Aurana had to stop and think about her answer. She looked up at the ceiling for a while, still breathing through her mouth. "Well, I've only been able to sneak out into the city. I've never been out of Bravil. I've only read about it." She tried a smile for Julan. "You said you travel around, right? Maybe you could tell me about some places you've been?"

[hr]
In spite of the stress he was under, Janius did let out a laugh at the comment on Leyawiin. If only it had been that simple.

"There's nothing like a hard tradition like that," Janius responded. His head rolled from side to side against the wall. "Although, father always held a high esteem for the family's legion roots. Warriorhood and all that, but...no, Aurana shouldn't just be forced into the fighter's guild like I was. They want an heir. They..." Janius stopped and lowered his chin.

"You know, I just realised something," Janius mumbled. "I don't ever remember seeing my parents cry. Angry, yes. Never crying. I only knew one grandparent, and even when she died, my parents didn't cry. I cried and was punished for it."

[hr]
One of Lunise's eyes opened to peer at Meesei. She was beyond the pretence of hiding her troubles, though she remained looking annoyed. "Betrayed, champion. I feel betrayed. Because that is exactly what has happened."

Lunise looked down again. She then scrunched up her face and sat up to look at Meesei. "Why do you care, anyway? What business do you have in how I [i]feel[/i] about all this?"