There was a specific kitchen that prepared all the food for hired workers, imperial knights, and volunteers from Universit. It wasnt far from Toris tent, and when Nanny Rey was with her, she would prepare Toris food there. Until Nanny Rey returned, the cooks at the staff kitchen, who were villagers Tori hired, would also prepare their food.
The food was placed in a wooden heating box with carnelian plates to keep them warm, and two n carried it down to the ferry dock to put on a boat. Tori climbed in for her usual trip to have lunch with her brother and Ewan on the island. Only this ti, Lady Idunn joined her.
Its very cluttered on the island. We sit where there are seats, and the table we use isnt very large, Tori told her.
It is understandable with all the construction going on. I dont mind, Lady Idunn told her with a smile. Tori nodded and tried to think of sothing to bring up that wasnt related to her brother. All the questions she already had about finding a favorable place to farm further upriver had already been asked, and Tori didnt know enough about agriculture to hold a conversation.
Great...awkward silence. Tori turned her head out towards the water, occasionally pointing out the scenery. You havent really been around the lagoon yet. If you have so ti, you should take the chance. Its very beautiful.
I will consider that, Lady Tori.
The womans answers were short. Her mind was clearly elsewhere. Lady Idunns eyes were fixed out onto the horizon, towards the very edge of the island cluster where Anahata Island was located.
Tori drew her lips inward and sighed to herself. When she had lunch with Lady Idunn in Kings Harbor, she got the feeling that Lady Idunn wanted to see her brother. That was why she told her that Sebastian would be present. There had been a subtle change in her cool deanor. Suddenly, Lady Idunn had spoken as if it were a certainty that she was coming that sumr.
However, all her hope seed to be for naught. The most Sebastian said to Lady Idunn had been thank you for coming to help my sister. He then used the excuse of assisting with the crystal pillars and Ewans training to keep himself busy. Despite his clear avoidance of her, Lady Idunns eyes always remained on Sebastians figure whenever she caught sight of him.
Tori didnt think shed witnessed this much pining in her life. It had been years since they broke up, but Lady Idunn looked at Sebastian as if she were still a schoolgirl in love. In a way, it was very sweet. In another...the forty-year-old in Tori cringed and thought no one could be worth that much longing.
Not to look down on her brother: Sebastian was indeed good-looking, rich, and, to those he cared about, had a warm and affectionate personality. However, it had been so long.
When they reached the island, she saw Sebastian rushing towards the dock with Ewan to pick up the food. He nearly skidded to a stop at the start of the dock when he saw Lady Idunn. His pale, green eyes were wide, and he almost seed in disbelief.
When he looked towards her, silently asking what Lady Idunn was doing there as she had never co before, Tori averted her eyes.
Ewan! Help with the food! she called out and gave her friend a wave, along with a slight laugh.
What did they make today?
Fried fish with a sort of sauce. I dont know whats in it, but it slls good, Tori said as the two n on the boat loaded the food carrier box onto the dock. Tori carried a bag of wooden plates and utensils slung around her body. She turned around and smiled at Lady Idunn. Please follow ! We'll eat lunch under the tarp. Its much cooler than out here.
Lady Idunns eyes were fixed on Sebastian and held his gaze. Neither seed to move. She only tore them away when Tori called out to her. Sebastian also seed to snap out of his dumbfounded shock and shook his head. He furrowed his brows and walked towards Ewan to help him carry the food up the hill.
Instructor Ignatius had cleared one of the tables for them to eat on, and, as soon as they arrived, Tori began to take out the tableware. Ewan opened the box and took out a large loaf of fresh bread.
I apologize for the ss, Instructor Ignatius said, sheepish. I think Im close to a breakthrough with the cooling unit, so I didnt want to move anything on the other table.
Its fine, Instructor! Tori assured him.
Lady Idunn looked around and nodded slightly. I see youre managing the stress of this much better than when you were younger. When sothing doesnt work, you take a break and then press on instead of collapsing into a heap and crying. Thats very good, Benedict.
Instructor Ignatius let out a pained moan, as if hed been struck in the gut. For his sake, Tori pretended she didnt hear them and focused on sorting the utensils.
Seb. Lady Idunn spoke. Tori looked over her shoulder, towards her.
