Karigan awoke feeling extremely refreshed. She untangled herself from the bedroll stiffly and sat up. The morning air was already warm; it was going to be a scorcher of a day. Teladriah was sitting on a log, sharpening her blade. She looked up and smiled at Karigan.
"Good morning, I hope your sleep was restful. Please, have some porridge."
Karigan looked around her a bit guiltily. "I did sleep well, so well I didn't hear any of you cooking or I would have helped. I hope you slept well too."
Teladriah laughed. "Somial told us you are healing and not to disturb you. He spoke briefly of your injuries." Her face softened gravely. "I am sorry for you that you had to endure such a thing."
Karigan ducked her head awkwardly and the two sat in silence as Karigan ate. Curiosity got the better of her as she thought about the kind of work Eletians did each day.
"Teladriah, what sort of work do you do? How come you are on this convoy rather than in Eletia?"
"Eletian society is complex and structured differently to the human world although there are some similarities. We do not have rigid roles as you do per se. We hone certain skills and they are made use of as needed. For example, I am skilled in weaponry and thus often form part of the Tiendan parties. However, the precision and spatial awareness that equips me for fighting is also essential for design principles so when I am in Eletia I also assist in designing our communal spaces when needed."
For some reason, Karigan found this funny. What on earth would they need to build, they've been around for eons, she mused.
Shortly after the two males arrived, tucking various foodstuffs into their saddle bags. Condor again knelt to the ground and this time Teladriah assisted her onto the saddle. They were off.
He stared over the battlements as his troops marched out, file after file. He heard captains yelling orders to their regiments and watched grimly, wondering how many he was sending to their deaths, how many children would be fatherless next summer. He saw Laren at the head of the riders, obvious to spot as they mingled on their horses loosely rather than in the lines the cavalry as so proud of. At least she was safe from this.
The days repeated themselves as they travelled in the sun towards Eletia. Karigan felt the best she had felt in well, years really. Even though pain and stiffness were her constant companions she felt a sense of peace had come to settle on her anxious, tired mind and that made a world of difference.
About two weeks after the beginning of their journey Karigan was enjoying the sun in silence as Condor walked along an unmarked trail when all of a sudden she stiffened. A feeling of coolness, thin and delicate, flowed through her body from the front to the back and she felt as if all of her burdens had melted to the ground. She sat, startled and Condor neighed, shaking his head. He had felt it too.
She looked towards her party and any alarm that this might have been precipitated was stalled by the look of pure delight on each of their smiling faces, which were upturned towards the sun. Their eyes were closed and Karigan was startled at this rare moment of expression, since they were generally neutral or pleasant. After a second, she knew in her bones why they were so happy.
"Eletia," she breathed softly to Condor, "we've made it to Eletia!"
Somial opened his eyes.
"Welcome to our home, youngling."
Karigan looked around her properly. The forest was the same as the path she had been on just moments ago. Yet somehow, it was entirely different. The air tasted pure. The sun had just the right amount of warmth. The scent of the forest was delectable, earthy and pine filled. The sounds of the forest were sweet and joyful. Karigan breathed deeply and smiled at Somial with excitement and awe.
"Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for welcoming me to your home."
They continued on and she might have thought it was all a little bit anticlimactic if she didn't know she was in Eletia. They walked another 2 full days before finally at sunset on the second afternoon, they rounded the path and there it was. Karigan and Condor stopped dead in the middle of the track, mouths hanging open.
Rising before her were giant oak trees that towered high above the clearing, their girth so wide that not even 100 humans with enjoined hands could circle the base. Each tree had been carved intricately with staircases and rooms into a living, breathing home for the Eletians. 10 trees, each one carved artistically where it would complement the beautiful natural curves nature had provided, were gathered around a majestic oak centred in the middle. This tree had a feel for being much older and Karigan wondered if this was where King Santanara had lived. She shivered at the weight of this history.
It was incredible to see Eletians walking sedately between the trees and Karigan thought she must be dreaming. This place felt so different to Argenthyne and she was startled with deep sadness when she realised why. There was life in this place; it was a real home. As mesmerising as Argenthyne had been, it was an empty palace long abandoned and void of the beauty of life pulsating through it. Eletia was magical and alive.
