Ronen took me to the cookery.
Ashanie greeted us. “Ronen and Elyra. How lovely. Is there something you need?”
“Give me some of that ramentha, Ashanie.”
“Ah. Thought you would ask for it sooner or later. Here we go.” Ashanie handed him a basket containing orange oval-shaped fruits. “Enjoy.”
“Oh, we will.” Ronen grinned.
I tottered beside him as we headed to the Lembanyu spring. We sat on the grass.
“Have you taken your fill this eve?” he asked me.
“What is that?”
“Ramentha, Aesterneum rare fruits. Do you mind having your evening meal with me?”
“No.”
A sound of splashing caught both our attention. Callarn was bathing in the spring. He waved at us, continuing his bath.
“Have you sampled this before?” Ronen asked.
“No. Is it any good?”
Ronen grinned mischievously. He took one fruit from the basket and split it in half. “Taste it.”
I ate it. It was delicious. I smacked my tongue, relishing the tangy-sweet flavor of the fruit. “I’ve never tasted anything like it before.”
“Surely not. Ramentha only grows in Aesterneum.”
“How come?”
“It’s a Khimerian treasure.” He fed me the other half. I accepted it ravenously.
“Has Callarn bespoke about the claim?”
I nodded. My mouth was full.
“And?”
“I don’t know. I can’t risk you over my brother’s wrath.”
“Then I need to offer more persuasion to convince you.”
“You could try,” I taunted.
“I will. Here have another one.”
“Mmm.”
Callarn decided to get out from the spring and join us. He didn’t bother to get dressed. Water dripped from his body as he sat next to me.
“Ah, ramentha, the forbidden fruit,” Callarn said, taking one from the basket and eating it.
“Forbidden?”
“Aye, forbidden.” He winked.