Page 35 of Earthbound

‘Furi…that was not smart.’

‘No, but it was funny.’ She was still smiling, attempting to draw Yeeran into her amusement.

Yeeran was not amused, and when Furi realised it, her smile dropped into a scowl.

‘It’ll be fine, Motogo wanted to see the fray and they have. All they have to do is report it back to the other chieftains. Motogo is not the one in control, I’m sure it’s Malak.’

She looked back at the general who had seemingly calmed Motogo down.

‘Anyway, they’re about to forget all about their worries. It’s time to douse the flame, and let’s just say I’ve made arrangements for an unforgettable end to the evening…’ Furi’s hips swayed as she sauntered off, leaving Yeeran’s mouth agape.

‘Did you warn the elves what happens when the flame is doused?’ a voice said behind her.

Yeeran turned to Golan with a heavy sigh. ‘No, I did not. And Furi’s arrangements make me even less inclined to warn them.’

She remembered the first time she had experienced the fae sate their desires under the cover of darkness. ‘The true party’, as Furi called it. Banquets were the ultimate indulgence, and what was more satiating than pleasure?

Yeeran had been fascinated by the tradition, and a little shocked. But most of all she had been aroused. The Royal Woodland came alive with the sounds of passion. Bioluminescent star gliders lit up the forest as they flew by, revealing flashes of glistening skin and hungry mouths. The flying lizards gathered most where Jani blood flowed, and so Furi was illuminated most of all.

Yeeran felt her face flush at the thought.

‘Will you be participating?’ she asked Golan, just to distract herself from the heat of her memories.

‘No, it’s not the same without Alder.’ Few fae were monogamous. When you felt like a prisoner, sometimes all you could do was find solace in the arms of another. So Yeeran was surprised, and it must have shown on her face.

‘Pleasure is pleasure, but with him…it’s different.’

‘Like every time is new.’ She looked at Furi.

‘Exactly. So though I can go and enjoy myself, I enjoy my memories of him more.’ Golan wrapped his arms around himself, shrinking his small frame.

Like Rayan, the simple act of missing his lover had shrunk his spirit. ‘Alder will be back soon,’ she said gently.

He looked at her bleakly. ‘But who will he be when he returns?’

She wasn’t sure what to say to that. No one knew Alder’s history, and this quest might yet resurface old memories for him. How that would change him, no one could know. So she decided to move the conversation on.

‘How goes the Free the Light Initiative?’

A true smile spread across Golan’s cheeks. ‘We’re making real change, Furi’s been generous with us. We’re nearly through overhauling all legislation. The Lightless will have the same rights as the faebound soon enough.’

The news was a bright light in the darkness.

And it might have come too late. If I fail with this peace treaty, violence will follow.

It will not be your fault, Pila counselled her. All you can do is guide the currents, but some things are like the tide, predestined to happen whether you want it to or not.

As ever, so wise.

Would you like a strawberry? I can get you one if it will help.

As the spell of her sageness was broken, Yeeran had to stop herself from laughing out loud. ‘That’s wonderful news, Golan. You were born to be a leader, it seems.’

‘No. I was not,’ he said a little sharply. ‘Being born into something suggests that I did not have to work hard at it. And I have, every single day. My tongue is raw from biting down on it. I have learned diplomacy the hard way, and I now understand those who simply refuse to play by the rules.’

Yeeran chuckled. ‘Like Furi. Did you hear how she spoke to Motogo?’

‘I caught a little of it. Remember she is struggling too.’