The continued walking and Karigan didn't know which way to look. Little lights pulsed softly, seemingly held by spells although when Karigan peeked closely out of the corner of her eye she was astonished to find they were fireflies lazily flying at just the right intervals. Huh, she thought weakly. Paths seemed to be made of grass that had plaited itself loosely almost like a wide stepping stone so they were clear yet easy to walk on.
She almost had to laugh. There was so much to inspire awe it was all she could do to contain herself. Eletians passed their party, bowing to Somial and gazing at her with curiosity. It was almost comical given their normal countenance of disinterested superiority. Condor raised his head with pride and strutted. Karigan smothered a snort.
They stopped at the third oak to their left. Gal'iel and Teladriah helped her to climb off of Condor. They smiled at her warmly and bowed their heads before walking onwards, leaving her alone with Somial.
He held his hand before him and she gazed in trepidation at entering the treehouse, turning back once to check on Condor, who was already munching happily away on grass. She followed Somial into the cove at the base of the tree that immediately provided entrance to a stair case fashioned from the wooden core of the tree. She stepped up in amazement, feeling the soft wood of the balustrade under her fingers. It felt alive. Beautiful patterns of tree leaves were lightly carved into the wood and she was sure she could have just stood there for hours admiring it. However she quickly followed Somial up several flights of stairs, trying desperately not to stare into each room they passed. When they reached the fifth level Somial gestured for Karigan to enter the door before him.
She walked into the room and stared around her. The room was beautiful. A giant hollowed block of limestone sat in the corner near a window, if one could call the expanse of air that the tree had grown decoratively around that. The water was very clear and although Karigan had cleaned during her trip she would have given everything she owned to jump in there for a few minutes and wash properly. Branches protruding from the ceiling arched gracefully so that gowns could hang without touching the floor. And the centre of the room was filled with a magnificent bed. The roots had again woven themselves to form a bed in the shape of a leaf, cocooning the invitingly soft bedclothes. Everything was so calming. She turned to Somial, trying not to appear flustered.
"Here are your quarters, a place of retreat whilst you rest with us. Although you are a most competent young woman, a young Eletian known as Somara will be joining us shortly. She will attend to you when you need to bathe and dress to ensure that the healing of your wounds is not compromised. She will know when you have need of her."
Karigan fought hard, not knowing whether she would cry or throw her arms around Somial. Sensing both options were not generally acceptable in a diplomatic mission she chose instead to place her hand over her heart and bow formally to her host in the style of her clan.
"I most graciously accept your hospitality, and thank you for caring so well for me."
Somial smiled. "After all you have done for the Eletian folk, a warm bed is the least you will be provided with."
She blinked not sure what to say. Somial walked towards her and gestured for her to remove her patch. Karigan was relieved; he had been doing his healing hands trick on her every night and she was a bit worried this would stop when they arrived. She felt the familiar sensation of healing wash through her body and sighed. Somial's hands remained on her head and she opened her good eye.
"I will continue to perform this healing each night and perhaps we will pursue other options. I would remind you of our earlier conversation as well." His gazes shifted slightly to her closed mirrored eye. She nodded.
Somial left her then and she stared about her, unsure what to do. Should she go back to Condor or wait for Somara? She edged towards the open window and gasped with wonder as the sun set over the Eletian forest. The colours were so vivid and the entire tree canopy was bathed in a soft, yellow light. She peered down and saw Condor unsaddled and grazing nonchalantly next to other horses. Guess he didn't need her.
"Welcome, my lady. It is an honour to meet Laurelyn's helper in her time of need."
Karigan turned and introduced herself to yet another beautiful Eletian. She was starting to feel as if Eletians had been created for the sole purpose of making her feel inadequate. Then she spared a though for Enver and decided that perhaps like all people, there was darkness under the surface in everyone. Somara glided towards Karigan and looked out the window as well.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
Karigan sighed. "Nothing could be more so."
She turned towards Somara. "It's ok if you have things to do. If you could just show me how everything works. I can manage by myself well enough at home." She finished somewhat lamely, feeling awkward about having to ask something as simple as how to make the bath hot. And secretly she was kind of grateful for help, as two weeks of travelling had made her stiffer than a new leather belt, despite Somial's ministrations.
