Heirot

Ren had finally begun to get over his horror at being thanked or served by a Yurivis. This was Tenara's way, and he preferred the princess to be exactly as she wished. However, going to her aunt's quarters in her current state seemed too obviously self-sacrificial for his comfort. The woman would ...

Ren crept out of the alcove between their rooms, rushing into Tenara's room despite the tremors. If she chose to take this part of the castle down around them, he'd be no safer in his quarters than at her side anyway. He went straight for the advisor, who was retreating, but not fast enough for Ren ...

"In her quarters?" Ren's eyes flashed a bit wide, revealing more of the black around his irises. "Yes... that would be the best option. If I say it might lead them to the sisters sooner, she may agree. It's not like we're just looking for an excuse to speak with them..." The tension in his throat ...

Ren felt the muscles at the back of his neck tense up at the thought of making a direct request of that female. "Yes. I'll ask," he said anyway, stretching his head to the side. "Do you think.... do you think she is awake now?"

Ren's carefully maintained polite demeanor gradually fell away as they spoke. It wasn't the first time she'd called him her friend, and each time she did, he found himself slightly more convinced by the idea. The suggestion that her creature friend might witlessly climb on Havitharon Ruthe's horns ...

Ren sucked in a breath and tried his best to sit still. The sudden weight on his horn made him shiver. "It's okay, Princess. She is your friend... I am the one who should leave," he stammered.

Ren settled himself with a quiet frown. "Not yet. There are several aides recommending to go to Arken with a list of demands for reparation, rather than declare war outright. The biggest point of debate is whether to view the crimes against you as committed by a few individuals acting on their own ...

Ren walked very slowly to his seat across from her, arms awkwardly at his sides to avoid upsetting Tenara's guest. "Please stay, Princess. I'm happy to share anything you care to know, and... I am concerned about you. Your only Ivis is not at your side. It is unhealthy for a Yurivis to be alone ...

"A friend?" Ren canted his head at the creature. If it was a friend of the Princess, he should address it appropriately, but he couldn't identify its gender. "I am Artisuren. It is an honor," he spoke formally, bowing to the monkey. He followed Tenara's gaze to his ice, flushing at her consideration ...

Ren twitched upright, the satchel falling from his face into his lap. He was on his feet before Tenara finished asking after him, rushing to the adjoining door. "Princess," he greeted breathlessly. It was hard to conceal his relief at her visit. Then he raised his eyes and noticed the creature on ...

Havi felt the cool weight of the stone in his hands. "Alright." His foggy mind followed the other man's footsteps as he rose and left the room. * God, I have made a mess of everything. * His frustration left his lips as a sigh, and as the air flowed out of him, exhaustion pulled him down into ...

Havi leaned heavier on his elbow. Damn it, his muscles were already getting tired. He focused on Laurius's face in confusion. He'd expected the man to be angry with him, to curse him out for taking on unnecessary risks and endangering their plan. But Laurius Marr wasn't blaming him. "To be honest ...

Havi caught the man's hand, halting his futile attempt to bandage his arm. Laurius's obvious attempt to cheer him only put a pit in his stomach. Something seemed wrong, and Havi was either too dizzy or too ignorant to grasp what it was. "Did something else happen? What did it cost you? He charged ...

Havi blinked the blur from his vision as Laurius steered the child out. "I am sorry." He flexed his hand in front of his face, studying the sluggish muscles. "You were right. I should not have let things go this far. How did you carry me back?"

Havi shook his head - carefully. The room spun a bit. "I will be fine in the morning. You will never go back. Okay?"