had been given.
Something in Elspetha’s shoulders relaxed, and it gave Melantha hope that she had passed Elspetha’s test. Elspetha’s voice was brighter, more genuine, as she said, “I hope you and Rharreth have a more enjoyable, less harrowing return trip to Osmana.”
“So do I.” The time with just her and Rharreth had been pleasant, but nearly freezing to death had been far less so. “I would invite you to visit Osmana, but I fear it may be a long time before it will be safe for Farrendel to travel in Kostaria.”
Farrendel gave something like a shiver. “I am sure it is beautiful, but I have no wish to spend more time in Kostaria. I think any visits might have to occur on that new bridge spanning the Gulmorth.”
“Yes, that is probably for the best.” A part of Melantha ached that she might never be able to share her new home with her family. But, that was all right. As long as she could still share her life through letters, it would be enough. And far more than she deserved.
“I can still give you that haircut, if you wish.” Elspetha gestured first at Melantha, then at Farrendel as if to show off her skills.
Melantha touched the short spikes of her hair. It was ragged yet, but she had clipped it into some semblance of order. “Thanks for the offer, but I believe I am beginning to like my current style. Short hair will be more convenient while treating patients.”
“Yes.” Farrendel nodded, reaching up with his free hand to brush his own shorter hair. “I have to worry less about it getting caught in a gear or setting on fire when welding.”
Magical engineering sounded dangerous. But Melantha probably should have expected Farrendel would not pick a new pursuit that was entirely risk-free. She rested a hand on his shoulder for one last embrace. “Stay safe, shashon.”
After Melantha and Farrendel exchanged arm-embraces, Farrendel and Elspetha strolled off, Elspetha leaning against him as she said something too soft for Melantha to hear. Whatever it had been, Farrendel gave a laugh under his breath in return.
He was happy. Knowing that, Melantha could be content to leave Tarenhiel behind.
“Isciena.” This time, it was Weylind and Rheva striding to her out of the darkness. Weylind halted in front of her and gripped her shoulders firmly. “Will you be all right, returning to Kostaria?”
Even now, after everything she had done, her protective brothers were looking out for her. Melantha embraced Weylind’s shoulders and met his searching gaze. “Yes. It feels like where I am meant to be.”
Weylind’s mouth tipped into something that was almost sad. “I always knew you were too confined at Estyra. I am sorry there was not more I could do for you.”
Rheva stepped in and replaced Weylind in hugging Melantha’s shoulders. “And I am sorry I did not see how miserable you truly were.”
Melantha gripped Rheva’s shoulders, and she had to swallow several times before she could speak. While she was glad to return to Kostaria with Rharreth and her new life there, her heart still ached at leaving her family behind. “Do not blame yourselves. Everything I did is solely my fault. I have shifted the blame for my bitterness, my anger, and my actions onto others too long to allow you to do it for me.”
“Still, I am your friend and sister. My magic should have given me an edge to sense your troubles. Of anyone, I should have seen more than I did.” Rheva’s dark brown eyes were soft and sad. “I will miss your support. And I will definitely miss all your help in organizing events. You know how I hate talking with large groups of people.”
“I think our newest sister Elspetha will be more than happy to take on any duties you give her when she and Farrendel are in Estyra. She will be the breath of fresh air to the elven court that she has been to our family.” Melantha glanced past Rheva to where Elspetha and Farrendel had disappeared into the darkness of the forest.
She was almost sad that she would not be there to see the chaos—the good kind of chaos that would shake the elven court from its stale ways—that Elspetha would unleash on Tarenhiel if given the chance. Hopefully Farrendel would think to include those details in his letters.
“Yes, she will do wonders for the court, I think.” Rheva’s smile had a tilt of mischief to it. It faded after a moment. “Weylind and I are also planning to give more duties to Ryfon and Brina, now that they are older.”
“Could you tell them that I am disappointed that I missed seeing them?” Melantha wished she could have had more time to visit with her only niece and nephew. Did they still hate her, after all she had done?
“I will.” Rheva’s smile lingered as she gave Melantha’s shoulders another squeeze before she stepped back. “Stay safe in Kostaria, and please feel free to write now that trade will likely strengthen between our kingdoms.”
Weylind gave her a last embrace and a nod before he and Rheva turned to walk away.
Melantha reached out and caught his arm. “Oh, and Weylind?”
