Darin had been about to respond to Ridahne’s comments on the Sols when the door opened. Her mood suddenly lifted as she turned eagerly only to have her mood sour again as she saw that it wasn’t who she wanted to meet. She didn’t want to deal with any of the Sols right now, not even Hanasha-Sol. Luckily the woman seemed content to ignore her as she conversed with Ridahne. Darin wasn’t inclined to interrupt but was about to when the offer to basically make Ridahne a Sol came up. Darin wasn’t having that. Thankfully neither was her sister. The offer to become a Taja wasn’t one Darin liked either. This Hanasha-Sol seemed eager to have Ridahne close and Darin didn’t like it. She would admit that it was personal.

Darin watched the door after the stranger left the stable, “You belong to me just as I belong to you and you know how possessive I get.” She finally turned back to Ridahne, “Besides. If I am to be,” She said the next bit with a hint of distain, “Astra-Sol, then that makes you my Taja already, right?” Suddenly she wasn’t sure, “That’s what Tajas are right? Guardians for their Sols.” She switched to her native tongue, “What do you think Taja? Should we make Ridahne a Taja?”

She was running soft fingers over the feathers on her bird’s chest. Taja let out a shriek that caused Darin to grin. It seemed the hawk agreed. Of course, Taja was a vain bird that, honestly, could only be called an idiot. He had a good heart, but he simply didn’t understand things no matter how many times Darin explained it. He also had a habit of getting stuck in less than dignified position from which he needed rescuing. He thought he was one of the best things Astra had to offer and his own opinion everyone would be better off being more like him. Darin was inclined to agree with him, especially right after he clawed out an attacker’s eyes.

She shrugged her shoulder to send Taja into flight as she switched back to Common, “No matter.” She moved to sit down as she sighed, “I don’t understand why you had to be marked a traitor. I really don’t. I might not ever understand it. You did what was best for Azurei even if they don’t know that.” She held out a hand, “Please sit down. But it’s not just that that has me upset. If the way you had been treated was the only factor in play, I would probably be more willing to try to understand the politics in play.” The Seed-Bearer sounded almost distressed, “But she didn’t listen to The Tree, and I don’t understand it, and I can’t believe that you do. Did she not hear It? Did she choose not to listen to It. Both are symptoms of a larger problem, each one a different problem. I need her to be honest about why she didn’t listen. If she’s not I might make the wrong decisions and lead Astra to ruin.” Darin sighed in exhaustion. “The Tree has only ever been able to speak to the Children of Astra in whispers. It used to be that people knew to listen for and to those whispers. That has become less and less common as the years go on, and since the whispers weren’t being heard they started getting quieter and quieter.” She wanted to cry, “My anger isn’t just for you. It’s on behalf of The Tree as well. Both of you are seeking to defend her actions. You both may be right. You both have a right to your opinion, but I do too. And my opinion, right or wrong, is that someone who claims to speak for her people should know how to listen, and I do not think she does. I think she makes rash decisions or blind choices without thinking of any of the consequences, good or bad. Then when the consequences aren’t as bad as they could be she thinks her actions, while not particularly wise, can’t have been all bad.” She suddenly stood, “You both said it, if you hadn’t been exiled you wouldn’t have been my Guardian, but neither one of you know that. The Tree could have still sent you. I might have a different companion. I could be dead from falling of a cliff. Still, “what could have beens” are not given to the Children of Astra to know. We only know the past and the now. She acts in the now as if she could know the future without even thinking of the pass.” Her arms came up around her chest, “If I’m being honest, if I am being fair, the truth is that even if you had managed to explain you motivations for you actions you would still be a criminal. You would still be in exile. Right may be right, but illegal is illegal and I am trying to respect that.” Now her face was in her hands, “But she sentenced you to death without even listening to you, The Tree, or anyone else. Now two of the three most important people in my life are asking me to forgive her, but I can’t, and I can’t explain why I can’t, and I feel like a failure.” She asked a purely rhetorical question, “What kind of Seed-Bearer am I, what kind of Gardener will I be, what am I teaching The Seed, when I can’t even let go of a personal grudge?”

Ridahne looked on at the door that Hanasha-Sol had come through, her head spinning with a mix of thoughts and feelings she wasn't sure what to do with at the moment. On the one hand, there was a haughty resentment towards this place and everything it had ever meant for her. This place ruined her, in some ways. Or maybe it merely ruined what she could have been. Should have been. Ridahne looked at Darin again. No, not 'should have'. She was doing what she should have been doing all along, and she didn't really regret that. In other ways, this place represented the part of her that despite everything, had felt whole. It wasn't perfect, no, but she had a home and a culture and a man and her brother and the ever-shifting hills of the Dust Sea. It represented something that had been stripped from her, and the actions and words of the Sols were essentially granting it back to her. This, which she never thought she'd lose and yet came to think she'd never see again. Her home. There was elation and anger and some little residual resentment and relief and an unease she didn't know how to deal with.

Ridahne's eyes went glassy and empty for a moment as Darin suggested she make the warrior her own personal Taja. It made sense, and she kind of already was, but the implications of that among her own culture...It wouldn't change anything between them, not really. But it would drastically alter her title when she was among her own. The whole mix of things just kind of came down on her at once and it was a rare thing, but Ridahne sort of shut down for a moment. She was a person who operated well under pressure but just this once she couldn't quite grasp it all. The episode was brief, and outwardly her expression remained still, if a little vacant. But inside her mind was racing, trying to process everything.

"Aye...I suppose I am already in all but title..." But title means a lot in Azurei. She was silent as Darin went on, and when her sister finished speaking, Ridahne blinked and came back to herself a little with a small sigh. "It's complicated, I know. Convoluted and twisted and confusing. It is for me too, in my own ways. But I don't really blame them for what they did to me. It brought me to you. And I know you say the Tree likely would have called but...Darin, I'm not really sure I would have answered back then. Not that call. I think the Tree spoke to me in the way it knew I would listen, speaking my language if you will. But fate had to break me, first. I don't expect you to really forgive them, not yet anyway. But I don't want it to ruin Auzurei for you. It's my home, after all, and at one point those people were my Sols. They both are and are not, now. They are a part of me." Ridahne offered a small, knowing smile and said, "But it's not like personal grudges are easy to be rid of. Trust me. Speaking of...I...I want to visit Khaltira's grave. I need to. But I..." the words stuck in her throat. "I...I don't want to go alone," she admitted softly.

Footsteps, heavier this time, sounded outside the door, along with a softly muffled male voice. Ridahne straightened, eyes fixing on the door. Her gaze flicked to Darin for just a moment, flashing a mischievous smirk her way before melting into the shadows behind a stack of hay. She put one finger to her lips.

The door opened, and a tall, broad, well-sculpted man entered. His sash and wide silver collar across his chest marked him immediately as taja, but the carnelian spiral in his ear that was identical in make to the one Ridahne wore around her neck marked him as Ajoran. His spiral was blank in the center, unlike hers. It would be presumptuous to carve Ridahne's clan marking into it when she had not officially given him answer to his proposal, but its blankness was a signifier of his waiting. He carried a scimitar at his waist--one he likely made himself once upon a time--and did not wear shoes. Shoes in Azurei seemed exclusively a utilitarian thing, and it was not uncouth or unseemly for someone of high status to not wear any. His eyes were darker than Ridahne's, more a burnt orange than a light honey amber. He also wore little silver plates in his ears like Ridahne's that sat fitted in the tapered curve of each helix, and a silver hoop in one nostril. He was a tall, imposing sort of man, though there was a softness in his eyes that belied his mountainous build.

Ajoran strode in, shoulders straight, looking at Darin with an expression of polite confusion. He lifted his chin. "I was told to--"
Ridahne sprang out behind him, though the moment she clapped her long hands over his eyes, his own whipped around to clamp down on her wrists. He yanked her forward and with a heave, hurled her over his head and slammed down on the ground. His sword was out in the next instant, but as he heard the familiar laugh coming from the prone woman, he dropped the weapon.
"Ri...Ridahne..." he could only breathe the word. He dropped to his knees so his face was just over hers, though each seemed upside down to the other.
Ridahne was laughing, though she was wheezing a little from having the air knocked out of her. "I had to...make sure you...hadn't gone soft on me..." She didn't have much more chance to explain, because he went right in and kissed her, and she was happy to kiss him back. Long. Deep. Passionately.

They came up for air and Ajoran helped her up, tears in his eyes. "It really is you...you're alive, you're alive, you're alive! Y--" He caught sight of her ojih for the first time and squinted at it. "There's a lot I don't know..." this was a statement of fact. He traced one thick finger over her newest tattoos. "What...are these?"
Ridahne could have melted under that touch. But instead she hooked a thumb over her shoulder at Darin and said playfully, "Don't ask me, ask her..."
Ajoran blinked. "Her.....?" And then they both got to watch realization blossom on his face. "By the Tree...you're....you're...her." And like Hadian, Ajoran marched right up and scooped up Darin in a massive, crushing hug. He even picked her up and swung her around in a circle, and it was nothing for him to do so. But he put her down suddenly and jumped back a step, looking nervous. "Oh! Can I--am I allowed to do that?"
Ridahne laughed. "Careful, squeeze her any harder and I might have to draw steel on you." Her tone was light. "I'm the Guardian of the Seed bearer, Seed Chained. Someday I will be Seed Honored."
Ajoran did not need an explanation to know that was an incredible honor indeed. He bowed once to Darin and said, "Thank you for bringing the Moon back to me, my Isfahan, my Ridahne. I can't repay you enough."

Darin was about to say that of course she would go with Ridahne to see the grave of Khaltira. For one thing there was no way that Darin was letting anyone she cared about face that monster even if that monster was already dead. For another thing Darin wanted to know what the Sols had done with the body. If Khalitira had been honored in anyway shape or form her displeasure with the Sota-Sol would increase tenfold and all of Azurei would know it. The Seed-Bearer wouldn’t stand for a traitor to Azurei, The Tree, and all of Astra being honored, even in death.

