Lost Lighte

Chapter 8 (part 1)

The next few months flew by, and before Tilya knew it the greenery of the trees saturated the blue spring sky. Her crops, flourishing in the new season, had brought ample coin to her household. So much that Tilya could afford to purchase new clothes for Reese to wear at school.

It wasn’t as difficult as she thought it’d be to keep Lukas’s secret from him. He spent most of his time playing with Hadley’s little brother Chester more than anything else.

Hadley was a different story. Tilya didn’t want him knowing she had a man, much less one of the fae, staying with them. She knew if he had discovered it, he would probably beat Lukas up. As well as tell her father. Tilya had been bribing Reese with sweets these past months not to tell him or Hadley and his family.

So, the times when Hadley would come by to visit, Lukas would make himself scarce, usually by gathering logs in the woods by the cabin to use in the fireplace.

Tilya wasn’t sure, however, what Lukas would do in a week’s time when she attended the ball Hadley had invited her to. It was an effort to say yes, as she did not have a decent-enough dress to wear, but Hadley insisted they go shopping together in the town center for one. Tilya had been convinced, then.

It was almost like a date.

Tilya flushed and shook the thought from her head. No, it was most definitely not a date; just two good friends shopping together for clothing. Very fancy clothing.

Kneeling in front of the cold fireplace, she jumped when she heard the door to the cabin open as Lukas stepped inside. He was wearing a sturdy pair of brown leather boots, tailored black trousers, and a dark-green tunic with golden trim.

“Just the man I wanted to see!” Tilya beamed, staring up at him with a Cheshire grin. Lukas stared back at her warily as he set down a black bag full of something Tilya couldn’t see.

“What is it?” Lukas asked hesitantly.

Tilya stood and brushed off the baby-pink knee-length dress she wore. Delicate white lace complimented the neckline of the garment, sloping along the sweetheart shape, where her cleavage was peeking out tastefully. It was essentially strapless, save for chunks of lace hanging down both of her shoulders. More white lace decorated the hem at the bottom of the dress, completing the look.

She looked like a sentient porcelain doll.

Tilya folded her hands and rested them against her legs and she smiled up at Lukas expectantly. “I’m having some trouble lighting the fire. Maybe you can work some of your magic on it?”

Lukas hadn’t used any of his magic since telling Tilya his secret, but he did confess that the meal he had prepared for them some time ago was the result of it. As much as Tilya begged him to show her something, anything, he had refused, stating that he had to conserve whatever magic he had left.

It was still a mystery as to why his powers were fading since being in the human realm, but Lukas theorized it may be because the atmosphere of Lanala did not have the capacity to harbor magic like Lenira did.

“Tilya, you know I can’t do that.” he spoke, taking a seat on the bench and pulling the mysterious black satchel over to him. Tilya watched as he rummaged through whatever contents were inside.

“Does it really deplete that much magic to start a fire? I mean, you created an entire feast for us that one night.” Tilya argued, placing her hands on her hips. Lukas just stared up at her through his eyelashes. “Tilya, please.” he urged.

She sighed and let the topic go.

“What’ve you got there?” she asked, trying to peer into the bag. Whatever it was, it smelled like the ash trees from the surrounding forest. A moment later, Lukas pulled out a handful of what looked like fruit or berries, Tilya couldn’t tell, and popped them into his mouth. “Why do you have a bag full of wild berries?” Tilya asked, brows crinkling.

Lukas chewed. “They’re figs actually.” he said simply.

Tilya slowly nodded, her brows continuing to be knitted together. “Okay. So, why do you have a bag full of figs?” she restated.

Lukas, in response, shrugged his shoulders and secured the satchel. “I’m just stocking up.” He glanced up at her with a dubious expression, and Tilya knew he was hiding something. She frowned. “So our modest farm isn’t supplying you with enough food, then?” It was more of a tease than anything else.

Lukas shook his head. “That's absolutely not it.” He paused before continuing his thought, fiddling with the leather strap of the satchel. Tilya fought the urge to prod, opting to wait patiently for him to tell her whatever was on his mind, though, he didn’t get the chance.

Suddenly, Hadley walked into the cabin. He was dressed in one of his best outfits, and his shoulder-length hair was slicked back behind his ears. Tilya nearly fainted at seeing him and Lukas in the same room.

He looked from Lukas to Tilya, who was standing too close to the stranger for his liking, and then back to Lukas.

The two men stared at each other; Lukas with an indifferent expression, and Hadley with a shocked one.

“Tilya, who is this?” Hadley asked slowly. He had entered the cabin with one arm behind his back, and it was now dangling at his side, his hand clutching a bouquet of red roses. Tilya watched as a few of the petals floated to the ground.

She quickly walked over to him, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “This is my friend Lukas.” A look over to the fae man. Tilya thanked the Maker Lukas was wearing his hat. “Lukas, this is my friend Hadley.” Lukas gave him a wave in greeting.

She returned her gaze to Hadley, who hadn’t broken eye contact with Lukas. “I’ve never heard of this friend before.” he stated flatly.

Tilya wetted her lips nervously and frantically thought of something else to talk about. The petals on the ground brought her much-needed inspiration. “Are those flowers for me?” she cooed, moving to step into his line of sight.

Hadley’s stare, mercifully, shifted to her and his expression instantly softened. “I’ve been missing you at the sparring field.” he whispered somberly. Tilya felt her gut twist.

“I’m sorry,” she bemoaned. “Things have gotten a lot busier now that spring is here. Lots of crops to maintain, and prepare, and sell.” It wasn’t exactly a lie, but she didn’t have the nerve to tell him she had been spending most of her time at home on the off chance that her father would surprise them with another visit. It was easy to excuse Lukas’s presence the first time-- she probably wouldn’t be as lucky the second.

Judging by Hadley’s expression, he didn’t seem to believe her.

“So, those are for me, right?” Tilya repeated, gesturing down at the roses, a coy smile playing on her lips.

Hadley flushed sheepishly and lifted the flowers between them. “I came to ask if you’d like to go shopping tonight, and I saw them on my way here. I thought you’d like them.”

Tilya took the flowers in one hand and hugged him gently. “I do.” She studied the velvety petals of the roses, admiring their deep red color. It reminded Tilya of fresh blood.

Another hug, and this time Hadley looked back at Lukas, who was suddenly very interested in a random piece of hay sticking out of the bench cushion.

“So then, shall we go shopping?” Hadley offered, holding out a bent arm for her to take. Tilya’s response was to set the bouquet on the dining table and link her arm with his. She made a mental note to buy a vase for the flowers before she returned home.

She looked at Lukas and tried to conceal her sorriness. “Hadley and I are going to shop for a dress. I’ll be back in a little while. If Reese comes home before I do, let him know I went out with Hadley, please?”

Lukas responded with a silent nod, and then Tilya went out the door with her friend.