Published at 29th of November 2025 6:54 pm

Chapter TWO HUNDRED Barrel Roll

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

TWO HUNDRED NINETEEN

After his final class on Thursday, Alden napped for an hour and a half, helped along by the mildest potion Yenu-pezth had given him. When his alarm chimed, a notification hed set on his interface reminded him to go through his new waking routine.

First, a few minutes thinking about the guilt that had contributed to the recurring nightmare. Boe would be smugly exasperated to learn hed been given that assignment.

Next, he spent a while trying to gather fragments of the dreams hed had.

He recalled a moment when his body had turned to intercept something dangerous. A demon, a piece of one? And the relief hed felt upon realizing that he was fast enough. The new memory wasnt much to go on, but he thought he could trace the origin of that movementarms raised as he spun, twisting with a shield in his hands just in time to stop what was comingto his practice at North of North against the evil horse simulation.

And there was another recollection in his head. Hed been looking at the video screen for the cars cameras. Although he couldnt picture exactly what hed seen, he had a very clear memory of thinking, Good. Its hurt too bad to chase us anymore.

Lying on his side with his arm under his pillow, he stared through the bed rail. Honestly, this might be a dark way to wake up for the average person. Is it okay that Im so excited about it?

It was just much better than what hed had before. And he was feeling optimistic that the new dreams being on frequent repeat while Yenu-pezths work was fresh would crowd out other nightmares that hadnt even been targeted by the healer. If Alden was busy escaping from the lab every time he closed his eyes, then his brain wouldnt have time to cough up memories of childrens skulls and giant waves either.

He slid out of his bed then into his clothes before checking the Happy Avowed Days scheduling software on his laptop. His Keeper of Hot Potatoes avatar was rising from its own nap with a dramatic stretching session. I only have half an hour until I fly to the TC! he announced, chipper as ever despite Aldens refusal to connect his account to the internet and make it public so that Hot Potatoess copy of Anesidora would be filled with my real friends! instead of randomly generated characters.

I wonder what I should do with all this free time? the avatar mused.

Whoever makes this is so obsessed with Avowed.

Alden read the list of suggested activities that popped up beside the speech bubble. It included things hed scheduled for himself in the past like homework, meditation, and skill practice, along with short errands and amusements a person playing at being a CNH student might enjoy around campus. Hot Potatoes was unaware that Anesidora had gotten very wet recently, so he thought having a snack on the grass in Celena Circle would be fun instead of a nuisance to the people living in the domes. He was also curious about visiting something called the Sidewalk of Failure over near the workshops.

Alden moved around a couple of things on his schedule for tomorrow morning in case the Here-to-There kept him on the Triplanets overnight, then set the avatar to socialize. That would make Hot Potatoes wander around Garden Hall until his flight to the TC.

Close enough to flying to Matadero and attending a parade as Stuarts surprise helper, right?

Instead of going to find out what a Sidewalk of Failure was, Alden checked the contents of his suitcase one last time and went to say goodbye to whichever roommate was making bumping noises in the living room.

He rolled his luggage down the hall and found both Lute and Haoyu engaged in a project he was immediately invested in.

Were going to have a tree!

Its a Bromelimas tree. Haoyu was standing on top of a chair and steadying his bromeliad while Lute bent the limbs on the base of an artificial tree up to hide the plant pot.

It was going to be a normal Christmas tree, but then we realized Haoyus jungle plant might work on top. Lute took a step back and turned his head sideways, looking critically at his handiwork. If I cut some limbs off the original top section of the tree and weave them in, I think weve got something here.

Happy Bromelimas, said Haoyu, pointing at Alden with his free hand. Bromelimas lasts for five days, specifically the five days of Celena Norths December finals week. So thats the seventeenth through the twenty-first this year. But you can wish people Happy Bromelimas starting on the first.

Alden parked his suitcase by the kitchen table. A basket full of mixed banana varieties was waiting there. You invented a whole holiday while I napped. Can I make some ornaments for the tree?

All members of the huntksi lodge are brothers on Bromelimas, Haoyu announced. All bros must ornament the tree or else.

Or else what?

Im working on the traditions still.

We only realized Bromelimas existed fifteen minutes ago, Cottontail. Dont rush him.

Lute turned around. He was wearing his Jolly Roger t-shirt with baby blue pajama pants.

