[Open] Warmth from a fire

[Rien Novalys]

Frost 17th, Year 119

The sounds of crunching footfalls into freshly fallen snow hung behind him as he walked. The large framed man wrapped in a coat as he pushed his way through the streets to his tavern. His pack loaded with a few fresh ingredients. As he pushed through the wooden door. Breathing in the smell of treated wood and the slight smoked smell of burning embers. It was his second home. The place he dumped all his saved money into, though not nearly enough, and the place he now made his living. Entertaining folks that were traveling by. Offering them a place to rest their heads and stay warm for as long as they wished to stay.

It was a modest place. Though it had gained quiet the reputation through out the city as the place to gather for a good drink and a fun time. Smacking the heels of his boots against the door frame. Knocking the clinging snow to the ground before kicking it out the best he could. Pulling the door closed behind him. Tossing the bag onto the bar counter as he turned to face the open space of the main hall.

Stairs leading up to the couple of rooms that he had for rent. Long tables lining the walls with benches to match. A few round tables in the middle of the floor, surrounding the stone set fire pit that lay in wait. Some embers still clinging to life withing the coal and ash inside. A wide small on the winged mans face as he stood up and began his daily routine of bringing the main hall to life.

Lighting lanterns as he walked to the storage room. Grabbing some logs off of a pile, and a bit of hay. Before bringing them to the pit. Stacking them inside before scattering the hay underneath. Striking at the tender box until the flames roared to life. Slowly warming up the interior of the room.

Stretching out as the fire crackled behind him. Removing his cloak as he walked behind the bar. Hanging it on the wall as he went about his duties. Grabbing a bowl from its resting place and filling it with water from the sink that lay hidden. He dipped a rag into the bowl and slowly began to wipe down the glasses.

The light of the fire dancing across the walls as he waited. Greeting the few employees that worked for him as they came in. Waiting for the first patron to come through his doors.

[Alyssum Crow]

It was already the 17th and while she'd managed to scrounge up a pair of jobs, she was still... struggling slightly.

Alyssum had spent the last couple days trying to spend as little money as possible but she was hungry and her constant scavenging really wasn't cutting it for her. She was luckily in that she could usually hunt down something marginally edible. She needed to find a real meal, and if she managed to find a place to stay for the night it was all the better. That being said she still didn't want to spend too much money... maybe she should just stick to the meal.

Either way, wandering down the streets with the cold worming its way past her clothing she managed to stumble across a large building. An inn! Oh, but inns tended to be loud. Her ears flicked, she was still in her true form. It was the form she spent the majority of her time in, so it would make sense now. The problem with that was the delicate nature of her poor ears. Sleeping outside was admittedly better than sleeping in an inn that was too loud. Hopefully, this one wouldn't be too terrible though! If it was she'd still stay for a meal. Maybe the innkeeper would even let her stay the night at a discount if she offered to do chores. That was being greedy though, wasn't it? It wasn't her fault she didn't have much money though.

Wasn't her fault that just about everywhere in Ransera only ever paid enough for the next season's travel expenses.

If she wanted to really save up she could probably stay in a single city. Get a temporary house, start a business, and then sell it all when she finally made enough. That would ultimately go against her nature though, wouldn't it? Change's winds pumped her blood. There was no way she could stay in a single city for longer than two seasons, even if she tried. Even if she wanted to. It just wasn't... her! It wasn't any piece of her!

Unfortunately, it also left her in uncomfortable situations like this.

She'd buy herself a meal. At the very least, she could foot the bill for a meal if she did enough odd jobs and extra work in order to make up the difference. It would just... take some time. That was all. She was a Rathari. She had plenty of time. Hopefully.

She pushed open the door to the building, stepping into the warmth as the winds threatened to blow her ears clean off. Despite the multiple layers she was shivering as she stepped inside. She lived in an eternal hell of hating any temperature that wasn't so mild you couldn't even comment on it. She'd complain about the world outside being too cold. Then she'd complain about the forging being too hot whenever she got back there.

She wondered if Talon had any leftover supplies she could play with. No, she doubted it. She certainly wasn't going to push her luck for some metal scraps. Although, maybe if she found her own. Found. Found.

