Yris

 

 

“Sie. Sie, come here,” Lirinwe croons down at the toddler trying to walk away from her, round verdant eyes staring out into the distance. “Darling, come say goodbye to your papa.”

 

At her mother’s gentle tug on her hand, Sielaire turns her head back to look up at her father, who stands beside his horse, ready to leave on his business trip to Alinor. He smiles and kneels down, wrapping his arms around the girl in a hug that lifts her off the ground, eliciting a thrilled squeal from Sielaire.

 

“Be good, my little sapling,” Erelmir says, setting her down. “And when papa comes back, he’ll have a lot of candies for you. Promise.” He sticks out his little finger, which Sielaire hooks with her own.

 

Erelmir kisses the top of her head, and ruffles her short red locks playfully. Then he stands and pecks his wife on the cheek, before climbing onto his horse. “I’ll be home next week, beloved. Don’t miss me too much, if you can.”

 

Lirinwe rolls her eyes, getting a grin and wink from her husband. She bends down to pick Sielaire up in her arms, gesturing at Erelmir. “Papa’s leaving now, Sie. Say bye bye.”

 

Sielaire flashes a toothy grin much like her father’s, and waves a little hand in farewell.