Disarray

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-Four

                            

Rylan awoke before sunrise, and hurried outside to watch the dawn intensify. It was a little early to be at the infirmary, and even though he did not remember the past two sevendays, he still felt as if he had not seen a sunrise in a while.

          The clouds were scattered across the sky, it looked as if someone had stretched them until they shattered. They ranged from light gray to dark yellow, and the sky behind them was more green than blue. From what he could see of the horizon, the mountains bore a pleasant pink hue. The color of the forest around him began to deepen, and soon glowed with a warm light. As the sun continued to rise, the clouds changed from a deep pink to an orange that blazed like fire.

          He hurried toward the dining hall after the sun rose; he didn’t want to speak to anyone. Last night, he was fortunate to be late for supper, not many elves were there.

          Rylan discreetly served himself a small amount of bread and fruit, and chose an empty table in the corner. He was glanced at by several elves, but few approached him. Arilia must have announced his recovery at supper the previous night. He managed to steal away without being noticed, relieved that he didn’t have to speak to any curious elves today.

          As Rylan walked toward Malifar’s infirmary, he was rather surprised to see so many blooming flowers along the pathway. He was unsure if it was because of the while he missed, or the lack of attention he’d paid to it, but spring seemed to have occurred quickly.

          He knocked on the door this time, and remembered how he had burst in yesterday.

          “So you do know how to knock.” Malifar stated, sounding mordantly bewildered. Rylan sighed, and opened the door. He immediately glanced at Raelein, ensuring that she was still alive.

          “Her condition is unvarying, it has been since yesterday. She may be recovering.” Malifar informed him. He must have noticed his concerned stare. A spark of hope struck in his heart, and he clung to it, desperate for a chance for her to live.

          “Perhaps speaking to her helps,” Rylan said. He strode toward her, and sad by her bed.

          “It appears so, yes,” the elf answered. “I did not expect Raelein to live this long, she should be dead by now, so she might survive.”

          “Maybe you do love me,” he whispered to her.

          “She does. I’ve sensed her emotions, and her love for you is as true and profound as yours for her.” Malifar stated.

Rylan had been nearly positive she felt the same, but having it confirmed made his heart flutter with euphoria. He was no longer hesitant to admit his love for her, and made no effort to conceal it any further. He smiled widely, elated to have a shard of hope to grasp.

          “How long has the fairy been here?” Rylan inquired, gesturing toward the red fairy asleep on a shelf nearby.

          “She’s been by Raelein’s side for a few days. Aden brought her here; she wants to stay with her.” Malifar answered.

          “Fairies are so kindhearted,” he said with a smile. The old elf nodded in agreement, not looking up from his work.

For the next three hours, Rylan stayed by Raelein. He spoke to her, he told her stories, and simply talked to her about anything. He had promised Aden that he would talk to him today, so he left to the dining hall for dinner.