She wasn't sure if she felt that stupid yet.

"Hello," she greeted the partially empty room. Well, at least it was quiet. But this was almost too quiet. There was barely anyone there yet. Oh gods, was she the first person? Please tell her she wasn't. Oh please, oh please, tell her she wasn't. Her first natural instinct was that of the Sharvalain. Immediately flee. But she swallowed the urge and tried to put on her typical persona, despite the fatigue and hunger putting a damper on the whole 'playful and chaotic' routine. Yeah, okay, no. She wasn't going to pull it off tonight. Drop it, drop it. Just get the food and leave. Or at the very least eat and warm up so it's not as hard to put up her typical facade.

[Talon]

The winter winds tugged at the hem of Talon’s cloak, bidding him to move a tad more quickly toward his destination. It was not terrible, not for him. The Avialae were resistant to the cold weather though not immune. While his people were not exactly proud of what tied them to such a resistance, it was true nevertheless. The runesmith watched quietly as people went about their nightly business. Friends were making their way toward taverns, some most likely headed toward the same that he was. As difficult as the winters in the Northlands could be at times, there was a sense of togetherness that tended to pervade the events that took place during them. At least, from Talon’s perspective. He was not ignorant of the fact that he had the benefit of seeing the city from the top down. Talon had no desire to change his lot in life, he considered himself very fortunate, but he also sought to improve the lives of others where he could.

The Avialae turned onto the street where stood his destination, the tavern High Hopes. He could see people filing into the building already. Smoke was rising indicating that the hearth and cook fires were burning. He chuckled to himself. The owner wasn’t what he would presently call the best chef in the world but he had at least had the good sense to hire a competent one. Talon had been through a particularly rough day and was eager to unwind around a friendly atmosphere. His father had been insisting that he be a more consistent presence at court. Hosting diplomats, weighing in on conversations both civil and political. It made the pit of his stomach tie itself in knots. With every passing day, Talon found himself both anxious and afraid of the impending announcement he knew his father would soon make.

To that end, he decided to pay his younger brother a visit at his tavern. Firstly, because he wanted to spend time with his brother. Secondly, because he wanted to play a joke on the man. As Talon came up to the doorway to High Hopes, it was held open for him by another one of the patrons. He smiled at the man, reaching out to brace himself against the door as he knocked the snow off of his boots then stepped inside into the warmth.

There was already a small gathering of people. Men and women sitting amicably at tables. People beginning their evening time over what was undoubtedly just the first round of drinks. Laughter among friends was already present and though the room was nowhere near full, Talon knew it wouldn’t be long before it was. Evenings at High Hopes were usually filled with plenty of entertainment to be had. As he rid himself of his cloak, it didn’t take Talon long to spot his younger brother. A grin spread across Talon’s face. He tucked his wings in close to avoid bumping into anyone and strode up to the bar. Without pausing in his stride he hopped over the bar, scooped his brother up into a bear hug and squeezed the man with all of his might.

“Rien! Congratulations, brother! I am so happy for you!” Talon released his hold on his brother and clapped him on his shoulders.

[Rien Novalys]

Frost 17th, Year 119

As the doors were pushed open and the cold breeze brushed against his skin. Rien looked up from his work. Guest had poured in one by one and the tavern was slowly starting to come to life. As the faint roar of chatter picked up. "Welcome! Welcome. What can I get for you?" he asked the smaller girl with the wild look to her face. "Take a seat. You look right cold. Let me getcha something warm to start off with." He called to her before disappearing through a door behind the bar.

Only to appear a few moments later with a steaming cup of dark amber liquid. Setting it in front of her and giving her a wide goofy smile. "My name's Rien. I'm the owner of this place and if you need anything just let me know. And don't worry about this drink. It's on the house." he quickly said before going back to his routine. Picking up and wiping down the glasses again. Taking drink orders from other patrons as they came up.

Most just asking for whatever booze the house was carrying. Before they returned to their tables. "Now, I can't say I've seen you around here before. Are you new to town?" He asked tossing a glance back the girls way. Checking to see if she was enjoying the drink placed before her. If she had drank it. She would taste hints of apple and cinnamon.

