by Lara Ann
“What about his ears...” I blurted. “Won’t people realise he’s not human?”
“We can place a glamour charm over Wyndelleu to make his ears appear more rounded. It should work for about ninety-nine percent of people. It will not work on you however, as you are already familiar with his real appearance,” Finnan replied calmly.
“It will also not work on anyone that has been to Alora. That however should not be a problem. I doubt there is anyone still around who has been here. Especially living in remote Tasmania.”
I couldn’t really picture asking my Dad if my ‘cousin’ could come and live with us for the next eight months or so. What would he think? Would he ask too many difficult questions? I knew he wasn’t really a people person.
“I’m not sure what my Dad will say. What if he refuses to let Wyn stay with us?”
“Wyndelleu is perfectly capable of living in the forest if he needs to. We would however try and procure some alternative accommodation, to make his story more believable. He will not be a financial burden. We have provided gold for him to supply himself with anything he needs. Are you familiar with exchanging gold for your earth currency?”
“Err no, but I’m sure I could find out online?”
“Good, good. It is all arranged then. I will go and find Wyndelleu now and let him know.”
I sat in stunned silence as I watched Finnan disappear into the trees to find Wyn. What was Wyn going to say? Would he just go along with the plan? Or would he still be against it? I couldn’t help the excitement starting to bubble inside me. Wyn in my world, would he fit in? What would my new friends think? Most of all though, I wondered what I was going to say to my Dad.
Over an hour later, I was still mulling over possible ways to introduce Wyn to my father, when he and Finnan walked back into the small clearing. Wyn had Thunder with him; they seemed to have a strong bond. No doubt strengthened by their silent communication and years of friendship. Wyn continued on towards me, leaving Finnan and Thunder near the tree line. Wyn sat down facing me, and took both my hands in his. I gasped at the jolt of electricity that shot through my hands at his touch.
Wyn’s expression was unreadable, but he began speaking almost immediately. “I am truly sorry for my behaviour earlier. I hope you did not misconstrue my desire to help my mother as reluctance to come with you?”
I wasn’t sure how to respond to that, it was exactly what I had wondered. I decided to bypass my doubt. “Of course. I accept your apology, I’d want to rescue my Mum if our situations were re-versed.” At least I could truthfully admit that.
Wyn’s face lit up with a smile. “Thank you for your understanding. You are a beautiful person inside and out. I am very happy that you are the one that has the Jaega,” he said looking at my locket.
I could feel my cheeks heating at his words. It felt very intimate discussing things while he held my hands in his. “How am I going to take you back with me?” I asked to cover my nervousness.
“That part at least, should be easy. When you go to sleep tonight, you must be touching a part of me. Holding hands would be easiest. It must be skin to skin contact.”
“So if one of us was wearing gloves, it wouldn’t work?”
“You are correct”
“How does it work exactly, will we travel as soon as we fall asleep?”
“Finnan seems to think that you need to be in the dreaming part of the sleep cycle in order to travel, and that doesn’t happen for a little while.”
“That makes sense...I think.”
I was glad it wasn’t going to be difficult. I liked the idea of falling asleep hand in hand with Wyn. Probably more than I should. Would I even be able to fall asleep? That would be embarrassing, just lying there unable to sleep. I could picture the other Elves all standing around laughing at my foolish thoughts. I banished that thought. They would never do that. Well maybe Argus would...
Wyn interrupted my thoughts. “It’s time to go Ash,” he said pulling me to a standing position.
“Go? Where are we going?”
“We are going to continue on towards Emmelion City. We will stop before we get too close. It will give the others a head start once we’re gone.”
Wyn helped me up onto Thunder, and quickly mounted behind me. I liked the new position. With his arms around me, I felt warm and safe.
“We’ll only be walking today, because we have to transport the prisoners. I thought you might like the view up front?” Wyn had a habit of answering my unasked questions.
“Thank you,” I replied. “You are most thoughtful.”