She didn’t get a chance to before the sounds of another person approaching the stables were heard. She was puzzled by Ridahne’s strange actions. They seemed almost familiar, but she was sure that the warrior had never acted like this before. What happened next explained why Ridahne was acting so strangely, as a strange man came into the stable, was blinded by Ridahne, retaliated, and only stopped when he heard the warrior’s laughing. That was when it clicked for Darin and she politely adverted her eyes as Ridahne Torzinei and Ajoran Teleisun have their reunion in peace. Though what she saw from the corner of her eye seemed familiar as well. She just wished she could place it.

Ridahne drew Darin’s attention back to the conversation as she mentioned asking her. She smiled at the newcomer and was just about to introduce herself when he swept her up in his arms the same way Hadian had. Unlike Hadian he picked her up off her feet to swing her in a circle before setting her down. Her eyes grew wide in alarm as the action suddenly reminded her why it was all so familiar and she felt like she had been punched in the stomach and all the air in her lungs had been pushed out. Luckily Ajoran was distracted for just a moment so Darin had time to turn her look of shock and dismay into a least a small smile. Ridahne would know something was wrong, but hopefully wouldn’t pry.

Darin let out a small laugh as she spoke in Azurei, “I am Darin Torzenei, daughter of Martin by Talia, Seed-Bearer of Astra.” She gestured to Ridahne, “As she has said She is Ridahne Torzenei Seed-Chained, Guardian of Astra.” She pointed to the man, “You are Taja Ajoran Teleisun. I have heard nothing but good things about you, I am delighted to meet you, and at some point soon I would have words alone with you.” She turned to her sister and let her expression turn serious, “However, for now, I will let you two reunite in private.” She moved to the door of the stable and lightly ran a finger along Ridahne’s arm, “The last person who did what he just did to me was Martin, son of Gregory by Edith. I would appreciate it if you didn’t let anyone else do it again.” She smiled at the both of them as she finally reached the door, “Come find me when you are done catching up so I can clean up.” She reassured Ridahne, “We’ll talk later I promise.”

With that Darin left the stable and the reunited lovers. She hoped Ridahne didn’t think she was running off. She planned to talk to the warrior about this, but later, after she and Ajoran had a moment to themselves. Taja flew out just as the door closed to land on her shoulder. It was easy enough to find a secluded corner where she figured she could be left alone to think, but close enough that Ridahne could find her. Then she began to pace as she chewed at a hangnail. The way the two of them acted, it had been the same way Martin, son of Gregory by Edith, and Talia, daughter of Mark by Emilie, had acted before things had gone horribly wrong. It had been the way things had been forever. Martin would come home from working the fields, kiss Talia passionately, and then spin Darin around. That life had been soured in one night. Darin stopped pacing as she looked back towards the stable. She suddenly remembered comparing Ridahne to Martin. Yet, it seemed that Ajoran forgave Ridahne for leaving him, so maybe it wasn’t quite the same.

It wasn’t just the familiar actions that had unsettled the young human. It was also the fact that she was just hit by another realization. It had taken longer than it should have, but first she had been distracted by what Hadian could teach her and then by her anger at the Sols. Now that she wasn’t, she realized that she was envious of Ridahne and had been for at least two days, possibly as long as a week. Darin wasn’t jealous of the romance she had with Ajoran. Romance never really crossed her mind. She wasn’t jealous of her relationship with Hadian. Hadian himself made that impossible with how loving and welcoming her had been. Darin was envious just because Ridahne had come home and Darin wasn’t going to get to see her home for at least a year, possibly more, probably more. She still had to zigzag though the three human kingdoms before she got home, and suddenly, for the first time in a long time, the only thing Darin want to do was go home. Darin sank to put all her weight on her toes as she bent her knees and crossed her arms over her stomach as a bout of powerful homesickness washed over her.

Though no one would hear her, she whispered to the hot air, “I want my mama.” Tears began to crawl down her cheeks, “I want to go home.”

Ridahne’s beaming face melted into a somber frown as Darin made her exit, souring the moment just a little. It wasn’t Darin’s fault, but she felt a twist of guilt at knowing Darin was upset, and it had something to do with Ajoran’s actions. She wanted so badly for Darin to love him like she did, for her to love him like Darin loved her. She hadn’t worried about it much until now, as Ajoran was the sort of man far more deserving of immediate and unquestioned love than she, and Darin loved her anyway. Still, she’d hoped for a good first impression and this wasn’t it.

Ajoran’s shoulders drooped a little as he saw the exchange play out and heard the sigh escape Ridahne’s lips. He looked mortified. For all that he was a fierce warrior, Ajoran was actually quite softhearted. And she loved him for it. “What did I do? Did I…do something wrong?”
“No…it’s…no, it’s not really your fault. Martin was Darin’s father.”
“Was…?”
“He walked out on her and her mother, abandoning them without a word overnight. As soon as duty allows, I’m going to find him and retrieve him for her. And Astra help him, then.”
Ajoran winced, though there was a small smile hidden in there too. He knew precisely what kind of damage Ridahne was capable of inflicting on a person, and not all of it would be physical. She knew the psychology of fear and wielded it at will as smoothly and effortlessly as she swung her sword. Ancestors above, she was a terror. But she was his terror. “Astra help him indeed…that’s quite a blow, particularly for humans, is it not?”
“Aye. But she’s all stone, that one. She tended the family’s farm by herself while her mother, from what I understand, sort of just…gave up. Some day I hope to meet her, too.”

Ajoran nodded as Ridahne sat up, combing a few bits of hay out of her wavy hair with her fingers. “So...Darin Torzinei?”
Ridahne smiled. “Officially adopted into the clan. Hadian and I just sort of…decided. It seemed right. But truth is, my family is not yet whole. A year and a half ago, I would have suggested becoming Teleisun, but…well, if you’re up for it, I’d sort of like to stay Torzinei. Ajoran Torzinei has a nice ring to it anyway.”
Ajoran blinked, struggling to process all that she’d said and left unsaid. He felt a blossom in his chest that felt like it would burst out of him, but he tried to keep it under control until he knew for sure. “Ridahne is…is that an acceptance to my proposal…? After all this time…?”
Ridahne looked away, nervous. “Only if you still want me, and if there isn’t anyone you’ve met since I left…I’ve been gone for a long time you know, and I wouldn’t really blame you if…if…well it’s not like I had any hope of really coming back and so it’s not like I expected you to wait for me and—“
Ajoran cut off her ranting with a sudden and vigorous kiss, and she melted into him. They allowed themselves this outburst for some time before he laughed joyously and leaned back to look at her face. “Isfahan, I would wait my whole life for you, with or without hope.”
Ridahne was crying, but they were good tears. She did not wipe them away. “I was sort of hoping you’d say something like that. Because I was hoping to claim you as mine for all to see before we left. I’ll have to leave—our mission isn’t done yet, and I know what you’re going to say—you should stay here. Someone needs to watch out for Hadian and Nyyvai. But…I’d like to have the ceremony by the sea, and I’d like your parents to be there, and I’d like Darin to perform the rites.”
“Absolutely! I’ll have a message sent right away to my parents and have them ride out to Atakhara, and we’ll do it under the light of the moon and…” he started to choke up. “Damn, if you haven’t made me the happiest man alive.”

The two of them spent a couple hours catching up on everything, and Ajoran was the perfect audience. He wanted no detail spared, no explanation shortened. He was particularly interested to hear about Darin, and who she was, what sort of person she was, and what kind of power she held. He asked after the seed, to which Ridahne replied, “I’ve got no idea what it looks like. I’ve never seen it. In all this time traveling with her, I’ve never asked to see it and never needed to. It’s best hidden, anyway.” She told him of her new tattoos, and how she’d come to a conclusion on their design, and showed off her new banner. She told him of the Tree, and how marvelous it was to see it in person, to see it alive. Though she did not wholly describe it as thriving. She knew the Tree was strong, but only by the efforts of those like Ravi. It would not remain strong forever. And she told him of the Red Hand, and even showed off a few of her scars.

Ajoran’s face darkened at that. Like Hadian, he had an anger that was slow to rouse, but a horror to withstand if it ever was stirred. “Eija Salei told me she’d seen you. Though she never once mentioned you were with the Seed Bearer of Astra. She said you’d been traveling with a young farm boy you claimed to have taken as an apprentice. I understand what she said better, now. But she described to me what they’d done to you. I nearly left Tasen that night to find you, but she warned me against it, saying I’d just as likely get lost than find you, as the two of you were taking great care to travel in secret. But when they started showing up here, going around the marketplaces and the docks and asking after you…” His fists clenched, and his corded muscles flexed under his brown skin. “The moment I had authorization I eviscerated two of them in the streets in broad daylight. It wasn’t the best way to do it, but they did steer clear of Tasen for a while after that. And then they found Hadian…not one of those survived. I tracked them all down, even the ones who planned the assault but hadn’t gone themselves.” He was shaking with rage. “The Sols offered him and Nyyvei shelter in the palace, but they refused. And anyone heard asking about you or the Seed Bearer was put on surveillance until it was determined whether they were just gossipers or the Red Hand. They really want Darin dead, and by extension, you. I don’t understand why.”

Ridahne sighed. She didn’t fully know either, really. Or rather, she knew but did not understand. “You and I know better than most how corrupt people can really be. The way they see it, if the Seed is not planted and the Tree withers and dies, they can use the resulting chaos to reshape the world as they see fit, with them in seats of power. And then some just want to watch Astra burn. I don’t think it’s that simple though, and I don’t think Astra would let them. Still, we don’t leave any alive.”

Ridahne stood, brushing off her uri. “Come, we should find Darin, now that we’re all caught up. There’s one thing I have to do tonight, and then I’m desperate to visit the bathhouse again and to get some food. I want Darin to be there with me for it all. Let’s go find her, and then will you take me to Khaltira’s grave?” Ajoran nodded solemnly and the two of them left the stables in search of Darin.

