Kire looked at Zeke when he reminded her about her Ring and nodded, slipping it off and handing it to Narda. When the giantess took it, she noticed her ring finger and frowned. “What happened there?”
“The cost of the gate,” Kire said with a shrug. “It doesn’t hurt anymore, at least.”
Narda shook her head. Magic always had a cost. She almost expect the Ring to suddenly feel white-hot against her palm, but no such thing happened. 

Kire had half-expected them to be accosted by yet another taciturn elf guide, but seeing how Narda and Zeke were unconcerned as they strode into Raielwen territory, she relaxed, if only a little. Once they had reached the marble court, Aera was there to greet them, looking a little worn. Doubtless, because of them. Kire inclined her head respectfully at the princess. She put on a smile and gave a brief account of Ed and the soldiers’ well being, as well as letting them know everybody in their party was well and accounted for. “Good to know. The sooner those woods are destroyed the better, even if the immediate threat has been somewhat contained.” 
“I shall be glad to watch it burn,” Narda said with a huff. 

When Aera asked if they preferred to stay at the borders, Kire nodded, a little somber, remembering that she and Ruli had a discussion to finish, too. “Yes, please. That would be best.” 
“Besides, we still have to cook these,” Narda put in with a chuckle, gesturing at the game they had caught. “You should come with us one of these days, Zeke. A proper hunt. We’ll catch more than hare.” 

It didn’t take long for the elves to ready the supplies and bring them out for them. On the way back outside, Narda talked to Zeke about hunting grounds in Amria, whereas Kire was quiet, piecing together what she would say to Ruli later. [i]What do I want out of this?[/i] she thought, Narda’s advice in mind. The way he was acting, it didn’t really convince her that he wanted anything more. Or was that just awkwardness? Was he like that with anybody else he had bedded? Should she ask? 

“Here we are,” Narda declared upon their return to the other two, immediately starting on setting up. “Not as lavish as Elva’s manor, but you’d prefer this to a cell or to restraints, I wager,” she said with a chuckle. Kire managed to chuckle along with her at the remark before turning to help her set up. She made no comment at the fact that she had expected smaller, individual tents, but she supposed they couldn’t be choosy about a temporary arrangement. “So, Wyvernling, what’s the plan after this? Presuming the destruction of the thicket goes smoothly.”
Kire snorted at that, not quite believing her luck at such things, but after the days they’d had, she hoped Narda’s presumption was correct. “We’ll go back to Envy and let him know we’re alive, for one. Depending on how it goes later, rest for the night. And then we go home.” She looked at Ysaryn. “It might be a while before the battle begins. Though Ed and the girls will miss you,” she said with a smirk. 

The tent was large, almost as large as one of the tents they had just used yesterday. “They’re not the camping sort, are they?” Kire commented, a little amused.
“I won’t complain, if their idea of camping means sending along luxuries,” Narda said with a grin. Besides the tent, the Raielwen had given them provisions to make their stay comfortable enough, such as enough blankets and pillows for all of them (double for Narda). “We better get these hares ready, gods I’m starving,” she said to Zeke once they had finished preparing their lodging for the day. “Are you hungry? I assume Elva had you well-fed. You smell of that spiced wine you like so much.”
Kire grinned sheepishly at that. “Yeah. Too much, Elva says. She might be right. You two go on ahead.” She turned and realized she was left with Ysaryn and Ruli again. She looked from the elf to Ruli and, to her credit, wasn’t blushing as much as she had been this morning. “So.” The composure was short-lived, as the blush returned, and she had quite forgotten the rehearsed sentences she thought of earlier. “Can I borrow him for a minute?” she asked Ysaryn, then cringed, figuring the elf would find her phrasing funny.