“If this Zeke is a soldier, then yes,” Narda commented. Kire grinned.
“Well you got along very, very well with Ed, didn’t you?” she teased. Narda smiled wistfully.
“There is no shame in that. Edward is a magnificent specimen.” Kire stuck her tongue out at that, grimacing, before turning her attention back to Ruli.  His earlier statement about his old home, something about it making her brain itch. [i]House with a blue door?[/i] She went quiet, frowning in thought, as she tried to remember where she had seen or heard of such a house before. She was silent as they followed him through the caves and up to the northern side of the cliffs. Kire was gladdened to see the elves there, Ysaryn’s people finally having a place to call their own without worry of enslavement, and having human neighbors who wouldn’t discriminate against them. She was sure these cliffside homes would outmatch Cordon, given time. 

When they reached Ruli’s home, both women took in the view, very pleased with his choice. “You have a good eye,” Kire commented, smiling out at the fading sunset. Both of them, however, turned to him when he made his offer. 
Narda cocked her head in surprise. “You are offering us a home? By the gods, that’s generous,” she said, grinning wide, running a hand through her curls. “It is rather tempting, though you’d have to find a house fit for a giantess. Still not as difficult as finding a [i]vacation home[/i] for a dragon-sized ego who does not know the meaning of the word ‘vacation’. But I may have to politely decline, owing to my other obligations in Amria, and the fact that I’ll only ever be able to go here when this one allows me to come along.”
“That didn’t stop you today,” Kire pointed out. Narda snorted.
“And, as one of her oldest friends, I can tell you now that I’d rather not share a house with her. It’s hard enough to be stuck on a ship with her for long periods. You should see how her already sour mood sours further with seasickness.” She laughed aloud, thumping Kire on the back, which made her stumble a step forward, making the Paladin grumble.
“Thanks for vouching for my character. If I’m away from you, that’s definitely a vacation,” Kire muttered to Narda, before turning to Ruli. “That’s—wow. I’ll think about it. I’m sorely tempted to say ‘yes’,” she murmured, smiling. Even now, when the descent of evening meant that the colors had begun to fade to muter darks, the view was gorgeous. She turned back to Ruli. “I used to come to a spot by the beach back home. It was lovely. Of course, I’d rather you direct your resources to your own people, I don’t want to impose, but if you really have one to spare for me, I’ll seriously consider it.” Unaware once again that she was staring, Kire’s attention was on Ruli’s face. [i]He looks so happy.[/i] Something about it tugged at her, like she was seeing something she hadn’t known she was looking forward to. 

“So!” Narda said, clearing her throat. “For the meantime, we’re staying at a house here? I suppose I can put up with the Wyvernling temporarily.”
Kire snapped out of her thoughts. “You were the one who insisted on coming with me, you big buffoon!”