He laughed at my formal speech and urged Thunder on to a brisk walk.
After a few hours of walking through the seemingly unending forest, I was beginning to think the journey would go on forever. My butt was starting to go numb, but I wasn’t going to complain about that! We had only had one brief stop, to eat a quick meal. Wyn and I had talked a little about what we would do when we got back home. There was only so much we could plan until I talked to my father.
Eventually the ground had started to flatten out, and the conifer trees started to thin. Finnan called a halt for the day. I was glad Wyn lifted me down; my legs were so sore and stiff I probably would have fallen on my face without his help.
After everyone had dismounted, Wyn quickly built a campfire. He constructed a simple fire pit with large stones, and placed the wood in a tepee shape. I wondered what he would use to start the fire. I carefully watched as he placed his palms together and slowly rubbed them in a circular motion. He then made a quick movement with his top hand towards the wood. A small ball of flame shot towards the woodpile, and it was quickly alight. How had he done that? He brushed his hands against his pants. There was no sign of any matches or even a flint.
Intrigued I asked, “How’d you do that?”
He looked down embarrassed. “It’s nothing all Elves can do basic elemental magic.”
“Well it’s still impressive to us non magic folk,” I teased.
Callum and Halmer prepared another stew. This time with some sort of dried meat, and vegetables. I decided not to ask what was in it. I’d hate to find out we were eating Bambi or something. I hadn’t had a chance to see the captive Dark Elves, for which I was grateful. Finnan and Argus had stayed well back with the prisoners. If I never saw them again it would be too soon.
Halmer and Callum were good company. They asked me weird stuff about Earth, like what an elevator was, and was it true that we listened to music in a box, rather than sing ourselves. Time passed quickly and soon it was time for bed. I lay down near the fire with a few blankets. Wyn lay beside me and held out his hand. Feeling awkward, I reached out tentatively and grasped it. Again I felt a jolt of energy as our fingers met. I wondered if Wyn felt it too, or if it was just me. Never really having had a proper boyfriend before, I wasn’t sure if this was what happened when you really liked someone. None of my old friends had ever mentioned it, and they loved going into endless details about their relationships. I looked across at Wyn; he was lying still with his eyes closed al-ready. He looked peaceful, probably just me then. I closed my eyes and tried to imitate his relaxed posture. Who was I kidding, I was so excited it was hard to keep still, let alone relax. This wasn’t going to work, I was going to toss and turn all night.
And then a beautiful sound surrounded me. My eyes flew open. It was Halmer. Halmer had started to sing. He smiled at me, and I forced myself to close my eyes and listen. It was like no mu-sic I had ever heard before. The melody seemed to weave around me, and somehow fill me from within. It made me feel like I was floating. My last conscious thought was of Wyn...
Chapter 7
I woke up feeling very warm and relaxed. I could feel my soft bedding snuggled around me, and the reassurance of Wyn’s hand in mine. Wyn! I gasped and sat up. It had worked! Wyn had returned with me. I looked down at his peacefully sleeping form, he looked younger asleep. None of the worries of his family and kingdom to trouble him while he slept.
I carefully slid out from un-der the covers. It was one thing to fall asleep in the forest side by side, with the other Elves nearby. But here in my bedroom, all alone, it felt way too intimate and surreal.
I tiptoed to the bathroom and brushed my teeth. I decided against taking a shower, I wouldn’t want Wyn to wake up while I was away. I returned to the bedroom and sat down on the padded chair near the window. It was lovely to sit here and look out to the ocean. Today however, I was much more distracted by the sleeping form in my bed. I checked my phone; it was only 6:30am. Wyn was beginning to stir, I watched as his eyes opened. He seemed to take in his unfamiliar surroundings very calmly. He sat up and swung his legs out of the bed.
“Good morning Ash, you did it!” He said smiling warmly at me, showing both dimples.
“Shhh, we don’t want to wake Dad, you’re not even supposed to be here yet. I still have to talk to him first. I can only imagine what he would think if he found you here, cousin or not.”
