SUMMERWATER (LINESTI) AT DUSK
WATER LILIES
“The lake is the oldest part of this City,” Amrielle said. “Roander had it made for his young queen, for she had dwelt by Safir, and missed the water. He planted by it the trees she loved best, tall beech and linden, trailing birch and willow...”
“Lilies clustered thickly on the mere, as though stars had come down to deck its surface. Near to a willow that leaned out over the water, masking all but the topmost turrets of Sel Erinn from view, the Lady of Loigris sat on a wooden bench overlooking the lake. Behind her lindens cast their honeyed shadows; above the damasked green of her simple gown her face and shoulders glimmered lily-pale...”
“About Linesti the trees were gold, and leaves like gilded scales clung to its rippled surface. Amrielle walked beside the lake, alone, wrapped in a fleece-lined cloak, for the autumn wind blew cold.
By the rustic seat she paused, lost in memory. A clatter of wings made her look up; it was the swans. She watched as they disappeared beyond the encircling trees, and her heart beat within her like a caged creature, in longing to follow their migration...”
