Darkthorn’s Blog

Ishton emerged from the bedroom several hours later, still feeling drained. He felt for Julia’s non-presence. He must really look into that, one day when he had the time. It wouldn’t do for too many humans to have these cloaking powers, it could destroy their only method of protection. The reason elves had been able to avoid humans for so long and so successfully was based mainly on their ability to sense others thoughts. It allowed them to hide far before humans even noticed their existence if they did venture into the forests. Their gentle prodding was enough to persuade most, and the stories about them were enough to deter the others.

Julia was outside, her thoughts spinning in circles again. Ishton came to sit next to her, and she started at his sudden appearance next to her.

“What are you doing?”

Julia had abandoned the vegetables, preferring to sit and enjoy the sunlight while it lasted. “Just sitting,” she replied, “thinking about the future, and the winter. What do we do for supplies then?”

“Blackmain usually makes a deal with the townspeople before we are snowed in for the season. Would you like something to do? Needlework perhaps, or sewing? I’m sure that he could arrange something for you. We will be busy with our work, and it would not be polite for us to leave you alone with nothing to do.”

“Sewing perhaps, but what could I make? We seem comfortable enough with what things we do here. There is no need for fancy embroidery.” Julia stopped suddenly, she had said too much. Ishton didn’t seem to have noticed, so she went on speaking quickly to cover her slip-up “I am skilled with a regular needle, that is for sure.”

“As I say, something can be arranged. I am sure both of us would be grateful for a new set of working robes. Blackmain is forever putting holes in his garments as well.” Ishton laughed, and after a little, Julia joined in.

“I am happy to do whatever you require. I don’t want to be a burden.”

“You aren’t a burden, in time you will be an asset.” Now it was Ishton’s turn to look embarrassed. Julia decided to leave it, it wasn’t worth her worrying about now.

The noise outside woke Blackmain, and after a couple of minutes he joined them, looking as tired as Ishton felt. The three sat on the dusty ground and stared off into space, taking comradeship in the comfortable silence.

Ishton began speaking again, this time directing his speech to Blackmain. “What is our plan this season my friend? Jul…” he caught himself, “June would like to feel more useful about the place, is there anything you have that needs doing?” Ishton could feel the tiredness upsetting his judgment and endangering the future. “I’ll leave you two to discuss this some more, and I will go back to sleep. Did you make anything to eat?”

Julia wondered at the real reason behind Ishton’s abrupt departure, but decided to keep speaking anyway. “There is bread, and nuts. That’s about all that we have left I’m afraid.”

Ishton vanished back inside the house.

“I have mending that needs doing, if that does not belittle you too much. I have let it pile up, too busy with other things to worry too much. There is also some need for new bandages, our old stock has been used up. Are you able to weave some new ones, if I acquired the loom and wool?” suggested Blackmain.

“Yes,” replied Julia, “I am happy to do whatever you require of me. I do not know how to make bandages, but I can weave. Surely it can not be too complicated?”

Blackmain shook his head, it took delicate fingers and much concentration to produce the kind of bandages required. They need to be thin, but absorbent at the same time, it wouldn’t do to be leaving behind a trail of blood. It would still be worth letting her try her hand though, for big jobs, incase something went really wrong, at least there would be something.

“I will find you suitable threads, and you can try anyway.”

“Thank you. Do you want to eat now? As I said, there is basic food still left. If you want to wait, I can make our soup, it shouldn’t take too long.” said Julia gratefully. She would feel like less of a burden if she had something more useful to do.

“That would also be good. I think I am ravenous now to eat anything you were offering me, even that raw pumpkin!” Blackmain offered Julia a hand to stand up. Now that she was moving, Julia was reminded of how stiff she was. She staggered slightly, also pulling Blackmain off balance.

“Look at us,” Blackmain chuckled weakly, “Two invalids together.”

“I need to sit down again.”

“No, inside we go.” Blackmain and Julia leant together, and slowly made their way back into the house, leaving the setting sun behind them.