Respite & Resolve

[Natalie Grey]

Talin

It was the Light’s own blessing when Arikan finally stood to leave. Talin did not well tolerate conversation with others at the best of times, and this one had expired its merits the moment it no longer served her purpose. When the door closed and the abhorrent sound of his laughter faded, her gaze lifted to meet Kaori’s. For a brief moment her lips pursed in thoughtful silence. She did not pay much attention to the tight ball of his emotions; she well knew the sensation of his tumultuous conflicts. If his honour was stained, it still stirred potently when it concerned this juncture of their plans. Sympathy was not something Talin kept in great supply though. Given her general disdain it must be rationed to need. The arrangement between them precluded consideration of his feelings.

“It shouldn’t be possible,” she said eventually. And she might not have believed it but for the evidence witnessed before her own eyes. Had the dreadlord really meant to say so much? Lies were possible, she supposed, but his whole sorry monologue had reeked of so much emotion she was quite sure the outpouring had been genuine.

She stood soon after. The arm was still bothering her, earning a short sigh for the distraction. They had work to do before Nythadri returned, and she had no great desire to remain within the fort’s walls while Arikan made himself at home. But first, she needed to take a light-forsaken bath.

---

[[continued from The Point of No Return]]


Nythadri

The courtyard was swathed in darkness, fallen darker still when the gate winked shut. None were expected; the lamps were not lit, as they had been the night before. The shudder of Nythadri’s heart was denied notice as she traced the route inside. If she acknowledged the panic, it would unravel her purpose, and she did not mean to let it. She caught the first servant she discovered by the arm, uncaring of the impropriety. The girl’s face was pale with fear, and shrivelled further upon the direction Nythadri asked for. A poor omen for what might have transpired in her absence. Where in the light was Talin? But for now she did not ask over her sister, just followed where the servant led.