It was August 15, and we were seven days away from another annual sacrifice. It was horrible like every year, but then something even worse happened.
" You wanna fight, Emet?"
Zephyr just smiled apologetically. Infuriated me further. Ilianna was playing with Mother and Eli, whom she warmed up lately. Also, Zephyr asked her time and time again.
" I don't want to...Demelza asked me to look after Alex. " - he reached and finished his tea. " Apparently, he hurt himself training yet still believes he recovered. His fighting spirit is admirable."
" The man is suicidal!! And Demelza shouldn't have asked my h.." - I took a deep breath and ignored my sister and mother coy smiles. " She had no right to ask you for this. You're a father now...stupid! "
I almost blurted something out that wheight be heavily on my mind.
We have gotten close, but I'm a chicken. Considering everything that happened,I wanted to make the first move, but it was hard..
How does someone turn from a friend to something more clear emotionally for me? I just couldn't put it into words yet.
Ironically, my little sister tried to give me some pointers, but all her carefully chosen words sounded way too embarrassing when I tried to say it.
" Yes, and without them, I wouldn't be. Imagine her situation. She watched her husband now walk up that mountain three times. Alexander promised her this was the last. " - he kept his eyes on his now five year old daughter and looked very serious.
" If she refuses, he might never end his obsession about the good old days, Alex yearns for military glory he can't achieve. So he wants to prove himself in other ways.."
Zephyr reached over the table and took my hands. I was so shocked all my anger evaporated.
His hand felt rough from all the training and work he did around the house. He basically overtook all the choirs by himself. All we need to do is look after Ilianna, which I would've done anyway.
" I'm not going there to earn some long forgotten honour. Or for souvenirs.." - he squeezed my hand, and my heart already racing beat even faster. " I need to go so I can help a friend return to his family."
I squeezed his hand and slowly accepted his decision. It made me happy he didn't go for some superficial reason, and instead, he went for a noble one.
" If everything you said is true..than don't die up there with the animals." - I pointed towards all of us in the kitchen. " Don't forget all those waiting for you here."
He lifted my left hand and planted a kiss so light and gentle yet.. I felt it with my whole being.
" I won't. I promise you, Lylly."
I way he said my name me want to hear it again.
I felt sweet inside and comfortable with him holding my hands. It was like being drunk on liquor.
It is absolutely intoxicating.
Then pain.. someone kicked me. It was little Ilianna, of course. Ignored my mother and sister, laughing and looking down at her.
She waited for my eyes to meet her narrowed one before running to her new father and claiming her place as first lady.
My future daughter was a handful, and thanks to Zephyr, training already knew how to kick.
" Anna, please.." - he played with her and twisted his neck so to look into her eyes. " We talked about this sweetheart, you can't use your legs in every situation. You could've fallen,..a punch would've been a much better choice. Remember that next time, okay? "
" Yes, father.."
My future husband was also a handful.
---
Later that afternoon, I took Ilianna for a bath and then took her to see Zephyr training the boys, who have been joined by two dozen others.
Not all had intention to fight Emet. They just wanted to learn his unique fighting style, mostly relying on his legs.
The way he pummeled them sometimes was a work of art.
Using his arms for balance and defence only, delivering devastating kicks. The man from the village quickly wanted to learn all about it.
Anna soon ran into the fighting crowd as soon as we arrived, like it was nothing.
I wasn't surprised nor the men it was an everyday thing. They quickly put away their equipment and started playing with her.
In the last week or so, she became something of a lucky charm to those learning from her father.
It was incredible seeing her run around laughing with all those men she previously hid and only dared, watching them behind cover.
Mom gave her Eleanor's old ones and also made some dresses for her. With her complexion, hair, and skin looking healthier, she was like a different girl altogether.
" Lilly Hey!! " - a friendly pair arrived with some food. " Ilianna always has so much energy these days. She looks incredibly happy."
" Hey Demelza..she sure does." - I was a little cold, and lately, we became a lot closer than before.
She noticed the edge in my voice. I know, Zephyr talked about it, but still.
She shouldn't have asked anyone to do this, let alone the one who belonged to me or soon to be.
Specifically since Zephyr didn't know anything about Emet or the way these fights worked. I didn't know a lot either, but still more than someone living here less than a month.
" You talked to Zephyr.. I see. Let me say this. " - she put her hand gently on mine. "..I'm sorry for asking him. I'm also sorry because I didn't talk to you about it. But I would rather send him than the rest combined."
Damn right... she should've asked me first. But she is right..Zephyr or those hanging on his every word and actions. I get it. But still..
" Why does Alex have to go even injured? - I couldn't believe even on his back the man insisted. " By the way, what is the injury? He didn't ask granny's help."
" It's his back. It happened before nothing serious .. He is resting inside, probably cursing he can't be out here. " - she looked away a little flustered towards the man playing around with Ilianna.
" On the bright side, your Zephyr taught him a lot. I have more confidence in him than the previous years, that's for sure."
My Zephyr... I liked it.
" I can tell by that happy smile everything is going well with you two?" - she saw my unconscious on the surface.
I almost forgot she could see my face! I need to stop the day dreaming.
" It's..not official or anything. Maybe once he came back .. I just wish I could help him."
" Well... I know how I help my husband before battle.." - she gave me a suggestive look.
I felt my face on fire, and the sight just made Demelza laugh more hysterically.
Thankfully, the man's wifes soon arrived to bring some food for their husbands. Some brought their own kids who soon joined Ilianna and little Arnold.
Zephyr followed the rest who went to eat. And come sit next to me.
" Thanks for bringing her. " - he looked sweaty from the workout but, happy seeing her having so much fun. " I want her to interact with the others her age more."
" I want that for her to. It looks like she is doing fine."
We watched Ilianna play with the others, playing might be a stretch, she was pummeling them with improved accuracy even the older kids had to think twice getting close.
Zephyr looked at her with pride. It was adorable seeing him like this.
Just then, Demelza came over with some soup and bread and handed to him.
" Ohh, thank you Dem, it looks delicious as always."
" Please, it's my pleasure to cook for someone who not just inhales his food like Alex." - she waved him off and smiled with appreciation.
As they laughed, I thought of a big oversight on my part.
I could've bought some food..ughh it was so obvious and yet I failed miserably.
Also..Dem?...What the actual hell?