Elemental Attraction by K. Aten

Author:K. Aten
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

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The next morning dawned much too early for Ellys’s sleep-deprived mind, but confusing dreams and racing thoughts woke her before she was ready. Her head ached, probably from the pip of tears the night before. It was certainly a potent brew. Aderri was still asleep so Ellys quietly slipped from the bed and dressed. Aderri finally stirred when Ellys was sliding her second sword into its sheath.

“Ellys?”

“Everything is fine. It’s early still. You should get more sleep. We have a few candle marks until we were planning to leave.”

Aderri opened her eyes a mere slit to peer at Ellys in the dim light of the room. “Where are you going?”

“To clear my head.” Aderri’s gaze remained unwavering, so Ellys elaborated. “There’s an area in the courtyard behind the inn that’s large enough for secaeli. I noticed it last night.” Aderri didn’t relax from where she’d sat upright slightly and gripped the coverlets. She had mentioned often enough how much she enjoyed watching the sword dance.

“Are you sure?”

“Stay and enjoy Ailith’s hospitality a bit longer. We both went to bed late, so there’s no harm in getting a little more rest. Besides,” she said and winked at Aderri, “you can watch me perform the warmup some other morning.”

Aderri looked confused at Ellys’s insistence but nodded. “Okay.”

“Good. To make it up to you, on one of the nights between Noth and Dracona, I’ll show you the full dance we reserve for festivals.” She’d hoped Aderri would give it a pass so she could work through her emotions. Having the subject of those confusing thoughts so near would do little to give her peace.

“You’re so sure that’s why I want to get out of bed, to watch some sweaty warrior swing around her swords?”

Ellys laughed at her indignation, feeling lighter already than she had in the past day. “You’re not exactly subtle with your attraction.”

Aderri smirked. “Neither are you.”

“Fair enough. I’ll come back here for my pack, let’s say a candle mark after sunrise? I want time to go through the routine and do a quick rinse after. We can take first meal in the tavern. I’m sure the food will be just as good as it was last night.”

“I’m sure it will be. Fine then.” Aderri snuggled into the covers. “Balanced thoughts, Ellys.”

All Ellys could see above the coverlets was a mass of flaming red curls. The darkness of Aderri’s skin was lost to the shadows of the room. Ellys gave the other woman a fond smile. “Balanced dreams, Aderri.” Then she strode from the room.

Morning activity had already begun as Ellys made her way through the kitchen. She exited a side door she’d discovered the evening before when she came back in after her talk with Rocc. It offered a quicker route to the stables and storage shed behind the inn. The silence across the open area nearest to the stalls was broken only by the occasional shifting horse or soft nicker in the fading twilight. She unsheathed both swords and caught a glimpse of the androgynous server, Doonie, watching from the shadows.

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