Darin spent maybe five minutes crying in self-pity and homesickness before she felt a huge weight knock her over. It didn’t take her long to realized that it was Mitaja. As soon as the hunting cat had toppled the human over, she laid on top of the girl causing the girl to let out a groan as all the air was pushed out of her. Mitaja didn’t seem to realize that Darin was having a hard time breathing as she started to purr. Darin struggled for a minute to get the huge cat off of her before resigning herself to defeat and just laying there and staring at the ceiling. She absently rubbed the hunting cat’s ears.

She told the cat, “I suppose this is a better use of my time anyways.”

MItaja gave Darin a look that clearly said that the human was being completely silly, of course this was a better use of her time. However, the cat didn’t stay put for long before getting up. Darin sat up to continue rubbing the cat’s ears. She was completely convinced that Mitaja would lie back on top of her if the cat didn’t get the attention she felt was her just due. It wasn’t long before, not one, but two more hunting cats joined them. Darin found her hands busy as the three cats and Taja demanded affection. There wasn’t much time for melancholy or homesickness when she had to keep four animals happy with her.

It appeared that one of the cats grew bored with the petting and leaned down in the stance that indicated that it wanted to play. The other newcomer followed suit. MItaja let out a noise of question as Darin watched the display in dismay. There was only one game that Darin could think of given the fact that she didn’t have something to play fetch or tug with. The human had no desire to deal with this. Yet, a year of traveling with Mitaja had taught Darin that a testy Azurei hunting cat was not something you wanted to have upset with you.

Darin sighed in resignation, “I know chase. Is chase okay?”

The two newcomer cats yet out yowls of agreement as Mitaja pushed Darin into a standing position. With another sigh Darin took off running. Taja screeched in excitement as he flew above the human. The cats were polite enough to give the human a few minutes head start. Then with playful noises they gave chase. It wasn’t long before she was lost in the game. Darin ducked around corners and upstairs just as fast as she could while laughing like a madwoman. She was careful to keep to hallways and streets and avoid rooms and houses. She didn’t want to intrude on anyone. She wasn’t sure how long she had been running. Taja let out a sound of warning anytime the cats got too close. Then, when she was looking behind her for the cats, she bumped into someone.

She laughed in near perfect Azurei, “I’m so sorry. Please.” Then she saw who she had bumped into, “Hey! I know you!” She stopped trying to run as she paused to talk to the person with glee in her eyes, “Apprentice Ja’heil! How have you been? I trust The Tree has blessed your travels!”

It was Ja’heil, from the village where Darin had stopped the rain for the first time, “Do I know you human?” He seemed confused, “You speak like a long-time visitor.”

Darin laughed again, “You knew me as Martin Lively, back when I was still trying to pass as a boy.”

Darin saw the gears rotating in his mind and the stunning realization when he put the pieces together, “From the Eluri village. My master’s report began the hunt for the Red Hand.”

Darin nodded as MItaja came to press her head in the human’s hand, “Yep.”

Ja’heil smiled tightly, “Martin right? I trust The Tree has blessed your travels.”

Darin shook her head, “Darin.” She clarified, “My name is Darin. I travel under the name Martin Lively to try and avoid attention.” She asked again, “The Tree has blessed you journey, correct?”

Ja’heil nodded slowly as he processed what Darin was saying, “Ah yes! I certainly have felt blessed. My studies have been going well.” He asked a question of his own, “How have your studies been going.”

She nodded, “They have been. Thank you for asking.” She looked around as one of the new cats pressed into Darin’s other hand, “I’m afraid got a little bit lost as I ran. Can you lead me back to the stables?”

Ja’heil shook his head, “My master is expecting me?”

Darin smiled, “Of course. I would like to see you again before I leave Tasen. Would that be alright?”

He shook his head, “I may not have the time.”

Darin was sure as she turned to leave, “I will make time.” She waved at him, “Till we speak again.”

With that she was gone, following the three cats, back the way she came. She didn’t not miss the look of confusion on his face as she said that she would make time and that amused. It was kind of fun to know that she could practically make whatever she wanted to have happen in this country happen. It didn’t seem that news of The Seed-Bearer being in Tasen had spread yet. Darin wondered how long it would be before it did. Soon they were back at the stables and the two newcomer cats peeled off to go home as Taja flew to land on Ridahne’s shoulder as the warriors exited the stable.

Darin exclaimed as she draped her arms around her sister, “Ridahne! I’m dirty and grimy and want to be clean. You speak of these incredible bathing rooms! Take me.” Yes, she was whining but it was mostly teasing. Her mood was much better, “Please! Then sleep. We can visit the grave tomorrow before we go to market.” She slumped so the other girl would have to carry most of her weight, “I’m sleepy.”

Ajoran watched the hawk swoop down onto Ridahne's shoulder with some amazement and awe. He'd seen his fair share of the birds, as they were popular and practical pets for court members and even hunters in the mountain village he was from. But he wasn't aware Ridahne ever had one.

"Since when do you have a bird?"
"I don't. He's Darin's really, but he likes me well enough. His name is Taja, say hello."
"...Taja? Is he..." Ajoran reached out a finger to gently stroke Taja's breast feathers. "Is he her guardian too?"
"Initially? No, that's not how he got his name. But he's earned it alright. He's the most battle ready bird I've ever met."

Ajoran seemed to appreciate this with some respect. If this bird had indeed earned his title, then Ajoran was pleased to share it with him.

Ridahne smiled down at Darin "Ah, there you are." The smile faded a little though as Darin suggested putting off seeing Khaltira's grave until morning. Ridahne supposed there was no real need to go now, it wasn't like she was going to pay respects. Anything but respect, actually. But her insides twisted a little at the idea of leaving it for later. It was a cloud hanging over her she wanted to blow away, a leech still clinging to her skin. But she could wait. She'd waited this long, she could wait a night. Ajoran seemed to sense some of this in her and reached out to touch her arm with hands almost to gentle to belong to a former smith. He did not speak, but it was a quiet reminder that she was, indeed, allowed to push the issue. But Ridahne simply put her hand on his and rubbed the back of it with her thumb for a moment before saying, "Honestly, I think I'm quite ready for a bath. C'mon. You too, Ajoran."
"Isfahan, I think I'm supposed to check in with my Sol...I'm on duty."
Ridahne grinned wolfishly. "No you aren't. Not anymore. I saw to that. You belong to me until we travel north."
Ajoran smirked, trailing after them. "Oh do I, now?" He chuckled.

The palace was only two floors, though for Azurei standards it sprawled. The upper levels were mostly barracks and a small library, while the lower levels held dining halls, studies, storage, a garden courtyard, armories, and of course, the bathhouse. At the entrance were two doors--merely heavy gray fabric that draped richly over the openings--and Ajoran split off and entered one of these. Ridahne led Darin into the other. Ridahne explained that there was a small room where they could disrobe and leave their clothes. A young girl sat in the room as an attendant, making sure that there were clean towels and that old clothes were replaced with fresh ones. She asked them if they'd like new clothes, and Ridahne nodded that she at least would like some. She'd let Darin decide if she wanted to don the garb of the Azurei during her stay, or to stick with her usual sets.

Ridahne led Darin to a little chamber with a wooden reservoir of water suspended above them, and when Ridahne shifted a little panel, little holes were revealed to rain water down on them in a measured stream. There they scrubbed the majority of their road dust off of them. This was so that many people did not overly sully the large pool in the next room, which was communal and already shared by three other women. The room itself was large and relatively unadorned with wooden walls and floorboards, but the pool itself was tiled with a mosaic of cobalt blues, whites, yellows, and blood reds in tones ranging from jewel to earthen. The pool was as large as some ponds, and the edges were lined with built in benches to sit on while the middle sections remained waist deep on Ridahne. A sheer fabric screen split the pool in half, and vague shadows could be seen moving about or lounging in the water on the other side. Ajoran was seated near the panel, merely a dim silhouette. It allowed for privacy between the men and women while still facilitating conversation. Within their half of the pool, however, none of the women seemed to take any note of each other's nakedness. Such things were inconsequential in Azurei culture. The men's side seemed to be much the same.

The water itself was not hot like a traditional bath, but was instead somewhat cool. It seemed like an odd thing in theory to have a lavish bath be cold. But in Azurei's hot climate, it was needed and welcomed. It was also not just pure fresh water, either. A special kind of mineral salt had been mixed in. Ridahne explained that this not only kept it sanitary, but the minerals had soothing properties for sore or tense muscles. The Sols, knowing their court would be men and women who worked physically demanding jobs, built it with that in mind. The Sols demanded much of their subjects, but they in turn made sure to see that they were taken care of.

"When we are done soaking, we go back to the rinse room and use scented soaps and hair oils--the ones I told you about. It sounds so silly, I know, but trust me, it's a wonderful luxury," She explained. "It makes your hair so soft..."
Ajoran chuckled from the other side of the divider. "It really does. So! What do you think? Does it live up to your expectation, Darin?"

Darin peeled herself off of Ridahne and quickly darted after her as they headed to these fabled bathing rooms. Taja few into the stables to find his own rest with Talbot She wasn’t sure what she expected, but she was suddenly struck by the fact that she didn’t have a change of clothes. Now that she thought about it she hadn’t seen her bags when they had gone back to the stables. She was left to assume that their bags had already been taken to where they would be visiting Tasen. That was a problem, because she was used to sharing a room with Ridhane, and she had assumed that Ridahne would be rooming with Ajoran. Darin had no desire to sleep alone in this building, so she had planed to sleep with Talbot, Taja, and Mitaja if the cat didn’t go to sleep with her person. She was also left with the fact that she didn’t want to wear Azurein clothes. No matter where she had visited, she had always worn human styled clothes. She didn’t want to change that.

She asked the girl who offered her new clothes, “I would feel more comfortable in my own clothes. Can you tall me where they went so I can go grab a set of my own?”

