(no subject)
( Fanfiction.Net ) or
Lead Me Not Into Temptation
Part Two : Hey Pretty
---------
All three of them woke long before dawn - Ewan first, then Tethys and finally Saleh, the anticipation making them bright-eyed and cheerful where at least two would not normally have been. Having prepared for travel the night before, it was a simple matter of dressing and feeding themselves before starting off. Ewan and Tethys chatted amiably over breakfast, with an occasional comment from Saleh, and it wasn’t long before they were both standing outside the cabin hugging each other goodbye. Saleh was occupied with closing the house up for a month, checking both the physical and magical securities he had placed on it against robbers, weather, and anything else that might happen to come along.
“Will you be all right traveling alone, Tethys?” Ewan asked, eyebrows knit in concern.
“Of course I will. Honestly, brother, you worry too much. I can take care of myself.”
“I know,” he admitted. “Still, I’d be more comfortable knowing you had someone to watch your back. You can never be too careful.”
“Your concern is touching, brother, but unnecessary. There is little danger in these hills anymore. You, of all people, know that.”
He opened his mouth to protest again, but she swiftly cut him off. “But,” she said, “if it makes you feel any better, I promise to be extra cautious until I reach Jehanna.”
Ewan relaxed visibly and smiled. “Thank you. I know I must seem like a worrywart-”
“Yes,” Tethys replied gaily, “But I know: better safe than sorry.” She kissed him on the cheek. “You be careful, too, Ewan.” She hesitated, then glanced over his shoulder at Saleh, who had finished his chore and stood patiently off to one side. She met Ewan’s eyes. “Don’t give up on him,” she whispered. “He’ll come around. Ten years you’ve lived with him and he hasn’t run off with anyone yet! That’s got to count for something!” And she grinned at him in a manner that would have been infuriating had he not known her to be sincere.
She hugged him again before he had a chance to respond, then darted over to Saleh and did the same. “I’ll see you both in a few days, then,” she said, pecked Saleh on the cheek, and set off up the hill at a brisk pace.
“So long, loves!” she called back to them, fluttering a hand as she did so. “Be good, now, and don’t get into too much trouble without me! I’d be so dreadfully disappointed to miss it.” And with that she disappeared into the woods, intending to cut across and back onto the path leading up to the village of Caer Pelyn. From there it was just a simple matter of going over the mountain pass and south through Hamill Canyon to reach Jehanna, a journey which shouldn’t take much more than two days of easy travel.
Ewan shook his head as they turned away from the spot where Tethys had vanished. “Always with the dramatics,” he said, but his tone was fond.
Saleh smiled at him and shouldered his pack a little more securely. “Well,” he said, “Shall we go?”
“Just waiting for you,” grinned Ewan, and together they set off on the path that led down the mountain, their high spirits leaving plenty of room for conversation, especially on Ewan’s part. A few hours before noon, they diverged from the main road and took a less-traveled path that led south-west over the mountains to Renais. It was more difficult going than what Tethys was journeying on, but if they kept a steady, solid pace it would get them to Renais at about the same time that she reached the White Dunes. Additionally, the scenery was infinitely superior.
Saleh judged that they had made very good time when they finally stopped and set up camp for the night. If they set the same pace tomorrow, they could reach Renais by evening. Ewan excitedly recounted stories of their time in Eirika’s army and pondered the prospect of seeing their friends again as he built the fire, Saleh listening with an amused smile on his face. He might be twenty-three now, but Ewan’s enthusiasm for life hadn’t waned at all over the years.
Halfway through supper, when talk had died down in favor of eating and the night was quite but for the crackle of the fire, Ewan chanced to look up at the cliff beneath which they were camped and nearly dropped his bowl in surprise. “Saleh,” he hissed, and pointed above them, “Look!”
Perched atop the cliff was the biggest wolf Ewan had ever seen. Its gray coat looked almost silver against the dark backdrop of the sky, though it would have been nearly invisible were it not for the moon providing illumination and adding a bright sheen to the fur. Ewan wondered briefly why the creature was not bothered by their campfire, but the thought was quickly driven from his mind with awe as wolf threw its head back and howled. The sound was both exhilarating and heart-wrenching at the same time, and Ewan found himself unable to look away. From somewhere beside him, he heard Saleh’s soft voice. “He’s lost his mate.”
The sound ended on a plaintive note, and then the wolf turned its head downwards and looked at them, expression neutral but for the grief in its eyes. Ewan felt something warm slide down his cheek as he stared into those golden eyes. The wolf could not cry, so he was crying for it.