His eyes turning to the door again as another patron walked in. His eyes rolling as he noticed who it was. Watching his slightly taller brother, bound across the floor before easily hopping over the counter. Being pulled into the embrace by Talon, Rien couldn't help but laugh. "Alright alright! I should scold you for jumping over the bar. You're suppose to set a good example." he said choking on laughter from the last half of his words.

Punching his brother in the shoulder. Looked him over and pondered for a moment. "Well you look like you haven't eaten in days. Take a seat, I'm sure she wouldn't mind if you sat next to her. Even if you are a big oaf. If he gives you any trouble Miss. Just tell me and I'll deal with him." he said motioning to the empty stool. Before disappearing again to grab his brother the same warm beverage that they were giving out for the night.

Setting the same amber liquid in front of his brother. Leaning against the bar, he smiled at them both."How's the shop? I'm surprised to see you out here. Figured you'd be to busy being set up for leadership or hammering out some nails. Glad you could stop by and relax for a moment." He teased before looking over to the small stage at the far end as a small band began to play. The chatter of the crowd growing louder. "You came at the right time. It's sure to pick up any minute now. Might find you a suitable lover." He elbowed his brother before giving a wink to Alyssum.

[Alyssum Crow]

The poor thing started quite visibly struggling with her words the moment Rien asked her his question. That was easily breezed over by the fact she was actually quite freezing to the point she might have been faintly shaking, and he probably took her inability to speak for the cold seeping into her bones. She welcomed the idea of sitting down and warming up before she had to try and figure out how to make the words go enough to order food. Food would be preferable. His offer to go and get her something to start her off with of course sweetened the deal. if she could scoot by without ordering before managing to get something marginally food like in her system, then she was golden. Her higher brain functions were probably tripping over themselves because of a combination of desperate hunger and desperate chill.

Maybe she was exaggerating a bit. She wasn't going to keel over or anything. But damn it! She was freezing! Let a girl exaggerate if she so damn well pleased.

The reappearance of the man with a mug of something warm looking and sweet-smelling was enough for her to internally declare him her new friend, probably ousting strange edgelord mc gloom from the spot, though she'd continue her attack on his emotional defenses! "Thank you," she said, giving him her most brilliant and friendly smile as the cup was placed down in from of her. Rien, she'd remember that name. Alyssum never forgot a name, for better or worse. Kindnesses she usually repaid and insults she tended to forgive even if she never forgot. She didn't manage to introduce herself before he disappeared again, but she was sure she'd get the chance to later in the night. If he could still hear her relatively quiet voice over the din of the Inn.

It was starting to get fairly loud.

She took a fairly large sip of the drink, only wondering moments after the gulp if it was alcoholic. She was a lightweight by the standards of most, especially compared to these damn bird boys who also had height on her. The taller you are, or more specifically, the more mass you have the harder it is to get drunk. Alyssum was practically pint-sized, and alcohol intolerant to boot. A toddler could probably drink her under the table, and that was if she was being kind to her own capabilities. At least the drink didn't taste alcoholic. Apple. Cinnamon. Maybe apple cider of some kind?

Whatever it was, it reminded her of home. She took another large sip.

Rein returned to her not long after, striking up a conversation once more. Of course, she still didn't get the chance to introduce herself since she had to answer the question. "I'm a traveler by trade, so yeah, I've only got to Kalzasi around the first of the season. I've been here before, but, I doubt we crossed paths." If he was even alive yet the last time she visited. She kept that little detail on the down-low since she looked young, even compared to other Rathari her age. Her height compared with the borderline childish features of her face usually threw people through a pretty savage loop whenever she admitted she'd be turning 60 come Glade as opposed to 19 like most assumed. Those who didn't start asking where her parent or legal guardian was, anyway. "I've been sleeping in my boss's office for the time being though. Light on money, I'm sure you understand how it is. I've mostly been getting by on his kindness any my ability to comb the wildness outside town for food. But it's still a little... rough. So I'm here for a meal." She gave a pathetic sigh, trying not to let her expression fall too much. She was already taking advantage of Talon's kindness. She didn't want to take advantage of another stranger. If someone offered she wasn't a fool or prideful enough to say no, but she'd still feel bad.