So youre leaving now to go to He made a box shape with his hands. But really youre going to He pointed up at the ceiling. Or maybe that was a number one for Artona I.

I am. I need to leave in a few minutes. But I can fold a couple of stars for the tree fast.

You dont have to rush. Its going to take a while for me to make it look cohesive anyway. Well either wait to decorate it or leave you a quarter of the limbs. Right, Haoyu?

All bros must ornament the tree. Haoyu cautiously released the bromeliad and stepped down from the chair. His uniform jacket was unbuttoned. By the way, Alden, did you tell Kon he was invited to come over and use our bathtub anytime?

You didnt. Lute sounded so betrayed it was ridiculous.

I didnt. I told him he was invited to persuade Lexi to let him use the tub if he was feeling lucky. I think that was the opposite of encouraging him.

Kon had been hamming it up on their walk back from Challenge: Apex Towers last night, talking about how some people got spas and clawfoot tubs while other poor souls got moldy lifematter bags and a shower that was always full of Mehdi and his collection of body washes.

Kon had asked Alden not to mention where theyd run into each other. Hed gone to the towers because he wanted to practice without company from their class. Laughing off my mistakes and the losses in duels isnt always easy, hed said. Tonight I just wanted to practice and be in a bad mood all by myself.

Alden was surprised to hear that Konstantin ever wanted to be all by himself. And maybe maintaining that image was why Kon would prefer to sneak away to practice instead of having to say, I want to do my own thing, to all the people he would normally encourage to tag along with him.

I told him about class on Friday, too, said Alden. About how most of them are probably getting a lecture of some kind in another room. Klein hadnt sent out an official message about it yet at that point, so Kon hadnt heard. He didnt seem too worried, though.

I talked to him just a little while ago, Haoyu said. He still wasnt worried about that. But he was on his way back from one of the info sessions theyre having for all the S-ranks.

I wasnt invited, Lute chimed in.

All the S-ranks in our program, Haoyu said.

Im hurt. I could leave this school and deprive everyone of my Eliteness, too, you kn

Haoyu talked over him. Kon says the rumors are true, and theyll be guaranteeing Ss more time on the floor than the regular hero programs at Li Jean and Naya Din offer. Thats what hes worried about, so hes the opposite of all the other Ss in our group.

He plopped down into the chair hed ust been standing on. I feel bad for him.

Hes not happy with the extra time? Alden asked.

He said it sounded like its going to be at least ninety minutes of S-on-S combat every week. If they put him in there, its going to be bad for him, isnt it?

Alden thought about what hed seen of Kons experience in MPE.

Shit. Thats going to suck for him unless they do what our instructors do sometimes and give him his own area to practice his spell in.

Maybe theyll do that, said Haoyu. Shouldnt they? Even if you imagine his skill and spell combo being the strongest, most perfect version of what it is, its a long cast time for a fight. I think hell always have to have a team or be able to plan ahead or sneak around to make it work in combat. Something.

Lute had bent over to pick up the top of the artificial tree and twist some of its limbs experimentally. I dont understand why Kon chose that. At all. He was into flashy Adjuster spells. Classic super-celeb stuff only. And then he coin flips his whole future on a one-of-a-kind that sounds like its an experimental workhorse?

Oh, it can be flashy, said Alden. You shouldve seen us all flying across the MagiPhys gym on a dog crate.

That sounds worth watching for sure. But it doesnt sound like Kon. He wanted to be this darkly alluring Thor character the last I heard. Literally, he wrote with dark allure on a poster once. Dressed all in black, lightning in his fists, and glitter in his hairlegions would swoon under his smoldering gaze.

What? Alden was trying to picture it. He thought of Kons disposition as more sunny than dark. When was this?

He went through different versions of a hero persona. Haoyu was watching Lute. Its true that he never talked about using any power thats like what hes got now, but he seemed proud about getting a special offer from the first day he told us about it at school. We were all surprised. Lexi was freaked out and angry. But Kon said he was really happy with the choice. So thats what matters. Some people just want unique talents, and since he couldnt be a U-type, maybe this was lucky for him.

U-types were rare to start with, and with very few exceptions, they didnt get selected from among Anesidora-born Avowed.

I suppose I can see him deciding he wanted the adventure of being the first of his kind, Lute said. And I can see him having so much self-confidence that all the things that could go wrong with that pinged off of him instead of penetrating.