“You’re right,” he said softly. “I will meet you outside when you’re ready to leave.”
“But what...” I tried to ask, but it was too late. Wyn had already opened my window and leapt out. I watched him land lightly and disappear silently into the trees.
I’d probably break my leg if I tried that, I thought ruefully.
I showered and dressed for school as quickly as possible. I wasn’t sure I was even going to school today, but thought I’d better be prepared. I packed a change of clothes in my school bag just in case and headed downstairs. Dad was already in the kitchen making coffee and toast.
“Morning Dad.”
“Hi sweetheart, did you sleep okay?”
“Um, yeah great. You?”
“Yeah I’m a pretty sound sleeper,” he said reassuringly.
“Um Dad...can I ask you something.”
“Never be afraid to ask me anything,” he replied taking in my slightly panicked expression.
“Well, I’ve been in contact with my cousin for a little while; he’s been in foster care in Melbourne. Anyway, there’s been some bad stuff happening...and, I’ve sort of been wondering, if maybe...we could do something to help?”
“You want to know if he can stay here?”
“Wow, you’re really perceptive. I didn’t think I was making any sense.”
“I’d be happy for him to stay with us, we don’t have much family. We need to stick together. I do have one question though, are you sure he’s your cousin? I didn’t think you had any close family.”
Oops, I hadn’t thought about that. Quickly improvising I said, “Well he’s actually my second cousin. I’ve checked it out, he really is family.”
“Well then I guess it’s all settled. When can he come? Does he need money for airfares?”
I couldn’t believe how kind and understanding my Dad was being. I was starting to feel a bit guilty that I couldn’t tell him the truth. I doubt he’d believe that though, so I’d have to stick with the made up version.
“Thanks Dad, you’re amazing,” I said reaching out and giving him a huge hug. “And no, he doesn’t need any money for a ticket. Actually he’s already in Devonport, he kind of ran away al-ready. I only just found out this morning. I hope that’s not too sudden. It’s a lot to ask...”
“Wow, things must have been really bad. Of course we have to go and get him. Can’t leave a minor wandering around on his own. How old is he?”
“It’s okay, he’s seventeen. I’m sure Wyn’s fine.”
“Shall we go now then?” Dad said reaching for his car keys.
“That’s okay Dad, no need to interrupt your day. I know how you hate crowds, and we’ll probably have to go shopping to pick up some more stuff for him. I don’t think be packed much...”
“Shopping, ugh! You’re right, it sounds awful. Let me at least give you some money. That will make me feel better about not going with you.”
“Thanks, you’re awesome,” I said taking the proffered cash.
“I’ll call the school and let them know what’s going on. I take it he’ll be enrolling in school?”
“Yep, year 11, same as me,” I said grinning.
“Okay, call me if you need anything.”
“Will do,” I gave Dad another big hug, amazed at how well things had gone.
As I drove slowly down the long driveway, I saw Wyn standing near the road, casually leaning against a gum tree. I pulled up next to him and he climbed into the passenger seat.
“Wow, I’ve never been in a car before. Now I know how you felt getting on Thunder for the first time.”
“Ha! Don’t worry this will be much more comfortable. Not that I don’t love Thunder of course,” I added smiling at Wyn. It was still hard to believe he was really here.
“So where are we going?”
“Well, I think we should still go to Devonport. That’s where I’m supposed to be picking you up from. We need to get you some clothes anyway,” I added looking at his long boots and forest garb. He looked like something out of a renaissance fair. Don’t get me wrong, I really liked the look, but it would definitely stand out in Emery.
“Is that far?”
“It’s about an hour by car I think.” I quickly typed directions into my phone. “Yep, one hour and twelve minutes and 88 kilometres.”
“I can’t imaging traveling so fast,” Wyn replied looking slightly nervous.
It was weird seeing Wyn looking unsure of himself. I was glad that I would be able to help him for once.
It wasn’t long before we arrived in Emery.