Lady Idunn. Sebastians reply was curt, and he didnt look at her as he walked past.
Seb, wait-
I cant talk. I need to go call Master to eat. Sebastian rushed before quickening his pace. He left Lady Idunn standing awkwardly just outside the tent.
Ewan looked over at Tori and lowered his voice. Is sothing wrong?
Who knows, Tori whispered back as she dug out a serrated knife and removed it from its sheath. Adults. Ewan knit his brows together and tilted his head, but shrugged it off. As Tori cut the bread, Master Ramos arrived, rubbing his hands together as he sniffed the air.
I sll sothing fried, he said.
Where did Sebby go? Tori asked as she looked past him.
He said he wanted to check on so calculations and will be up shortly, Master Ramos said as Ewan handed him a plate. Thank you, my boy.
Tori turned to hand Lady Idunn a plate, only to find that she was gone. Narrowing her eyes, she scanned the area from the hillside and could see the tall blonde woman cautiously approaching Sebastian, who had his back to them.
Tori winced and let out a small hiss. She put the plate down and went after them. As she neared, she could hear their voices over the sound of the water.
Youre avoiding again.
Im not. There is a large amount of work Im trying to finish before I leave. My ti here is limited, Sebastian said. Tori crinkled her eyes; he sounded so cold and defensive. It was very unlike the brother she knew.
Can we talk?
About what?
Tori stopped several paces away. Neither her brother nor Lady Idunn, who was just a little taller than him now that Tori saw them that close, seed to notice her standing there. She felt a tap on her shoulder and Ewan handed her a small bowl of fried cheese balls. Her eyes lit up and smiled while giving him an approving nod. She began to eat them as Ewan ate from his own bowl next to her, watching the two below.
About us, Lady Idunn said. Please, Seb. I just want a mont of your ti.
Sebastian let out a low breath. He slamd his hand on the tabletop and whirled around with a scowl. I told you, theres no reason- He snapped his mouth shut.
Tori stopped chewing a cheese ball as her brothers eyes fell on her. Shit. Caught. Her eyes flickered around before she elbowed Ewan and pointed in a random direction. Did you see that bird? What amazing plumage.
Lady Idunn also turned around and saw the two of them there, not so subtly listening.
Sebastians hands clenched at his sides, and he turned back to Lady Idunn. If you want to talk, we can talk later.
When? She seed to jump at his opening. After lunch?
Tori glanced over, trying not to be obvious. Her brother gritted his teeth and glanced at her.
In the evening, after dinner. I will call for you.
He then swept past Lady Idunn, not giving her another look. You two, he said as he clamped his hands on Tori and Ewans shoulders. What do you think youre doing?
Bird watching, the two answered at the sa ti. Sebastian rolled his eyes and pulled them up the hill.
He didnt say another word to Lady Idunn the rest of lunch, nor did Lady Idunn say anything more to him. After lunch, Ewan carried the empty carrier box down to the boat as Tori walked alongside her brother.
Sebby, she has co all this way and is helping with a problem thats been concerning for so ti, Tori said. Cant you try to get along with her?
When did you see us not getting along? Sebastian asked in a cool voice. Tori pursed her lips.
You know what I an. Shes giving her ti and insight. Im very grateful. Im not asking you to be friends. Im only asking that you dont be so cold to her and straighten this out.
Your working relationship with her has nothing to do with , but if youre worried that my presence will cause problems, I promise you, they wont. She will remain professional. A cold look appeared on his face. Shes good at putting distance between people.
Tori took a deep breath. I asked her what she was currently working on when we were in Kings Harbor, as I didnt want to ask her to co and survey the delta if she already had an obligation elsewhere. Since she works for her familys march, researching growing plants in difficult to farm regions, shes busy and has nurous projects shes involved in. The march assigns them to her. The only ti shed taken on a project on her own volition was Kaseys greenhouse project.
Its because it was so challenging, Sebastian said. She likes challenges.
She also ca of her own volition to take a look at my project, on the delta.
Another challenge.
What else do Kasey and I have in common? Tori asked as they neared the dock. Her brother narrowed his eyes as he looked ahead of them.
You both look like Papa.