The girl looked at her with solemn eyes, “There will be a set here when you are done bathing Astra-Sol.”

Darin’s smile became forced, “Thank you.”

She didn’t like the thought of someone just going through her things. Yet Darin was far too tired to argue the point. Especially since it seemed like it had already been done. She supposed that as long as everything was there when she left Tasen it would be alright. She was glad that she kept The Seed close. She didn’t want anyone finding it. Though that brought her to another problem. She couldn’t believe that she hadn’t thought of it before. If she stripped naked in front of all these people, they would all see the band on her upper leg where she kept The Seed. That would not ideal. She hadn’t even shown Ridahne it.

She told Ridahne, “On second thought I’ll just come look. I wasn’t thinking straight and it’s not a good idea for me to strip in front of everyone.”

The rooms certainly were pretty, and Darin was enchanted with the bucket that rained on people. That almost seemed more practical than taking a bath. She wasn’t sure though. Darin did take off her boots and roll up her pants to her knees, but even after following Ridahne to the room with the soaking pool she didn’t enter it. That would just be bad manners since when was still grimy from the road. She wanted to get clean, but she rather keep the location of The Seed a secret. She was glad she had made that choice as she saw the strangers in the room. As she followed Ridahne to sit on the edge of the pool near her, the human knew that she would either be viewed as shy or disrespectful. That was okay. The Seed-Bearer could live with that.

She smiled as Ridahne mentioned the thing she had missed most, “I remember you talking about that. I can’t wait to smell them, but I don’t think I’ll be using them. After all it’s not looking like I’ll be clean anytime soon.” She laughed lightly, “But that’s my own fault so I’ll live.” She spoke to Ajoran on the other side of the screen, “It is impressive, but I’m definitely out of place.” She stood up, “So I think I’ll go see if Talbot will let be bed down with him for the night.” She made a request of Ridahne, “Come and get me tomorrow when you are ready to go visit.” The she practically commanded, “Do not go without me. I have things to say to her. Even if she is dead, and I will not send you to face her alone.” She wasn’t leaving until she was sure Ridahne was in the same mind set, “Promise me sister.”

Ridahne had wondered why Darin was so hesitant about stripping her clothes in front of her. Was it a human custom not to? She had heard something about nakedness in human culture, and how it could in some contexts be a very big deal. Like if a man saw a woman naked who was not his wife, humans found that very bad. It was not necessarily encouraged in Azurei, but it was not uncommon for female messengers or other servants to enter the men's side of the baths or vice versa, and it was inconsequential for both parties. Privacy was good, but there was nothing to be ashamed about the body. Maybe that wasn't the case in human lands?

But then it started to click as Darin followed her, clothed, into the baths. If she had no clothes, there would be nowhere to hide the Seed, and Darin would never leave it behind. Of course. Ridahne couldn't believe she didn't think of it sooner. "Nonsense! I know the stable is a place of comfort for you, but in a way, this is--was--is? my house. And my most honored guest deserves good lodgings. I'm sure they gave us lodging on the second floor--I'll see to it a bath is drawn up for you there. It'll be more ordinary, but there will still be nice soap and it will be private." Ridahne was not going to put into words why that was important, but her eyes were knowing and understanding. "Besides, if you thought road dust was bad, you haven't experienced southern Azurei dust. It's everywhere. Here, you get clean when you can, so I'd take the opportunity. As for sleeping quarters, I'd thought about spending the night in the barracks myself, actually."
Ajoran snorted from the other side of the divider. "You mean to tell me you've been given private rooms by the Sols and you wanna come sleep with the rest of us rabble?"
"That rabble is my people as much as it is yours, Ajoran," she teased. "I wouldn't mind seeing Eija Salei again, and a few others if they...ah...if they haven't totally written me off as a murderer. I...did...kill one of their own. For good reason or no, that can be hard to deal with." The warrior shrugged it off. "Those barracks feel more like home to me than fancy guest rooms. You're welcome to join us, Darin. And," she added with a small chuckle, "It's probably the safest place in all of Astra. I'd like to watch the Red Hand come at either of us in a room full of Eija and Taja."

Ridahne took a breath, steadying herself. It wasn't the promise that set her on edge; she really wanted Darin there. But it was the reminder of the event itself, of the one last demon she had yet to confront. She was both rearing to go and wishing she could avoid it at the same time. Her stomach twisted a little at the thought, but she dipped her head in a solemn nod. "Aye, I promise. I want the both of you there with me. Let's go just before sunrise, and we'll get breakfast after." She didn't think she could even eat breakfast beforehand. Maybe she wouldn't be able to after, either. Ridahne really had no idea how that was going to go, because from minute to minute, she felt some different mix of indifference, searing rage, grief, bitterness, relief, and peace.

Darin wasn’t sure that Ridahne in the barracks was a good idea. The Eija and the Taja might not be a threat to The Seed, and Ridahne might have permission from the Sota-Sol to be here in Azurei, but certain warriors may not like her Ridahne at all. Darin couldn’t fault them for their opinion. She just didn’t think tempting fate like that was safe. She wasn’t going to say anything. Ridahne could take care of herself and if things went badly Darin had a feeling Astra would tell her. Azurei liked her and with Darin’s help could rise to her defense. That would have to be good enough.

Darin nodded as she stood up, “Sounds like a plan. I’m going to see if I can fond someone to escort me to the tom the Sols have set aside for us to see that bath. I am dusty and grimy. and would like to be clean.” She turned her gaze from Ridahne to the shadow behind the curtain, “Make sure you take care of her Ajoran.” Her attention was back on Ridahane, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

There was someone waiting to take her to the room. It was a nice room and it seemed like someone had both brough her things and had gone though them. It didn’t seem like they were looking for secrets. Rather her clothes were all missing and that was it. Darin didn’t like it, but she was willing to bet that her clothes had been taken for the sole purpose of getting them clean. Unfortunately, it meant she didn’t have anything to put on after her bath, at least not yet. The bath wasn’t ready either, and Darin wasn’t sure when it would be. She knew it was coming. The attendant that had escorted her was adamant about that. It did mean she had a little bit of time to kill.

She looked around her room and her eyes fell upon the fiddle in its case. IT had been a long time since she had played, and she was missing home. With that slightly impulsive decision made Darin grabbed the case and tied it to her belt before moving to crawl out the window. It wasn’t easy, but soon she was on the roof of the two-story building. It was east to look over the city of Tasen. The human sat on the edge od the roof with one leg tucked under her and the other dangling off the side. This was not her smartest move ever. It would be far too easy to fall off, and Ridahne wouldn’t be here to catch her. Darin paid that no mind as she tuned her instrument. Then she tucked the fiddle under her chin and began to play.

The tune carried for a fair distance and was surprisingly uplifting. The melody was fast pace and slightly flighty. It was a tune with a message of under currents of hope, but it was mainly just playful. Back home this song would accompany a high-spirited jig filled with laughter and several partners switches. If Darin closed her eyes, she could almost see the shadows of the dancers as they swung and dipped each other. She could see Thomas gather his courage to ask Milla to dance. By The Tree, she hoped they were together. She hoped that they were planning on kids. She hoped the mayor of Lively hadn’t been allowed to have her. She hoped that her peers were alright. She hoped her mother had made all of the apple pies for this year’s harvest festival. She smiled just thinking about it. She was miles from home, but for just a moment she could be a part of the celebration she knew was happening.

Ridahne watched her go with a small pang of worry. It wasn't that she felt there was any particular threat here in the palace, it was more that she'd spent so long stressing and worrying over Darin's safety. And each time they brushed with the Red Hand, the more that feeling intensified. Ajoran did not need to see the details of her face to read this in her pensive silence.
"She'll be just fine."
"I know." But...
"You're a good guardian, Ridahne Torzinei. Astra is lucky to have you. And so is she." Ridahne's throat closed and she could hardly breathe, much less speak. But once again, Ajoran could read her like footprints in wet sand. "Don't be so modest about it, I mean it. I know your da would be proud of you, and I don't think I ever met your mother, but she would be too, I'll bet."
Ridahne burst suddenly into tears, which she tried desperately to contain. She was still in public after all. "Oh Ajoran, don't start on that, I'm in public...you'll ruin my reputation." Both of them laughed at that.
"You know, I never told you this. But that day you came to my da's smithy to choose the weapon you wanted to train with when you became an apprentice, Jaisih pulled me aside when you were out watering your horse before you left. He pulled me aside and asked me, "Boy, answer me honest, now. You've been staring at my daughter this whole time, haven't you?" and your da, he was such an intimating man so I told him yes and I've never been more embarrassed in my life. But then you know what he said? He winked at me and said, "She's a lot to handle. I don't know if you can keep up with her, lad. But I hope you do.""

Ridahne barked a laugh. "He did not!"
"Oh, but he did...and my da laughed and laughed and laughed and teased me about it relentlessly for a long time. Still does, sometimes." Ridahne didn't need to see him to know he was smiling.
"You had eyes for me even then?" Ridahne asked softly.
"Oh, and you didn't?"
"I thought you were handsome, but I didn't know you. I'm not so easily won."
Ajoran chuckled. "Ouch, I'm hurt! When, then? I bet I could guess..."
"You'd probably be right. It was that night under the full moon, right after you showed up at the palace. It was so different there than home, and I was so different than everyone else. I felt so alone. And I couldn't sleep, so I went for a walk on the outskirts of town. I think I missed the openness of the Dust Sea, in a way. And you saw me go and followed me, and offered to teach me a few things about bladed combat. That was the first time we sparred. You had me then, Teleisun. Snared like a rabbit in a trap."
"Except you aren't much of a rabbit. You're an urala cat. A deadly huntress..."

