Chapter 48: 48 Sitala
She slipped into the kitchen to find Sitala already there, putting a kettle on. The regal woman turned to her with a slight smile. "Were you able to make progress?" she asked.
"Ah, Sitala, I was just about to do that," Elloreah laughed. "Well enough, I suppose. Lokni is… ah… working as we speak."
Sitala nodded. "I'm glad to hear it. A little disconcerting, isn't it? Lokni's ability."
"I cannot sense him at all." Elloreah agreed. "Is it the same for you?"
"No, not quite. I'm always in my body. I simply look within to touch the spirit realm and the Acrachini finds me. Other times, she sends me visions."
"Acrachini?" Elloreah asked. The word was familiar, but she couldn't place it right off.
"The spider. She is my guild. She helps me feel the threads of fate, to see the way they ripple and move," Sitala explained, making her way to the table to sit down while the kettle heated on the stove top. Elloreah leaned against the counter.
"And what can you see, when you see the future?" Elloreah couldn't help but ask, "Will I ever go home?"
Sitala laughed, a light, airy sound. "Oh, Elloreah, I cannot so easily see the path before you. Many are the possibilities for you in this realm."
It was Elloreah's turn to laugh, though it lacked the joy of Sitala's. "I take that to mean I have little chance of returning to my home."
"I cannot say." She paused, tapping the table and glancing away from Elloreah, as if considering whether or not to reveal the next bit of information.
"Elloreah," she said, and the seriousness in her tone brought Elloreah to stand a bit straighter, intent. "I feel inclined to tell you, there is much pain and strife in your future. Be careful with the choices you make, consider carefully every turn in your path."
Elloreah nodded, taking in this vague warning. "I don't suppose you can tell me a bit more?"
Sitala shook her head. "The future is not set in stone." The kettle began to whistle.
"Let me," Elloreah said, turning to the stove and preparing the tea to steep. When she was done, she turned back to Sitala. "Thank you for the warning, I suppose."
"Do not dwell on it," Sitala cut in. "Please, Elloreah. I do not share such things to cast a shadow over you."
Elloreah laughed, somewhat uncomfortably. "At least I have found good company. All of you have been so kind to accommodate me when I have so little to offer in return. And then there is Zephyr Ranch, John, Sarah and the others…"
"You do plan to return to their ranch, don't you?" Sitala asked.
Elloreah nodded. "I am not entirely sure."
"What has changed your mind?"
Elloreah rubbed her arm, hesitating, and turned to check the tea. She poured herself a mug. It wasn't quite strong enough, but it was a distraction.
"Elloreah?" Sitala asked.
"The tea needs a few more minutes," Elloreah answered, avoiding the initial question.
"Why do you think you won't be returning to John's ranch?" Sitala asked, undeterred.
Elloreah sipped at her tea. "Mingan," she said softly. "I know he wishes to return to the Ranch, that the mountains are a favorite place of his. I would not wish to intrude. I have imposed on his life long enough as it is…"
"Elloreah," Sitala said softly, getting to her feet. She came to where Elloreah stood, carefully feeling her way to the counter and deftly found Elloreah's shoulder. "You are meant for Zephyr Ranch. Regardless of what my fool brother says or does." She released Elloreah then. "How about that tea?" she asked.
Elloreah poured the cups of tea, savoring the scent of it, doing her best to focus on the simple action rather than let her mind wander to the could haves and would haves. She sighed as she raised the cup, inhaling. "How do you do it, Sitala?" Elloreah asked.
"What, my dear?"
"How do you deal with knowing so much, and yet not knowing?"
Sitala sipped at her tea contemplatively for a long moment before answering. "There have been times where I was sure my ability was a gift, when I was able to help those I loved. But as my talent grew, as times changed, it became a double edged sword. When Alistair found me, I was crippled with fear and indecision."
"I am sorry, Sitala, I did not mean to pry." Elloreah studied the slender, almost overly thin woman, her hair pulled into two, long tightly woven, glossy braids. She was not a tall woman, but she was striking, strong, with noble air. Her dark lashes stark against the pale, pearl-like quality of her eyes. There were faint, yet still discernible dark marks from the corners of her mouth to her chin, as well as from the center of her bottom lip to her chin.
Sitala sipped her tea before continuing. "Though I may not agree with the ways of the Tutelar, nor do I appreciate that they rule the lands once looked after by my people, relinquishing the burden of choice to Alistair has granted me much needed peace of mind."
"Why is it that Mingan does not trust Alistair as you do?"
The blind woman grimaced, and shook her head sadly. "He has his reasons."
"Ah," Elloreah stammered. "Forgive my impertinence."
Sitala laughed lightly, surprising Elloreah. "You care for my brother. I can appreciate that. But this matter is not one I feel it is my place to share what he has not."
"Thank you," Elloreah murmured, "For sharing as you have."
"I have enjoyed this chat, Elloreah, but I must retire." Sitala gave Elloreah's shoulder one last squeeze and placed her cup deftly into the sink. "We will be speaking again soon, I am sure."
"Good night, Sitala," Elloreah replied, and turned to look towards the doors that led out to the porch. Surely Lokni would be done soon. Though she couldn't be sure, she hoped he would be. She folded her arms on the table and laid her head down.
Like Alistair and so many of the residents at Tyrsted, Sitala was difficult to read. Yet, despite the kind words between them, Elloreah sensed a lingering bitterness and distrust. There was a similar strain in the way she read Alistair. Always guarded, suspicious, careful with their words and feelings.
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