Chapter 247

Elain hadn't expected Nesta to leave with Cassian so quickly. She had imagined that she and Lucien would have returned to the Day Court well before her sister and the Illyrian were due to leave for the training camps, so it was a surprise when Cassian announced at lunch that they would be leaving before dinner. Rhys had questioned what they were heading off so soon for, and Cassian had shrugged and said he had had word about some trouble from one of his friends that he wished to check out. Azriel had tilted his head at that news, and Rhys had raised a questioning eyebrow. Cassian had offered nothing further and the issue hadn't been pushed.

That meant, however, that Elain found herself in the garden as the light faded as she waited for Nesta to come and find her. Sitting on the grass beneath her favourite tree, Elain looked up at the sky watching the way that the blue faded into purples and pinks. The whole thing reminded her of the delicious ice-creams that she and her sisters had found at a cute little corner shop in Velaris. The clouds that swirled across the sky in the gentle breeze only added to the effect. It was gorgeous, and something she expected would be a regular occurrence somewhere like the Dawn Court.

Letting her gaze sweep the garden, Elain look in the pretty light that the sky was casting across the garden beds. It seemed to almost enrich the colours of the flowers, making everything even more beautiful. She wished that she had the skill to be able to draw it, and she thought she might ask Feyre if she might paint the garden for her. It would be a lovely thing to hang on the wall by her bed in the Day Court as something to remember her family by. This garden was special to her, and she did miss it. Looking up at the tree then, Elain smiled. This place was also significant in her relationship with Lucien. They had spent a lot of time beneath this tree out here together, and it would be especially meaningful to have it captured in art on her wall.

Hearing the door open, Elain looked around and watched as Nesta strolled across the grass toward her. Her sister's long blue dress was gorgeous, and Elain found herself smiling as she took in Nesta's relaxed expression. She didn't look at all nervous about the fact that she was about to leave with Cassian for the Illyrian training camps. Elain knew that she certainly would be nervous if she had been the one going. Nesta showed nothing of the kind, however.

"Are you ready to leave?" she asked, when Nesta reached her and sat down beside her on the grass.

"Soon enough." Her sister replied. "I have packed all that I will need… Cassian is just speaking with Rhys."

"Do you know what the trouble he mentioned is?"

"Not really." Nesta said, a light frown crossing her features. "He said that a friend of his contacted him and asked for help…"

"So he's going straight up there to help…?"

"Yes."

Elain nodded and looked her sister over again. "Did you pack warmly?"

"Yes." Nesta nodded, "I am glad I bought a couple of things in the Winter Court, to be honest."

"I'm sure you are." Elain grinned a little, "I'm certain Cassian will keep you warm, though…" She very much enjoyed the way that Nesta's eyes widened and a blush stained her cheeks.

"I…" Nesta fell silent, clearly not knowing what to say.

"Did you stay last night?" Elain asked, curious. "At the club…?"

"No…" her elder sister bit her lip. "Was it… fun?"

Elain nodded. "There were a lot of different things to…see…" she tilted her head, "I'm sure everyone could find something they were interested in."

Nesta looked thoughtful for a moment, "Perhaps when I get back…"

Elain choked down a giggle, and they both looked around when Feyre headed their way. "Are you two bonding without me?" the High Lady of the Night Court asked, and Elain grinned, leaning back on her elbows. She gestured for Feyre to sit, and then gestured around the garden.

"Would you paint this for me, Feyre?" she asked. "It is so beautiful here at this time of day… I miss this place. Would you paint the garden for me so that I can have it on my wall…?"

Feyre's eyes swept the garden taking in the flowers and the tree and the sky. They then returned to Elain. "It is much lovelier out here since you have been working on it." She said, "I will, of course, paint for you."

"Thank you." Elain smiled, pleased.

"Cassian is finished speaking with Rhys and said he would meet you in the hall by the door." This was directed at Nesta who nodded. Elain thought she might have seen the briefest flicker of nervousness across her elder sister's face then, but it was gone in an instant and she couldn't be entirely sure that it had nee there at all. "Are you ready?"

"I am." Nesta got slowly to her feet, brushing the grass from her dress. Elain and Feyre followed her up and then the three of them headed inside. Elain thought about how they were about to see Nesta off on a trip alone with Cassian to Illyrian training camps. If somebody had have told her a year ago that this would happen, she would have thought they had lost their senses entirely. Yet, here they wore and it was happening and it didn't seem at all wrong or surprising to her.

Cassian stood by the door, several packs at his feet, and Elain watched as he smiled when Nesta approached. He reached a hand out for her and Nesta crossed to him. The rest of them collected by the doors to the sitting rooms and the foot of the stairs, and they watched as Cassian and Nesta picked up their things.

"You're off now?" Azriel asked, and Cassian nodded in his direction. "Let me know if you need assistance…"

"Will do."

"When will you be back?" Feyre asked, and Nesta glanced toward Cassian for his response. He shook his head for a moment.

"It depends on how quickly I can get things sorted out."

"Fair enough."

"I'll probably be gone by the time you return." Elain said, moving closer to hug her sister. Nesta wrapped her arms tightly around her. "You are welcome to visit whenever you like."

"And I hope you come visit me."

"I will, of course."

Stepping back, Elain was thankful for Lucien's arm when it wrapped around her shoulders and she leaned into her mate as the others all bid their farewells. She couldn't stop watching Nesta and being surprised at the apparent ease in her sister. She was so very pleased that Nesta seemed to confident and sure of herself in this situation. She was sure there had to be some uncertainty, but while that had used to come out in coldness and indifference, it wasn't now. Nesta looked happy.