A rare visitor

Eventually, the pair are **** out of bed by the rumbling of Kael’s stomach. He can’t help but notice a spring in her step compared to yesterday as she heads off to the kitchen. If Kael is honest with himself, he feels it too, a lessening of life’s burdens. Heading to the living room to relax while Evie makes breakfast, he listens to her humming a happy tune as she cooks. It’s incredible how much things can change in an instant.

Once the food is ready, the two of them eat together, as has become routine already. Evie insists upon hearing the story of the previous day, which Kael tells, albeit reluctantly. The elven woman hangs on every word, listening with rapt attention. Truth be told, Kael is not a particularly adept storyteller, his talents lying in the doing, not the telling. Still, Evie seems enthralled, enjoying the tale.

When he finishes, Evie looks at him in wonder. “You’re so brave, master. Weren’t you afraid?”

Kael shrugs. “Not particularly. Fighting is what I do best. And I doubt there’s a bandit out there who could best a lord’s champion. That’s why I was sent.”

Evie shakes her head. “But master, you got hurt!”

Kael glances at his shoulder, which still aches. “Minor injuries. I got careless, and paid the price. I will be more careful in the future.”

He smiles at Evie. “Although, it did result in needing some help bathing, so perhaps it was a good thing after all…”

Evie blushes. “Master!”

Kael chuckles. “I’m teasing you, Evie. I’m glad that what happened, happened. Don’t tell me you’re regretting it?”

Evie shakes her head emphatically. “No, master. I…I’ve never been happier.”

She takes a breath to compose herself. “Master, could you tell me more stories? It’s so thrilling to hear your adventures and know that they’re real.”

Kael smiles. “Of course. Let’s finish up, and we can relax in the living room together. I’ll tell you all my stories.”

Evie smiles, lighting up the room. The two of them finish eating, and Kael helps to clear the table. Afterwards, Kael sits down on the couch. Evie has a moment of indecision, before sitting beside him. Kael puts an arm around her, and she breathes a happy sigh as she leans against him.

Kael begins to tell a story of battle, but he’s only just begun when he’s interrupted by a knock at his door. He stares at the door for a moment, confused. No one usually visits him, and the last time someone did, it was to deliver Evie to him. If someone is here now, it must be important.

Kael rises from the couch, telling Evie to wait. Opening the door, Kael is surprised to find Bernal standing there. Unarmed and out of his armor, the older warrior is still an intimidating presence, despite the smile on his face.

“Kael, it’s good to see you. May I come in?”

Kael nods. “Of course, we’re just…sitting.”

Bernal chuckles. “Is that what they call it these days? Well, you’re still dressed, so I’ll take you at your word.”

They both laugh, and Kael lets him in. Bernal nods a greeting to the seated Evie, who manages a bow even without standing. Bernal takes a seat in a nearby chair, which creaks slightly under the big man’s weight. Without thinking, Kael resumes his seat next to Evie, putting his arm around her. Bernal raises an eyebrow at this.

“Getting along very well, I see. Good, Vince will be pleased with that.”

Kael is about to ask what he means by that, but Bernal continues. “How are your wounds? You can rest easy until you heal, we’ll cover for you.”

Kael shrugs, grimacing slightly at the moment. “They’re healing. I won’t be out long. Surely you didn’t come out here just to ask about my injuries?”

Bernal shakes his head. “No, I am here to deliver a message. Your presence is requested at the palace today. Both of you.”

Kael looks at Evie, then back to Bernal. “Lord Greyheart wants to see both of us? Why?”

Bernal smiles. “I’m not at liberty to say. But it’s nothing bad, you have my word. Come to the quiet room, just after lunch.”

Kael is startled. The quiet room is a special chamber within the palace, proofed against magical scrying and other methods of spying. It’s usually used for battle planning and other sensitive matters. Still, if that’s what Lord Greyheart wants…

Kael nods. “Very well. We shall be there.”

Bernal chuckles. “I think that’s why he likes you so much, Kael. You trust him implicitly, and don’t question his orders. Your trust is well founded. Vince is a good man, even if he sometimes need a little nudge from me.”

Kael looks at him curiously. “What do you mean?”

Bernal shrugs. “I can’t say. Not till after your meeting. Regardless, I’ve taken up enough of your time. I’ll let you get back to your…sitting.”

Despite himself, Kael blushes at the implication in that statement. Bernal laughs, standing up. “Don’t worry, you’re fine. I’ll see myself out. You two are cute together, though!”

Kael glances at Evie, who is now blushing as well. Still laughing, Bernal heads out the door. As it closes, Kael sighs.