Page 29 of Mountain of Mirrors and Starlight
It could be anyone, of course. Death happened all the time in the Mortal Realm. He could have watched dozens die.
An uncomfortable feeling squirmed inside her at the reminder of his mortality, the idea that he’d grow old and die within a fraction of her life.
You hardly know him,she reminded herself,he’s just the first mortal you’ve met outside of Faerie that has no chance of living an extended life. That’s all.
She wondered how the dwarves felt about it—whether they viewed him as one of them, or more a sort of pet they were fond of. He’d be dead before Luna got a single grey hair.
Stop it.
“Ouch!” Caerwyn pulled his hand back, thin droplets of blood spouting at his palm. He’d snagged it on a piece of equipment.
Aislinn reached forward, the same she’d do if Beau received an injury—intent on healing him up before he could fully feel the sting of it.
Caerwyn pulled away from her.
“I can heal you—” she started.
“Don’t touch me,” Caerwyn said, jerking back further.
Aislinn held up her hands. “All right.”
Caerwyn turned, still clutching his hand, and left the stables.
Aislinn sunk to the floor beside Bob and wound her fingers into his fur. What was with Caerwyn? He seemed perfectly at home with the dwarves, and some of the time when they were alone, he seemed at home with her, too.
And then others…
The door banged open again. “Caer?” Min called out.
Aislinn was about to answer when another voice said, “He’s not here, we should be fine.”
Bell. Min and Bell talking in rushed, hushed voices.
“What do you think?” Bell continued. “Should we ask the others?”
“I think it’s unwise to stay here,” Min answered. “I don’t think the girl would betray us, especially if we explained things to her, but she can’t lie, and Flora says she shouldn’t be travelling yet. If someone comes for her—”
“No one’s found us yet.”
“Her father’s the Faerie King. He’ll find her.”
Bell sighed. “You’re sure about this? Going back to Avalinth?”
“It’s the only place the boy will be safe.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
A pause stretched between them, followed by the faint shuffling of feet.
“Min… it’s all right if you’re not ready to face her again.”
Whistling sounded across the yard, and the door banged open shortly afterwards. “Ah, hello,” said Caerwyn. “Did you two need something?”
“No,” said Min. “Not right now. We’ll see you at dinner.”
They disappeared without another word. Caerwyn found Aislinn in the stall not long after. “What was that about?”
Aislinn, unable to lie but unsure about whether or not telling the truth was the right thing to do, ignored his question. “Have I done something to offend you?” she asked instead.