Hes going to be awesome one day, reassembling whole buildings or something. Alden said it not because he was sure Kon would really gain the ability to do that, but because he wanted it to be that way. He works hard, and the System isnt out to get him. Its not out there encouraging S-ranks to pick terrible talents that will make them miserable.

Look at me, defending Earth System all of a sudden.

It had said that the feelings of its Avowed were a factor in its decision making, if not the most important factor.

Youre probably right. Itll let you make yourself miserable all day long, Lute said. But waving something that isnt meant to be useful somehow in front of high ranks would be a crazy thing for it to do. So Kons probably got the sweetest new Adjuster path in a generation. But its still not at all what he was planning for. Hes going to have to redo his whole vision board. The glitter hair just wont work as well without the fist lightning.

He raised his eyebrows at Alden. Hey! Whats your superhero outfit going to be?

Bunny slippers and a disposable rain poncho. Of course.

Perfect! said Haoyu.

Handsome, said Lute.

It will be. He walked over to pick up his basket of bananas and the suitcase. Dont forget to save me some limbs for decorating.

******

******

Alden stood on the edge of the nonagon, hovering above the sidewalk that connected the Garden Hall dormitories to one of the main campus walkways. He was reassuring the first sky traffic control lady hed ever spoken to that he would come get a real license to fly the generals cookie. For sure. Hed pass the test and everything.

He finally received his flight path, and he was about to take off when someone called his name.

Alden! Alden Thorn, Im so happy to run into you this afternoon!

He looked down to see a woman standing below him, waving with a brilliant smile on her face. Her skirt had a green, feathery-looking pattern that shimmered in the sunlight. He found himself smiling and waving back before hed even identified her.

A sunny afternoon, him being in a good mood, and her Appeal made him think, Someone is being nice to me! Ill be nice back!

Until his memory of the university instructor kicked in, and his thoughts changed to, Oh no. Thats the lady who wants me to dress up in embarrassing costumes and advertise for luxury luggage brands.

Instructor Colibri kept waving even though his own arm had stopped moving.

She said she was happy to run into me, but Im twenty feet up. That shouldnt count as running into each other.

Im sorry! he called down to her. I just got my flight path, and I cant be late. Good to see you!

He pressed his finger to one of the symbols on the driving ring and extended his hand to take off.

Within seconds, the instructor was twirling up into the air in front of him, her arms extended and her skirt flaring. She landed right beside his suitcase, bare feet thumping onto the nonagons surface. Shiny red sandals were in one of her hands.

He stared at her

Caught up! she said, giving him a curtsy.

Youdid do that. And Im going like fifty miles an hour right now. Hi, Instructor.

Youre off to Matadero again, arent you? Her shoes were already back on, and now her brown hair was going up in a bun to protect it from the wind.

Yes. I need to be there soon. For something. Cant delay.

Superb! I need to be on the west side of Apex anyway. Well have a quick chat, and Ill just use Whirlybird to get down. You dont even have to stop flying!

Alden was weirded out. This was like a teacher climbing through your cars sunroof on the freeway, wasnt it?

Is that okay for her to do? I dont think its normal. But we said hello to each other first, and the Nine-edged Son doesnt have a roof and doors. Maybe it seems more welcoming of passengers than other vehicles?

Trying to figure out if she was being astonishingly rude, or if he was being silly, occupied him so thoroughly that he missed some of what she said next. When he caught up with her words, they were about his relationship with Esh-erdi and the tour Alden and Haoyu had given of Celena North.

I know the school would prefer I give some warning next time. Principal Saleh told me to call her or

Me! You can always, always call me. First Rabbit in our program! Im so proud. And an interviewer should take care of her interviewees, shouldnt she?

I thought I was supposed to call the culture advisor if Principal Saleh isnt available.

Shes fine, too, Colibri said. Between you and me, she gets a little bit starstruck around wizards and forgets shes supposed to be helping Celena North manage its relationship with them instead of pursuing her own interests. She starts geeking out over ancient relics on other planets and forgets to tell them that some of the equipment in our uni Wrightshop is now old enough to qualify as a relic itself!

She laughed.

Alden upped the nonagons speed.

You know, the Artonans are actually our schools biggest benefactors when we consider the immeasurable value of the gymnasiums. Oh! Thats right! The generals havent toured those yet! If you think they might be interested, we have a maintenance day coming up. Its scheduled for just after finals, the day after our next combat assessment forincoming students. Will you be staying on campus over the holiday?

