Page 87 of Across the Sapphire Sea
“Between us we’ve been taught two different methods of gathering water,” Aella explained. “I intend to learn Sachi’s method, and she will no doubt learn mine. In the process, with any luck, Remy and Laurence will learn both.”
Mahu stepped to Elias’s side and cast a grin his way. “We laypeople will enjoy the show.”
Elias returned the smile, and the two of them sat out of the way, their backs against a massive tree trunk, legs stretched out before them. Neither Elias or Mahu had magic of their own, but that didn’t mean they found the subject any less interesting.
While Aella gave her initial instructions, Mahu turned to Elias and whispered, “How fare you, young Elias? You smile, and yet behind your eyes lies sadness.”
He’d gotten that right, hadn’t he? Elias considered holding back his next thought, but Mahu was kind. He wouldn’t be quick to anger. So he replied, “I could say the same thing to you, Mahu.”
Mahu gave a slow nod. “Indeed.” A little chuckle. “But I posed the question first, my friend.”
In front of them, Remy had his arms spread wide, fingers twitching as he attempted a water gathering spell. Elias watched, waiting for something to happen.
“I suppose you caught me there,” said Elias to Mahu. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to answer the question, it was his own uncertainty as to the reason. “Do you know Valeri very well? Or at all?”
Mahu shook his head. “No, your sire keeps to himself. He’s been that way since his first arrival at Bran Vigny nearly a century ago.”
“That’s not surprising. I’ve only known him for four years, and until now he has seemed content with only me for company.”
Remy began his spell again while Laurence, Aella, and Sachi cheered him on.
“And now?” asked Mahu.
Elias frowned. “And now not even my company makes him happy.”
Remy flung his arms up, wiggled his fingers, and brought them slowly and steadily inward. Water began to coalesce over his head from absolutely nowhere. Astonishing.
“I asked of your happiness, Elias, not his,” Mahu pointed out gently.
“Oh, well, I am often very happy. I like Bran Vigny. I like the people here. I enjoy spending time with other vampires. Valeri has never allowed that without argument before now, you see, so it’s refreshing to make friends without coming home and fighting about it.”
“But…” Mahu waited.
“But now it’s like he doesn’t care at all,” said Elias at length. “Before, he cared too much. He never trusted me. And now, it’s like…I feel like he is letting go.”
“Is that what you want?”
“No!” Elias answered without hesitation and much too loudly.
The witches turned to look his way.
Remy lost his concentration and the bubble of water he’d been gathering burst over his head, wetting his hair and soaking his shoulders.
Elias’s jaw dropped open. Whoops. “Sorry!”
“Everything all right?” asked Remy, swiping a wet tendril of hair from his eyes. Behind him, Laurence was doubled over with laughter.
“Fine, fine. So sorry,” said Elias. “Go back to your water spells. I didn’t mean to interrupt.” At times like these he was glad he could no longer blush.
Mahu chuckled under his breath. “Elias, let me give you some advice from a very old man to a very young one. You must learn how to communicate. Tell Valeri how you are feeling. Be honest. Hold nothing back. Ask him the questions that linger on the tip of your tongue and be silent until he answers. If you love him…”
Mahu’s voice trailed off in such a way Elias was prompted to fill the gap. “I do. Very much.”
“Then you must be sure he understands what you need from him,” Mahu continued. “Only you can tell him. Will you try?”
Elias nodded. “The conversation won’t be easy.”
“No, but it will be worth it.” Mahu patted his knee. “Take it from a man who learned the lesson too late.”
