“Anything that’ll help wake me up,” Kire replied, picking a table, likewise happy to get out of the chill from outside. The incoming storm had reminded her of her dream, and her thoughts wandered off for a while until they had entered the hall. “Probably better to meet later, too, at the Tower. After interrogating Risa, I’ll go hunt down Narda for Envy. She’s not at the Capital at the moment, but I’m sure she’ll want to be back in a pinch if he’s coming along.” 

Once the coffee was ready, Kire got a cup for herself and Ruli, sitting back down at the table nearby to nurse her cup. Not long after, though, she noticed the few other patrons gathering around the windows, peering curiously outside. Finding herself curious, too, she brought her cup along and sidled up to them to look. Kire squinted, then almost coughed out the coffee in her mouth. “Holy shit!” After the initial surprise, Kire grinned wickedly. “Didn’t think Ed would actually ask for a rematch today.” 

Down at the beach, Ed waited for Ysaryn to reappear with the sparring blades, setting his own down beside him as he fixed his hair, tying it back, and rolled up his sleeves. The air was chilly, but it helped keep him alert. The sparring would warm him up pretty soon, anyway. He didn’t have long to wait; as soon as the elf returned and he was given the practice blade, Ed shifted into fighting stance. Ysaryn was like a cat, watchful of her prey and quick on her feet. He had the disadvantage of not having gotten proper sleep, but he had survived on worse on the battlefield. And this time, he was determined not to yield to her. 

“Fuck, he’s serious now,” Kire said, grinning as she watched from the hall. Even from this vantage point, she could see clear enough from Ed’s movements that he intended to win. He didn’t give Ysaryn an opening, even as he searched for weaknesses in her defense. Kire wasn’t sure who she was rooting for; had she been in Ysaryn’s shoes right now, she doubted she would win this match. 
“Ooh, is this the day I get to see Ysaryn hit the ground?” Gavin’s voice piped up from behind her. The lad had just made his way down, and from the look of it he, too, had a restless night. 
“You alright, lad?” Kire asked.
Gavin shrugged. “Finished Envy’s charm. Then couldn’t really sleep, weird dreams.” He left the window to go greet Ruli and ask for coffee.