Page 113 of Anywhere

Mari laughed as we spun in circles. The large dresses flared out in a colourful display. I gripped the wall, panting hard, feeling sick to my stomach. I fanned myself as the heat in my body increased again. It was a strange sensation. I figured I’d just been doing too much as I wiped the back of my forehead with my hand.

“Whaddya do in dis room?” I asked.

The massive room had tall windows that stretched from floor to ceiling. It was clear of furniture other than a pair of fancy chairs and a few benches. Family crests and faded banners hung on the walls and from the ceiling. A second story on one side looked down at the floor below. Glittering gold edged everything.

“This was used for balls,” Mari said as she stopped spinning.

Mari looked so pretty as the sun poured through one of the large windows and bathed her in its light. She wore a dark blue dress that matched her eyes and made her dark hair flowing down her back, stand out. She looked like one of the paintings on the walls.

“I’za dinnie understand. A ball be a childs toy,” I said and smoothed down the front of the rich green dress.

It glittered like a precious stone and was such a pretty colour. I wanted to keep touching the soft, rich material and loved all the golden thread that created intricate designs along my stomach and chest.

“No, not a ball like the toy. A ball was like a really large gathering of people from all over. They would come and dance and sing, and there was a huge feast you could stop and eat from all night long. That’s why this is called a ballroom.” Mari turned and looked off to one side, her smile slipping a little. “The last time that there was a ball here, I was only twelve, and I danced with Rhys all night long.” She looked down at her feet. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”

“Naw, dinnie be sorry.” I reached out and took her hand. “I’z barely know ‘im. A few moments of chat while me sat in a dungeon and den a blink earlier when he return from da trip he be on.” I touched my chest. “I be kinda feelz somethin, but it no be a lifetime o’ memories that ya share. I’za so sorry dat dis be happenin’. Ar’ya wantin’ me ta go? I no sure if me want ta stay, den da two of ya can be togetha.” I shook my head. “Me know ya cannie do da triad, but da two of ya could still union.”

Mari glanced at me, her blue eyes worn down and tired. I spied the bruise on her face and the pink marks on her back as she was getting changed. But she refused to say where she’d gotten them and changed the topic. I didn’t know her well enough to press on something she didn’t want to talk about, but I was worried for her. She was hiding far too many secrets. Secrets that weighed on her and peeked through her eyes.

“No.” She reached out and pulled me into a hug. “No matter what I feel for him, we were never meant to be. Sometimes the heart just wants things it cannot have. He was that for me, but he was made for you.” Pulling back, she placed both her hands on my shoulders. “Please stay. I promised I wouldn’t put any pressure on you, but you’re amazing, and I couldn’t have asked for a better woman in all our lives.” Mari ran the long braid she’d put in my hair through her fingers. “Rhys needs someone like you looking out for him. Someone who will understand that his emotions can be like a wild storm and may need taming with a gentler touch, not just with a strong fist. You are like warm, sweetened tea on a sunny day, and he needs that.”

“Rook be da fist, I be da tea?”

Mari smiled and then laughed. “Yes, exactly. They are perfect together, but you will be too. You just have a different way about you, and I think he’s going to need your strength, but kind heart.”

“Ye be talkin like ya know.”

Mari’s cheeks flushed pink. “I just know him, and Rook is not all that he needs in his life. In fact, I worry that the two of them could grow toxic if not for the touch of reason. You are logical and you say exactly what you think and feel without judgement. You also have a depth of wisdom and kindness that is so important.” My brows lifted, and I nibbled on my lower lip. “I know you’re unsure about that, but those two will dote on you and you will have the power to make them….” Mari moved her hand in a circle over her chest. “Settle. Like ships caught in a storm, you’re the anchor to keep them from drifting too far.”

“Wat be an anchor?” I asked and Mari laughed, her smile lighting up her whole face.

“I guess that metaphor fell flat. Don’t worry about it, just know you hold them together like a rope.”

“Ah.” I nodded. “Can ya tell me a bit more about Rhys? Only if ya can. I no mean ta make dis hard,” I worried that I was asking too much when she’d already been so kind.

Linking our fingers, she pulled me over to a long, soft bench and sat down.

“Sure, I can do that. Rhys is a kind soul, and he works too much. He will also blame himself for everything that goes wrong and will try to punish himself when he can’t fix the world. He secretly loves the bagpipes and can play them well. He can dance really well, although he pretends he can’t. He likes all animals but connects with horses best, and his favourite colour is green, just like your eyes.” I flushed and looked away from Mari’s eyes. “I…um…” Mari cleared her throat. “I feel like I need to tell you that I spent the night with Rhys before you arrived. It may not matter to you, but I want to be honest, so you don’t feel like I’ve kept something from you.”

“Do you mean you laid with him?” The idea didn’t anger me, but it pulled at my chest in a weird way.

“Yes. I’m sorry. I caved to a desire I’d had for so long in a weak moment.” She looked like she was going to cry, and I gripped her hand tighter.

“I no be mad. I tell ya dat I would go fir ya.” Even as I said the words, I realized I wasn’t sure I wanted to leave, but I would stand by my offer if she took it. She looked so defeated. A tear dripped from her eye and I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her cheek. Unable to help myself I drew in a deep breath and let her sweet scent of berries fill me.

I pulled back and her eyes found mine again. “No, please stay. Whatever you need to make this work and make this home, I will personally see to it that it happens. Every person on this island needs you, but especially Rhys.”

“Yer heart is made of pure tings, Mari. I cannie say dat me would be so kind if da woman dat be takin someone me loves from me were sittin’ by me side. I’za hate dat dis be hurtin’ ya.”

Mari wiped away another tear that was slipping down her cheek.

“I will not lie to you, Elewyen. Each day for me is a struggle, but it’s not all because of Rhys. I try with every breath to come to terms with the life I live and be the better person. Does that mean I’m perfect? No. I have had thoughts of running off with him and fantasies that I knew would never come to pass, but please know that you, Elewyen, are not hurting me by staying. You are helping me.” She picked up my hand in both of hers. “I’m begging you. Please look after him. I need to step away from him, and that means that I can’t be consumed with worry anymore.”

I looked away from her eyes and stared out the tall windows at the water I’d seen when Rook first brought me here. The sun danced along the dark water as the waves moved slowly towards the shore.

“I’z still be getting da feelin’ yer keepin’ somethin’,” I said, and she licked her lips.

“It’s not something I can share, but I can promise you that you’ll never have to worry about him not being good to you. He's a good man, a kind one, and he will fall in love with you. When that happens, he would stop an army to protect you and all you care about.”