After a few moments, the beast turned and melted into the darkness, leaving Ewan with that sinking feeling that marks the end of something inexplicably significant. He brushed a sleeve over his cheek and looked at Saleh, not entirely certain what he was expecting, but his teacher had returned to his meal and didn’t say anything at all.
-----
“Gracious! That’s not little Ewan all grown up, is it?”
Ewan barely had time to blink before he was accosted by a blur of green and white, and he suddenly found himself kissing Princess L’Arachel’s hand without any memory of ever bowing to begin with. She rather had that effect on people, he remembered with amusement. “What a handsome man you’ve turned out to be!” she cried delightedly, “And Saleh’s here, too! Oh, this is wonderful! I’ve been greeting guests all evening; everyone seems to be arriving on the same day! I was here first, of course; Dozla and I arrived a week ago. Dozla, look, it’s Ewan and Saleh!” She abruptly turned and directed this last part at her companion, who had finally arrived after following her down the hall at a more leisurely pace, chuckling loudly.
“Ewan, my lad!” the Princess’ long-term bodyguard clapped him soundly on the back by way of greeting, and Ewan nearly doubled over from the force of it. “Hey, Uncle Dozla,” he managed to gasp, grinning. Saleh eyed Dozla warily lest he should receive the same welcome, but he was merely offered a more refined, if extremely enthusiastic, handshake.
“Come on in, both of you,” L’Arachel urged - entirely unnecessarily, as Dozla was already leading them both bodily down the hall as his mistress strode commandingly in front of them. “Eirika will be delighted to see you, and Ephraim, too - we’ll go see them immediately. Oh, and wait until you meet little Celeste, she is just a doll, and so very sure of herself. She gets such confidence from her Aunt L’Arachel, of course. But you’ll be wanting to catch up with everyone. Let’s see… Cormag and Artur arrived yesterday, and Lute has been here several days already, although I admit I haven’t spoke to her much. I just do not get that girl at all. Colm and Neimi arrived a few hours before you did, and - oh! Ewan, Amelia’s been looking for you since she arrived, so do be sure to go say hello to her.”
L’Arachel was, mercifully, interrupted by their arrival at the large double doors that marked the entrance to the palace’s primary parlor. She didn’t even pause to knock, but merely flung the doors open and swept into the room as though she were queen rather than Eirika. She wouldn’t be L’Arachel if she did anything otherwise, and so nobody took much offense from her airs.
Eirika was seated on the floor playing chess with a child that bore her striking aqua-colored hair, but she rose immediately and came to greet them when they entered the room. “Saleh! Ewan!” she exclaimed, giving them each a kiss on the cheek. “It’s been far too long. When did you arrive?”
“Just now,” L’Arachel put in before either of them could open their mouths, “Dozla and I were there to greet them, and we brought them straight to you.”
“You must be exhausted!” Eirika said, smiling at them both. “Shall I show you to your rooms, or would you like to reacquaint yourselves with everyone first? I think most of them are still up at this hour, although I can’t necessarily vouch for their sobriety.” She smirked in a rather un-queen-like manner, and Ewan couldn’t help but grin right back.
Saleh, too, sounded amused, but declined the invitation. “I think rest would be most appreciated at the moment,” he replied. “We can meet the others in the morning.”
“If they’re not too hung-over!” Ewan chimed in.
Eirika laughed and turned to L’Arachel. “Could you watch Celeste for me until I get back? It won’t take very long.”
“My pleasure,” replied the Princess with a slightly feral grin.
---
“I hope you don’t mind sharing a room,” the Queen of Renais told them as she led them through the guest wing of the palace. “With so many people coming, we’ve been having to double up some of the rooms, but if it’s a problem I’m sure we can find some others who are willing to share.”
“No, no, it’s not a problem,” Ewan said quickly. He glanced at Saleh for confirmation, but his teacher made no indication of preference one way or another.
“Oh, good, thank you.” She stopped before one of the rooms and opened the door dramatically, ushering them in in front of her. Ewan could only gape at the magnificence of it all. A massive four-poster bed, enameled dresser, spacious fireplace flanked by several plush armchairs and a loveseat, floor-to-ceiling windows with majestic crimson drapery opening out onto a marble balcony, and below that was the entire city of Renais spread out at his feet. “Wow…” he whispered, going up to the window and pressing his nose against the glass. He turned back to Eirika. “Are you sure-”
“Yes, I’m sure this is the right room,” she cut him off with a laugh. “You’re not the first one to ask me that.”
