Chapter Sixteen #2
The alluring grin turns to a welcoming one as the woman links her arms in both of ours.
“Welcome Skion! I am Davra and this, is Killi's Amphorae.” I take a closer look and indeed see a cup in every patron's hand and jugs of wine within arm’s reach of most of the servers.
I look over Davra's head and see a now sheepish grin beaming down at me.
“You told me you hadn’t tried wine before and this is the best place outside of Hecalon!
Besides that I want to get some supplies for the band.
Andra’s not a fan of buying wine for the cohort, and”—Helia's eyes flick downward before adding—“she got a bit jealous when we visited here a year or so back. So you coming along was the right thing in a few ways.”
I nod in response; that doesn't surprise me in the least. Andra being possessive and coming here would be a recipe for disaster.
Davra deposits us in a corner of the courtyard before gliding away into the store.
Without looking over, I know that Helia and I are both staring as she disappears.
The corner is private enough for us to have a buffer from the joyful cacophony, but close enough to feel the buzz of humanity.
According to Helia, this is where most newcomers get seated.
I set my blade to the side and stretch gratefully on the silk cushions, my muscles stronger than before but still welcoming of small comfort.
Before long, Davra reappears with two cups and an amphora of deep red wine.
It was extremely rare in Athos. Hopefully this is less incendiary than whatever we had in Nolphi.
Davra picks up on my inexperience with wine and pours into my cup, one hand gently yet firmly grasping the handle of the amphora.
“This is a local vintage, and one that our commander here is quite partial to. I figured it would be a good start.” Davra smiles demurely at Helia before pouring for her as well.
Helia raises her now full cup to her before nodding for me to drink up.
With an exhale, I raise the cup to my lips.
A strong citrus flavor coats my tongue, the acidity of it taking me by surprise.
I swallow quickly only to be greeted by a lingering sweetness.
Helia smiles before taking a gulp and a pleasant sigh follows shortly after.
I take another sip, this time expecting the experience and enjoying it while Helia puts in a request with Davra; a wagonload of wine skins delivered to our encampment outside of Ionos.
Davra's alluring facade drops in surprise and a tinge of disbelief.
Helia laughs, deep and throaty, before fishing several coins from yet another purse and dropping them with a satisfying clink.
Davra quickly scoops them up and turns to go, before Helia stops her, gently touching her arm.
“There is a little extra there for another jug and some privacy.” Davra frowns ever so slightly at that, before nodding and continuing on her way; company is usually part of the experience.
We both watch her leave again, our sips turning into gulps.
Helia grabs the amphora and tops us both off, before raising her cup once more.
“Here’s to us finally getting a moment of peace.” A genuine smile shines next to me as I honor her cheer, our cups coming together. We lounge for a time in silence, drinking in the world, and our closeness.
Two cups later, a pleasant buzzing sensation settles on my head. My free hand idly traces the pattern along my neck, fingertips tracing every line, every curve of the intricate silvery design Lunos etched into my skin.
“Any luck with that?”
My hand stills as I blow out a sigh. “I met with Lunos and she gave me a damned riddle to solve. What is power? As if she can’t just tell me how to control my power.
” I quickly down the wine, failing to cover my frustration.
“She made a comment about you too that I’ve been wanting to talk to you about.
Lunos said something about you not acting how she expected. ”
Helia now follows suit and drains her own cup. “That is interesting to hear. I guess I might have more freedom than I thought.”
That’s not what I expected to hear. Did Lunos hold back certain thoughts when creating Helia? “And you’ll figure out her riddle. You’re her Conduit; you have to. And I’ll protect you until you do.” I swallow, and dive into her green pools, heat blossoming on my face.
Before either of us can say anything like addressing that wonderful kiss and more, Davra comes out with the second amphora, topping our cups off.
She leaves the jug and slowly saunters away.
Helia and I stare again, this time catching each other’s eye.
We both laugh, mine lacking the nervousness I thought it would have.
“Should I be jealous?” Helia scoots closer to me and pouts coyly.
“Should I be?” The wine must be making me bold; I don’t usually flirt like this.
Helia’s eyes become lidded; the wine must be making her thirsty. We share a knowing smile, drinking deeply of our wine and company.
Another few cups run dry, and I find myself with my head leaning on Helia’s shoulder. She watches the crowd, humming contentedly, enjoying our closeness, our hands entwined.
Davra floats among the agora and the other patrons. Or is she spinning? No, that’s just my head. Ah, to be that free, that stunning. My sigh tickles Helia’s muscles and her head turns, inquiry easy to see, despite my state.
“Davra is beautiful. Confident enough to deal with the public. It’s more than that too; she’s free, just being herself. But that’s not what I mean…” I pause before Helia gives a slightly drunken nod for me to continue. “I wish I was that beautiful, that free.” Oh wow. I said it.
“Oh.” Confusion flits across Helia’s face. Then her green eyes widen. “Oh.”
A pause. A sip. A question.
“Do you wish you were her?”
A pause. A tear. An answer.
“Yes.” A whisper giving life to the secrets buried deep. “I want to embrace the time I have.”
“Thank you for sharing that with me Skion. You tell me what you need, okay?” Helia’s gentle, deep honeyed voice seeps into my core and I can’t help but smile. We sit there, basking in the glow of a new path.