“Wyn you better put your head down while we drive through the town. If anyone from school sees you, it will be hard to explain. There’s no way I could have picked you up yet. Dad’s been so great about this whole thing, I’d hate to disappoint him.”
Wyn quickly obliged, and we were soon back on the highway. I looked over at Wyn and noticed his hands were clenched around the leather seats.
“You okay?” I asked.
“Um, just getting used to this mode of transportation,” Wyn replied, loosening his death grip on the seat slightly.
“Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it in no time. I might even teach you to drive!” I laughed.
“I’m not too sure that would be a good idea.”
“We might have to borrow an older car though. Maybe you can teach me how to ride Thunder?”
“Sure, we might need to start with an older horse though,” Wyn responded cheekily.
As we drove through Burnie Wyn asked, “how come we don’t just purchase supplies here?”
“Well we could, but there’s a much greater chance that we might run into someone from school. If we drive to Devonport that’s really unlikely. And, I won’t have to lie to Dad more than I absolutely have to either.”
“You have a fine honour code.”
“Ah thanks, I think.” Wyn did say the strangest things.
Forty minutes later, I pulled up in the Kmart parking lot at Devonport. Time to help Wyn blend in. As we walked in, he kept looking around at everything. It was hard to imagine being awed by Kmart, but I guess if you’d never seen any shops before, it wasn’t so weird. I quickly grabbed his hand, to pull him towards the men’s clothing. People had started to stare at him; I hoped it was just his clothes and not his ears. We were in trouble if the glamour charm hadn’t worked. Wyn didn’t drop my hand when we got there. It was nice feeling his warm hand around my smaller colder one.
“I guess you have no idea what size you are?” I asked.
“No, is that what the numbers mean?” Wyn asked looking at a pair of denim jeans.
“Yes, the number indicates how many inches or centimetres your waist is.” It felt so weird ex-plaining this stuff to someone. Kind of like being with a small child. Except for the fact that Wyn must have been well over 6 feet tall, and incredibly hunky.
“I think I can guess just by looking,” Wyn said, selecting a pair that did look about right.
“Well, we’ll grab a few
things and then you can try them on here in the store. We can make sure everything fits then.”
“Really? Don’t people get embarrassed trying things on with everyone around?”
I couldn’t stop myself from bursting out laughing. People started staring at us again.
“Sorry Wyn, I didn’t mean to laugh at you. There’s a special room for changing into clothes.”
“I accept your apology,” Wyn replied laughing with me.
We grabbed a pile of jeans, T-shirts, sweaters and a warm jacket and headed for the change rooms.
“You just go through there,” I said to Wyn, indicating the small changing rooms. “I’ll just wait here until you’re done. If you like anything leave it on, and we’ll just rip the price tags off to pay for it when we leave.”
After five minutes of me pacing back and forth in front of the change rooms, Wyn emerged. He looked extremely hot in a pair of faded jeans and a blue t-shirt. I tried not to stare at the way the t-shirt moulded to his pecs and narrow waist. I couldn’t believe he could look that good in cheap Kmart clothing.
“You look great,” I stammered, my face heating.
“Thank you,” Wyn replied smiling. Thankfully, he pretended to ignore my flaming cheeks. There were advantages to the whole chivalry thing.
“We just need to grab you some underwear and socks and we can go.” I was glad I couldn’t get any more embarrassed. I helped Wyn choose something as quickly as possible.
“What about footwear?” Wyn asked as we walked past isles of shoes.
“We’ll have to go somewhere else for shoes, cheap clothes are ok. But cheap shoes suck.”
Wyn looked confused so I added. “Cheap shoes are no good, they fall apart quickly.”
“Ah, you mean the craftsmanship is inferior, it sucks?”
I couldn’t help laughing again; it seemed so weird to hear Wyn speak like that. I guess it would help him fit in a bit better.
“That’s right. If you try and talk more informally, people might be more likely to believe you were in foster care. Perhaps we need to come up with a reason for your good manners.”