Chapter 283: Reunion
"Oh, Evanna." Loraven pulled her daughter into a tight hug, tears blurring her eyes. "My sweet girl, I’ve longed for your safe return."
"I know," Evanna whispered, her voice thick with emotion as her heart swelled from the embrace of her warm and healthy mother. Loraven was still tiny, most bones, but already the colour had returned to her cheeks, her eyes brighter, her hair healthier. If not for the weight loss that was evidential, it would appear as though she’d never been sick at all.
"Magnificent," Osian breathed. He stumbled forward, settling on the other side of the bed and peered at Loraven with concern. "Our daughter is so much like you, Loraven."
He shook his head, his gaze filled with delight as he marvelled at her resemblance to her mother. Osian’s eyes then shifted to Evanna and flicked to Arawn.
"You must have many tales to tell us. Prince Arawn, if you’d be so kind, I’d like to spend time with my daughter after such a long absence without her."
"Of course, your majesty." Arawn bowed his head and shared a look with Evanna. She would see him after, although she didn’t feel comfortable telling Osian about their relationship without the prince there in the room. It wasn’t something to be taken lightly. But if he asked, she would not deny him an answer.
Osian walked beside Arawn as though guaranteeing the elven prince was leaving the chambers, handing him off to Sir Hugh, who had been behind the doors again. Evanna remained beside Loraven, her hand holding her mother’s. Loraven’s thumb stroked over Evanna’s as though she was the one in need of comfort.
It was her mother who had been in such a dire situation all this time, yet here she was comforting her. Evanna sat back once Osian returned, feeling his gaze on her, but she couldn’t help but keep looking at her mother. All of the dread and pent-up anxiousness seeped out of her, leaving her feeling raw and fatigued. So fatigued.
Evanna had been chased by the living dead, fought monsters and forced to attend elven banquets, and now her mother was well; it all seemed to crash down on her like a brick.
"You look tired, dear," Loraven noted, squeezing her hand.
"It was..." Evanna smiled gently, "quite an adventure."