Toris lips pulled downwards and she had to restrain her voice. You. She stopped before they could set foot on the dock and t her brothers eyes knowingly. Kasen and I have you in common. Have you ever thought that the reason she went out of her way to help Kasen then, and now , is because of you?
Usually, her brother was much more observant than this. Then again, perhaps he was in denial. It was clear he still had feelings for Lady Idunn. Tori didnt bother to watch his reaction as she chatted with Ewan about his training before getting into the boat, where Lady Idunn was already waiting.
Tori did her best not to bring up her brother with Lady Idunn the rest of the afternoon. Instead, she put all her focus on the land they were surveying.
They took two boats upriver for an hour. There were five Universit students who were assisting at the request of Lady Idunns colleague, and they were given the task of taking soil samples and noting environntal differences along stretches of land coming in from the river. Another student and Margo were noting the native plant species.
Tori, who had no background in agriculture, could only linger by the shore with maps and take notes on what could be needed as far as infrastructure. Planning was her strong point, though it wasnt always easy.
While Lady Idunn and the students discussed buffer areas, soil managent, erosion, irrigation, crop rotations, and possible crops to grow, Tori was trying to figure out how to support all of it. There needed to be roads built; hosteads would have to be put up on the farms. How would they deal with seasonal flooding, and where would they put loading docks to transport harvests along the river?
There was the general cost of starting up that she hoped shed budgeted enough for: seeds, fertilizer, farm animals, animal fodder, and other farming equipnt. In addition, if wheat was a viable option, then it would be best to have a mill close by and powered by the river, so the raw harvest neednt be transported far for processing. That would also an that they would need equipnt for the mill and transporting grains and flour.
Then she had to look into a market for the said harvest, figure out pricing based on quality, amount, and where it would be sold. There were the legalities of selling, as one couldnt just go to Horizon and sell. Stalls at marketplaces had rental agreents and depending, on the marketplace, space could be limited or in high demand with a waitlist.
If they were going to sell to a business or a wealthy household, they had to be vetted for quality and sign an agreent. To even get through Horizons gates to sell, they needed a permit. They would also have to check with the local farming guilds, so as not to cause any ire as the newcors.
She took a deep breath and released it, bringing her hand to her forehead, and rubbing it. There was so much to do outside of actual farming. Everything was interconnected and she had to make sure that there were as little negative effects and risks as possible.
How does it look? Tori asked, unable to hold back her exhaustion as she sat back on the boat on their way down river.
The land appears suitable. I and the students will continue to take asurents and study the area to consider seasonal flooding along the river. There may be a need to build dikes.
Tori drew her lips in and tried to suppress her pained groan. She couldnt rember what those earthen mounds that functioned as barriers were called and had them in her notes as dirt water walls. Maybe she really did need to rest. Its a good thing we have access to engineers....
Lady Idunn nodded. We will survey all the land that is currently under the direct oversight of the imperial family and note all the favorable pieces available. I doubt we will be allotted all of it or that we will be able to farm it imdiately, but it is good to know where our limits are.
Tori nodded. Thank you. I am very grateful for your ti.
They returned to the encampnt just in ti for dinner, and Tori ate in her tent with Ewan, who animatedly told her about what he did that day. After dinner, Tori decided to go to her favorite spot to be alone: the ifana stone pile in the supply yard, to collect her thoughts. Unless it was late at night, people routinely ca to find her in her tent for one reason or another and if she wanted a mont alone, shed have to seek it elsewhere.
Ewan said hed co find her when dessert was ready. She thanked him and headed towards the supply yard. Imperial knights and village assigned guards rotated guarding the two entrances of the supply yard. One entrance was by the loading area near the shore. The other faced the encampnt.
For safety reasons, there were small lanterns along the walkways in the supply yard, as in the winter, it was expected that loading would start before dawn, so the lights were installed in ahead of ti.
Tori walked through the main, gated entrance without being questioned by the guards. They rely gave her small bows of their heads. She focused her attention on the small pyramid of ifana stone blocks, which was her favorite place to sit at the top of. As she approached, she heard voices from deeper in the supply yard and frowned.