Ridahne giggled, but the moment was quickly ruined by an approaching figure standing over her. As the shadow of the person fell over her, she sighed, expecting some angry former colleague of hers come to stir up trouble. But as she turned and looked up, her expression turned to outright surprise. "Sota-Sol?"
Amaiera-Sol was standing above her, toting one taja who was dutifully looking at the back of his Sol's head instead of the nude women in the room. No one seemed to find his presence on this half of the baths bothersome, though. "A word, Torzinei."
An unexpected anger flared up in Ridahne. "I am no longer yours to beckon and call like a dog to heel." On the other side of the barrier, Ajoran sucked in a tense breath.
Amaiera-Sol sighed slowly. "No. I suppose you are not. Astra-Sol is your keeper, now. Then I beseech you to come and speak with me. Privately. There is much I wish to say to you that cannot be said among so many ears."
Ridahne softened a little too, as Amaiera-Sol did. "Ajoran, I'll find you later. Sota-Sol, I will speak with you."
The elderly elf nodded once, slowly. "I will await you in the gardens."
Ridahne clenched a little. She hadn't seen the gardens since she'd lured Takhun out there that fateful night, and watered the plants with his blood. She had no guilt about killing Khaltira, but Takhun was her friend. Her partner. And for killing him, she did feel like a traitor, if only to their friendship. "Aye, Sol."
Amaiera-Sol glanced around. "Darin is not here? Did she not find my baths to her liking?"
"It is not the human custom to bathe communally," Ridahne explained. "But your staff has seen to her needs. They have been most hospitable." Ridahne knew that praise of her household servants would lead to rewards for the staff in the long run for their excellent work, so she was free with her praise.
The Sota-Sol nodded once. "I will await you outside, then." She departed.

Ridahne said goodbye to Ajoran and went to get dried off and dressed, though not without using some of the perfumed oils in her hair and on her skin. She would not be cheated of the full experience of the baths just to speak with the Sota-Sol. When she met Amaiera-Sol in the gardens, Ridahne was dressed richly in a charcoal gray uri trimmed with silver and bone beads on the fringes, and a deep, blood red half shirt that draped over one shoulder and flowed down her back to her waist like a slim, one sided cloak. Fastening the silk fabric at the shoulder was a simple silver pin set with a sparkling garnet. A silk, steely-gray sash fastened the uri in place and was pinned with her old sigil pin. Her hair, still damp, was in a half bun fastened with a polished silver band. They had given her very fine clothes indeed, and Ridahne looked very fine in them. Stately, and yet dangerously polished like a honed blade edge. She smelled faintly of juniper.

To Ridahne's surprise, Amaiera-Sol was alone in the central courtyard, with not even a single taja stationed beside her. Ridahne knew they were lurking nearby, but had been ordered to give her some space. The elderly elf beckoned for Ridahne to sit on the stone bench beside her, which was still warm from the heat of the day, though the ambient air had cooled with the sunset. For a few hours before deep night fell, and it actually got a little chilly (by Azurei standards), there was a space of time where it was neither hot nor cold, but some pleasant halfway point where the stones offered residual warmth, but the sun did not beat down on the inhabitants of the desert. They called it Tsaedin'ja, which might loosely and colloquially be translated as 'golden hour', and during that time, Azurei was alive.

"You are angry with me." It was not a question. The Sota Sol often spoke this way, stating things instead of asking them.
Ridahne sighed. "Yes and no. No, because I know why you did what you did, and you had to. I would have, too. You do not need to explain yourself to me, Sol. And it brought me to Darin..." If she was quiet, she could hear the faint and lofty sounds of a fiddle from somewhere on high--probably the roof. Ridahne smiled to herself. "Yes because...because it was the demand of authority for unquestioning obedience from her subjects that got me here in the first place."
"You resent the hierarchy of Court."
"No, Sol. Every last member of this court is necessary for the health and well being of Azurei. I resent being owned." The specific Azurei word she used for 'owned' was not the same one generally used when talking about 'belonging to' a Sol, which spoke more of loyalty and responsibility and fealty in both directions than any real ownership. The word she used was instead one of possession, of owning ships or tools or weapons. Objects.
Amaiera-Sol tilted her head and studied the younger elf, visibly surprised. "How long have you felt this way?"
Ridahne involuntarily became defensive and guarded. Except for with a few people like Darin or Ajoran or Hadian, it was her default. "I don't know." Her tone was clipped. "Sol, why did you bring me here?"
"No more than this. I wanted to speak with you openly and candidly about what happened."
"Why?" Ridahne found herself snapping. She never meant to, and actually covered her mouth with her slim fingers as her eyes widened in horror at her own behavior.
Amaiera-Sol sighed softly, and reached one slightly wrinkled hand to wrap around Ridahne's free one. "Because never in the history of my rule have I ever wronged one of my own so deeply and profoundly. And I owe you my honesty and vulnerability, which I cannot give to everyone. And my sincere apology. I am sorry, Ridahne. For Khaltira," she notably did not add the 'sol' suffix, "for what she made you do, and for not understanding all of this sooner. I do blame myself for her."

Ridahne's hand never left her mouth, and she was absolutely rigid. She couldn't breathe. If she took in even one breath, or let any of what she already had out, she would explode into sobs. And it did not matter how long she'd been away, or how far removed she now was from her former status and position in the court, Ridahne could not, COULD NOT cry in front of Azurei's Sota-Sol.

"I cannot help but think..." Amaiera-Sol continued, sounding for once more grandmotherly than the supreme ruler of a nation. "If you had felt less owned, as you say, would you have come to me with your concerns? Would you have challenged her openly? I have spent many nights grieving over the fact that you felt you had no other course of action than to kill her and destroy your own life."
Ridahne did find her voice, then, though it was soft and still a little breathless. "I was taught to speak the language of blood and of death. Khaltira presented a question, and I answered in the only way I knew how." A pause, and then with a rising sharpness Ridahne added, "And I was punished for speaking the language I was taught to speak. For doing what I'd been trained to do. Extensively trained." She grit her teeth. "Alright, yes, so maybe I am angry. Part of me knows I shouldn't be, not wholly, but I am. And it means a great deal to hear your candid apology, Sol, it really does. But when a dog is both kicked and praised, she will have complicated feelings towards her master. As do I."
Amaiera-Sol nodded slowly. "I understand. I take my leave, then, and leave you to retire at last. I have yet to speak to your Astra-Sol and give her the kind of candid answers she deserves. But I thought it best to speak to you, first. If there's ought you would ask of me, speak. It will be yours. Peace, Guardian." She departed, leaving Ridahe alone in the now dark gardens.

The young elf sat still for a while, until she was very certain no one was nearby. And then she put her head in her hands and cried. Cried for the simple release of a pent-up tension. Cried for the weight of the apology she'd been given and for how much it meant to her. Cried for her still simmering anger she wasn't sure what to do with anymore. And she cried because she was not far from the very spot she killed Takhun. When she had no more tears to give, she went back inside the palace to find Ajoran, though instead of heading off to the barracks with him, she took his hand and led him up to the roof of the palace where Darin played her fiddle. Ridahne, still holding Ajoran's hand, silently came to sit beside her sister. She said nothing to either of them, but instead gazed out over the flickering lights of Tasen, content merely to listen to the sound of Darin's fiddle. She just needed her family with her at the moment.

Darin had shifted for dancing tunes to something a little more somber, but still uplifting, by the time that Ridahne had joined her on the roof. As expected, she had brought Ajoran, but she didn’t seem to be at peace. In fact, unless Darin missed her guess, the warrior had been crying recently. For a moment Darin was torn in two. Part of her wanted to try and comfort Ridahne. Another part of her wanted to find whatever it was that made her sister cry and end it. She wasn’t good at being comforting, especially without knowing what the problem was, and she couldn’t end the problem without knowing what it was either. Therefore, she needed to find out the problem first. So, when the song was done, she pulled the fiddle out from underneath her shoulder and rested it on her lap.

She nudged Ridahne with her shoulder, “We share, or at least we try to. So, I will start. I am terribly homesick. I think I’ve been homesick for a while and am just now realizing it. That’s why I’m up here on this roof, playing music that doesn’t fit in here. I’m trying to catch just a little bit of home. And besides that, I can’t make this any easier for you. I want to. I don’t want to leave you to face this alone, but the truth is that I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what’s wrong to do. I don’t know what would help or what’s right.” She nudged Ridahne again, “So it’s your turn. Tell me why you have been crying and tell me how I can help.”

Darin wasn’t sure there was a way for her to help. She had already made demands of the Sota-Sol and the Sols. That couldn’t have helped. Yet she couldn’t regret it. It had made a statement. The human wasn’t quite certain what that statement was, but she had made it and she was going to stand by it and whatever came from it would come. What was done was done. All she could hope to do was to do better than she had done in the past. Darin had been thinking about that a lot lately. It had to mean something. She just wasn’t sure what. Then again, she could just be exhausted and tired. Night had come late. Day was sure to come early.

Still this conversation needed to happen. Other wise Darin was due to find herself waking up in the middle of the night to have this conversation or not being able to sleep until it happened. As such, the plan was to have Ridahne tell her what was wrong, go take a bath, and then go to sleep. The bathwater was probably rapidly cooling. She had spent longer playing then she had planned. Darin spending as long as she needed to helping Ridahne. Still, as long as the water was clean, and she could get the travel grime off and into a clean set clothes the temperature of the water hardly mattered. Right now all that mattered was dealing with Ridahne’s tears.

Ridahne listened wordlessly until Darin finished, and then for a moment afterwards too. She knew the feeling of homesickness, though Ridahne had always held out the hope and eventually the knowledge she would see her beloved home again. Darin didn't exactly have that guarantee to look forward to, though secretly Ridahne was determined to find a way to bring her home one way or another, even if only for a moment.
"I'm sorry you're homesick. I know the feeling. I wish I knew what to tell you to make it better, but I'm not sure that I do. Except, I guess, to do what you're doing and bring pieces of home with you to bring out when you need them. And anyway, I like hearing you play."
"Yeah, I've never heard anything like it before, it's good," Ajoran added, his voice soft and unobtrusive. Ridahne loved that he knew when to step in, and when to step back. He had to know that skill in order to love a storm of a woman like her.

