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“Gods above and below.” Byrgir shook his head and dropped two steaks into the hot cast iron. They sizzled loudly in the silence.

El continued, more cheerfulness in her voice again, “But you’re here safe now, Halja. And you’re welcome to stay as long as you like. I have more space in this house than I know what to do with. I’ll show you up to your room after dinner, I have the perfect one for you.” She smiled at me, clearly overjoyed to be hosting.

The steaks were delicious, and we talked and ate in the dining room until darkness fell outside. El ushered me into thesitting room and grabbed my bags. I followed her without saying goodnight to Byrgir, my jealousy still darkening my attitude toward him –– unfairly, I knew. It was childish and petty, but I could not dispel it.

El led me up a curved staircase to the next landing, which opened onto a hallway leading to several more doors. We followed more stairs, up and up, and from the final landing a spiral staircase climbed higher still into the house. At the top of the spiral staircase, El paused in front of a single door. It was the only room on the top floor. She placed her hand on the knob and turned to me, smiling a bit conspiratorially.

“This is my favorite guest room,” she confided. “I’ve never let Byrgir stay in here.”

She swung open the door to reveal a large chamber. A stone hearth with a fire already crackling glowed on one side of the room. Opposite the entrance, two glass doors draped in gauzy white curtains led to a balcony of tightly woven tree branches. Deep blue walls tinged with green matched the color of the distant sea that stretched to the horizon, visible through the balcony doors. There were tall windows on every wall, giving a full view of the surrounding forest canopy and the ocean waves.

El crossed the room to the right and swung open a door. “The bathroom. This one’s all yours, of course.”

I peered in behind her. An oversized ceramic tub big enough for several people was cradled in a raised wooden platform, framed on three sides by huge leaded windows. El turned the tap, and steaming water poured forth into the tub.

“I’m assuming you’re wanting a hot bath?” she enquired.

“Yes, desperately,” I stammered. “El, this room, this whole house, is fantastic.”

“I know, isn’t it? It’s amazing really. I’ve lived here most of my life and never tire of it. The fae had a way with design that this human world hasn’t rivaled since. Wait ’til you try the bed.”

The bed was a gorgeous monstrosity of deep, downy comforters and plush pillows. Four tall posts rose from each corner, and more gauzy curtains were tucked back against the posts, draping from the top frame decadently in layers of blue, green, and white.

“Why isn’t this your room?” I asked.

“You know, sometimes I ask myself the same thing. But mine is similar: Balcony, huge tub, big bed, lots of natural light. It’s just bigger. More closet space too. Besides, this one is a long climb.”

“I’ve never been anywhere like this,” I said, crossing to the balcony doors and looking out. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

“It’s my pleasure, really,” El said with a genuine smile. “It has been a long time since this house had more feminine presence than my own. Usually it’s just Crow raiding my liquor cabinet and Byrgir occasionally dropping by to help him.”

“Who’s Crow?” I asked.

“Kyrecrow, or Crow for short. He’s an old friend of ours. Lived here as long as we have. Crow’s a Ranger.” She noticed my blank look and continued to explain. “A sort of offshoot of the Ironguard focused on… infiltration and intelligence. A faction that specializes in knowing everything and killing quietly. They’re a holdover from old wars, but still exceptionally important, somewhat unfortunately. You’ll meet him tomorrow, I’m sure. He probably already knows Byrgir is here and will be at the house first thing in the morning. If not the middle of the night to drag Byrgir to the bar.”

“Sounds like a character,” I said.

El laughed, that tinkling, silver sound of ascending notes. “Oh yes, a character for certain. Anyway! I’m sure you’re exhausted and wondering what this crazy devil woman is doing loitering in your bedroom. I’ll leave you to your evening! If you need anything, my room is the second door on the third floor.”

Her bubbly energy was infectious, and I found myself smiling despite the jealousy that still roiled beneath my skin.

“El?” I said tentatively as she reached the door. She turned and I said, “Your eyes are beautiful. Thank you for letting me stay in your home.”

El blushed, a crimson that flushed her already pink skin. “Oh I already know I’m going to love having you around. Your eyes are beautiful too. It’s nice to have another…” She paused, choosing her words carefully. “To have another woman around.”

∞∞∞

I slept late and stayed in bed when I woke, reveling in the comfort of the huge four-poster bed and the serene stillness of the treetops, trying to wrap my head around the events of the last few days. Everything had changed so suddenly, and now I was in a city I had hardly known existed until days before my arrival, staying in the strangest and most beautiful home I had ever seen.

When I finally descended for breakfast, Byrgir was already gone. El explained over muffins and tea that he had left to meet with Crow, to fill him in on everything and see if Crow knew where Eilith was. As Captain of the Rangers, Crow likely already knew about the attack. But if Eilith was missing, he would need details to report to the Council, and would be hastily devising a plan of action.

“What does the Council do, exactly?” I asked, sipping my tea.

“The Council of Rhyanaes? I’m surprised Eilith didn’t tell you about them.”

“We didn’t talk politics much. Just a bit about the Paragons, but Byrgir mentioned the Council on the way here.”

“The Council of Ryhanaes is the sort of… spiritual governing body of the city and most of Elvik. Or at least they were. The Council used to be much more important, informing policy and advising the King. Council members also advised the fae courts, not just the human kings and queens of the past, doing their best to act as intermediaries between humans and fae. Its goal is the preservation of Sourcery. Ensuring that it serves all people, and that the balance of magic and the geopolitical realms are maintained.”