12th Ymiden 716
The Skyrider had arrived back from Burhan, late on the 10th and fallen, grateful, into her bed. The next trials had been filled with standard training practices in the grounds and then a night flight above the city. However, although the flight had ended in the early breaks of day and she had only just returned to her rooms, Elyna found that she hesitated at the door of the barracks. Restless she stood at the entrance, wondering whether or not she would kick off her boots, or leave them on. The door opened to her right and her Wingmate peered out, “Burhan, you’re back?” She smiled and edged out to lean on the frame.
Elyna returned the smile and edged back into the corridor, “bit of a late flight, but yeah, back safe Em’”
Her friend rolled brown eyes, “I mean from home, I’ve not seen you since…” she counted the days on her fingers before shrugging and giving up, “I don’t know. Not seen you much since that man was banging on your door?” She raised a hopeful eyebrow and waited for Elyna to share any valuable gossip.
Frowning, Elyna tried to work out who’d visited before she shrugged, “I don’t know,” she admitted, “but I’ve been absent I suppose. Busy…”
“With your engagement?”
The words still hit like a hammer but the Skyrider gave a small nod in response. Of course, her engagement to Marcus Krome. He was a Sailor, she was a Skyrider and they were both from noble families. No matter how strictly private and confidential the arrangement between their families, news spread. Maybe it spread even faster, given the fact that their parents would rather it be a quieter affair. Why, Elyna wasn’t sure but then she hadn’t been paying much attention to the arrangements put in place. The noblewoman would simply do what she was told. Why resist?
She realised too late that her silence had left Emily standing, waiting and she shrugged again “I’m just going to get some work done…I’ll see you later?”
“I’ll be here, Burhan…just let me know if you want to get breakfast or something this week? It’d be good to catch up.”
Touched by her wingmate’s concern, Elyna found that she gave a genuine smile, “I’ve got some sewing to do…we would sit together if you wanted?” It would be good to see Emily, to speak to her and to get back to normal.