I

Never mind! Thats your business. But let me make a little suggestion, Alden. If you could swing by on that day, with or without the generals, I know the wizards who do the checks would be excited to have a student around who appreciates their work. Especially one with your language skills! We do like to thank them for their efforts in every way we can. Plus

Her tone somehow turned conspiratorial even though she was talking over the wind.

Its hours of floor time for anyone who helps them calibrate. I could make sure you have it all to yourself, or you could invite a friend. Your decision. And Ill be there, so if youre in the mood for some tutoring or a workoutthere you go!

Hours of extra floor time was something Alden wanted, of course. But the way it was being offered was raising his hackles. Dont a lot of people probably need that chance? Especially with the way things might go next term. Wouldnt it usually be offered to third years prepping for uni entrance or people having a hard time in their

Dont worry about that. I wouldnt suggest it if it wasnt fair, would I? Now, about

Soon, Alden was itching to try a barrel roll even more than usual. Colibri hadnt run into him accidentally; that he was now sure of. She had way too many Alden-specific suggestions right on the tip of her tongue. Fortunately, she couldnt come with him to Matadero, and the flight to the coast wasnt far. She had to Whirlybird down onto a rooftop as promised.

By then, he understood several things he hadnt been aware he needed to understand. And he was offended on a few different levels.

Did she think I was too dumb to see what shes hoping Ill do for them? Or is what she wants me to do such an ordinary thing in her mind that theres no reason to float the suggestion my way more subtly?

By the end of their one-sided conversation, all shed technically told him to do was involve her in any future tours he might give to Artonan visitors. She said she had a job title in addition to being an instructor that made her a relevant contact person. Head of Campus Image. Everything else shed brought up had been more of a suggestionbut they were strong suggestions, with plenty of hints that the school would scratch his back if he scratched theirs.

He zoomed over the ocean, frowning as he thought about how one of the more innocent-sounding requests would play out. Just bring one of the knights on gym maintenance day if you think theyd like a tour, Alden. Ill be there to chat with them while you practice on the floor.

That was really simple. On the surface. But the ugly layers he could peel off it

He wondered whether he was being too cynical because shed reminded him of all the work hed done to get into a school that had accepted him for reasons unrelated to that work. That still stung. Maybe the affront to his pride was affecting his judgment of the situation.

No. She jumped through my sunroof on the freeway. And Lesedi Saleh headed her off on Thanksgiving when she seemed to want to talk to me. Its sketchy, and the principal must think its sketchyor at least rude as hell.

How long had Colibri, and others, been thinking of stuff like this? Had it become a plan when he started flying around on the nonagon, or was it before they even let him into school?

Hed thought they accepted him because they were wary about offending the Artonans. Being a bridge to Artonan pocketbooks was worse. It meant his acceptance wasnt the end of the matter; it was the beginning.

If he played along with them, theyd have him begging wizards for expensive presents until he graduated. And Colibri seemed so very confident he wouldnt object to playing along.

I do object.

Can they use my attendance at the school somehow, anyway? Even if I dont help at all?

He didnt like that.

He landed on Matadero and left the nonagon in the hangar.

System, send a message to Drusi-otta, he said as he set out with his patched suitcase rolling along behind him and his banana basket swinging from the other hand. He switched to Artonan. Drusi-otta, if you have time to consider a very small concern of mine on behalf of Hntyon Lind-otta and Hntyon Esh-erdi, I would appreciate part of your future attention. The matter is not urgent. Thank you.

Dont know exactly how Ill put it when she calls me back, he thought as he headed for an elevator. But Ill tell her what Im worried about, and then she can insert herself between any inconveniences and the knights if its necessary.

Before he could finish telling himself to put it out of his mind, he reached the teleportation area. Only to stop in the wide entrance, blinking in surprise.

Esh-erdi and Lind-otta lounged in the middle of the main chamber on a low wooden sofa topped with thick cushions. As was often the case, his black hair and her paler brown was styled to match each others, today in a five-strand braid down their backs. The coats they usually wore as part of their knight uniforms were absent, leaving them both in simple high-necked shirts. They faced each other, Lind-otta smiling behind a raised wevvi cup while Esh-erdi drank something out of a larger mug.