At least in Talon's case, she was working for the man. Not to mention teaching him the basics of Alchemy and Scrivening. She really didn't feel as bad. Though, maybe he'd let her do some odd jobs for a night or two next to the fire. The Skyforge got really cold at night sometimes until she warmed up the forge.

She was finally starting to relax when the door swung open and who appeared but her aforementioned boss. Said man jumped over the counter and greeted the person serving her like a brother. Oh. Oooooh. She was smart. She was definitely smart. They were brothers. They look alike. The hell had she been smoking?

Most people might have been shy, or they might have tried to ignore their boss. Others might have greeted them cheerily. Alyssum though? No, that wasn't the life for Alyssum.

She watched in total silence, her eyes practically gleaming. She was warm, and her belly was at least slightly fuller than when she wanted in. Which meant she was starting to get to the point she could wear her favorite persona again. The appearance of Talon and the evidence of the brother bond between Rein and Talon didn't inspire fear or apathy. No. Instead, it woke something up. Like a beast from the mist, summoned by its mage, the metaphorical Chaotic Hell Beast sleeping instead Alyssum's soul right up and immediately demanded entertainment. Entertainment she would most gleefully provide!

What would Rien then do but sit Talon down right next to Alyssum? It took actual physical restraint not to start smirking like some kind of idiot, but she managed. "Oh, don't worry, I will," she told Rein, so very carefully keeping the grin out her almost quivering voice. Luckily her naturally quiet voice enough to stifle most of her tone.

Then Rien made the mistake of disappearing and she turned to Talon with the devilish smirk she'd so been trying to hide. "I'm not going to say anything if you don't~" She said, almost in a sing-song. She seemed to be having too much fun. She didn't know exactly what Talon had planned in terms of pranks, but the moment it became evident she'd probably jump on board. For now, she was content just to dangle the knowledge of their actual relationships outside of Rien's reach.

When he returned her glee almost became palpable. And then his comment! Oh, sweet mother Naori! "Don't think I'm much his type," Alyssum declared loud enough for Rien to hear, shooting his wink right back at him.

[Riven]

Riven ran a hand through his dishevelled locks of blond hair. He didn't know what he was doing in Talon's Skyforge; he needed to talk to him, but lately it was getting harder and harder; he was working late, closing the forge while Riven was at work and apparently tired at night; he didn't doubt it, he looked like it. And his day had been quite complicated: a long expedition to the mountains to look for new Korihane nests... But he knew well the wind wouldn't let him ascend that much, so he had nothing to report when he got back. And then the whole day at the sanctuary, feeding and cleaning beasts that could crush his spine by stomping on him. He felt pretty defeated... And, on top, Talon wasn't in the grounds or in his shop... He knew it, but he knocked the door anyway. He waited for a minute. Two. As expected, no one came, even after he had knocked again. It was clearly closed. Damn.

He focused on the bond between them; obviously, he was in the city, and he could, somehow, feel his presence. He wasn't too far! He was still in the Plaza; not too far from there. He rushed down the streets of the Commons, feeling Talon closer and closer; he wondered what was he up to. He knew he liked the area, but at that time of the day he was usually back at the palace. Instead, he found himself in front of a tavern; High Hopes if one trusted the sign over the door. The usual murmur of a lively but not too busy tavern could be heard through the door... And he had no doubt that Talon was inside. The name was still familiar; had he told Riven he was going there for some reason? He didn't think so, though... He felt kind of bad, showing up like that... But he sort of needed to see his companion.

He pushed the front door himself, shaking the snow of his boots and his wings; he wasn't wearing much more than a thick, blue avialae tunic and black pants since the cold didn't bother him that much anyway. The inside was charming; warmly lit by lanterns, with wooden floors and stone walls, several tables to both sides... Some of the people sitting suddenly stopped talking to look at the tall stranger that had walked in; Riven was used to it. And then, there was a solid wooden bar with seats, one of them occupied by a silver winged man. He rushed towards Talon, blatantly ignoring his surroundings.

