They were silent awhile then, sitting by the fire, and finding that they were enjoying themselves immensely. This was new to Lily. Having friends. Other young women much like herself, yet so very different.
"Do all water-sprites have green-gold eyes like yours?" Rhia asked Lily.
"Well," Lily replied, "we are all similar in some ways. Like you and Julina. Your eyes seem black where hers are dark brown. But Dorain is also an elf, and she has blue eyes and blonde hair."
"I am a northern elf," said Dorain. "My ancestors are not originally from the area that is now called the Four Kingdoms. Now that you mention it, Rhia and Julina do appear related. They are much smaller than my kindred, for one thing, and more resemble one another in general features."
They spoke long together, and before they knew it, it was quite late. Rhia was nodding off when Dorain and Lily left for their own quarters.
Lily found Anest asleep, but he roused when she came in. He watched her undress with a twinkle in his eye. When she at last crawled into bed and lay in his arms, her hugged her and kissed the top of her head.
"I'm so proud of you," he said.
"Why?"
"That was such a sorry spectacle in the meeting-hall this morning. You redeemed us all."