Somara glance at her solemnly and Karigan got the feeling she was a very young Eletian. "It was Lord Somial's express wish that I assist you and I am glad to be of help to you."
Karigan assented and began to unstrap her clothes from the front, turning so that Somara could assist her with upper layers of clothing that she always had extreme difficulty with. Wow, they needed a wash. She was about to remove her undergarment when she realised she had forgotten about the bath water! She wasn't about to stand around naked for twenty minutes with someone she didn't know. Opening her mouth and glancing over, she immediately snapped it shut and stared as she watched steam billowing from the limestone pod. Somara followed her glance and chuckled.
"The water has answered its call and knows its purpose. Are you surprised to see it warm?"
Karigan nodded weakly. Puts my brooch to shame, she thought, detecting a slight note of hysteria in her thoughts. Pull yourself together.
Somara removed Karigan's undergarments and helped her into the pod. Karigan gritted her teeth and tried not to moan with the pain. All bets where off though as she lowered herself into the water and a genuine groan of delight left her. Somara laughed, seating herself on the ground next to the window.
"I have only been on one party outside of Eletia so far. As well as I like the travel life, there is nothing quite so wonderful as that first bathing experience upon one's return home." Karigan couldn't agree more.
She cleaned herself fastidiously with beautiful scents. A clear bowl held a very fine, sand like substance that polished her skin, leaving it ever so smooth. The oils absorbed instantly into her skin and were deeply hydrating. The scent was faintly reminiscent of orange blossom and forest pine, lingering yet not overpowering. Her whole body was relaxed and Karigan could feel the heat relieve the pressure in her spine in that familiar way. Once she finished watching her body she sat back for a few minutes, revelling in the relaxation and preparing for the last phase of her wash. Her hair was healthy and thick and had always grown quickly. Even though Nyssa had cut off most of her locks, it was already down to her mid waist and required a fair amount of effort for her to wash. At the castle she usually only did this when it was really dirty, and only at the end of the day where she could collapse into an exhausted sleep straight after.
She submerged herself under the water and once her hair was soaked, returned above water and began looking around her.
"Somara, which one would I use on my hair?"
Somara gracefully stood. "Allow me."
She pulled a bottle off of a tree root shelf and lathered Karigan's hair. Oh my, Karigan thought with bliss, as Samara's nails gently massaged her scalp. Once she had finished soaping she instructed Karigan to submerge herself again. Once her hair was clean Somara caressed a tree root into the palm of her hand and Karigan watched as an oily liquid dripped into her hand.
"What's that?" she asked.
Somara rubber her hands together and then ran her fingers through Karigan's hair, untangling the knots. "This is an oil produced by the tree that is very moisturising. It makes hair soft and shiny."
Karigan felt her hair and was surprised to find it slick and soft. Tree roots. Who knew?
She stayed in the tub a while longer. It seemed to constantly refresh itself so that the water was clean and never lost heat.
She eventually decided it was time to get out and Somara gently dried her skin, which she found a bit awkward. She tried not to maintain eye contact. The Eletian then walked towards the garments and selected a shimmery silver gown with green leaves embroidered along the cuffs and hems. Karigan examined the fabric closely, her merchant background automatically kicking in. The cloth was made of an incredible weave and was beautiful. She said as much.
"We have many talented garment makers in our midst and we are fortunate that the forest is an endless source of inspiration."
With apparent ease Somara lifted the gown around Karigan and to her surprise she barely needed to raise her arms. Somara also produce a piece of silk like fabric and Karigan stared at it, unsure of what to do with it. Was it a hair tie? Somara walked behind her and undid the leather thong holding her eye patch on. Karigan kept her eye firmly shut, slightly alarmed. What was happening here? Somara moved in front of her and gently placed the fabric over her eye brow. It seemed to mold itself around her eye socket without needing ties and Karigan couldn't believe how soft and light it was. She couldn't remember the last time she had been able to keep her eye covered without the pressure of the ties digging into her scalp. It felt wonderful.
Karigan looked in the mirror and was astonished at the beautiful woman she saw in front of her. Of course, the gown was exquisite and she felt clean, which was always half of the puzzle. But her hair and skin gleamed and moreover, a sense of peace had smoothed her brow, no doubt thanks to the heated water and Somial's earlier ministrations. She couldn't help herself and gave a little twirl as Somara laughed. Karigan grinned at her in the mirror. She had a hunch that playfulness might work well with Somara if she was indeed still a youth.