“Wow,” he said again, and stared back out the window at the multitude of lights dotting the darkened city like stars.
Eirika turned her attention to Saleh, who was examining the mantelpiece with interest. “This pull here,” she said, indicating a gold brocade rope hanging by the bedside, “will summon a servant. Please don’t hesitate if you need anything; I’ve told the staff to bar no expense for our guests this month. And don’t hesitate to explore if you’d like. The palace is yours for your enjoyment.”
Saleh bowed. “Thank you, milady.”
She frowned slightly. “Saleh, please - it’s just Eirika.”
The sage straightened and smiled at her. “Understood.”
“Thank you, Eirika,” Ewan cut in, returning from the window to stand next to his teacher. “It’s wonderful to be here.” He smiled gratefully, and for a moment she was struck by his maturity. It was to be expected, she realized; after all, he wasn’t thirteen anymore. He was still the same Ewan, but it was ridiculous to think he hadn’t grown.
Saleh, she reflected, hadn’t changed much at all.
“It’s wonderful to see you again,” she said affectionately, and after a moment’s hesitation, she pulled them both into a brief hug. “I’m so happy we can have everyone together again for a reunion,” she told them as she drew away. “I’ll let you two get some rest now. Sleep well,” she said by way of parting, and then she was gone, closing the door behind her.
Ewan and Saleh looked at each other for a moment, then by unspoken agreement began unpacking and settling in for what would be a several-week stay. Ewan made a point of summoning up a maid and requesting a bath, which was promptly prepared for him in the bath room down the hall. By the time he returned to their room, thoroughly cleansed and very satisfied, Saleh was settled in an armchair, immersed in one of the books he’d found on the bookcase. Ewan paused to watch him, noting the familiar slight knit of his eyebrows in concentration, the distracted way he tucked the unruly hair behind his ear, only to have it fall back in his face again.
There was a knock on the door. Saleh glanced up and suddenly found his gaze locked with his pupil’s, who was standing between him and the door. Ewan realized belatedly that he’d been staring, and a slight flush crept into his cheeks as they stared at each other, both looking like deer caught in a lamplight.
The knock sounded again, and Ewan tore his gaze away to go answer the door. He was greeted by the sight of a young woman in the typical short-skirted outfit favored by female foot soldiers. Her blonde hair was swept up out of her face in a loose knot, and she peered up at Ewan with anxious brown eyes as though not entirely sure she had any right to be speaking to him.
“Amelia!” he exclaimed, and grabbed her into a hug that made her squeak in surprise.
“E-Ewan!” she stuttered as he released her, “I-I’m sorry to bother you, I know it’s late, but I just heard you’d arrived and I-I really wanted to see you again. I just… thought I’d just come and say hello to you and, and Master Saleh.” She leaned around Ewan and waved timidly at Saleh, who was watching from his chair. He gave her a reassuring smile, and she relaxed visibly.
“It’s not a bother; it’s wonderful to see you again!” Ewan assured her as she looked up at him again uncertainly. “How have you been? Are you still living in Grado? Come in, sit down and we can talk.”
“Um, no, I really shouldn’t, um, impose. I just… wanted to say hello and, and let you know I was here. Get some rest, I’ll see you tomorrow. Sleep well!” She bowed briefly to Saleh, threw Ewan a hesitant smile, and fled.
The red-head stared at the empty hallway for a moment, then closed the door and turned to his teacher. “Well, uh… that was interesting,” he offered, though he wasn’t entirely sure which incident he was referring to as ‘interesting’.
“Hm,” said Saleh.
In an effort to fill the silence, he continued, “Well, it was nice of her to stop by. I wonder if Ross is here yet? We have so much catching up to do!”
Saleh smiled but said nothing, simply closing his book and rising leisurely from his seat.
“Hey, Saleh?”
“Yes?”
“Who do you want to see?”
The man blinked in surprise and stopped to consider the question. “Well, I’m looking forward to seeing Gerik and his group again, although it hasn’t been so long since we saw them last. I’d be interested to talk to Knoll, and find out how he’s getting along in his studies and with the rebuilding of Grado. And I suppose I must say I’m very pleased to see Lady Eirika again. I look forward to catching up with her while we’re here.” He gave his student another one of his half-smiles and went to put the book away.
Ewan climbed into bed telling himself that there was absolutely no reason he should feel betrayed.
