by Loren Elias
CHAPTER 17
(Planting Season, The 12th Haerfest of the Rule of Ruric, Three Haerfests Past)
“Nai, I swear if you make me come out into the SlipSwamp one more time to find you.”
Ren’ai did not shift her eyes. An annoyance had just disturbed her solitude but she would be gone soon enough if Ren’ai just ignored her.
“You are the only person I know who actually goes to death’s grip to relax. Wish Lieten had never shown you this rock. Four Haerfests have we seen since you joined and still no less an impetuous nature I behold.” Nakali twisted legs slender yet firm out and to the side, before resting a hand upon the rock. She pulled back in an instant, the heat of the midday’s suns having left their warmth there. She curled her legs under and took a seat.
“You’re still here.” Ren’ai sat up, leaning back on her palms. The hot rock shot pain up flexed forearms but she did not care.
“Our Master has returned from Kikynjil and Tibón. He’s requested your presence.”Flowing locks down her back nearly caressed the rock. Golden ribbons woven through danced with the breeze. Despite their surroundings she smelled of almond butter and mint.
“Tell him I’ll be back before sunset.” Ren’ai turned away from her, flipping her hair from her eyes, folding her hands under head as if to take a quick nap.
“I told him I would not return without you. You know I keep my promises.”
“Hey, so do I.” Thoughts moved wildly across the past few days trying to discern to what Nakali could be referring. Her eyes shot wide as she turned around to face the dark-skinned beauty that was Nakali. “Master Jabari will have to wait.” She pulled up her back and stretched her legs, and then down into the muck she leapt, Nakali nipping at yet swifter heels.
Greater Sun still held its place high as Ren’ai ducked down into the cave. Then she darted down a corridor, leaving Nakali still shaking mud from golden fabric.
She rounded a bend and descended down three carved steps, nearly trampling another of Lieten’s apprentice’s as she went. “Stay out of my way, Shyam.” She called back to the startled girl.
Shyam, so nearly having seen thirteen Haerfests, looked away as their eyes met. Shyam could not hide the fear she held in Ren’ai’s presence but despite Jabari’s imploring, Ren’ai had made no effort to change it.
She darted around a hard corner to the right as the way forked before her. She unsuccessfully attempted to hide her peeking smile.
Kerr saw Ren’ai coming down the hallway and called to her as she approached. “You’re going the wrong way. The Master is in the study.”
“Tell him, I’m on my way. I’ve something important I must tend to first.”
“You shouldn’t keep him waiting.” He reached out as she passed, trying to stop her.
She anticipated his move, back stepping up and across the cavern wall and back onto the path once she had passed him. One more turn and her destination rose into view. She stopped a moment, sucking in deep breaths, regaining her composure. She did not want her to see her in a frantic state.
“I’m sorry, Ren’iv. I told you I’d be back in the morning to redo your braid. I tried, I did, but you know, training.” As Ren’ai stepped into the doorway, she scanned across the room to find her. “Niv, whatever are you doing over there?” Darkness swept the room uninviting, Ren’iv’s room being one of the only places the Jagged on which Jabari had put a barrier to keep the FlameChasers out. Ren’ai stepped inside. “How long have you been sitting in the dark?” Ren’ai lit a waiting lamp, before curling around the side of a large bed. She laid a hand on Big Sister’s shoulder. No movement met her caress. Kneeling down in front of her, Ren’ai pushed a stray hair behind her ear.
Lifeless sapphires blinked once then twice. Ren’ai sighed and then smiled hoping Ren’iv could see her. “My, Sister, but don’t you look a mess. Here move next to the bed and I’ll fix it for you.” Ren’ai pulled the chair up from behind so gently calling her to stand. As she found her feet an ankle gave.
Ren’ai reached out, taking her arm, holding her steady as with the other arm she dragged the chair in front of the bed. As the back of her knees hit hard wood Big Sister took a seat.
Little Sister gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder before walking across to the other side of the bed, and pulling from a drawer of her own making a comb.
She returned and sat on the bed, pulling up the braid and releasing it into subtle curls. She ran the comb gently down the length from scalp to tip. “Guess what I did yesterday.” Ren’ai waited a moment as if expecting a response. “I ran the FallinFlo from breakfast until dinner. And fast. Took five people to pull the crank. Lieten says I’m really progressing. I might even make Guard before the days grow short. Wouldn’t that be something?”
She pulled a strand up to work from the ends.
Ren’iv’s eyes remained focused forward as she tilted her head back with the tug. An expression of one seeing everything and nothing all at once shaped her face.
Ren’ai began just behind Big Sister’s ears, pulling strand upon strand, forming the braid. She stopped when she reached the end, well down Ren’iv’s back. Tying a blue ribbon to hold it in place, she called her work complete. Ren’ai studied the craftsmanship, the symmetry, the texture. She knew what great importance Ren’iv placed upon her perfect look. She would not permit a flaw in her handiwork, nor could Ren’ai. She pulled the bow loose in one big swipe and undid the braid. Pulling the comb up again, she began again from scalp to tip.
