They spent many evenings after that beneath the flowering palms, where Merenrys would sit cross-legged upon silk carpets and comb her teal hair while Adrewine nibbled on figs beside her.
“Why do you live up here, so far from everyone?” Adrewine asked one evening, watching Merenrys’ reflection in a basin of water.
“Because it is easier to hear the world’s truth in silence. This was how I found you after all,” Merenrys said. “also because loss teaches solitude.”
Adrewine tilted her head. “Did someone make you sad?”
Merenrys smiled faintly. “Not really. I have a lot on my plate with my husband and children gone for a while, that's all"
Adrewine frowned as if that were the gravest injustice. “If I were big and strong, I’d make them say sorry to you.”
“Would you?” Merenrys chuckled.
“Yes
