Elena sat quietly while Rian braided her hair for bed. She really wanted to pick up Della, but she knew that that would make Rian lose her plce in the plaiting. Even though Rian had been so nice about Fiona yelling at her, Elena felt bad.
"Rian" she whispered, swallowing.
"Hmmm?" asked Rian absently, still plaiting Elena's long hair.
"You know Fiona didn't do anything to me"
"She upset you again" said Rian. "She has to learn to be nice to people, instead of those filthy creatures"
Not all animals are filthy! thought Elena, but she didn't want to say anything to upset Rian.
"May I go and see her?" she asked quietly.
"Of course. I'm finished"
With a smile Elena got up, picked up Della and kissed Rian's cheek.
"Thank you for doing my hair. Papa doesn't know how to"
Elena walked to Fiona's door and knocked.
"I won't apologise-" Fiona began from inside the room, pulling the door open.
"Oh. What?"
Elena was scared. The wild girl had a wild look on her face.
"I'm sorry you got in trouble" she whispered. "I'm sorry for what I said about the squirell. It was just what Papa told me. He never let me play with the squirells or anything around our farm. Maybe it's different in a village. Did I tell you about the Elf-lady's horse? He was so beautiful. And really friendly!"
She stopped, looking pleadingly at Fiona. "I really am sorry"
__________________
“Sylphs of the forest,” I whispered. “Spirits of oak, beech and ash. Dryads of Rowan and hazel, hear us. You who have guided and guarded our every footstep, you who have sheltered our growth, we honour you."
the Forbidden Link
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