"Somara, would you mind if I asked how old you are?"
"I am very young, not yet 100 years old. I have a slightly younger brother called Enver, whom I believe you have met."
Karigan froze with her smile in place and thought about how to answer. "Yes, I had the great privilege of travelling with Enver up north earlier this year," she said cautiously. After a pause, she continued earnestly. "I owe him my life; he was the one who cared for my wounds after I was injured badly. Without him I would not be here. I am forever indebted to him."
Somara grinned with delight and Karigan could see that enthusiasm ran in the family, although she was pretty sure Somara was not half human. "I am glad my brother could be of such assistance to you. I have heard of his involvement but I have not seem him since so have been unable to hear the stories from him directly."
Karigan let out a tiny breath she didn't know she had been holding. So he wasn't here. Good.
"Has he continued travelling?" she asked.
"Yes, he is walking the paths of these lands at the request of our Prince. I do not expect him back for several seasons."
Even better, thought Karigan. "What now?" Her stomach chose that moment to rumble.
"We eat."
Somara exited the room and Karigan followed, turning once to see the bath water was now cold and clear. What a place.
The fireflies seemed brighter in the twilight and Karigan quickly went to Condor to check he was happy. After a quick grunt, Karigan knew when her presence wasn't welcome and she returned to Somara's side to walk to the next tree. The hollow in this one was larger and a food table sat in the middle, seemingly refreshing itself as food was taken. Karigan felt trepidation wash over her and she swallowed hard. Meeting Eletians in two weeks' time had seemed exciting. Meeting Eletians at the dinner table in two minutes was just plain nerve wrecking. She straightened herself and walked on steadily with a smile on her face, her fingers clenched tightly in the folds of her gown.
As she approached she heard various murmurings of "Welcome" or "Galadheon" accompanied by nods. She tried to acknowledge everyone that spoke to her and was surprised to find that she didn't need to formally introduce herself to a host of people and that they tended to walk on and that was that. It was actually a big relief. She suspected Eletian society was much nicer than her own, although she was aware that whilst interesting, she was probably not important to these people once you could overlook the fact that she was the only human to ever be permitted within their home. Karigan decided to focus on food instead.
Somara pointed out various food for Karigan to try. She generally preferred plainer fare and Eletian food, unlike that at royal engagements, promised to be both simple and delicious. Karigan's favourite dish turned out to be a type of oatcake slathered in wild honey with fresh thyme. It was like tasting heaven and she said as much. Somara grinned in agreement.
At some point in the distance Karigan became aware of music playing and felt a feeling of calm and enjoyment settle over her. She could feel it in her pulse although she couldn't see anyone playing instruments. She thought back to that time in the clearing and stood in wonder to be privy to such a scene again although this time, in the heartland, it felt more potent. More magical.
All of a sudden Karigan could barely hold herself up. It was time to sleep. How was she to suggest this; she didn't want to appear rude.
Her companion turned away from Karigan and bowed. "Lord Somial."
Somial smiled at them and looked towards Karigan, who blushed and curtseyed. "Galadheon you look well. I hope you feel refreshed after your first evening?"
Karigan smiled at him delightedly. "Somial, this place is incredible. If for no other reason than your baths!"
Both Eletians chuckled, their voices like chimes on the wind. Somial stepped towards Karigan.
"May I?"
She stilled and closed her eyes and felt his gentle hands on her brow and eye creases. A second later the familiar healing sensation washed through her body. Twice in one night; this could get addictive, she thought with a sigh. She opened her eye and he smiled.
"It is time for you to rest now youngling. I will see you when the sun rises."
"Thank you Somial." Tears cam unbidden to Karigan's face. She had no idea if this is how he was with his kind but she certainly felt immeasurably cared for.
Karigan and Somara walked back to her tree and once Somara had reminded Karigan of the path and her room, she left her alone. Peace descended on Karigan as she climbed into the leaf shaped bed and got under the soft covers. The last sound she heard as she drifted into a deep sleep was the muted chatter of Eletians as they sang and talked on the background of the music she always remembered in her dreams.