Ridahne sighed. "I also wish I could tell you why I'm so...I don't know...emotional? I mean I can tell you what happened but I don't feel like that explains why I feel like I do. Maybe because it's a lot of things. The Sota-Sol just asked to speak with me privately--just the two of us. We went to the gardens and the last time I was there I...I betrayed Takhun and I don't know that I was ready to face that. But she apologized--like really really apologized for what happened, all of it. And I thought I was ready for that, and had dealt with that but I guess I haven't, not all the way, not really. And I'm honored because I've never in my life seen a Sol so...candid. With anyone. She really was sincere, and she listened to the things I had to say, really listened. And honestly it was a good conversation, it was great. I feel like as much as I dreaded it, it needed to happen and should have happened. And I do feel better knowing my Sota-Sol does not hate me--that fear has been hanging over my head for a while. But I guess I'm mad? Yeah, alright, I am mad. Actually, I'm really angry and a little bitter but I shouldn't be, there's part of me, the logical part, that knows and understands how and why things happened as they did, and is even a little grateful that it ended up like this, because I'm here--you're here. But then another part feels like I did during the lonely months where I searched for you, Darin, and had no hope of ever finding you. Bitter, angry, resentful, guilty and yet wholly justified and resolute in my choices..." She had to catch her breath, she'd been speaking fast. It was a good thing Darin had learned Azurian through the Tree and not slow study, or she might not have been able to follow the native's speed.

Ridahne's face twisted into a tortured expression. "Coming home has been everything I had ever hoped for and ever wanted, and then some. More than I ever could have asked for. So why am I so angry? I shouldn't be, and I don't want to be, but...well..." she threw her hands in the air and let them slap down on her thighs like two birds that had been shot from the air. "There's not anything to do about it, either. Please don't worry yourself about it," she begged earnestly. "It's not like anything needs to be changed or solved, it's just...I have feelings I didn't realize I still had. And I need to deal with those somehow."

Darin thought about that. At least in this moment Ridahne and her were in the same emotional states. They were both feeling a bunch of conflicting emotions that didn’t make sense to feel altogether. Yet, they both couldn’t help but feel them all. It didn’t seem like there was any logical solution. Then again, when were emotions ever logical. How could they be? Logic belonged to the brain. Emotions belonged to the heart. They very rarely agreed on anything. Sometimes logic needed to win. Sometimes emotions did. They could very rarely both win. Darin knew that, yet it was difficult to remember.

Darin held out both hands, both lightly closed, “I guess that makes sense. And I think it’s okay, to have two conflicting emotions.” She opened one hand, “On one hand to be grateful that the conversation happened, to be honored that she was candid.” She opened the other, “One the other, to hate that it had to be happened at all, to hate that she put you in the position that she put you in.” She closed her fists again, “It doesn’t have to make sense to feel both things.” She opened one hand again, “On one hand to not want to leave home.” The second hand was open again, “On the other to be glad that it led us to each other.” She sighed as she moved to rub a hand against her face, “And you’re right, there’s not much that I can do to help, except try to understand. So, feel free to feel whatever you want, even if it is conflicting and confusing. I’ll do my best to listen and try to understand.” She smiled as she placed her fiddle back under her chin, “But for now one more song for the pretty boy who’s never heard a fiddle before and then my bath and bed.” She eyed Ridahne with a hint of mischief in her eyes, “Perhaps a jig. Or maybe a ballad.”

In the end she wound up playing something high spirited and lively. It was a dancing tune. Darin was never good at dancing, but she had gotten a lot of practice since she had left home. Dancing was one thing that seemed to bring people together. Each culture had its own styles and Darin had grown to love each one just a little bit. She had learned to play most of the music that went with it, but it seldom translated to a fiddle well. As such she had taken very basic lessons in more of the Eluri and Orosi instruments. She wasn’t an expert by any means, but she enjoyed the little that she knew. Finally the song ended and she leaned over to place a kiss on Ridahne’s cheek.

She stood as she said, “I’m off to my bath and to bed. I’ll see you when I wake up.” She turned to Ajoran with a serious look on her face, “Watch out for her in the barracks. I doubt everyone is happy with her or with the Sota-Sol’s decision to allow her back. If there’s trouble I will back whatever it is, you decide to do to deal with it.” She moved to enter her room thought the window, “Good night lovebirds. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Once in the room the first thing Darin did was to detune the fiddle and place it back in the case. She probably wouldn’t get a chance to play her again, but one never knew for sure. After that it was easy enough to strip and scrub the travel grime off. She noted that there was a clean outfit. It wasn’t one of hers, but it was close enough. The water wasn’t cold, but it was on the tepid side. Still, Darin had taken plenty of cold baths before and would again. She delighted in the scrubbing off of the dirt and grime. Finally, when she was clean, she got out of the tub to change in the soft cotton breeches and cotton shirt. It was a little big, but just to sleep she left of the belt and the boots. Darin almost literally fell into bed and as soon as she closed her eyes she was asleep.

It really did feel good to get all that off her chest, and Ridahne imagined it was the same for Darin, too. And so it was with some measure of peace that Ridahne was able to listen to Darin's continued playing. And for a moment she was able to forget all that had gone on that day, all the fears and anxieties and apologies and admissions and the anger, and for now she was able to focus on the fact that she was sitting on the tallest building in Tasen--in Azurei, probably--looking at the moon softly illuminating her beautiful homeland with her adopted sister and her future husband at her side. Thinking of the moment that way, she could have burst.

So Ridahne stood suddenly in the middle of Darin's song and dragged Ajoran up with her. "Come! I will show you how they dance in the human lands! Dance with me!"
Ajoran laughed. "But I don't know how!"
Ridahne put one cool hand on his cheek, and he shivered, melting into her touch. "Guess you'd best improvise, then..." Ridahne smiled wolfishly and threw her hands in the air as her feet worked to the rhythm of Darin's song. It was not a perfect rendition of human dance, and any seasoned veteran would have wondered at her unique take on it. But it was altogether different to Ajoran, who watched her for a moment as if gathering the beat in his soul before moving with her in a more Azurei style, though it worked in harmony with Ridahne's dance. He couldn't help but admire her and the way the extra fabric pinned at her shoulder swished around her as she spun, and the way her dark and now very silky post-bath curls bobbed and swayed. And how light her feet were! She was a tempest, a firestorm, a hurricane, and yet she was his to hold, if not to contain. How wonderful that this storm of a woman had chosen him. Of that, he would forever be in awe.

The song ended and the two of them laughed as they panted for air. "Thank you, Darin, that was wonderful," Ridahne said, practically glowing. "Go and enjoy your bath, it's well earned. We'll find you in the morning."
"Aye, I'll keep an eye on her for you," Ajoran promised.

They stayed up there for some time after Darin left, watching the moon rise higher into the sky as they spent more time catching up. But soon the chill of desert night set in, and the two left for the barracks. It was just as Ridahne remembered it. There was a large common room, and beyond it was a small, humble washing area with small clay basins for washing feet, hands, or faces that separated the common room from the sleeping quarters. There were many uniformed and un-uniformed people milling about the common room, most with some kind of drink in hand, lounging in long sofas, playing cards around tables, or cleaning and sharpening weapons of varying types. The room went horribly quiet as Ridahne entered. There was likely a mix of emotions in the room, but everyone was evidently still processing them, because no one moved as the former pariah marched in like she owned the place, grabbed a little tin cup, filled it with a clear juniper and citrus liquor from a glass decanter, and pounded the whole thing back in one swallow. She poured another, but this one she sipped slowly and savoringly. Ajoran stood behind her in support but ultimately let her handle this.

Ridahne shrugged at them nonchalantly. "What are you looking at?"
Some of them seemed to realize, as if for the first time, that they were staring and slowly went back to their games or conversations. A few others still stared at her, though their expressions ranged from bewilderment to obvious distaste. Someone finally spoke up. "Takhun's murderer." The man who said it held his own cup with white knuckles.
"If you knew what I knew, you'd have done it too."
"I wouldn't betray my partner. Never. Takhun was my friend, I knew him. You killed my friend, Torzinei."
She looked unblinkingly back at him. "And you think he wasn't mine? I loved Takhun. I trusted him with my life. But I wasn't going to let him take an innocent mother's life."
"He wouldn't--"
"He would have if I let him. He'd geared up to go without me to kill a woman who did nothing wrong, after we both saw that Khaltira lied to us. I saved lives that night. I regret nothing." That was both true and untrue, as Ridahne wouldn't have taken back her actions, but she regretted needing to do them in the first place, especially to Takhun. This was too much for the other eija, and he crossed the distance between them with one fist primed and ready to throw. Just before he could bring it up to strike at Ridahne, a pair of hands clamped around his wrist and held him back.

"Wouldn't recommend that, Venatten." Salei looked to Ridahne. "Good to see you again. Though you lied to me about your apprentice..."
Ridahne shrugged with a smirk. "It was necessary."
Salei smiled too. "That it was." She turned her attention back on Venatten. "If you knew what she'd sacrificed to keep your sorry hide safe, you wouldn't be so bitter. I watched her come nearly to death so that the Seed Bearer of Astra could live to plant your future. The Red Hand fell by her sword and her blood. Can you say as much, Venatten?" When he could not, the elf growled and stomped away. He might have challenged her, but Ajoran was with her, and he knew he couldn't take them both. Salei sighed, then addressed the room. "Anyone else got a problem? The Sols have vouched for her, and I will too. Come, tell me I'm wrong..." When no one answered her challenge, she relaxed a little. It wasn't that nobody in the room had a problem with Ridahne--several did. But evidently they all decided their beef wasn't worth fighting over, or at least not for the moment. Ridahne couldn't blame them for that, as she did kill one of their own. How could they not be upset with her?

