Meeting Imryll

Elrin was supposed to be in a hurry. He knew he was supposed to be in a hurry, but for the life of him, he could not seem to take his eyes off of the young woman humming to herself in front of her home, placing herbs from the garden into a basket. Something drew him to her. He could not figure out what it was, but he certainly would not find out by staring at her.

"I should be moving on," he thought. He did not move.

He had business in Aharin with the leader of the village. It was his first time visiting such a quaint village, and he had only a vague idea of where he was supposed to go. He could always ask the young woman where he was...

His feet moved before his brain permitted them to, and he was soon standing in front of the woman, clearing his throat to get her attention. His throat had not gotten permission either.

He could not find a complaint when she looked up at him. Her eyes were silver, a color he had never seen in someone's eyes before, and he found himself lost in them a moment too long. He shook his head. "Excuse me, could you point the way to the Sage household? I seem to be lost."

The woman smiled and spoke. "You are not lost; this is the Sage household. Are you the messenger for the Elanan household Mother has been expecting?"

It took him a moment to process what she said through the sound of her voice. It reminded him somehow of clouds, light, airy, floating. Once he gathered himself, he stood up straighter to make up for his lack of elegance up until that moment. "I am called Elrin, second son of the Elanan household. We thought it beneficial to send someone from the family personally rather than a messenger, who would have to move back and forth over many weeks to handle our negotiations."

Another smile. "A wise decision, refreshing to see. I am called Imryll, only daughter of the Sage household. Come, Mother is expecting you." She took her basket and opened the front door, calling for her mother to announce that Elrin had arrived personally, and then gestured for him to enter the home.

It was a larger home than the others in the village. Not nearly so large as his palace at Whiteridge, but it was a good size to house several guests should the need arise. The matriarch of the Sage household walked downstairs, and Elrin saw where Imryll's elegance and beauty came from. The years had indeed been kind to the woman. He bowed low in her presence. "Matriarch," he said respectfully.

The Matriarch smiled and nodded to him. "Second son of the Elanan household. Lovely to greet you in person." She glanced at her daughter, amused at the way Imryll could not look away from the man. "I am called Siora, please sit. Imryll, get the tea from the kitchen."

Elrin watched as Imryll did as she was asked. The kitchen was just off of the living area, and he could see her gathering the kettle and cups on a tray, humming like she had been when outside. He only took his eyes off of her at the sound of a clearing throat. He looked back at Siora's eyes, bright with amusement, and flushed. "Forgive me, Matriarch."

Siora waved the apology away. "Call me Siora, please. Now, I believe we have business to discuss. Whiteridge and Aharin could benefit from trading with one another. I know this. Tell me, Lord Elrin, how do you know this?"

Elrin had been expecting the question. Whiteridge is a bustling city with markets to spare. Trading with a small village four days' ride from his city would make little sense to other large cities. "Just Elrin is fine, Matriarch... Siora. I know of Aharin's herbal capabilities. It is second to none, and my people sorely need them. Medicine here is far ahead of any other place I have been to or heard of thanks to these herbs. We would be foolish to discredit that on account of the size of the village."

Siora looked impressed. Imryll chose that moment to bring the tea in, along with a few biscuits. Her eyes also showed the positive impact his statement had. She could not help but speak. "Lord Elanan agrees?" Most rulers of larger lands scoffed at their quaint village. The Elanan household was an interesting one, certainly, to send their second son instead of a messenger. To have that son praise their accomplishments as he had made them almost too good to be true.

Elrin nodded his head and took his cup, smiling at the delightful aroma. It tasted even better. It seemed that the herbs in the front garden were more than medicinal. "He does. It was Father's idea to trade and mine to go in place of a messenger. We have the finest of cloths and animals to trade, and any scholars you have will have a place within the city gates should they wish to learn at the University. We ask that we may send scholars and healers to learn from your practices as well. The herbs will help further our practices, but we would get more use out of them if we are taught the best ways to use those herbs."

Imryll nodded thoughtfully as she sipped her tea. "The level of education is sufficient for the village and what we do here. However, Mother and I are aware that we only go to a certain point. Anyone that wants to know more is left wanting. History, foreign culture, advanced levels of music and thought, all are beyond the possibilities of our home. The opportunity to send scholars to the city would be wonderful news for them. The least we can do is allow your scholars a place to learn medicine here. It is as you said, medicinal practices are second to none in this village. I am pleased that you know that." She blinked and looked to Siora, a sheepish smile on her face at speaking out of turn.

Siora only looked proudly at her only child. "You will make a fine Matriarch someday, Daughter." Her gaze softened as Imryll tried, and failed, not to preen at the praise. She then turned back to Elrin. "What my daughter said is fair. We will trade goods and education. Was there more that you wished to discuss?"

Elrin's eyes automatically drifted to Imryll's before his cheeks reddened again and he looked back to the Matriarch. "If... I may ask for something more personal to myself... I would like to build a friendship with Imryll if she so desires it. Would I be allowed to return here for more than discussions of business?"

Imryll blushed and smiled down into her tea. Siora's amusement grew. "Imryll is her own woman. If she desires it, it can be done."

Imryll looked up. "I do! I mean... That sounds lovely, Elrin. If that was all for business, I would like to show you around the village. With your permission, Mother?"

Siora nodded. "Granted. Be back before supper. Elrin, you are welcome to stay, both for supper and the night. I am sure your journey has been tiring, and we have a spare room for you already. It is not the luxury of Whiteridge Palace, but I am sure you will be comfortable."

Elrin bowed gratefully. "Thank you, Siora. I will gladly accept your hospitality." He then turned to Imryll and held out his arm. "Then, if you are ready?"

Imryll set her, now empty, cup down and placed her hand on the crook of his elbow. "Of course, I will show you our gardens first, and then we can head to the market. I shall also gather a basket of our herbs and anything you purchase at the market for you to take with you when you leave." She led him out of the house through the back door, where their main garden was.

Siora smiled into her teacup. They will be married within the year, she was sure of it.