"Are you supposed to be up there?" Eva asked when the other Tenrin still didn't speak.
A part of her wanted to warn the tent's resident about his guest. If for no other reason than so they wouldn't be surprised if the tent unexpectedly collapsed.
The Tenrin leaned back and looked around, as if only just now noticing the awkwardness of her chosen perch.
"Yes?" The Tenrin's tone lifted at the end making the word almost a question. "Tenrin like heights."
"You don't say," Eva said dryly.
The girl gave a bird-like nod. "I do say."
Her response surprised a laugh out of Eva. Something she didn't think she was capable of given her current mood.
"We're similar to birds in that fashion," the girl said, encouraged.
Cute.
That was the impression Eva got from the girl. Not exactly a word she ever thought she'd associate with one of the most dangerous mythologicals.
But there it was. The girl was adorable. Her social skills a little lacking, but she made up for it in her mannerisms.
It was why despite knowing she needed to report, Eva lingered a little longer.
"I take it you've finally grown tired of taunting my apprentice."
The girl dropped from her perch, her wings spreading as she glided to land in front of Eva. Her momentum was a little too fast, forcing her to hop to catch her balance. "He is great fun. He makes the best noises when surprised. Squeak squeak. I wonder what other sounds he's capable of."
Eva's eyebrows lifted toward her hairline as she nodded slowly, already deciding not to share that particular tidbit with Jason when she saw him next.
The last thing she wanted was to have to replace him when he decided a Tenrin's interest was his line in the sand for weird.
"Ajari says you're a Caller." The Tenrin closed her eyes, her expression blissful. "I see why. You're like the sun in my mind. Warm but not as tiring."
At the reminder of all she'd lost this night, Eva's smile faded. The distraction of the Tenrin's presence no longer enough to hold back some of her emotions.
"I'm afraid not for much longer," Eva said, casting a glance in the direction Polaris had disappeared into.
The Tenrin's gaze held far more wisdom than Eva had given her credit for. "Ajari says a Caller either is or isn't. Others aren't to interfere."
"You seem to have a lot of respect for him," Eva observed.
The Tenrin lifted and dropped her shoulders, her wings rustling. "He is our axis."
Eva's gaze sharpened. "What does that mean?"
The female's expression grew thoughtful. "He is our guide. He puts the flock on the right path forward."
"Like a leader."
The female shook her head, looking troubled. "Covath is our leader. Ajari is our guide."
Although not entirely sure, Eva thought his role resembled an adviser of some sort. One whose words and opinions were important enough that even Covath had to listen.
The female touched her chest. "He sees the truth of what is inside."
Ah. A spiritual adviser maybe.
The Trateri had them too, though Eva didn't have much experience with them.