Comments and critiques welcome.
Lead Me Not Into Temptation
Part Two : Hey Pretty
---------
All three of them woke long before dawn - Ewan first, then Tethys and finally Saleh, the anticipation making them bright-eyed and cheerful where at least two would not normally have been. Having prepared for travel the night before, it was a simple matter of dressing and feeding themselves before starting off. Ewan and Tethys chatted amiably over breakfast, with an occasional comment from Saleh, and it wasn’t long before they were both standing outside the cabin hugging each other goodbye. Saleh was occupied with closing the house up for a month, checking both the physical and magical securities he had placed on it against robbers, weather, and anything else that might happen to come along.
“Will you be all right traveling alone, Tethys?” Ewan asked, eyebrows knit in concern.
“Of course I will. Honestly, brother, you worry too much. I can take care of myself.”
“I know,” he admitted. “Still, I’d be more comfortable knowing you had someone to watch your back. You can never be too careful.”
“Your concern is touching, brother, but unnecessary. There is little danger in these hills anymore. You, of all people, know that.”
He opened his mouth to protest again, but she swiftly cut him off. “But,” she said, “if it makes you feel any better, I promise to be extra cautious until I reach Jehanna.”
Ewan relaxed visibly and smiled. “Thank you. I know I must seem like a worrywart-”
“Yes,” Tethys replied gaily, “But I know: better safe than sorry.” She kissed him on the cheek. “You be careful, too, Ewan.” She hesitated, then glanced over his shoulder at Saleh, who had finished his chore and stood patiently off to one side. She met Ewan’s eyes. “Don’t give up on him,” she whispered. “He’ll come around. Ten years you’ve lived with him and he hasn’t run off with anyone yet! That’s got to count for something!” And she grinned at him in a manner that would have been infuriating had he not known her to be sincere.
She hugged him again before he had a chance to respond, then darted over to Saleh and did the same. “I’ll see you both in a few days, then,” she said, pecked Saleh on the cheek, and set off up the hill at a brisk pace.
“So long, loves!” she called back to them, fluttering a hand as she did so. “Be good, now, and don’t get into too much trouble without me! I’d be so dreadfully disappointed to miss it.” And with that she disappeared into the woods, intending to cut across and back onto the path leading up to the village of Caer Pelyn. From there it was just a simple matter of going over the mountain pass and south through Hamill Canyon to reach Jehanna, a journey which shouldn’t take much more than two days of easy travel.
Ewan shook his head as they turned away from the spot where Tethys had vanished. “Always with the dramatics,” he said, but his tone was fond.
Saleh smiled at him and shouldered his pack a little more securely. “Well,” he said, “Shall we go?”
“Just waiting for you,” grinned Ewan, and together they set off on the path that led down the mountain, their high spirits leaving plenty of room for conversation, especially on Ewan’s part. A few hours before noon, they diverged from the main road and took a less-traveled path that led south-west over the mountains to Renais. It was more difficult going than what Tethys was journeying on, but if they kept a steady, solid pace it would get them to Renais at about the same time that she reached the White Dunes. Additionally, the scenery was infinitely superior.
Saleh judged that they had made very good time when they finally stopped and set up camp for the night. If they set the same pace tomorrow, they could reach Renais by evening. Ewan excitedly recounted stories of their time in Eirika’s army and pondered the prospect of seeing their friends again as he built the fire, Saleh listening with an amused smile on his face. He might be twenty-three now, but Ewan’s enthusiasm for life hadn’t waned at all over the years.
Halfway through supper, when talk had died down in favor of eating and the night was quite but for the crackle of the fire, Ewan chanced to look up at the cliff beneath which they were camped and nearly dropped his bowl in surprise. “Saleh,” he hissed, and pointed above them, “Look!”
Perched atop the cliff was the biggest wolf Ewan had ever seen. Its gray coat looked almost silver against the dark backdrop of the sky, though it would have been nearly invisible were it not for the moon providing illumination and adding a bright sheen to the fur. Ewan wondered briefly why the creature was not bothered by their campfire, but the thought was quickly driven from his mind with awe as wolf threw its head back and howled. The sound was both exhilarating and heart-wrenching at the same time, and Ewan found himself unable to look away. From somewhere beside him, he heard Saleh’s soft voice. “He’s lost his mate.”
The sound ended on a plaintive note, and then the wolf turned its head downwards and looked at them, expression neutral but for the grief in its eyes. Ewan felt something warm slide down his cheek as he stared into those golden eyes. The wolf could not cry, so he was crying for it.