Generally though, many accepted the version of events Ridahne presented to them, and trusted the judgment of the Sols and their current pardoning of the traitor, though several had many questions to ask before they were satisfied. Before long though, she and Ajoran were invited into a card game, which devolved into contests of arm wrestling, knife throwing, reflex, and other games. It felt good to be among her colleagues again, though it was different now. That was alright by her. She was different now, anyway. It also felt good to sink into a real bed at the end of the night, and to have Ajoran by her side made it all the better.

Darin may have gotten to sleep quickly, but she had problems staying asleep. She kept waking up, and then when she realized she was alone in the room she worried about where Ridahne could possibly be. When she remembered that warrior was in the barracks the human would fall back into an uneasy sleep only to repeat the process more times than she cared to count. Finally, when the sun started to peak above the horizon, Darin called it quits and just woke up. It was easy enough to pull on her boots and slip on a belt. Her leathers for Taja were next. Her hair had dried while she was asleep, so it was easy enough to braid it back from her face. With that done she was ready for the day.

As she exited the room it was easy enough to find someone to tell her where to find breakfast. She followed the instructions to find what looked to be a dining hall. There were only a few people in the room and there didn’t look like there were any servers, so it was easy enough to grab a plate and fill it with food. The tastes were familiar. While on the road between settlements the two of them took turns cooking. Darin tended to make stews that reminded her of her home while Ridahne had made curries that reminded the Azurei of her home. The first couple of times had caught Darin of guard. Now, while it wasn’t Darin’s favorite, she still liked the spicy Azurei cooking.

Darin ate slowly, waiting for Ridahne to come find her. She trusted her sister, so she doubted that she went to the grave on her own. Still, the human hoped that the warrior had gotten more sleep than she did. Darin was almost tempted to tell Ridahne that Ajoran could come share the room with them, but that Ridahne needed to come sleep in the same place with her. Darin was not used to sleeping alone. The only time she had not slept in the same room as at least one other person was the three months after she left home but before she met Ridahne. Maybe she would just sleep in the stable with Talbot, Tsura, and Taja. That might just be easier.

Someone that Darin didn’t reconizge, but they looked young, came over. With awe in their voice they asked, “Forgive my rudeness, but I have to know, are you really The Seed-Bearer.”

Darin looked up from her plate to see everyone in the room look young and were either staring or trying to avoid staring. She couldn’t help the smile that came to her face, “And if I’m not? What will you do?”

The asker seemed taken aback, “I mean, mean no disrespect.”

Darin ran a finger over the rim of her water cup, “Shame. I learned long ago that if you are going to be disrespectful you should at least mean it; really commit you know.” She raised her finger into the air and the water from the cup followed it, “Pick a course you believe in and stick with it until you no longer believe in it or discover a better way or that you were wrong. Be strong enough to stick with your beliefs but flexible to change if they are proven faulty.” The water was following down her bare arm to form a series of interlocking bracelets, “But now I’m sounding like a preachy elder when I am not that experienced.” She smiled up at the questioner as they looked at the water with wide eyes, “And I am hungry. Do have any more questions?”

They shook their head, “No Astra-Sol.”

Darin flicked her head in dismissal as the water flowed back to her cup, “If you’ll excuse me back to my meal.” They hurried away as Darin called after them, “I am no Sol. That is not an honor I ascribe to.” She muttered to herself as she turned her attention back to her meal, “Ridahne better not be sleeping in. There’s too much to do today.”

Ridahne meant to stay up late and carouse with her peers, but her body had not forgotten the fact that she'd been traveling all day to get there. She fell asleep in a padded chair beside Ajoran, who eventually woke her so they could move to a proper bed. He always thought the beds were a bit too hard and distinctly remembered that Ridahne had once felt the same. But he knew the road must have changed her definition of 'hard', because she had no complaints now, and slept as though she'd been given a cloud to lie on. She did wake once in the middle of the night when a pair of taja came in from their shift. She jolted upright with a soft cry of, "Darin!" and managed to get her knife about halfway out of its sheath before she calmed down and realized they weren't bandits or worse. She wasn't used to sleeping away from Darin and it worried her a bit to be so far from her, but she reminded herself that the palace in Tasen was one of the safest strongholds in Astra, and the Red Hand's arm would have grown long indeed to try and reach her there.

She and Ajoran woke at sunrise, took a moment to groom themselves and make themselves look presentable, and then headed out to the mess hall for some breakfast. They found Darin already eating and joined her. Ajoran lacked the shoulder sash and silver collar that lay over his chest that he'd worn the day before, though the silk sash around his waist that secured his dark blue uri was still a milky ivory. Ridahne had on the same blood red half-shirt and gray, beaded uri as she had the night before. The pair of them seemed almost regal now that they'd both bathed, had fresh clothes, and rested. Ridahne still wore the harness that held her two blades behind her back, however, and it kept her looking as dangerous as ever.

"Hope it's not too spicy...I tried to work you up to the usual level," Ridahne chuckled between bites. She'd been nervous about seeing Khaltira the night before, but now she seemed calm, cool, and resolute. She knew what to do, though the wasn't sure still how things would happen when the moment came. But it needed doing. So it would be done.

Darin swallowed the bite she had in her mouth as Ridahne finally joined her, “It’s fine.” She smiled, “It’s not my favorite but I do enjoy Azurei cooking. I think out of all the new stuff I’ve tried on this trip I liked Eluri cooking best though that one dish Umi made for us in Deepblood fashion was super good. I didn’t realize fish could be that yummy.” Darin took another bite before turning her attention to what she believed was a more serious matter, “I didn’t like sleeping away from you, and I am not use to sleeping alone. I’ve almost always slept in place with at least one other person. So, just so you know, I’ll be sleeping in the stable with Talbot, and Taja and Tsura and Mitaja, if she chooses to join us, for the rest of the time we are in Tasen. If you need to find me in the night that’s where I’ll be.”

In Darin’s mind that was better than demanding that Ridahne come share the room with her. That was what the human wanted to do, but she knew that Ridahne wanted to share the barracks with those who had once been her friends. So, Darin would share the stables with those who wouldn’t mind her company. Besides the human would love to see someone try to mess with Talbot, Tsura, and Taja in order to get to her. Darin didn’t think they would get very far. Darin had to wonder if the Red Hand would try anything while they were in Tasen. Eija Salei had seen the aftermath of their first encounter with the Red Hand. Well, it was actually the second if they counted Mark. Still the warrior knew about them. She had told the Sols and the Sols had executed people connected to the Red Hand. Still the Red Hand was crafty, and nothing was certain.

She drained her water cup, “Still that is for tonight. For now, we have a grave to visit. I would like to see if she was honored in death. If what you told me about the Ojih is correct than I doubt the Bookkeeper knows the truth of her betrayal unless you took the time to mark her face before you dealt with her. Somehow, I doubt there was time for that. Since we cannot be sure of her reception in the afterlife, I would not have her be interred with honor or grace or peacefully. Besides I am angry with her. I would have her know that.” She leaned over to mention to Ajoran, “I plan to yell at her, in Azurei, so she knows what I am saying. I’ve been practicing my swears, though there are a couple that don’t translate well from my native tongue to Azurei and there are a few Shallowsoul swears that seem fitting.”

Darin had been wondering how they had treated Khaltira’s corpse. She hoped it wasn’t with any kind of honor. She almost wanted her burned. That was a mark of the deepest dishonor where she was from, to do nothing to help the world grow. She knew in Lively, even though they buried their dead, it was the same. In fact, Ja’heil seemed to understand what Darin had meant when he asked her what to do with the Red Hand corpses and she had said to burn them. It was possible that Khaltira had been burned. Still, if she had been honored in anyway Darin would protest and she rather thought Astra would protest with her.

"It's funny," Ridahne mused between bites. "I used to hate fish. Not that I thought it was gross--I grew up on it. It's just that it was most of what we ate, being fishermen and all. I got so sick of it that when I first came to the palace, I almost never ate fish because there were other options available to me. And now that I've been so far away from the sea for so long, it's been a while since I've had good fish. Never ever thought I'd miss it, but I do."
Ajoran studied Darin. "So you do not live near the sea, then? Was this the first time you've seen it, coming down here?" Ajoran was from the mountains on the edge of Azurei, so not especially close to the coast. But he'd been to the sea even as a boy. And though he couldn't see it every day like Ridahne had, he could not imagine what it would be like to know he could not make the effort to see it with relative accessibility.

Ridahne smirked as Darin told of her dislike of sleeping alone. "Honestly, it was good fun to go back to the barracks. And they put up with me relatively well. But I wasn't entirely welcome either. We were probably going to sleep in the rooms they provided us tonight, but don't feel like you have to stay away." Ridahne never said it outright, but it was odd for her to sleep away from Darin, too. She knew sometimes Darin liked to sleep with the horses, as they were as much her family as Ridahne was. But she put out the offer anyway.

At last they finished their breakfast, and wordlessly Ridahne got up and began to head towards the gardens. The time had come. But when Ridahne reached the doorway, Ajoran stopped her. She looked questioningly back at her fiancé, and he could see some of the anxiety roiling around behind her eyes. "She's not there, Isfahan," he said gently.
"Not in the burial grounds?" The idea seemed ludicrous. Where else would she be?
"No. Come, I'll show you."

Ajoran led the way, diverting from the doorway that led out to the gardens and headed to the back of the palace, through a hallway frequented by various servants, and out a small, unadorned doorway. Outside the door were stacks of firewood, barrels, crates, and other containers for storage of various goods or materials. Beyond the brick-paved patio was the same dry, scrubby landscape that seemed to be most of this region of Azurei. Not quite the Dust Sea, and not quite honest soil. And a few paces off lay a white, lopsided stone that might once have been a brick of the palace itself long ago. It was starkly out of place among the red-brown dirt, and Ridahne did not have to be told to know it was all that served for a grave marker. No name was painted or chiseled onto the stone. No title, no offerings of wilted flowers, no smear of black tattoo ink across the face of the stone.

