The company stopped for the night in a Traveller’s Rest beside the cart track. Fandri soon discovered that travelling with royalty involved a lot of work to set up their accommodation. He would end up sleeping rough with a rug on the ground alongside the squires and hounds.
“Halfling, tie the mounts and help me erect the marquees.” Telmane’s voice was calm, but Fandri detected a hint of his steel will. The halfling stretched his stiff legs and rubbed his aching backside, relieved to dismount the pony after his first day of riding.
The royal elves and handmaidens rested on a blanket nearby while the guards and knights set up camp. The Traveller’s Rest, a high wooden roof with open sides would be their quarters whilst the nobles shared the two large tents. Ten pack horses and ponies unloaded bedding, food, maps and many other belongings.
Fandri was pleased for the extra pair of trousers which were handed to him. They were rather large, but one of the queen’s handmaidens stitched them tighter around the waist and shortened the length. He thanked her profusely and ducked behind a tree to change out of his old torn ones.
His bond-fairy swooped down to place a gentle kiss on his cheek. “That looks a good deal better on you, Fandri. Here, come and sit a minute so I can heal your sore bottom, for mine is aching too. You’ll have to learn how to ride properly to avoid these saddle sores.”
“Yes please Fandy. I thought you would never ask.” His eyes glistened with relief.
Fandri-La performed the traditional healing ritual. She glowed bright with magical energy and spun in the air above him, singing a soothing melody.
Fandri felt the pain in his rear easing with every moment and he smiled as the blistered skin smoothed and returned to normal. When the healing was complete, the fairy slumped to the ground and he picked her up with gentle hands. “Ah, you’re the best, Fandy. I love you.”
Both feeling weary, Fandri placed her in his shirt pocket for protection. He turned his head to see Varl watching him with fascination and Telmane standing behind with a knowing smile.
Varl reached forward to grab Fandri’s hands, pulling him up to standing. “I am so privileged to see your bond healing. That is something I have never witnessed before. What a marvel your relationship is with this beautiful creature. May I hold her please?”
“Sure, here you go.” Fandri passed his fairy to Varl, who cupped the tired fairy in his hands as though she were the most delicate possession in Reloria. The squire lifted her up to give her a soft kiss on her green cap. The bell tinkled and she looked at him with a gentle smile.