After a few moments, the beast turned and melted into the darkness, leaving Ewan with that sinking feeling that marks the end of something inexplicably significant. He brushed a sleeve over his cheek and looked at Saleh, not entirely certain what he was expecting, but his teacher had returned to his meal and didn’t say anything at all.
-----
“Gracious! That’s not little Ewan all grown up, is it?”
Ewan barely had time to blink before he was accosted by a blur of green and white, and he suddenly found himself kissing Princess L’Arachel’s hand without any memory of ever bowing to begin with. She rather had that effect on people, he remembered with amusement. “What a handsome man you’ve turned out to be!” she cried delightedly, “And Saleh’s here, too! Oh, this is wonderful! I’ve been greeting guests all evening; everyone seems to be arriving on the same day! I was here first, of course; Dozla and I arrived a week ago. Dozla, look, it’s Ewan and Saleh!” She abruptly turned and directed this last part at her companion, who had finally arrived after following her down the hall at a more leisurely pace, chuckling loudly.
“Ewan, my lad!” the Princess’ long-term bodyguard clapped him soundly on the back by way of greeting, and Ewan nearly doubled over from the force of it. “Hey, Uncle Dozla,” he managed to gasp, grinning. Saleh eyed Dozla warily lest he should receive the same welcome, but he was merely offered a more refined, if extremely enthusiastic, handshake.
“Come on in, both of you,” L’Arachel urged - entirely unnecessarily, as Dozla was already leading them both bodily down the hall as his mistress strode commandingly in front of them. “Eirika will be delighted to see you, and Ephraim, too - we’ll go see them immediately. Oh, and wait until you meet little Celeste, she is just a doll, and so very sure of herself. She gets such confidence from her Aunt L’Arachel, of course. But you’ll be wanting to catch up with everyone. Let’s see… Cormag and Artur arrived yesterday, and Lute has been here several days already, although I admit I haven’t spoke to her much. I just do not get that girl at all. Colm and Neimi arrived a few hours before you did, and - oh! Ewan, Amelia’s been looking for you since she arrived, so do be sure to go say hello to her.”
L’Arachel was, mercifully, interrupted by their arrival at the large double doors that marked the entrance to the palace’s primary parlor. She didn’t even pause to knock, but merely flung the doors open and swept into the room as though she were queen rather than Eirika. She wouldn’t be L’Arachel if she did anything otherwise, and so nobody took much offense from her airs.
Eirika was seated on the floor playing chess with a child that bore her striking aqua-colored hair, but she rose immediately and came to greet them when they entered the room. “Saleh! Ewan!” she exclaimed, giving them each a kiss on the cheek. “It’s been far too long. When did you arrive?”
“Just now,” L’Arachel put in before either of them could open their mouths, “Dozla and I were there to greet them, and we brought them straight to you.”
“You must be exhausted!” Eirika said, smiling at them both. “Shall I show you to your rooms, or would you like to reacquaint yourselves with everyone first? I think most of them are still up at this hour, although I can’t necessarily vouch for their sobriety.” She smirked in a rather un-queen-like manner, and Ewan couldn’t help but grin right back.
Saleh, too, sounded amused, but declined the invitation. “I think rest would be most appreciated at the moment,” he replied. “We can meet the others in the morning.”
“If they’re not too hung-over!” Ewan chimed in.
Eirika laughed and turned to L’Arachel. “Could you watch Celeste for me until I get back? It won’t take very long.”
“My pleasure,” replied the Princess with a slightly feral grin.
---
“I hope you don’t mind sharing a room,” the Queen of Renais told them as she led them through the guest wing of the palace. “With so many people coming, we’ve been having to double up some of the rooms, but if it’s a problem I’m sure we can find some others who are willing to share.”
“No, no, it’s not a problem,” Ewan said quickly. He glanced at Saleh for confirmation, but his teacher made no indication of preference one way or another.
“Oh, good, thank you.” She stopped before one of the rooms and opened the door dramatically, ushering them in in front of her. Ewan could only gape at the magnificence of it all. A massive four-poster bed, enameled dresser, spacious fireplace flanked by several plush armchairs and a loveseat, floor-to-ceiling windows with majestic crimson drapery opening out onto a marble balcony, and below that was the entire city of Renais spread out at his feet. “Wow…” he whispered, going up to the window and pressing his nose against the glass. He turned back to Eirika. “Are you sure-”
“Yes, I’m sure this is the right room,” she cut him off with a laugh. “You’re not the first one to ask me that.”
