Kire grinned with a blush when Ysaryn circled her and replied, not daring to comment on that in front of the upset Kartaian and add to his irritation. Which, from the look of things, wasn’t going away anytime soon, both to her dismay and to Gavin’s. They watched the exchange between him and Ruli, and it was clear he wouldn’t budge on the matter. Gavin sighed, while Kire spoke. “Understood. Another source, then.” Gavin said nothing; while he didn’t look upset, he definitely didn’t look like he was leaving the matter be. 

“Tomorrow,” Kire affirmed. “In any case, our main job at the war council is to plan everything. There will be time to make further preparations after that, though it would be best if most of it will be available by then.” She was already thinking over the alternatives. The captured armies and their lords would have valuable information, and that might include the whereabouts of the Gemini and their kin. Or perhaps her blood would be powerful enough for it. 

“Can I talk to Envy for a bit?” Gavin asked the others. “Just us?”
Kire looked from Gavin to Envy. “Well—alright. You’ll be preparing as well, I suppose,” she said to Ysaryn. “Ruli told me you’re responsible for naming your city,” she said as they stepped out. “I don’t know whether to tell you ‘well done’ or not,” she said with a chuckle. Then, to Ruli, "Do you need help with gathering your supplies?"

Gavin waited “I don’t need to give my blood,” Gavin began, “I don’t need to be [i]near[/i] any blood. But I can help them.” He paused again, gauging his mentor’s reaction. “I know the Gemini runes, I have an idea how they think. From—from [i]him[/i].” Even just thinking about Ikegai’s name made him shudder. “My mind is just as valuable here as my blood. Even if just for planning.”