It wasn’t just that. [i]Drugged in the mines of Cordon. Locked up in Lithilote. Pulled into my world unwillingly, twice. Blood used to open the gate.[/i]  But Kire kept quiet. “Fair enough.” She glanced down when he took her hand, lightly squeezing his when he brushed his thumb against her knuckles. “I know. I’ll always worry, though.” She pursed her lips. “Probably why Daryll complains a lot about my having a savior complex.” She went back to eating just as he did, liking the warmth from their joined hands. “Quite an understatement, that,” she said with a smirk at his last comment. “Fine. I should listen to the High Sorcerer after all.” She still wrinkled her nose saying it, imagining him in obnoxiously long robes and a tall hat. “I’ll come back with Ed and discuss the details of the report with him, then later after lunch I’ll meet you at the Tower. With Ysaryn, if she’s coming along.”

--

The Captain chuckled. “I’ll try and warn you.” Ed took Zeke’s hand and stood, wincing when he felt his muscles ache from the blow. “Funny, I’ll probably do the same with Kire. Though that carries the risk of being on the bad end of another tantrum, too.” He nodded when Zeke asked about going back. “I had better. I gave her a grace period to, ah, finish up business, but if I don’t remind her of work she’d probably tarry much longer.”

He started down the steps. “Things are as alright as they could be, with the exception of some new oddity Kire wants to investigate. Other than that, you can imagine mending the empire takes up a lot of time and energy. Elva has gone back to the North. She’s still the steward of the region, and with Kire back on the throne there’s no reason for that to end anytime soon, but her status there is complicated by the fact that her late husband had been the Lord of the Northern reach. Ah—that reminds me though, she did mention something about coming here sometime to exchange healing knowledge with someone named Sid. The family still gathers for dinner as often as the occasion allows, so you’ll probably see her again in the near future.” 

Ed rubbed his shoulders. “I’d better go fetch my cousin before [i]I’m[/i] tempted to just sink into bed. I’ll let Elva know you give her your regards.” 

--

Ed knocked again just as they had finished their meal and started cleaning up. “You decent?” Ed called.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, come in,” Kire yelled back. Ed entered, then stepped into the kitchen. Still cleaning her plate, Kire missed the raised eyebrow Ed threw their way when he noticed the clothes Ruli was wearing. “Ruli will be joining the investigation. Possibly Ysaryn, too.”
“I…see.”
Kire noted the tone in his voice and turned around. “What happened? Did you get chewed out?” 
“I got beaten very decisively at sparring.”
“[i]You?[/i]” Kire crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at him. “Are you unwell? Did she win fair and square?”
“I don’t know what you’re insinuating.” Ed raised a brow. 
“If it was that easy to kick your ass, we should go a few rounds again later,” Kire teased, grinning. “Could finally end my losing streak with you.” 
Ed snorted. “Time to go back, Akire.” 
“Oh. ‘Akire’. He’s serious.” Kire turned to dry her plate properly, setting it aside. She turned to Ruli. She glanced for a moment at Ed, who rolled his eyes and looked away. Kire leaned in and gave Ruli a quick kiss. “I’ll see you later.”