"Hey! I've been looking for you everywhere. I think we should..." He began, but he stopped as a surprised Talon turned and looked at him. He was talking with a Rathari woman... A Neoalt resembling... a sharvalain? Riven couldn't help but to stare for a bit, awestruck; he had never seen a Rathari like her. And then, on the other side of the bar, and looking at him with a bothered expression in his face... "Rien Novalys... What are you doing here, runt?" He asked, half-smiling. He couldn't help it but tease Talon's little brother. The boy didn't really love Riven, and tended to express it... And when they were younger he had found that mocking their height difference had been a good way to tease him. He was an adult now and was decently tall, but still.

And then he remembered the reason Talon had mentioned the place; Rien was going to run a tavern... That went by the name of High Hopes. He resisted the urge to facepalm; he had slipped up already. "This place is yours, isn't it..."

[Talon]

Talon rubbed his shoulder and acted as though he were wounded, his wings drooping slightly. He recovered immediately as soon as his brother offered food.

“I am a good example!” He smiled broadly before turning to the seat that his brother indicated. He blinked for a moment as he laid eyes upon none other than the Rathari, Alyssum. Having taken her on as an extra set of hands in the shop, he was glad to see her. The woman’s inquisitiveness, skill at the forge and ability to teach him new things was greatly appreciated and had allowed Talon to expand in ways he couldn’t previously. He seated himself comfortably, stretching his wings with a groan.

“Big oaf? I take offense, good sir. I am a lovable oaf, thank you very much.” He grinned even as he shook his head watching as his brother disappeared to grab something. Before he could even get a word out, the Rathari was offering up the chance to be complicit in pranks on his brother. Talon’s face lit up. Oh, how he was ready to engage in all manner of games to both tease and entertain. He nodded. When Rien returned with a drink, Talon picked it up. Before he could take a sip however, he was blinking at his brother as he was elbowed and the implication that he should find a lover that night was commented upon.

“Me? Find a--?” Talon stiffened ever so slightly. He could feel the presence of someone growing closer. Across the bond he shared with them, he could almost see them making their way toward the tavern. But Talon wasn’t certain he was ready for that. He shook his head, pushing aside his feelings and focusing on the people in front of him.

“Funny you should mention it. I was just hammering out the details of, as you put it, leadership things with father.” He took a drink from his mug. The presence at the back of his mind was growing closer and warmer. “And it was made abundantly clear that it was time for one of the eligible bachelors in our family to begin attending to their duties.”

He could feel his companion at the door. He could almost feel his warmth in the room. Talon drew his feelings and his thoughts more tightly to himself.

“I made the sound advice that you, my beloved little brother, are perhaps one of the most eligible bachelors in the realm. To which, father agreed.” He took another drink from his mug and grinned brightly.

“So congratulations are once again in order! You’ve been betrothed! It’s all that’s been talked about all day!” Just as those words came out of his mouth he could feel Riven at his back. He could feel his warmth. He could feel his weariness. He could feel his companions anxiety. Normally, Talon would immediately be trying to soften the roughness of those things by offering up his own strength, his own peace of mind in support of his partner. At the moment? Talon was clinging tightly to the borders of his own head as much as he could. He was blanketing his real feelings with those of carefully constructed different ones.

He was glad, not for the first time, that he was a practitioner of Semblance. The knowledge it lent to masking his feelings and the awareness it gave him with regard to others was serving him in that moment.

So when he turned to stare Riven in the eyes, Talon had let a mask fall in place. He opened up himself to the powers of his Rune of Semblance and observed the large man’s aura paying keen attention to his emotional responses. Talon let himself look surprised to see Riven there. He wasn’t surprised. He let himself look happy to see his companion. He was not happy. He was afraid. He smiled brightly. It felt brittle.

“Riven! You’re just in time! We were congratulating my brother on the big news! He’s going to be a married man soon.” Talon swung back around to grin broadly at his brother. He gripped the ache in his chest as tightly as he possibly could. He would not let his composure crack. He would not slip up. He would not get in the way.