The beverage was a dark red, as Alden found out almost at once. He hadnt finished taking in the sight of the two knights before Esh-erdi was on his feet and standing inches away from him in what looked like a single impossible step.

Alden clutched his basket and suitcase handles harder. Behind Esh-erdi, the mug hed abandoned fell toward the sofa in barely discernible slow motion, a fan of red liquid spilling from its rim.

Hntyon Esh-erdi, what

What is the matter of universal concern? the knight demanded, his face intent. This is now <<a shared emergency>>. I will bring all my authority to bear for the cause

No! Alden gasped. Did I say something wrong in my message? Im so sorry! Its not an emergency! Theres no emer

Your enemies will die before I do, young Avowed, and

Too much, Esh, Lind-otta said gently.

My very blood will stain the ground as I chase the!

I said we could tease him a little, not frighten him.

Whats going on? Alden looked from one to the other frantically.

Hello, Alden Ryeh-bt, Lind-otta said from the sofa. Esh wanted to be funny, but hes bad at it.

Her voice and her expression made it impossible to believe she thought anything about Esh-erdi was bad. There were warm vibes in the room so strong they almost felt solid to Alden.

Esh-erdi turned to pout at his partner.

Lind-otta laughed.

Esh-erdi laughed.

The warm vibes laughed with them.

Alden froze, his grip on his luggage suddenly weak compared to his grip on himself.

Those vibes arent vibes. Theyre a thing going on for real. Near him but not about him, like the echo of someone elses shout.

He swallowed, feeling exposed even though nothing was interacting with him as far as he could tell. It wasnt like being targeted by another Avowed or having a spell used on him.

Think. What is this? Is it dangerous to me? To my secrets?

The knights were as happy and relaxed as hed ever seen them. Out of uniform, having drinks together on a sofa that would have a big red stain on it in a few hours at the rate Esh-erdis drink was falling.

Theyre making the vibes?

He thought that must be itsomething happening between their two existences. Wizard children did the pat-pat control exercises with their learning partners. Zeridee-undh could let out a distress call. Alis-arth had surrounded Alden with her authority and kept him from destroying himself at her travel dome. Now there was this.

And Im noticing because whatever theyre doing is really big. Unlessits super basic like the learning partner pat and theyre so powerful its makin it more epic.

They were clearly in a good mood.

Could this be part of their esvulgivnas and the breaking selves together thing?

He was staring at them like a deer in headlights. They were going to think Esh-erdis joking had traumatized him if he didnt say something normal soon. He went with, Is that the couch from your rooms?

The teleportation area at Matadero had never had furniture in it before.

Yes! Esh-erdi said. Its fortunate I asked Drusi to send all of your requests directly to me. With her help and your Contracts we were able to arrive down here before you without even leaving our seats.

Alden felt his panic smile easing into a real one as he realized these two werent just happy. They were so happy theyd gotten goofy. Theyd asked the Earth System to teleport the sofa they were on.

It was only down a few floors into a literal teleportation zone, but still

Are you all right, Alden? Lind-otta asked.

I am.

Come sit with us! Esh-erdi led the way over to the furniture, where he scooped his mug out of the air and his drink into the mug with a couple of swoops of his arm. Talk until you are summoned away to whatever brings you here. Healing? A social visit? You have many bananas with you. This cushion is best. Sit on this one.

This is really going to confuse anyone who teleports in.

He took the cushion Esh-erdi had just left while the knight seated himself in the middle. The vibes that were more solid than vibes were fading.

I dont have something important enough to bother either of you with if youre busy.

Minor problems can be as satisfying to solve as large ones, Lind-otta said.

And were always busy, Esh-erdi added. But until sunrise tomorrow, weve decided to be busy with what pleases us. Nothing has sunk anywhere on Earth in days! Actually, Im sure many things have sunk, but nothing has sunk unexpectedly due to the <<spillage>> of magical devices for which were responsible.

That was a good reason to celebrate.

All right. I was only calling Drusi-otta to tell her

Alden didnt have what he wanted to convey smoothed for presentation yet. But they were waiting, and the invite from Emban would be coming. And if Instructor Colibri could be so blatant about what the school wanted from Alden, then why shouldnt he be forthcoming about what he thought of it?

I think my school has hopes that wizards will give them extra magical equipment and support because Im a student there. Because of the commendation and other things.

Do you lack something necessary for your education? Lind-otta asked.

