Islinda didn't know she got to the chief's place, her mind had been racing the entire time. How could the man die at a critical time like this? If he were going to die, he should have at least found Eli's parents first before leaving. Now, she was left all alone to deal with the burden.
The chief's place was filled to the brim with sympathizers who had come to offer their condolences to his family. It wasn't until that moment that the cold began to get to her and Islinda looked down to discover that she was barefooted and her toes were beginning to freeze. The shock had been so great, it had stripped her of all sense of reasoning.
"Aiyo, how could you come out like that? Even if the chief's death is shocking, we cannot afford to lose a young soul too!"
It took Islinda a minute to realize that the elderly woman was speaking to her. Islinda knew one from the marketplace, having sold one of her small animals to her.
"Ahh, this…." She shifted on her toes uncomfortably, now embarrassed. Islinda tried to explain, "I didn't mean to…. It didn't cross my mind…"
The woman placed her hand on her shoulder with a smile of understanding. "Wait here," She told her and left before Islinda could protest.
Not long after, she reappeared with a boot in hand and Islinda went red in embarrassment.
"You should try this," The woman placed the boot beside her bare feet.
"You shouldn't have …." Islinda gasped, conscious of being very near to tears. She didn't know why she was being emotional. But this was the kindest act anyone has ever done for her. Not even her family.
The woman explained, "My daughter got married weeks ago, the boot belongs to her. It's been idle at home and I have no idea what to do with it. You should have it."
Islinda bit down on her lips, she shouldn't accept this. But the woman was doing this out of sincerity and couldn't refuse it. She slid her feet into the boots and it was a perfect fit.
The woman looked satisfied, "I was worried that it wouldn't fit but it seems my fear was for nothing." She smiled at Islinda.
"Thank you." She said,
She patted her on the shoulder, "I don't know what you're going through, my child, but first comes the rain, then sunshine. Never neglect your health no matter what, you have a whole future ahead of you."
Those were the woman's last words before moving on to associate with her peers. Islinda stared at her new ankle-length black booths. It was sturdy and very comfortable and she wouldn't need to buy a new one anymore. The money would go to her savings now.
Finally, remembering the reason she was here, Islinda moved around the crowd and was able to pick up a bit of information. Just as Remy had said, the village chief died in his sleep last night. He had not been sick, hence everyone took it as the will of the gods even though the loss was great.
Of course, If only they knew.
The village chief was a respected elder, and a vigil was going to be held for him tonight. However, Islinda was stunned when she recognized her family among the crowd and her eyes widened with fear as she saw Remy with Eli. If she didn't know her evil step-sister too well, she would have thought the both of them had become friends.
Remy saw her first, "What's with you? You suddenly -"
Islinda ripped her grasp on the boy, glaring at her icily, "If this is a new game, you better stop it. Do not harm the boy."
Remy gave her a blank look, "Harm what boy? Do you think me so cruel that I would torture children too?" She looked disgusted.
Islinda narrowed her gaze at her. For some reason, her words seemed convincing and that was what bothered her. Remy was never kind, what changed? Did Eli charm her with his innocence?
"Big sister," Eli told her, "You don't have to worry about me, Sister Remy and I have been having a lot of fun?"
"Sister Remy?" Islinda arched a brow, jealousy twisting her guts. Eli had only trusted and called her "sister", now he was extending the title to others that didn't deserve it.
As if that was not enough, he wrung out of her hold and went back to holding Remy, saying, "We are going to have a bit of fun before going home."
"Fun?"
"Mother and Lillian are here too. They have come to pay their respect to the chief. Judging from the crowd here, I think it would be a while so I suggest that you go home and finish the chores, don't you think?"
Islinda would have left but her eyes flickered down to Eli in worry.
Noticing her gaze, Remy pulled the boy behind her," Don't worry about Eli, I'll take care of him and he will return safely."
"As if I trust you," Islinda snorted," Yesterday -"
"Was a mistake that would not repeat itself. I lost my mind a bit. Moreover, it's not like the villagers would let me go scot-free once it's reported that I harmed a child. I'm not a monster, Islinda."
There was indecision in Islinda's eyes, but there was nothing she could do. So she took a threatening step toward her, saying," If I find as much as a scratch on his body, you would wish you were dead. "
Islinda did not know where the courage came from. Come on, this was Remy she was standing up to! But she would protect what is hers, even at the expense of being kicked out of the house.
"Whatever," Remy rolled her eyes. She obviously didn't take her threat seriously.
Before Islinda left, she crouched down and whispered to Eli, "Do not trust her," Making sure to look him deep in the eyes to ensure he got her point. The boy was smart.
Eli nodded and she ruffled his hair quickly before taking her leave. There was another reason Islinda decided to go home and that was to see Valerie. This was the perfect opportunity to leave for the woods without anyone suspecting her move. Her stepsisters were smart and they would figure something was up if they caught her sneaking out more than usual.
Moreover, she couldn't go to the woods at night. This was the only opportunity she had to see him today. Hence, Islinda raced back home knowing her time was running out. Her step-family loved gossip and would definitely spend a lot of time there gathering information - that couldn't put food on the table. She was conscious of her time.
Once at home, Islinda grabbed a few things; her coat against the cold; medicine in case Valerie hadn't healed fully; her water skin for when she was parched, and her weapons to defend herself in case of an attack. The woods were still a wild place even though it was winter and most animals had migrated. Still, it was better safe than sorry. Not to mention, those animals were not the only things that hunted humans.
In a twinkle of an eye, Islinda was running through the woods to go find Valerie, knowing her time was limited. She was practically panting when she arrived at the dreary cottage and staggered inside only to fall into warm arms.
"Valerie…." Islinda suddenly found herself speechless as she stared at his handsome face. Fae creatures were breathtaking.
"Islinda…." He murmured her name with his accent which made her stomach do a backflip. She could stare into his golden eyes forever. How did she get herself into this mess?
She gasped, "How did you…?"
"Your scent," He smiled, "I can pick it up even with my eyes closed."
Was he trying to say he liked her smell? The fluttering in her stomach increased
"Come to the vigil tonight." The words left her mouth without thought and she instantly regretted it.
"What?"
"It's nothing," Islinda said, stepping away from him. His presence was making her heady and she needed to breathe.
"Islinda…." He pressed, knowing she was withholding information from him.
Islinda swallowed, this was dangerous and the risk was not worth it.
He covered the space between them once more, cupping her face with her palm and she melted inside.
He begged her, "Please, tell me."
She hesitated but when he caressed a trail down her throat, her tongue loosened up.
"There's a…." She licked her lips nervously and her heart wouldn't stop pounding at his touch, "Vigil tonight in honor of our late chief. Everyone would be in black clothing and would come to mourn, nor would they expect a Fae to attend. You could steal a cloak or something, hide your appearance and attend. We will meet there." She quickly added, "That is if you want to."
"I will come." He said with determination, his eyes almost a live flame.
Thankfully he stepped back before it could burn the both of them alive.
Islinda nodded, her heart pounding with anticipation and happiness.
"You should be careful." She warned him.
"You don't need to tell me. I would."
Then she remembered her purpose of coming there and handed the medicine to him, "I can't stay for long. So have this and may the gods be with you, tonight, Valerie." She pecked him on the cheek, turned away, and left quickly without looking him in the eyes.