Kire grinned when Ysaryn described her first, happy that she was able to experience that, and a little envious for it, too, though she went somber when the elf finished her story with the man’s fate. “You are a great warrior and an incredible woman.” She glanced sideways at Ysaryn, smiling fondly, remembering their drunken conversation before her return to Amria. “I’m sure you will find a mate who could match your worth someday.” Kire chewed on her lip, trying to decide if she should continue, having half a mind to tease her about how close she had been to asking the elf to bed three months ago. She looked into the elf’s pretty eyes for a few more moments before looking back up at the ceiling, a grin on her face. “Maybe I could lend you my cousin for that.” She said instead after a silence, snickering a bit before simmering down. “Alright. I’m exhausted. I did [i]not[/i] like that cell at all. Ugh.” She  yawned, stretching on the cot. “Good night, milady.” 

Edward had meant to stay up but not for the whole night so he could catch some sleep and adjust his schedule to his cousin’s. But even without this intention he rose a little before noon, his mind too excited to settle. He knocked on their door, wondering if they were up already, knowing Kire would usually need to be dragged to her feet unless there was something urgent. He was glad to note she was already up, though by the look on her face and the way she hadn’t fixed her hair yet, Kire probably wished she could sleep the rest of the day off.
“What’s the name of the elf woman again? The one who showed us to the rooms?”
“Farryn,” Ed answered with a grin. “Good morning to you, too.” 
Kire narrowed her eyes at him, knowing her cousin found her morning attitude amusing. “Narda and I need to bathe. Do you think she’s awake?” 
“We shall see. Come on, let’s hunt her down and talk on the way.” 
Kire nodded, then called her other two companions to join them.

Kire and Ed walked side by side while Narda walked behind them with Ysaryn, with Ed giving her a description of how a typical day in Lithilote was like, and a continuation of his narration about how they had ended up here. Kire smiled as she listened; it reminded her of days in the Palace, when he would give her a daily report, or discuss important matters with her before a meeting. There were many days she found these parts of her routine as Empress tedious, but given everything that had happened to the two of them, she found herself missing those moments. “How many soldiers in total are here?” Kire asked. 
“Fifteen. Eight men, seven women. They don’t have the same liberties that I do, unfortunately, but they’ve been given proper care.”
“Good. I’d like to bring them home as soon as I can, though as you know, the portals tax me. I don’t want to risk anything going wrong with each portal, so I could only bring—” she paused, thinking it over, “—three at a time, at most. Half on one day, the other half the next.”
“I thought you needed help locating the gate?” Ed asked. 
“I do. I just need a general location. The soldiers have been through enough, same as you. There might be danger at the site of the gate, and I don’t want any of you near it.” 
“I see you have not changed a bit, cousin.” Ed raised a brow at her, though there was a kind smile on his lips. 
Narda huffed. “Imagine not having you around to clean up after her mess. We’d had to fill that role in,” the giantess put in. “Still trying to carry the world on her shoulders, this one. And we aren’t even on the same world anymore!”
“It’s comforting to know you still have that insufferable habit,” Ed teased, clapping a hand on Kire’s shoulder even as she glared at Ed and Narda. “Let’s talk again after you and Narda are back from the baths.”  

After Kire and Narda were led to the baths, Ed beckoned to Ysaryn, asking if she would like to accompany him on another task. “Lady Ysaryn, I do apologize for not being upfront about the language and startling you,” he said. “I wasn’t taught Elvish during my time here, and I’ve had to learn quietly by myself. I have gotten used to keeping that close to my chest.” Just like yesterday, there were fewer elves about during the day, though Ed hoped he would see Aera awake earlier.