[Rien Novalys]

Frost 17th, Year 119

His eyes rolled as his brother mentioned that he was a good example. Looking his brother over before looking to Alyssum to see if she agreed. "You are an example that's for sure. And at least we agree on one thing." Grasping Talon's shoulder as he looked up at him. Nodding at the realization of what he said set in. Of course he was only kidding. But Talon didn't need to know that. Tossing a glance at Alyssum again as she mentioned she probably wasn't his type.

He wasn't exactly sure what his brothers type was. Looking back at the silver winged man as he went on his merry way. Speaking falsehoods into the air that caused a chuckle to leave his throat. A sigh escaping his throat as his brother announced Rien's so called betrothal. Leaning against the bar to be a few inches from Talon's face. Locking eyes with him as he continued on. Hearing the door open as another came in. "You're full of utter shit. So tell me then. Who am I betrothed to? Is she a strong warrior? A captivating charismatic angel? A manipulating shrew?" Leaning back as the man came in behind his brother.

Attention turning to him as he looked the newcomer over before they spoke to him. Calling his a runt and asking him what he was doing her. The look of joy on his face from calling his brother bluff faded quickly to a look of indifference. Staring at the man as he realized what he has said. The realization coming to Riven's face that this place was indeed Rien's brought amusement to his face. "Aye. This place is mine. Sit. Relax for a moment, let me get something." He said simply. Pointing to the open stools to either side of Talon or Alyssum. He found that fighting the mockery with kindness was often easier then stepping on the snake itself. Though he didn't hate Riven, his feelings for the man weren't all pure and good.

He wiped the edge of a glass before setting it down and tucking the rag away in his belt. Rubbing at his chin before looking to Alyssum. "So you're light for money huh? Well I tell you what. I'll get you something set up to get some food on your stomach. Can't have you passing out in the streets and freezing to death." He said. Pushing the door open slightly to call out an order. A protein and some bread and cheese. Enough to at least get the smaller woman through the night. And he wasn't about to send her out into the street. "You can pay me back for it whenever. Either through money or maybe a favor. Which ever is easiest for you." Waving a hand in the air as he leaned against the back part of the bar. Studying his brother for a moment before looking back to the girl.

"So brother. How are you? I apologize for not being able to stop by the forge lately. It has been a process to set all this up." Waving a hand around motioning to the tavern and the people that remain inside. The music mixing with crackle of fire as he took it all in. Relaxing for a moment as his attention turned back to his brother.

[Alyssum Crow]

Alyssum was very much dedicated to watching how this would play out. Admittedly Talon wasn't the best of actors, but that probably had a good bit to do with the fact his brother knew him well. She wouldn't expect Rien to easily buy into a brother's lie since this was the kind of trick siblings played on each other all the time. At least when noble families were involved back home. She'd figured out easily enough that Talon was some type of noble though she had yet to figure out the exact house. If it actually interested her to any varying degree she probably could go snooping. She actually might in the future, all the noble houses interested her and she was more than happy to... bend laws she thought were utterly stupid. That really wasn't her focus for today though.

Her focus was on Talon trying to Rien that he was about to get married. It wouldn't be obvious by her face, but her aura was probably bubbling with excitement and joy the longer she watched the brother interact. Oh, she so very much loved a good prank and this was a promising one if Talon actually managed to pull it off. She would help if she could, but right now the most she could help was probably by staying quiet.

Then her attention was completely and entirely derailed. A stranger walked in, greeting Talon and Rien familiarly. Riven, she heard the name tumbling from Talon's lips as he turned to the stranger. Rien and Riven, now that was going to be a pain not to mess up. The V was the only thing separating the pair from identicality. Well, that and the substantial height difference Riven displayed over just about everyone in the room. If the rathari had been one to easily spook, her 5'3 self probably would have balked at the 8'6 man. Jastai, partially, without a question. She was willing to hazard a guess it might be recent given the way that the avialae worked but she wouldn't be able to tell for certain without actually asking the man. Her curiosity only seemed to grow and grow the more she continued to look at him. As well as Talon.

There was a strange kind of tension existing between the two. A weird feeling like a string being pulled tauter and tauter but no one actually wanted to address it. It wasn't to the point where a single breath could snap the string, but it didn't look comfortable for either of them. That said, Talon's focus didn't waver from his original goal.

