Some time passed, and we were too tired to cook. Even Mother and Miranda, our usual chefs, were pooped.
Instead, we went down to the river to wash up. I missed these waters so much. There are too many good memories here. Also, in just a few weeks, the weather will turn cold, and we are going to say goodbye to these days until spring.
Heating water in winter was hard and time-consuming because we relied on ourselves for firewood.
All that was gone. Now we can even afford to buy wood. But also, our family of four is now almost tripled. My Zephyr will make sure this winter will be warm and beautiful.
We finished bathing and felt clean, but our fatigue remained. Inside the house, Zephyr returned and talked with his brothers.
Lucian was in the middle of swinging a silver chain on its square shaped pendant. "Thank you for this, Zephyr... I'll cherish it and..."
"Ye, yea... I know, Lucian, now stop saying it." He pushed him away after his long hair swatting him a few times. "I told you already it's from Carlos. Now, put the thing on."
On the table, there were tiny little silver snakes all bundled together. Well, they were chains, obviously, but I hadn't seen silver coins until a couple of days ago, so for me, under the light, they looked like small snakes.
I leaned down to kiss his cheek and asked him. "Why so many?"
He took a deep breath. "I asked for two... the man is just overly generous. Anyway... he gave us something special, though."
He stood up and took out two golden chains reflecting the light. So beautifully woven, it seemed like hair braided finely. I couldn't help but gasp like everyone else.
"Princess, come here... give me your pendant."
He took them off their brown leather straps and put them on the gold chain. The black shape looked absolutely gorgeous on them. The color fitted perfectly.
He put it on our daughter. She didn't understand what it was. But, she loved shiny things like all of us. She was very happy and gave a long hug to Zephyr.
I was turned around and had my neck adorned with luxury this village had never seen. It was cold! Felt heavy and full of meaning. I touched it and played with it a little.
He rested his chin on my shoulder, admiring it.
"He thought you two would like it. He also showed me how much of it he had, and that really meant nothing for him. Idiot just wanted to brag about it."
I felt grateful to him. But I am more amazed how Zephyr was able to build such a friendship with barely any time.
I kissed his lip gently and licked them a little. I wanted to do so much, much... more, but with every eye on me... ughh. Respectable. BE Respectable.
"Thank you, my love. We will thank him personally at dinner soon."
He looked amused and repressed a smile. Bastard knew me too much.
""Dinner? What dinner? With Carlos?""
I heard Alex and Lucian pulling off a rare feat of talking in unison. It's like their very voice alone was capable of killing my mood. I tapped his chest and sat among the ladies picking the snakes apart.
"He invited us to meet his lady love." He walked closer to them. "She is probably on her way from Dharma as we speak. I'll take Lylly... alone and come back the morning."
I smiled, seeing their dejected faces. It was obvious they wanted to join with their respective others.
Granny had already chosen her chain and thanked Zephyr and Carlos for it.
"...my best will you?" She headed toward the exit, hiding her new necklace under her dress. "I'm going now to assemble the people. Twenty minutes or so should do it. Come when you're ready, my boy."
"Thank you, Vistellia."
She left, and I asked my suspicion, hugging his neck. "Do you think she will assemble these good people alone? Or with someone else?"
Zephyr smiled at my insinuation. "She might need... a certain gentleman's help. They seem close. I feel bad those people all sleeping in the main hall so crowded. We need to build a lot..."
He looked troubled and scratched his head.
"We might need to put training on hold for a little... a week. Maybe two should do it. Tomorrow, gather the available men and go deep into the woods. We can put walls and roofs above those people, help them settle."
He had to make adjustments to the plan without the meeting ever taking place.
"I know... I said the wall around the village should be first, but..."
I sat on his lap and set his priorities straight. "You're a good man. Let's concentrate on one thing at the time." I played with his hair and suddenly pulled it hard. "... And that thing is us moving in tomorrow... don't tell me you forgot it? To help others first, Hmm?"
His heavy atmosphere disappeared, and I enjoyed him seeing nervous.
"No... of course not, c'mon!" He yanked his hair out and fixed it. "I remembered. After tomorrow... obviously."
I leaned in close to his ear. "...and you didn't forget your promise. Right?"
Now he just looked afraid.
"...I didn't. But don't forget yours in return." He poked my nose with his.
I played with his nose, rubbing mine on it, and kissed him with a passion. I placed my finger on his delicious lips. "Promises, promises..."
"Are you two talk about something dirty?"
"Shut up, Eli."
~
We walked in the dark night towards the main hall.
We drew the looks of all we passed. It was always like that, but this time, their eyes went for my and Anna's neck. The color caught those eyes of everyone and held them as long as they were allowed. I kept touching it to feel if it was still there.
The hall was a temporary home for some. Others lived with old Emet residents who had space in their homes. Their houses progressed somewhat, but Zephyr was right. It needed the collective effort of everyone. They needed to regain something normal. Even now, signs of their refugee lives were all around the hall, filled to the capacity. Some had to stay outside, but they were there anyway.
There were chairs behind the table with two empty ones in the middle, next to Granny. We made our way there and sat down. Anna chose Zephyr's lap... obviously, and the people quieted down.
"Welcome to the first official gathering. I thank you all for coming. We have several important things to discuss that will affect everyone's future." Zephyr scanned the room full of eager eyes.
"So, let's get to it."
With all eyes on us, he squeezed my hand and shared his thoughts with the new Emet village.