Exton

Inari and I have found a small gazebo off to one side of the main gardens and we're sitting in it, talking quietly, screened from view by the ivy growing wildly up one latticed side. We exchange an occasional kiss or caress, and speak of moments more intimate still when we leave here. Everyone else is hanging around, and Inari doesn't want to be the first to leave. Lovers we are, and not ashamed of it; but we take care not to flaunt it too blatantly, either; for one thing, K'thyri would never let us hear the end of it.

She's sitting close to me, almost in my lap, when we hear the unmistakable sound of jingling harness and know it for the sound of an elvensteed. We make shift to rearrange our position so as to be a little farther apart when the messenger arrives. His locator spell homed in on Inari's brand and it is mere moments before he stops beside the small structure.

"Ambassador." His voice is firm but polite, mindful of Inari's position. "I've been sent to speak to Captain Torin. Could you tell me where I may find him, perhaps?"

Very diplomatic. He'll go far.

"You may spare yourself further inquiry, herald. I am here. Does this communication require privacy, or may the Ambassador know of it?"

"I think the Ambassador may hear this, Captain. Fighting on the Plane has intensified within the last fortnight, and you are ordered to return and take charge of the Nighthawks." He seems a bit embarrassed. "I'm certain there is time for a proper leave-taking, Captain, but no more than that."

"Thank you, herald. You may tell the Queens I will be on my way presently." He nods and rides off to give us privacy.

"Well… we knew this was coming," I say quietly. "Most of my things are already packed, so we'll have some private time at the Tavern if we leave now, and we can tell our hosts I've been summoned back - to preclude any loose talk."

She nods, lost for words, and we rise to our feet.