The Winds of the Past [Rune Factory 4]

Chapter 30

"I wonder what Dylas has planned?" Avani wondered out loud the next morning as we washed up after breakfast.

"Well, My Lady, in just a few hours, you'll have the opportunity to find out," I said, smiling at her as I took a cup from her to dry.

"I suppose... I hope I can persuade Illuminata to come. At least it's her day off today, so it's just a matter of tracking her down. You'll come, too, won't you?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," I said with a wide grin.

"Meaning that whether he succeeds or fails, you expect to be amused one way or another?" she replied drily.

"My Lady, I'm hurt by your accusations. Do you really think me so insensitive?" I said, adopting a wounded air.

She just grinned up at me, then setting her washcloth down, she reached up with still-damp hands, twining her fingers in my hair as she pulled me down for a long, slow kiss. "I'd say you're very sensitive," she murmured into my ear as she felt the rapidly-enlarging bulge in my pants pressing against her.

"And I'd say you're trouble, My Lady—perfectly delightful trouble," I replied huskily, as I swept her up into my arms and carried her back to bed.

************

We found Illuminata by Dragon Lake about half an hour before midday, sitting on a rock and gazing pensively into the mirror-like water. She started as we approached her, and said with a sad smile, "You two always look so happy together. I wish...." Then she blushed and turned back to the lake with a sigh.

"Hey, Lumie," Avani said gently, laying a hand on the elf's shoulder. "I wondered if you'd care to join us for lunch at Porcoline's? I'd be so happy if you would."

Lumie hesitated, still gazing into the water. She sighed again, saying, "Sure. I mean, it's not like I have anywhere else to be, right?" She flushed red and looked quickly at Avani, saying hastily, "Oh! I'm sorry. That sounded so rude. I didn't mean it that way... I'm just... I guess I'm feeling unusually lonely today. Never mind me. I've just been reminiscing, and that always make me feel blue. But I'd like to come, if you really don't mind."

"We'd be delighted," Avani replied, holding her hand out to pull the elf to her feet. The three of us strolled through the town and to the restaurant, arriving just as the sun reached its peak overhead.

When we walked in, Avani looked quickly around and immediately spotted Dylas watching for us at the counter. He came over, looking slightly flustered and anxious. Illuminata started when she saw him, turning scarlet as she looked at him, then Avani, and then back at him before looking at the floor.

"Oh! Ummm, hello, Dylas," she said nervously.

"Hi, Illuminata, Avani, Leon. This way, please," he said, leading us towards the back of the restaurant.

To my surprise, though, he continued on through the doors connecting the restaurant to Arthur's offices. He held the door as Avani passed through, then myself, and finally Lumie trailing slightly behind. The room was empty except for a man I didn't recognize—there was no sign of Arthur or any other visitors. I looked curiously at the stranger for a quick moment. He was an elf, I could see that right away by his long, slender ears. He had the willowy build common among elves, as well. Shaggy, blue-black hair hung down over his forehead, nearly covering his cobalt blue eyes as he turned to look at us.

His face lit up, and he exclaimed in a deep, resonant voice, "Posy? Is it really you?"

Lumie stopped dead in her tracks, her eyes widening. "D-Deasún?" She ran forward, throwing her arms around the man's neck, a strangled sob escaping her throat as she held him tightly.