Ridahne bristled immediately. She'd been relatively calm up until that point, and now that it had come to the actual moment, she wasn't sure what to do or how to feel. Ajoran's thick fingers found Ridahne's palm and touched it lightly, as if to offer only the suggestion of a hand-hold. Ridahne's slim fingers coiled around his, and her other hand reached out to grab Darin's. Her grip was hard. Cold. Vicelike. Yet she didn't take any more steps forward--not yet--and Ajoran did not lead her further. Ridahne was quiet. And yet, as she stood there, eyes fixed to the white stone as if she thought she could vaporize it with only her gaze, Ajoran could feel an intensity rise up in Ridahne. It was a slow, soft thing at first, and then he could feel it like the heat radiating from a forge. And like fire, it was uncomfortable to be so close to, or it would have been if it had been anyone else standing with her. But these were her people, and they both knew by now the virulence of Ridahne's ire once it was stirred.

Like a cork bursting out of a bottle under too much pressure, Ridahne shot forward suddenly with a low growl in her throat and descended on the patch of unadorned dirt with all the viciousness of a demon from some dark underworld. She kicked at the dirt, sending curtains of red dust flying with each strike. She released a scream, an animal howl into the quickly-warming dawn and then spat, picking up rocks and hurling them away with startling force. And then came the curses. Some were rather universal, and some version of them existed in every corner and every tongue of Astra. Others seemed rather specifically Azurian, and referenced some cultural concept or another. Ridahne cursed in Azurian, in Orosi, in Eluri, in the speech of the humans, and what little siren curses she knew. She wished that Khaltira's face would decay first (a particularly nasty sentiment in Azurei), she called upon the animals of the wild to come and exhume what was left of her body to gnaw the bones. She cried out to the Keeper, beseeching them to see the truth of the evil soul in its care and deal with her accordingly. She vowed that her name would be forgotten, and her legacy would be dust. And most of all, she cursed the woman for ultimately being the reason Ridahne lost her friend and working partner, Takhun. In very rapid Azurian, she kept shouting, "YOU TOOK HIM FROM ME. YOU TOOK HIM FROM ME!" Again and again until at last she drew in a breath to scream again, but the air caught in her lungs and came out instead as a gasping sob.

Ajoran had stood back, letting Ridahne do what she needed to do on her own. But when he heard that sudden change, he went to her and wrapped his arms around her firmly. She sagged into him, and he was practically holding her upright. She'd spoken her piece, and unsurprisingly, she felt no bittersweet gratitude towards the traitorous woman for causing the chain of events that led her to Darin. The Sota-Sol got that pass. Darin might never love the matriarch, but Ridahne knew her and knew her heart was just. Her actions could be forgiven for their eventual good outcome. But not Khaltira. No matter what good this path had brought her to, Khaltira's actions caused Ridahne to murder people she would rather have left alive. And that left a dark, bloody stain on her soul that no amount of good deeds would ever wash away, and that could not be forgiven.

Darin put her dishes in a neat pile as she answered Ajoran’s question about seeing the sea, “The first time I had seen it I was in the Eluri lands. I didn’t even realize I was so close to it where I lived, but I would have had to cross a mountain to get there. I gave very little thought to leaving my home before The Gardener gave me my tasks, so I never did plan to see it. I’m glad that I did though. Though I have seen the sea daily for quite some time it, it is still one of the most beautiful things I have every seen.” She laughed, “I do miss my forest though. It’s not like the forests of Lihaelen, where the trees are so tightly grown together that not even sunlight reaches the forest floor. Instead that light that comes down is tinted green because of the leaves. Occasionally ta breath of wind causes a rustle and the leaves part to let down a golden beam that lights up the world.” She sighed happily as she shook her head, “But enough about home. I am here, in Tasen, and I want to learn everything that that anyone will teach me.”

Still that wasn’t going to happen until Ridahne laid the rest of her demons to rest. Darin was more than willing to let that happen first. She followed Ridahne following Ajoran to the nameless grave. When Ridahne took her hand and held it in a grip tight enough to almost break bone Darin gave it willingly. When her sister pulled away the human stood back to let the warrior swear and rant and exclaim. Darin had seen Ridahne before. She had seen the Azurei depressed. Darin couldn’t remember ever seeing her painted in rage and despair and eventually ruin as she collapsed to cry in her lover’s arms. That didn’t mean Darin was surprised. It was still Ridahne and everyone was entitled to their emotions.

While Ridahne was crying in Ajoran’s arm Darin took a single step forward. She had been planning to swear, but after Ridahne’s actions it seemed rather pointless. She took another step. The human didn’t even have a personal grudge against the woman. Her grudge was on behalf of Ridahne and The Tree, both her family even if it was in two different ways. Darin wasn’t sure what she wanted to say. She just knew that she wanted to say something. With one more step Darin was close enough to place a single stone on the cool white stone. She let out a shaky breath. Then she let out a surer breath. The wind began spin around the little group with the stone at the center. Lightning streaked across the sky. The waves in the port started to grow bigger and bigger. The Stone began to vibrate.

The Seed-Bearer spoke in clear crisp Azurei, “Your name will be forgotten, not even to be remembered among the Azurei people. Yet, because of you Astra, and all of Its Children will remember that a thirst for power unearned corrupts, hate ruins, and selfishness consumes. Let your unjust actions, and your merciless punishment, serve as a reminder that power is worthless if you do not use that power to help others. “

The rock shattered. Darin didn’t react as the pebbles hovered in the air for a moment before the wind condensed to spiral the stones into a pillar as the wind died and the stones were about to fall a bolt of lightning stuck the rocks and the ground underneath them, fusing them into a spiraling pillar that was taller than Darin. Eatched into the stone were the words that Darin had just spoken. The words were the same white as the stone but the words “help others” had burned black. The message was clear. The Seed-Bearer wanted the false Sol to be forgotten without forgetting why she had been forgotten. The wind died. The waves settled, Darin turned to look at Ridahne with a strange smile on her face.

Her voice was surprisingly cheerful considering where they were and what just happened, “Let’s go! We have a lot to do in a week if I am going to learn about Tasen and you are going to plan a wedding.”

The sky darkened and clouds swirled overhead. The change was sudden, and sailors who were about to embark abruptly shook their heads and moored their boats once more. They could not be paid any money to go out under conditions as ominous and mysterious as these. Istaerih was in a mood, they said, and it would not do to test her. For once, the marketplace fell eerily quiet as all its patrons stopped and looked up towards the palace, many wondering what kind of ill omen this foretold. And yet a roving band of children, often found together roaming the streets and beaches while their parents worked, looked up with awe and wonder. Somehow, they knew. The eldest and tallest of the group stopped, put a hand on the shoulder of the boy nearest her age and said with a soft gasp, "Astra-Sol..."

Ajoran was breathless. What began as a soft but noticeable change in the wind picked up quickly to a swirling torrent that flung his ponytail skyward and snapped the fabric of his uri. Just beyond the circle of Darin's storm, a few swirling, indistinct figures appeared from the vast dust before them. They came first as tiny whirlwinds of sand and dust, and then the particles began to take shape, forming the suggestions of rippling hair framing faces with bright, sunlit eyes. The Azurei called them 'architects', or itis'ri, for it was said that they were the spirits of the wind, and that they shifted the landscape of the Dust Sea to their whims and fancies. The figures seemed to bow to Darin, and then faded away. Ajoran had always believed in the legitimacy of the itis'ri as more than just a legend but truth be told, he'd never seen one for himself. Nor had he seen firsthand Darin's power. Ridahne had mentioned it, of course, but the description did no justice to the real thing.

Tears still wetting her face, Ridahne snarled gleefully, hatefully, reveling in the absolute erasure of the woman who had done so much evil, so much damage to Azurei, to Astra, and to her. She could feel the wind and the stone and the lightning. Not like Darin could, and she could never command them, but she felt their presence as a faint tickle in the back of her mind, a suggestion of not being alone. Strange things happened to her senses whenever Darin did things like this. Whether it was a dream, or a vision of what Darin was doing a few seconds before it actually happened, or some extra sensing of the world, Ridahne's connection to the seed meant that grand gestures like these touched her too, in a way. Ridahne stood, feeling, and perhaps even indulgently imagining that the lightning strike was her wrath, the wind was her grief, and the stones her resolve. It made her feel like her impotent rage actually had some bite, like she could still strike out against the woman who had so wronged her.

What was her name, again?

The storm eased, slipping back into normal tranquility as the pillar of fused stone crackled a little as it cooled. Ridahne wiped her face clean, but her mouth was hanging open. What was her name? Khal...Kha..no. Did it start with an S? Ridahne could no longer remember. Shocked, but also immeasurably and darkly pleased, she turned to Ajoran. "Ajoran! The woman who is buried here...what was her name?"
He blinked. "You know that..."
"Just answer the question. You know her name, yes?"
"Obviously...It's..." He'd started out with confidence, and then it was as if the breath was stolen from his lungs. His shoulders drooped a little as he frowned in concentration. "Her name was...ah...oh..."
Ridahne shouted in triumph and threw her arms around Darin. She squeezed her hard for a moment, then drew back enough to press her forehead to Darin's while she cupped the human's face between each of her hands. It was a deeply sincere and intimate gesture, especially in public, but Ridahne meant it. "Thank you. Ai! Thank you! This is a gift! I'm free, I feel free! Stars above, it's like I'm breathing for the first time!" Her voice hitched in a small sob. "Consider this my wedding gift. It is the best thing I could ask for, what you've done. Thank you!"

Behind them, standing in the doorway to the palace, were two elegantly robed figures: Hanasa-Sol, Khaltira's replacement, and Amaiera-Sol, the Sota-Sol. They'd come to see the commotion, and now looked at Darin with silent expressions of understanding. Amaiera-Sol nodded once, as if in approval, and then she and Hanasa-Sol disappeared back inside.

Ridahne sniffled, still shaking with adrenaline from joy and rage and anger and grief. "Well um," she couldn't help a little laugh. "What do you want to do? Climb trees for coconuts?"