A gathering

The morning has become routine, though it’s no less pleasant for that. The two of them eat breakfast, talking about nothing in particular, each simply enjoying the company of the other. Inwardly, Kael is amazed at how fast they’ve become attached to one another. Though it’s only been about a week, he already can’t imagine not having Evie around. Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, though, he simply accepts it as a lucky break, for both of them.

After breakfast, as they’re clearing the table, there’s a knock at the door. Kael can’t remember the last time this happened so often. He opens it to find a messenger from Lord Greyheart, requesting his presence as soon as possible. Kael thanks the messenger, sending a reply that he will be there shortly. As the messenger hurries off, Kael closes the door, heading into the kitchen to let Evie know what’s happening.

They share a kiss and say their goodbyes, and Kael quickly dresses. No armor today, and just a simple sword at his hip as he heads out the door. It doesn’t take him long to arrive at the palace.

As he heads towards the throne room, he runs into Ria. A grin on her face, she falls into step beside him. “Heya, big guy. You got summoned too?”

Kael nods. “We had just finished breakfast, too.”

She laughs. “You sound disappointed. Big plans with your cutie?”

Kael rolls his eyes, chuckling. “Already with the teasing, Ria? No big plans, but pleasant company. Evie is…good.”

Ria nods. “I can tell. You’re more lively than you’ve been since…well, since I was the one you were having breakfast with.”

Kael glances at her. “Is that jealousy, Ria?”

She shrugs. “Maybe a little. You have to admit, we were good together, Kael.”

Kael nods. “We were. Too good. We suffered at our duty because of it.”

Ria sighs. “I know. Sometimes I miss it, though.”

Her smile returns, and she playfully elbows him. “I guess I’ll just need to get the details from her when I visit! Gotta make sure she’s treating you right!”

Kael rolls his eyes again, but before he can respond, they arrive at the closed doors to the throne room. Orin is leaning against the wall nearby, cleaning his nails with a dagger. He glances at Ria and Kael, and chuckles.

“Not satisfied with the elf, Kael? You know Ria ain’t jumping in bed with anyone.”

Ria grins at him. “Not with you, Orin. Don’t get petty just because I won’t give you a piece of this.”

She turns sideways and smacks her butt, laughing. Kael shakes his head, unable to contain a grin. “You know we can be friends without sex, right Orin?”

Orin scoffs. “Maybe. But why?”

Kael shrugs. “You’ll understand when you grow up.”

Orin shakes his head, about to reply, when a massive figure steps from the shadows an places a big hand on his shoulder. It’s Koa, the fifth and final member of the lord’s champions. A giant man, Koa stands head and shoulders above even Bernal. His very size is oppressive, and he’s a talented fighter to boot. Despite his intimidating appearance, though, he’s a sweetheart. When he isn’t carrying out his duties, he’s caring for his many, many pets, mostly dogs and cats.

However, on the battlefield, Koa is a monster. Kael has seen enemies surrender rather than face him head on. Koa will never be a strategist, but he leaves a trail of carnage that puts even Kael to shame. He may not be the brightest, but Kael can’t imagine anyone he’d rather have on his side.

Koa squeezes Orin’s shoulder, making the smaller man gasp slightly. “Don’t pick on Kael, Orin. That’s not nice.”

Kael laughs. “Ease up, Koa. Just some friendly banter.”

Koa nods, releasing Orin. “If you say so. Good to see you, Kael. And you, Ria.”

Kael glances at Orin, who is rubbing his sore shoulder. “So, all that aside, why aren’t we in there with Lord Greyheart yet?”

Orin shrugs. “Bernal is in there. Apparently they need to talk in private, them and some of the advisors.”

Ria puts her hands on her hips. “Must be a big deal to call all of us in.”

Kael nods. “Definitely. I wonder what’s going on.”

Just then, the door swings open. It’s Bernal, and his face is grim. “You’re about to find out. Come in, all of you.”

Kael shares a glance with Ria, who shrugs. “Guess we’ll find out. C’mon, big guy.”