Entering the hall, she paused in the doorway and looked over the gathering of citizens, merchants, and soldiers with a smile. Since her first visit, she’d begun to spend most of her time in the city – only making short forays into the greater world when the walls felt too confining.
Elly found herself growing much fonder of the people and their home. Between Wraith and that fondness, no matter where else she went, her thoughts would inevitably drift back to Trinsic and the smiling blue eyes of its mayor. And whenever she was in town, squire and knight spent their evenings just chatting over mulled wine at the Keg and Anchor, enjoying each other’s company and reliving memories of their days in Winterfell. Although Wraith never pressed her about her feelings, there was no mistaking the warm light in his eyes whenever they parted ways in the early hours of the morning.
Catching sight of him near the center of the hall, Elly crossed over to him, admiring the straight line of his shoulders and the way his hair tumbled loosely down his back. He’d changed back into a midnight blue tunic and neatly tailored trousers dyed black – the simple style cut from fine cloth very distinct on his tall frame. When he turned toward her and greeted her with a warm smile, she couldn’t help smiling in return.
“Aah,” he said as he looked her over. “Ye’re absolutely stunning, Elyriel.” His smile grew. “I’ll have to scheme up more excuses for ye to wear those lovely gowns.” Grinning, he made a courtly bow and took her hand, raising it to his lips. Elly found herself trembling as he gently kissed her fingers, his eyes never leaving hers. A faint blush colored her cheeks as he drew out the kiss. She could sense the startled quiet around them as others also noticed his gesture.
Finally, he straightened and released her hand. But he then cocked his head to the side with a look of puzzlement. Looking back curiously, Elly almost asked him what was wrong when he quietly uttered, “…what the?….” He reached up, and his fingertips lightly brushed her ear as he pushed her hair back just a little. Smiling, he brought his hand back into view, displaying a delicate pair of gold earrings set with tiny amethysts. “Ye keep all sorts of things laying about, don’t ye?” he said softly, still smiling.
Laughing quietly, Elly let him press them into her hand. “And just where did you get these?” She grinned up at him as she carefully put them on.
His smile disappeared as he looked at her in complete seriousness. “Right from behind your ear there.” Winking, he grinned again. “I thought they were a lovely piece of work. Fitting for the lovely ears from which they now dangle.” He lifted her hand to his lips again, and her blush returned as the whispers filtered through the crowd around them. Half embarrassed and half amused, Elly wondered at the rumors that would doubtlessly be spreading. She met Wraith’s grin with her own and realized she didn’t really care.
Offering her his elbow, Wraith laid his hand over hers as they began to stroll around the market, ignoring the surprised and intrigued looks that followed. Elly soon lost interest in the crowd and centered her attention on Wraith’s light banter and warm smiles. The pair spent the entire afternoon visiting the different merchant stalls and chatting with the people who had traveled from abroad for the market. Finally, as the sky outside the hall began to purple with dusk, Wraith made his farewells and led her out into the cooler night air.
A simple exchange of glances, and they both realized they were too tired for their usual visit to the Keg. “Can I walk ye someplace, Elly?” he asked.
Nodding, she gestured down the street. “Aye. I’m staying at the inn on the east side of the city.” Smiling, he released her arm and clasped her hand instead. Together they made their way through the quieting city to the inn. Wraith stopped just outside the doors and looked up at the candlelit windows. Turning toward her, his free hand lifted to tuck a loose strand of her hair behind his ear.
“Ye know…” he said softly, the hand at her ear shifting to cup her cheek gently. “… there is always my apartment.” He smiled warmly.
Elly was surprised by how much she wanted to accept that quiet offer. She studied his features and those deep blue eyes, her heart suddenly beating a little faster. Startled, she tried to smile teasingly. “I’d hate to put you on the floor again, John. You need some rest.”
He stepped a little closer, his eyes delving into hers. Very softly, he whispered, “Then don’t.” He lifted her hand and gently kissed the inside of her palm, making her gasp in surprise. For a moment, his eyes studied hers, seeming to make a decision. Slipping his arms around her waist, he pulled her close. “I want ye with me, Elyriel,” he began. His voice was very sure. “I need your warmth in my life.” Smiling, he rested his forehead against hers. Elly caught her breath, overwhelmed. “Tis your eyes I think of before I sleep, and your scent I long for when I wake.” He sighed quietly and his voice lowered a little. “I didn’t want to do this to ye, Elly…. I never wanted to pressure ye.” He pulled away just a few inches, looking into her eyes. “But I love ye too much to do this alone. Please, Elly. Will ye stay with me?”
For just a moment, the old fears and doubts made her hesitate. Tis too soon, she argued with herself. I should take more time…. We’ve spent so much time together, but can I be sure? Trapped in his gaze, she almost told him no. But then he kissed her, very gently but conveying all his need for her. Closing her eyes as a new swirl of emotion filled her, Elly let the doubts go. I love him, she finally admitted. Not the memory, but HIM. What else matters?
Breaking the kiss reluctantly, she smiled up at him tenderly. “Aye, John. I’ll stay.” Stepping away and taking his hand as she turned away from the inn, she began to lead him back through the city. Glancing over as he fell into step beside her, she smiled more at the happiness he radiated. Finally, she thought looking around the city again. A little peace for us both.