No, Alden said, brushing off a thought about how much hed like to have some more video lessons from Instructor Gwen-lors class. Of course there are always things that could be made closer to perfection.

An endless pursuit. Lind-otta nodded.

But Im not asking you or any other wizards to give large gifts to Celena North. So if anyone ever says that I am, or if they suggest that Im having difficulties in a class that can only be fixed with an improvement to our magical buildings or very expensive supplies, theyremistaken. He felt that the word mistaken was a charitable concession on his part. Im not sure anyone will actually make that mistake, but if they do, in front of you, now youll know theyre incorrect. That was all I wanted to say.

What about small gifts? Esh-erdi was twiddling his fingers against his mug. Do you want any small gifts for yourself?

Youve given me a lot. Even if we dont include you saving my life, and I think we should include that. Also, Olorn-arth gifted me an earring she made that helps me focus and enjoy instruction. So my education has been improved beyond my expectations already. Realizing that praise was insufficient, he added, Its a wonderful earring.

She gave you the work of her own hands! Lind, I told you I wasnt being <<overwhelming>> by providing him with a few necessities. He settled deeper into his section of the sofa, looked thoughtfully at his partner, then said, Alden, where do you go from here?

A Here-to-There with Hntyon Emban-arth.

A thrilled whistle came from Lind-otta. A Here-to-There! They were so common in my youth that a wizard would occasionally be caught in an <<unchaperoned>> one by accident and gain an unlooked-for task. I havent been to one in so long.

Ill be going to help Stu. Emban is bringing two members of her squad. I dont know much about whats happening, so Ill A good word for tag along wasnt coming to mind. Be casual and helpful company however I can.

Dont be soft-voiced during the <<challenging>> and the announcing, Esh-erdi said. Shout as loud as you can. As loud as your best croak!

Alden watched the knight sip the red drink, trying to tell by his face if this was a prank attempt or legitimate advice. When he couldnt be sure, he looked to Lind-otta.

She had a placid, competent way about her when she wasnt ritually starting off a meal by cracking turkey bones with her jaws.

Why are you looking at her like that? Lind! Do you see this? The human child doubts my advice!

Of course I dont doubt, Alden said. I was justwondering if she had advice, too.

Lind-otta laid one of her hands against Esh-erdis arm. To Alden, she said, Be patient with our young siblings <<of circumstance>> if theyre <<moody>> right now. And dont expect them to be as knowledgable and proper as a fully diplomaed wizard even if they now have many of the privileges of one.

Ill keep that in my thoughts.

And I have heard your best croak, she added, her eyes alight. That volume will be adequate for the challenging and the announcing.

Esh-erdi grinned.

Ohthank youhe really did share that with you. Ive been recorded. Good. Thats good.

You seem to be better at turning pink than most humans Ive met. Esh-erdi spoke in an innocent tone that was definitely fake.

Its one of my many talentsand theres my invitation to the first Rapport! I shouldnt make Emban-arth wait.

The invite actually came from Evul, so he assumed it was really Stuart initiating the teleport through his sisters tablet again.

Go, said Lind-otta. Thank you for tolerating Esh.

What about me must be tolerated?

Alden stood.

Dont worry about us hearing the requests of your elders and thinking they speak in the voice of your own desires, Esh-erdi said more seriously. This truly is a small matter, if it happens. And it is neither surprising nor offensive to us, if you worried it would be so.

Im glad. I dont want to be trouble, and I dont want other people to cause trouble in my name. Alden bent to pick up the basket.

We should talk about how Aliss commendation is regarded, perhaps. When youre ready to have that longer conversation with me and deal with the matter of the secrecy contract for this place.

Whenever you want, Alden said. Whenever is convenient for you.

Send me a list of days and nights that are easy for you, Esh-erdi countered. And I will choose one. Not immediately after one of your meetings with the healer, though.

Ill send you as many options as I can.

Alden stepped into one of the smaller alcoves that surrounded the central chamber. Seconds later, he was on Artona I.

******

******

Hes a sincere person, Lind-otta said.

They were back in their sitting room, still on the sofa.

He is.

Jeneths youngest is also sincere.

Yes. Esh-erdi set his empty mug on the armrest beside him. I hope theyre mature enough to handle that sincerity. If not, they might rip away each others shade leaves without being prepared for all that can be known in harsh light.

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