Ince
remained unaware of their flute-like thrummings and of all else including
the multitudinous scents permeating from the garden below and the exquisite
mellowness of the very air which circled through our rooms seeming to lift
the already high ceiling where above me harmless fairies traced in gentle
hues danced below the sacred river.
She
had entered and gone directly to the open doors where she stood staring
out, and remained staring out, motionless, silent, rigid, locked.
I left
the mirror. Moving to the center of the room I sank upon a mound of large
silken pillows and lifted a green fruit. It smelled fresh, sweet. "Would
you like a perryn fruit, rider?" I wanted to rouse her and to plumb her.
Though I didn't expect her to turn, she did. Her slate eyes were very dark
as she attempted to come from her thoughts. Light reflecting up from the
floor touched portions with deep blue. I lifted the smooth green fruit
toward her. "Would you like a perryn? It's perfectly ripe."
She
shook her head. After a hesitation she came to sit across from me upon
an umber couch.