"She has expressed those concerns to me as well," Electra said. "But I am accustomed to living a plain life." She looked around the cottage. "I will need a stove, come winter, and a table for my herbs, some baskets, other containers. I do not require much."
"We will build you a better house, with space for your collections. One befitting a princess," Dagon said.
Electra put up her hand. "In truth, I have no love of luxuries. I am quite different from my mother in that respect."
Electra stopped and looked intently at Dagon. She spoke slowly, thoughtfully. "But perhaps I am not so different from her in wanting to be of use."
Electra walked around the cottage taking note of its shortcomings. Drafts blew in around warped siding. Stains on the ceiling presaged leaks to come. A mossy green scale covered the window sill. "I worry for my mother’s spirit if I stay in Helsop, but perhaps if she felt of use… Let us go and find her."
When they reached Queen Delphinia, she was already organizing people to search for Electra. "Oh, you were away so long," she said, "I had begun to worry."
Electra took her mother’s arm. "Of course," she said. "I should have returned more quickly. I happened by my house in the village and realized there is much that needs to be done to make it suitable." She paused and looked at her mother. "Would it be too much to ask…" She paused again. "I would so appreciate your advice on renovations."
Queen Delphinia seemed flustered for a moment and then smiled brightly. "Why, I would be delighted to help," she said. "In fact, I will return as often as required to monitor the progress. I will bring my own staff if necessary. Show me this house."
Electra hugged her mother. "You truly are a kind and generous person. I am so fortunate to have you for a mother."
Electra could feel the bond with her mother strengthening as they walked to the village hand in hand. "I hope you will come to love Helsop, as I do," Electra said. "Perhaps you will begin to look forward to your visits here. We could explore the glacier together."
Queen Delphinia squeezed her daughter’s hand, happily. "It will be exactly as you say. We will come to know one another. We will be friends as well as family. And we will make your cottage a wonderful thing to behold. Together."
Electra looked at Delphinia’s glowing face and shared her happiness for this moment. "We will make something wonderful here in Helsop," she said, as she hugged her mother.
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