She narrowed her eyes as she turned in the direction of the voices. At that ti of the evening, all the workers shouldve left already. There were very few people allowed into the supply yard; the guards were strict and knew who could enter. They didnt tell her there were others in there when she ca in.
Tori pressed herself against a wall of bricks and slowly made her way closer to the voices, which were coming from a walkway. Her hand lowered to the dagger strapped to her thigh as she listened closely. She knew the voices once they beca clear and almost let out her yelp of surprise.
It was Sebastian and Lady Idunn.
The closer Tori got, the louder they beca. They werent just talking. They seed to be having an intense argunt. Tori turned back towards the entrance, wondering if she should leave and give them their privacy.
But what if it gets out of hand? Tori thought to herself. I should stay. Just in case. She convinced herself and leaned back against the wall. This has nothing to do with wanting to know whats happening between them. I am not that nosy. She paused and shut her eyes, shaking her head. Whatever, Sebby will understand.
...could you use my sister as an excuse to find ?
You wouldnt let explain, Lady Idunns voice had a slight tremble in it. I had to take what chance there was.
Sebastian let out a huff. By using my sister? Tori could almost hear the sneer in his voice.
I know you wont believe , but I didnt know youd be here when I offered to co and survey the land.
Youre right. I dont believe you.
You can ask your sister!
I dont want Tori to get involved in this. Sebastians voice was cold and almost resentful. Im grateful for your willingness to help her, but-
Seb, please-
Dont co find again.
You wont answer my calls, my letters. You avoid when were in the sa area-
There is no reason for us to et! Sebastians voice rose and Tori grimaced. You made yourself clear that night at the restaurant!
No, I didnt! Lady Idunn almost choked on a sob. You got upset when I told you about the position in Nordur and you left at the restaurant before I could explain!"
Tori almost hissed aloud. She frowned a bit and shook her head. Thats a dick move, Sebby....
What was the point of staying when the woman you were in love with and swore to spend the rest of your life with decided to change her plans without telling you? Sebastian sounded so angry that he almost laughed.
Tori had to nod in agreent. Okay, yeah, thats also a dick move.
Seb, I had no choice: I didnt know when an opportunity like that was going to co again! If I didnt agree to it, it wouldve gone to soone else. I asked Professor Egonson if I could have so ti to think about it, but there were many others vying for the chance. He couldnt guarantee that he could hold it for .
A bitter laugh filled the air and Tori desperately wanted to peek around the corner. So, you chose an opportunity over ? Sebastian asked. You didnt even tell until everything was finalized!
I didnt know how to tell you! Seb, I was nineteen; I didnt want to hurt you. I kept trying to find a way, but everything moved so fast. I never got the chance to explain!
So, you decided to tell at the restaurant that you were leaving? The restaurant where we were going to decide on a place to live for when I entered Universit? Sebastian sounded hurt. Tori didnt know it was so serious between them that he wanted to live with Lady Idunn.
Tori always figured that she and Ilyana would continue being roommates, like Piers and Axton, if they got into Universit and she didnt die.
It was only temporary. Lady Idunns voice was uneven. I wasnt going to be gone forever.
You promised .
Seb-
You told you loved .
Toris jaw dropped. Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit. I have to tell Kasey!
She heard soones shaking breath and then Lady Idunns surprisingly soft voice. I do love you. Ive never stopped.
Tori lifted her hand to cover her mouth. Her eyes were wide at the unexpected turn of events. She continued to listen in, but their voices had gone quiet. Tori furrowed her brows. It crossed her mind that one of them mightve fled.
As carefully as she could, Tori peered around the corner.
She snapped her head back at once and almost gagged. Without pausing, she sneaked away as fast as she could, shuddering.
No one needed to watch their brother and his ex-girlfriend-possibly-soon-to-be-girlfriend-again making out in a supply yard.
Tori nearly broke out into a run as she reached the entrance. As she stepped out, she quickly collected herself and glanced at the guards. She straightened up.
Dont let anyone else in tonight.
They gave her nods and she marched back to the encampnt.
Tori! Ewan caught sight of her as he was coming out to et her. Desserts ready! Jam and cream-filled pastry, I think!
Oh, good. Tori patted Ewans shoulder as she walked past him. I need a distraction to forget what I just saw....
Reviews
All reviews (0)