“Where in Woodlands are you from, Sir Arens?” I ask the Discerni politely, wondering if he’ll even give me the time of day.
The young man lets his green eyes move away from Keane’s to hold mine, his voice just as cool as when he spoke to the girl.
“Just Arens, Lady Alexis. And I hail from Aeria. Though recently I have found myself spending more time at court in La Cour.”
Far north, then.
“A court I hope to visit soon,” I reply. I give him a small smile and bring my mug to my lips, watching as his eyes round ever so slightly before he hides them behind his calm Discerni features.
“We would, of course, welcome you and the Prince graciously,” the Discerni nods in response.
I didn’t mention Keane in my comment, he just assumed. Interesting.
I shake my head at the Discerni and give an exasperated chuckle, “I doubt the King to Be will have the time to join me. I plan to take the travel on my own…”
Arens’ eyes definitely round at my comment again but he quickly replaces the look with a narrowed gaze that matches his cool smile.
“Then we would welcome just you, Lady,” he nods, the two of us trying to read the other.
“Do you often travel on your own, Lady Alexis?” he asks, voice still cold yet hinting at actual curiosity.
“Very often,” I nod, “and you?”
Arens shakes his head, his gaze still holding mine, “this is the first time I’ve traveled out of Woodlands Court, Lady.”
Interesting again.
A Discerni man of about my age that has yet to travel out of his Court. Do the Discerni of Woodlands seclude themselves purposely because of the nature of how they run their lands? Or is there a genuine lack of interest and desire to even travel at all?
“Your first time visiting Knowledge and you come to Brierman?” I ask, letting out a small laugh as my eyes sparkle in amusement, “I’m hoping the people here don’t dissuade you from traveling again. They can be a rather rowdy crowd.”
“I have noticed,” Arens nods, surprisingly trying to hide his own small grin, “but I’ve found this town to be quite interesting so far. Heavier drinkers than I’m accustomed to, but interesting, nonetheless.”
“Heavy drinkers indeed,” I laugh in agreement and look behind him. Arens’ other two Woodlands companions are both openly watching our table in silence, no doubt listening to the conversation from afar.
“It’s a fantastic beast you travel with, Lady Alexis,” his voice pulls my gaze back to his cool green one. I feel Keane lean forward in his seat as his hand leaves my chair. Stormfall grips my shoulder and then steps onto the Prince’s hand, the two of them working in silent sync as Keane pulls the Bird of Ash away.
“Stormfall,” I nod to the Woodlands Discerni, watching as Keane deposits Storm on his shoulder, “we found eachother in Pyre.”
Arens slowly averts his eyes from mine to look at Storm now resting casually on the Prince. The two of them look regal together, both remaining quiet and ignoring the rest of the curious glances in the room.
“Whiskey,’” the serving girl returns to our table, placing the drink in front of Arens. The Woodlands Discerni thanks her, still not looking at the girl in his response.
“Might we also get a glass of water?” I ask, smiling in apology to our guest’s cool ways.
“Yes, Lady,” she nods, letting her eyes fall on the blonde Discerni with the smallest of frowns.
“Did you say Pyre, Lady Alexis?” Arens turns his cool gaze back on me, “your travels took you into another Kingdom?”
“They did,” I nod and bring my mug back up to my lips, “my travels took me to the city of Red Falls, just below the Charred Mountains.”
Arens looks back at Stormfall still resting on Keane’s shoulder, his gaze perceptive and quiet as he considers his next words.
“The beast is magical, Lady Alexis,” he brings his gaze back to mine, looking at me in deep question, “are you aware of that?”
It’s a bold question to ask, yet I think I see another hint of genuine curiosity behind his eyes. Is Arens actually interested in an answer, or is he condoning me?
I eye the blonde Discerni over my drink, recognizing the sincerity behind his curious glance. It’s so genuine that it almost reminds me of myself. There’s that subtle spark of excitement in his eyes that only comes from finding out more about the unknown. He’s truly interested in the dynamic of me and Storm.
