Dealings in the Council of Avalhein…
Chapter 9
Malkknrre stepped lightly out of his room, his stomach still feeling warm from embracing Geirrha as she slept. Out in the hall, as he walked, he tried to be inconspicuous but he couldn’t help looking down every other corridor he passed. He was looking for Geirrha, although he doubted she would be walking around in broad daylight.
He poked his head in some rooms. Most were empty save for the occasional servant but more than once, a jar shattered across his snout from a dismayed elven woman who was dressing for the day’s activities. Another time, he walked into a scene that was so disgusting he dared not think about it again.
In a few hours, the council would be called to meet again and he would have to be there, much as he wanted to or not. He had to find Geirrha immediately; she was his only hope to convince the council. That and he wanted to set his eyes upon her beautiful face again.
After poking his head in a few more rooms, Malkknrre was read to give up. He decided to go to Elder Kimaha’s room. He knocked before he entered and was stunned by what jumped out at him. The room was a disaster.
Elder Kimaha was notorious for keeping her room clean. Right now, though, the rugs were ripped, the windows hung ajar, important papers and deeds lay scattered and Kimaha herself lay in the middle of it all, unconscious. A few jars of tinctures and poultices were scattered around beside her.
Malkknrre jumped when he heard the door creak open. He looked around and saw councilwoman Geirrha, she looked even prettier today with gems in her mane connected by golden chains with her earrings. Where she got the jewelry, he did not know. All he knew was that he wanted to get her something prettier and kiss her too, although that meant having to catch her as an elf.
The thoughts were wiped from his mind when his eyes fell on Kimaha again. “W-what happened here? Geirrha?” he asked, when he saw her look up at him with teary eyes.
“Someone tried to turn her too. Look at the blood on the walls…” said Geirrha, shivering at the memory. “I’ve been tending her since first light when a servant ran into your room, declaring that Kimaha had been hurt.” She sobbed, falling against Malkknrre’s chest. He felt his cheeks heat up, but that was nothing compared to what he had felt the previous night.
Malkknrre held her in his arms and muttered consolations. She smiled up at him gratefully. Geirrha walked up to Kimaha and applied a few more poultices. She gave a start when Kimaha stirred and opened her eyes. There was something strange in the gaze she gave Geirrha, but Malkknrre couldn’t quite put a name to it. Geirrha looked back with a glare. For what, though, Malkknrre couldn’t fathom.
Someone crashed into Malkknrre’s back and started mumbling curses and apologies all the while dropping into a curtsy that would have shamed a king. “Well? Instead of mumbling there all day, talk man, talk!” said Malkknrre, trying to look his best in front of Geirrha. He was certain he looked like a fool, chest puffed out like that. Geirrha was laughing and the servant definitely looked ready to follow.
”Oh that laugh, that musical, musical laugh…” thought Malkknrre dreamily. He shuddered, losing his composure for a moment. He felt Geirrha’s gaze boring into his back. He felt his face redden more.
“The council is being called to meet at this moment, my lord,” said the servant, a smirk touching his lips for a moment. “Do you wish me to keep silent about this?” he said, gesturing with an aleron around the room. Malkknrre had a feeling that wasn’t the only thing he was pointing at.
“Very well, hold your tongue. We shall go to the chambers when we are done here,” said Malkknrre, ushering the servant out. The man had the grace to put on a bemused expression! When the servant had left and was well out of earshot, he turned on Geirrha. “Will you stand by me, or against me?” said Malkknrre.
“We shall see, Malkknrre, when I hear your entire plan,” said Geirrha. Malkknrre could have sworn she was teasing him.
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