Reminder

“To think we almost left before we found out about it. This hermit still has many surprises in store for us, I am sure of it!”

Kahelle and Hyra were basking peacefully in hot water of the steaming pool. The luminescent crystals softly lit them up, while these beautiful souterrillias flowers gently caressed their skin, every time they moved. There, immediately, the princesses were in heaven!

- We're so good… He's incredible! And he received us well in the end, Hyra added, closing his eyes calmly.

- Ah! With Yrckos around, he didn't have a choice! I think he's scared of him.

- We can say that... However, I have the impression that he was waiting for us.

- What makes you say that, Hyra?

- You saw our names engraved on each of our four-poster beds. And even in the closet, there were outfits for a whole week, and right in our size. It can't be a coincidence.

Kahelle nodded thoughtfully:

- Maybe… In any case, he hides his game well. I don't know if the two elven brothers will manage to unmask him, but I am curious to find out! Not you?

- Why not? On the other hand, if he is hiding his true identity, he has a good reason.

- It is true. Anyway, here in the underground, we will lose track of time. We will not know if it is day or if it is night.

- Unless Yvan wants to tell us, Hyra pointed out, stirring the scented water quietly.

Kahelle pouted as she said:

- It's a little too dependent on him, don't you think? I don't like the idea.

- Do we have a choice? Do not worry. At least you are there, my brother too and even Yrckos. I am well surrounded.

They smiled at each other, happy to be there for each other. After their bath, they put on beautiful, simple but elegant outfits. The soft, shimmering fabric they used was unknown to them, but it was very reminiscent of what the elves wore. The hermit also knew that Kahelle did not wear dresses, and her pant sets delighted her.

The only common points in all their outfits were the colour, a beautiful natural green. It also embroidered flower designs on the tops of the hooded dresses and the long sleeves of Hyra. For Kahelle, the floral arrangements were on the top of her jackets and at each pants' bottom. Their clothes were much warmer, so perfectly adapted, for the cool air of the underground.

- I think you're right, Hyra. He was waiting for us. How would he know if I didn't put on dresses, if not?

- Yvan is a mystery on its own. However, he is an excellent host.

There were so many flowers that they decided to put some in their hairstyle, taking turns helping each other arrange their hair. Kahelle made a nice ponytail with her friend's long gray hair and added a wreath of underground flowers to it as a finishing touch. As Hyra chooses to intertwine petals through Kahelle's short black hair, making her two small quilts. While they admired each other in the large mirror, satisfied with the result, four little knocks sounded on their door.

“Now is the time! Oh, a little hint: follow the butterflies.”

They looked at each other, taken aback. The butterflies? When Kahelle opened the door, there was no one there. Nevertheless, they heard Yvan's voice very well. But, there was just a cloud of butterflies that seemed to be waiting for them. They followed them, amused by the situation, to a large hall, where everyone was waiting for them.

A good smell greeted them, while tasty dishes were already on the long table in the center. A section of the wall is set up for the souterrillias at the back of the room. A large crystal lit up cheerfully, with its turquoise blue light, and soft music was playing from nowhere.

All were wearing natural green, and it seemed like it was the theme of the day! Except for Brakir, who showed off proudly in a flaming red oriental dancer ensemble, which suited him perfectly. Her long blue hair, free of all ties, came down to her waist, and her eyes, the same blue, sparkled with joy at seeing them:

“Come ladies! Come sit next to me!”

While they were in good spirits, Hyra felt Lydar's insistent gaze, but she decided to ignore him, forgetting his presence! Besides, she had noticed that the elves no longer hid their ears and that they seemed more comfortable.

She continued to examine around and saw Quiado was there, but he was staring blankly as Hyrio spoke to him. Hyra found that her brother was just as distinguished in his costume, and that his tied red hair revealed his beautiful face better. When their same gray eyes met, they smiled sweetly at each other. Indeed, they had not yet had time to find each other properly, but they could make up for it later!

Ofyr, for his part, all shy, drank calmly, devouring Kahelle with his eyes. The hateful Astaldo paid the price for a bad joke from Brakir, telling him to let him go a bit. Voronyi, mute as a carp, gave Hyra small, furtive glances. Rendou and uniformed servants brought in more dishes and a whole tea set of souterrillias. The only thing missing was the hermit and the magician who made a spectacular entrance!

While Yvan's bright white costume contrasted sharply with Yrckos’s dark black.

“A good appetite to everyone! Treat yourself! We hope you will like these few dishes prepared in your honour.”

No one deprived himself. They were hungry, and the food was exquisite. Yvan was the perfect host in every sense of the word. He led the conversation leaving no one behind, and ensuring that the valets well served everyone at his service. Hyra's favourite moment was when they first tasted the souterrillias tea. Everyone was impressed.

Each of them had received a flower, freshly picked from their cup, and it was Yvan who had personally poured boiling water over it. The water-infused souterrillias flowers opened as they went. Their rich aroma and pronounced taste captivated them, both by the lightness and delicacy of this particular tea. As they drank it, they felt a surge of energy come over them. Moreover, Rendou was right. That was delicious!

At one point, Brakir gave them an impressive number, which he called belly dancing. He was moving so well! The princesses were happy to see her show, as well as the hermit who clapped his hands and hissed. But the others were a little embarrassed, especially Astaldo, who kept staring on the sly, despite his embarrassment!

After his performance, Yvan asked if anyone wanted to play a musical instrument. Hyra wanted to raise her hand because she was excellent on the harp. But Quiado was suddenly faster. He took a flute from one of his pockets and immediately played, with that same distant look on his face.

Hyra was so surprised! The tune he was playing was not unfamiliar to her! It sounded like the one she had heard in the woods in Lyrannir. It reminded her of the attack, which she had suffered for no reason by an assailant, with stones and who had left laughing... So why? Wasn't that their cousin?... She brushed off her questionable thoughts, with the back of her hand. It couldn't be him.

Besides, they had not spoken of this incident since that day. And the fugitive must have been far away now! Still, she noticed that even Voronyi looked just as surprised as she was, whispering a few words to her brother quickly.

Almost at the end of the meal, Yrckos stood up. His golden eyes scrutinized them for a moment, and when he made sure that all eyes were on him, he said solemnly:

- Kids, I won't toast.

Lydar almost choked on his wine, instantly taking offence:

- Who... Who do you call children? I find you sassy to dare...

Yrckos royally ignored him, continuing on the same path:

“You know why? We are not here to have fun. We're here for Elyra. This sacred forest needs us. She chose each of us to protect her. We must do it honour by giving the best of ourselves. Every day we will follow rigorous training. Especially you twins. I will be your coach for the first few days, and then Yvan will take over from me. You have a lot to learn, and we cannot go on too long here for too long. Good luck everyone, and rest well because tomorrow we start early.”

Even though no one answered, everyone agreed with what he said. He was right. None of them should remember their common goal!

The hermit, for his part, promised to show them around before training. However, as they separated on their way to their apartments, Quiado, who was wriggling oddly, passed out in Hyrio's arms who carried him worriedly. Yvan followed them to check his condition.

Rendou, meanwhile, again accompanied the princesses, who thought they had a good evening! By finally going to bed, Hyra hoped the next day would be just as wonderful!