Fourth Course...
Balthazar had become a bit lost during the conversation, receding into his mind. It was something Elisabeth had seen many a time, and the only cure was allowing him to come out of it naturally – if the situation allowed for that. Gently, she slipped her hand against his leg, waiting for him to come around again.
Daia’s answer to her question was interesting. Had she known that the Sparrow and Warden were the same person? It was possible – lots had happened during the events. Regardless, the confirmation and clarity were needed.
Elisabeth listened as the Immortal outlined what was left behind, and the young mage knew then that she needed to talk to Balthazar, and then Jacien. A job offer was waiting for her, and while she had plenty to do with Haven, she couldn’t ignore her larger responsibility to Kura and Scalvoris either.
Glancing at Balthazar, who seemed to have returned to them, Elisabeth gave him a smile, reaching over and squeezing his hand gently. Before she did anything though, she needed to talk to the man she loved.
Smiling as Oram and Osric answered her table question, she again thought about how much she enjoyed the company of the two and made a quick decision. “If either of you are ever on Faldrass, or wish to visit, please know you would be welcome in Haven as guests. You and whomever else you’d like to bring. It’s situated on the beach and quite lovely.”
Glancing at Daia, she gave her a smile as well. “And of course, Lady Daia, you are always welcome to stop in. It would be an honor to host you.”
Between Courses...
Saoire spoke, and Kura and Oram were honored. Rising, she clapped loudly for both. Both had contributed in significant ways, and she was happy to show her appreciation, especially for Oram, who was sitting at her table. She sent a smile across the table for the hunter but said nothing for she preferred those types of things be done personally and not in a room full of people.
Before she had the chance though, Osric seemingly took offense at something Daia had said about Oram. Elisabeth rose again, laying a hand on Osric’s arm gently as Oram attempted to haul the man back into his seat. “The simplest things are often the most powerful. Your brother understands that, and because of that, now, we all do.” Nodding to Oram, she retook her seat as the others did, curious to see if there would be any other excitement for the remainder of the evening.
Last Course...
Their last courses arrived, and Elisabeth was running out of room for all the delicious food. She tended not to eat a lot to begin with, but something about the food of the feast made one want to keep going. Her dessert -a gorgeous plate of beignets and berries, lightly dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by a small bowl of whipped cream – left her groaning, knowing her stomach didn’t have much more room but it looked far too tempting to resist.
Xiur arrived, prompting Elisabeth to sit up in her chair a bit. He was one of two Immortals that had graciously offered to bless her with their mark after the Forging, and her eyes instinctively glanced down to the small dot on the back of her hand, smiling.
His question was a good one, and her answer was one Balthazar probably could have guessed. “Nighttime. When the world is quiet. Sometimes I wake in the middle of the night and just sit, appreciating what I have in life. During the daytime, something things are just too hectic, and I think that people need to stop every now and then and just be in the moment.” The young mage loved her sleep, but she also knew to stay balanced, thought and appreciate had to be invested in the moments that mattered.
He offered to answer a question, and she quickly considered if she had one to ask him. In truth, her mind was whirling, but something did come to mind. “Lord Xiur, if I may be so bold to as a favor? I am eternally grateful to all the Immortals that were involved, yourself included. Lord U’frek and Lady Moeske were part of my personal path during these events, and both offered council and assistance to me. I have not been able to thank them, and wish to ask you to pass along the message? I don’t wish them to think me ungrateful. If you, or they, ever need anything that I can help with, I would be happy to do so."
Suddenly, a thought popped into her mind, something she never thought she would have the chance to learn. "Oh! I just thought of something." A smile slipped across her lips as she folded her hands in her lap, gazing across the table at Xiur. "Do you happen to know my actual birthtrial? The trial in Vhalar that I was found outside Viden was the trial that was eventually adopted for such, but I've always been curious." Maybe, perhaps, Xiur could help her reclaim a piece of her unknown past.
There were no more group questions to be had, but Qylios had her own honoring to do, and this time, it was Hart, and Elisabeth immediately rose, smiling and clapping. She had many things to say to and about the man, but they would wait for another time.