“Wow,” he said again, and stared back out the window at the multitude of lights dotting the darkened city like stars.
Eirika turned her attention to Saleh, who was examining the mantelpiece with interest. “This pull here,” she said, indicating a gold brocade rope hanging by the bedside, “will summon a servant. Please don’t hesitate if you need anything; I’ve told the staff to bar no expense for our guests this month. And don’t hesitate to explore if you’d like. The palace is yours for your enjoyment.”
Saleh bowed. “Thank you, milady.”
She frowned slightly. “Saleh, please - it’s just Eirika.”
The sage straightened and smiled at her. “Understood.”
“Thank you, Eirika,” Ewan cut in, returning from the window to stand next to his teacher. “It’s wonderful to be here.” He smiled gratefully, and for a moment she was struck by his maturity. It was to be expected, she realized; after all, he wasn’t thirteen anymore. He was still the same Ewan, but it was ridiculous to think he hadn’t grown.
Saleh, she reflected, hadn’t changed much at all.
“It’s wonderful to see you again,” she said affectionately, and after a moment’s hesitation, she pulled them both into a brief hug. “I’m so happy we can have everyone together again for a reunion,” she told them as she drew away. “I’ll let you two get some rest now. Sleep well,” she said by way of parting, and then she was gone, closing the door behind her.
Ewan and Saleh looked at each other for a moment, then by unspoken agreement began unpacking and settling in for what would be a several-week stay. Ewan made a point of summoning up a maid and requesting a bath, which was promptly prepared for him in the bath room down the hall. By the time he returned to their room, thoroughly cleansed and very satisfied, Saleh was settled in an armchair, immersed in one of the books he’d found on the bookcase. Ewan paused to watch him, noting the familiar slight knit of his eyebrows in concentration, the distracted way he tucked the unruly hair behind his ear, only to have it fall back in his face again.
There was a knock on the door. Saleh glanced up and suddenly found his gaze locked with his pupil’s, who was standing between him and the door. Ewan realized belatedly that he’d been staring, and a slight flush crept into his cheeks as they stared at each other, both looking like deer caught in a lamplight.
The knock sounded again, and Ewan tore his gaze away to go answer the door. He was greeted by the sight of a young woman in the typical short-skirted outfit favored by female foot soldiers. Her blonde hair was swept up out of her face in a loose knot, and she peered up at Ewan with anxious brown eyes as though not entirely sure she had any right to be speaking to him.
“Amelia!” he exclaimed, and grabbed her into a hug that made her squeak in surprise.
“E-Ewan!” she stuttered as he released her, “I-I’m sorry to bother you, I know it’s late, but I just heard you’d arrived and I-I really wanted to see you again. I just… thought I’d just come and say hello to you and, and Master Saleh.” She leaned around Ewan and waved timidly at Saleh, who was watching from his chair. He gave her a reassuring smile, and she relaxed visibly.
“It’s not a bother; it’s wonderful to see you again!” Ewan assured her as she looked up at him again uncertainly. “How have you been? Are you still living in Grado? Come in, sit down and we can talk.”
“Um, no, I really shouldn’t, um, impose. I just… wanted to say hello and, and let you know I was here. Get some rest, I’ll see you tomorrow. Sleep well!” She bowed briefly to Saleh, threw Ewan a hesitant smile, and fled.
The red-head stared at the empty hallway for a moment, then closed the door and turned to his teacher. “Well, uh… that was interesting,” he offered, though he wasn’t entirely sure which incident he was referring to as ‘interesting’.
“Hm,” said Saleh.
In an effort to fill the silence, he continued, “Well, it was nice of her to stop by. I wonder if Ross is here yet? We have so much catching up to do!”
Saleh smiled but said nothing, simply closing his book and rising leisurely from his seat.
“Hey, Saleh?”
“Yes?”
“Who do you want to see?”
The man blinked in surprise and stopped to consider the question. “Well, I’m looking forward to seeing Gerik and his group again, although it hasn’t been so long since we saw them last. I’d be interested to talk to Knoll, and find out how he’s getting along in his studies and with the rebuilding of Grado. And I suppose I must say I’m very pleased to see Lady Eirika again. I look forward to catching up with her while we’re here.” He gave his student another one of his half-smiles and went to put the book away.
Ewan climbed into bed telling himself that there was absolutely no reason he should feel betrayed.
Comments and critiques welcome.