Concerns
The next two days passed in a blur for Thariin. The first time they went to the market, they inquired about work, but nothing seemed to be going. Reeva offered to let Thariin stay, an offer the girl gladly accepted, and thereafter she was part of the household.
Reeva wasn't a hard task-mistress; most of Thariin's work revolved around Lrona. The child was spirited, forever running off to play, and Thariin grew skilled at diverting her attention to something closer to home. Reeva's husband, Alos, was rarely home during those days; he was busy sorting and cutting the gems and crystals, Reeva explained.
On Thariin's second full day, Merrick arrived.
"Uncle Merrick!" Lrona and Thariin had been playing in front of the house; Lrona dropped the game, quite literally, when Merrick appeared.
"Lrona." He swung the child up into his arms. "Thariin. I see you've decided to stay."
"For now, My Lord."
"It's Merrick." He sounded faintly irritated. Thariin wasn't sure what to say, so she just nodded. From Lrona, she'd heard tales of Uncle Merrick and how strong and quick he was, and what a brave fighter; Reeva had explained that Merrick was the Princess's protector and one of the Warriors who protected Animaria. And wherever she and Lrona went, they were asked about him.
"How was the party, Uncle Merrick?"
"Long." He swung her down again. "Are your parents home?"
"Papa is working. But Mama is here! Come on!" Catching his hand, she dragged him into the house. Thariin gathered the game and followed more slowly.
"Thariin!" Reeva said, when she saw the girl. "Have you met Merrick?"
"Not formally, Reeva. We have met, yes." She turned to examine Merrick. That first time they'd met, it had been growing dark and she'd been able to make out little about him. Now she could see better. Merrick's hair hung long around his face, dark but for an odd white streaks at each side of his face. He bore the Warriors' uniform proudly, but his eyes were gentle and kind…like his sister's.
"Merrick, this is Thariin. Thariin, my brother Merrick." Thariin caught her skirts and curtseyed to him. Merrick returned it with a bow.
"So formal, Thariin?" Reeva asked, smiling.
"Merrick's position would mark him as nobility in my home." Thariin explained. "And respect for nobility was built into me." Merrick frowned but didn't comment on it.
"Well, we're pretty informal in Animaria." Reeva told her. "You don't need to worry too much about it." Thariin nodded, turning away.
"Did you want me to take Alos his supper?"
Behind her back, Merrick and Reeva exchanged looks. Lrona looked from one to another, not sure what was happening.
"You're not eating with us?" Merrick asked finally. Thariin looked back, surprised.
"I…had assumed you would want…" she gestured. "Family time. I know you can't come very often, Merrick. I thought I would leave you alone."
"It's a kind thought," Merrick started, unsure how to go on, "but…" he stopped suddenly, looking away.
"What is it?" Reeva asked.
"Princess Shayla…I have to go."
"But you just came." Lrona protested.
"I know, Lrona. But I have to go…Princess Shayla needs me."
"Go on, Merrick. We'll see you another time." Reeva said.
"I'm sorry, Reeva."
"If the princess needs you, you should go. Hurry, now." Merrick turned away. His eye caught Thariin's and he stopped for a moment; then she turned away and he left.
"The Princess must be important to him." Thariin commented idly.
"Princess Shayla is important to Animaria. She's the guardian of the Animal Spirits who help protect us."
"Really? That explains it, then."
"Explains what?" Thariin looked up; she'd spoken without thinking.
"Oh…just something I heard today. Do you want me to take Alos his supper?"
"Yes, if you don't mind. It's packed, there on the counter." Thariin picked up the basket.
"Lrona? Are you coming?"
"No thank you." Lrona said. "I'm tired."
"I won't be long, Reeva."
"All right, Thariin."
After delivering Alos's supper, Thariin left the city, moving quietly into the forest just outside the walls. Ignoring the paths, she moved through the trees until she could see the temple walls, just ahead. Stopping under the trees, she sat at the base of one and stared at the walls for a long time. Finally she stirred, rising to her feet and melting away into the trees again.
"Merrick?" Shayla asked. "Is something wrong?" Merrick shook his head, still studying the trees outside the walls.
"No, Princess Shayla. I thought I heard something, that's all."
"Could someone have been out there?"
"The forest is impenetrable on that side, Princess; I've tried myself."
"An animal perhaps, then. Come, I am ready to return to the city."
"Yes, Princess Shayla."