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A big part of me believes him when he talks so positively about our future. The other part of me, though… It’s not like me to be pessimistic, but I can’t ignore the whispered doubts in my mind.
And I wonder what the consequences will be if he’s wrong.
HANNAH
I’m getting used to the vortexes. They’re disorienting, but Ellister always holds me close during the spiral and he’s sure to break my fall with his own body if he can.
Gently rolling me to the ground, he jumps up after our landing. With his hands on his hips in a defensive stance, he scrutinizes the area as if he’s checking for danger.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so alert. He seems to have an endless supply of energy since we left our mountain crevice.
First, he took me back to the inner cave to collect the few possessions we have. Inside the sleeping bag, we rolled up my fae attire, all our human clothes, and any spare candles. We left some of the blankets behind because the bundle was already big enough.
Next, he brought me to a waterfall deep in the forest where I was able to rehydrate. Apparently, Day Realm water is not only safe to drink, but it’s one of the most refreshing beverages in Valora. In addition to filling my belly, I also got to thoroughly clean myself. The water was naturally warm from the suns, and as I stood under the rush, it massaged my scalp.
It would’ve been a sexy location to mess around, but Ellister was in a hurry to bring me to this house he found for us.
Once he assesses the area for any threats, he helps me to my feet.
I brush myself off as I stand in the front yard of a farmhouse.
It’s more of a cottage, really.
The one-story home is small, with a bumpy stone exterior and wooden shingles. On the left side, there’s a chimney, but Ellister told me we shouldn’t need fire for heat because there are no seasons here. It’s just sunny and warm all the time. On particularly hot days, cooking and boiling water can be done outside in a firepit.
I guess it really is like a permanent camping trip.
The absence of air conditioning is going to take some getting used to. In the meantime, I’ll be relying on cool baths to get some relief.
As the sun beats down on us, I imagine the inside of the house is sweltering. We’ll need to open the windows immediately. The glass panes are coated with a grimy film and framed with wooden shutters.
Could this feel like home eventually? I think so. Once we make it our own, it’ll be cozy.
My lightweight fae slippers feel ridiculously out of place as I step onto the cobblestone path leading up to the front stoop. I realize these shoes match the dress and they’re meant for a lady, but they’re not practical for outdoor labor of any kind.
Which I’ll be doing a lot of.
Grass, weeds, and bushes are overgrown everywhere from years of neglect. They spring up along the side of the house, the split-rail fence lining the property, and the old barn.
Honestly, I can’t wait to get my hands dirty.
“Can you get me some boots like yours?” I ask Ellister, envious of his sturdy footwear.
“I suppose I could find some boys’ shoes that might fit you. That would be more conspicuous than your modern sneakers and safer than the slippers.”
“Boys’ shoes?” I repeat. “What, women don’t wear boots?”
“Rarely.”
“Why? Aren’t they allowed to work in Valora?”
“Of course they’re allowed, but they only do it if they must.”
“Well, Imust,” I emphasize his word choice, “for my own sanity and for the sake of this farm.”
Grinning, Ellister gestures to the chicken coop and the barn. “After cleaning the inside of the house, I think our main focus this week should be repairing the outbuildings.”
Nodding, I study the missing boards and rotted wood. While the house seems to be in decent shape, the chicken coop and the barn are another story. Exposure to the elements has left them worn.