Admittedly, Alyssum didn't appreciate that. Pranks are fun and all, but human beings are more important. Her ears noticeably flattened the more she watched. She didn't need Semblance to know that Riven probably had more wrong with him. His lips were tight, quirked at an awkward angle. He wanted to talk, needed to talk, there was something that needed to be said but Talon turned away quickly and efficiently, continuing his rouse. Alyssum's jaw tightened slightly, though she didn't say anything. She couldn't stop the flicking of her tail at the end the longer she watched this go on. So she hopped off of her seat and wove her way around Talon, pushing herself up on the other side of Riven.

"Hey, you okay there kiddo? You aren't looking too hot," she asked him. She spoke at her normal volume, which left her voice coming out muted and quiet. Just loud enough for Riven. The words were only meant for him after all. The brothers could continue their little game, but the moment Riven walked in he'd managed to flip a switch and the rath went into big sister mode.

[Talon]

Talon tipped back his drink, taking a long swallow from it. He set it down on the counter and gave a long-suffering sigh. He could feel the heat of Riven’s body just behind him. There was a stiffness to Talon’s back as he pointedly ignored the towering Avialae’s presence. The only sign of his otherwise unsettled mood was a slight twitching of the feathers in his wings but for those that knew him, it was signal enough. Having been found out he didn’t try to pursue the jest.

“Drat! I never could fool you.” He smiled at Rien before leaning against the bar. Talon held his mug between both hands staring down into the drink as though the liquid held answers that eluded him. Hearing Rien’s question he nodded.

“The Skyforge is as good as ever. People come into the shop regularly. These days it feels like the one place where I can sort out my thoughts.” And Talon had many. Even as he stood there with his back turned to the source of many of those troubled thoughts, he was conflicted. He could feel Riven reaching across their bond. The desire to talk, to bridge the distance that had formed between them, to do something was strong. There was a part of Talon, and it was no small part, that wanted to let his walls down and allow Riven to come in fully. He ignored that part of himself. Though he wasn’t sure at this point if it was out of a sense of duty or a sense of hurt.

“You should visit soon. That spear of yours could do with a little reworking. I certainly wouldn’t mind enhancing the weapon of my own brother.” Talon smiled. Earlier that season there had been a terrible incursion into the city. It was one where lives had been lost, new things had been learned about the beasts that stalked the Warrens and it had seen Rien get placed in terrible peril. Talon had thought he was going to lose his brother that night and it had filled him with dread. He noticed out of the corner of his eye that Alyssum had hopped down from her seat. His sense of spatial awareness followed her briefly as she came to stand next to Riven. Did the two of them know each other? It was none of his business if they did.

“You did come up in conversation with father today.” Talon thought on everything that had been discussed. It brought a furrow to his brow. He could feel the weight of the decision. One that had been left in his lap and that he felt woefully unprepared to handle. But their father had given him the task so it was up to Talon to see it through. He had time to prepare. Would it be enough though? Bringing up his mug, he spoke over the rim.

“An emissary from Lorien came to the palace today.” Talon spoke pointedly. While his voice wasn’t loud, it carried over the murmuring of conversation that was taking place in the tavern. Things went quiet as every Avialae in the room stopped speaking and turned their attention to what Talon had to say. For his part, Talon finished taking another drink. He then set the mug down on the bar with his hands still wrapped around it tightly.

Lorien. There wasn’t a Synnekar who didn’t know the story of their flight from the wretched kingdom far to the east. It was the story that defined their people. It was the reason they fought so hard to keep themselves prepared. The Kindred were not mortal creatures. They were spirits that could appear at any time, anywhere.

And an ambassador from Lorien had visited the palace, seeking an audience with his father. Savien had refused to see the emissary and had sent them away from the palace. The ambassador had left with word that they would remain on the outskirts of the city, prepared to wait for as long as they had to in order to gain an audience with the Shokaze. His father, after much conversation and convincing from his mother, had relented and seeing it as an opportunity to further groom Talon for the difficulties of leadership, had appointed him to serve as ambassador for the city. Talon was to choose his entourage. Who he chose would speak to whether the Synnekar were interested in peace or in war.