Page 55 of Elemental Affections

“Found a great tailor-elementalist just outside the capital’s main drag,” Calya said. “It’s enchanted with top-notch wind and waterproofing spells. Since you insist on staying in the land of drear and gray.”

Dae enveloped her sister in a hug, whispering, “Thanks, brat.”

“Not to sound like our mother dearest, but you’re sure you’re fine going back? You won’t be lonely for the rest of the holidays?”

Dae assured her she’d be fine. Auntie Yerina always had a place at her table open, and she had Eunny.

And, going back early meant perhaps she’d see Ezzyn a bit before spring term started.

No, Dae told her sister. She wouldn’t be lonely at all.

Chapter 20

Usually,settingfootinsidehis homeland brought a sense of comfort. The familiarity of Rhell relieved a touch of the apprehension that burrowed beneath Ezzyn’s skin whenever he was called away. It hadn’t always existed, the sense of unease, only since Eylle’s assault, festering over five years as the blight spread toward the wellspring at the kingdom’s heart. Ezzyn had dedicated himself to stopping it, finding a cure. That they’d managed to slow the spread to a crawl did nothing to alleviate the fear he carried every time he was away that he’d return to disaster, the light of Rhell snuffed out at last.

This time was different. The sights and sounds, the feel of home was still there. The same drive to banish the poison as he observed patches of deadened land. But something else pulled at him, or perhaps he wasn’t as empty and angry in returning. He didn’t need the comfort of home to make him feel quite so whole.

During the ride into the capital city of Talihn, Ezzyn’s mind swam with possibilities for complementing the spring research trip. Which sites would be most suitable. Accommodations for rotating shifts, since multiple groups would need to manage the test areas at different stages. He wasn’t entirely sure when he’d stopped thinking solely in terms of himself and had expanded to including others—not simply trying one approach after another but thinking of the other mages as colleagues. Entrusting a part of the process to them. Collaboration.

Anadae had left her mark on him.

Ezzyn smiled to himself. He wished she was here. For her perspective, so he could see how she interacted with the elements of his home. And yes, so he could be with her, but not only in a carnal way. She’d become a comfort, too, carved away some of the fear he held beneath the surface. Failures were never pleasant, but she reminded him that they were never the end. That he wasn’t alone in his quest. Though a distant, rational side of him had known that several highly qualified mages had dedicated themselves to ecological restoration work and Rhell was top priority, they had never felt equally committed. He’d never let them in. Anadae made him feel hopeful. Whether they found an answer that spring or five years from now, it all felt less futile.

“You’re smiling.”

The voice broke Ezzyn from his reverie. “Gaz.” Without realizing it, he’d arrived at the family’s manor. Dismounting, he gave his brother a one-armed hug. “You’re looking well.”

“Well enough, anyway,” Garethe said. “The menders say if this keeps up, I can teach a summer course at Sylveren.”

Though he still looked on the frail side, Garethe’s color was good. There was a liveliness to his demeanor that had been lacking some months ago.

“Good. They could use a real teacher,” Ezzyn said as they went into the manor. “I still don’t know what I’m doing.”

“Vaadt and the others say you’re doing fine. Hardly any students have complained.” Garethe winked at Ezzyn’s disgruntled look.

“I’ve had complaints?” Ezzyn said. “You’ve been writing the other professors about me?”

“Yea.” Garethe patted him on the shoulder. “You don’t know what you’re doing, remember?”

Ezzyn stewed over the remarks as Garethe chattered on about the events at home: repairs needed at the port, prompting a debate over whether or not to do expansion work and how any of it would be funded. A good growing season in the working sectors of the Dappled Woods for Rhell’s highly sought paper industry trees. Squabbles over profit sharing amongst the noble houses who jointly owned some of said forests.

Garethe steered them down the hall to Jeron’s study. “I’ve been reviewing your research results. When did you learn to play nice with others?”

“I’ve worked with plenty of others.”

“Tolerated, more like,” Jeron said as they entered. He shook Ezzyn’s hand before waving his brothers toward seats. “The Valley has been good for you.”

Ezzyn rolled his eyes at their smug looks. “I happen to like Sylveren. Stop patting yourselves on the back, you didn’t do anything.”

“He really has mellowed some, hasn’t he?” Jeron said.

Garethe nodded. “He’s snarky today.”

“I’m sitting right here.”

Jeron ignored him, eyebrows lifting as he made a point of facing Garethe. “What could’ve brought on such a change?”

Garethe grinned. “Or who?”

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