She stated on the walk this morning that the men need time together to get to know one another without her around. I believe they were getting on her nerves, and she wanted space from them but didn’t want to say that.
Regardless, she unknowingly let me know that all her Valtrue would be here for the day rather than elsewhere across the realm.
On my second knock, I come face-to-face with a very ill-looking Sevryn.
“Is Yemi okay?”
“She’s fine. In the Athenaeum, dawdling around with Thayla.”
“Dawdling? So Thayla didn’t need her for something really important this morning?”
I observe his crossed arms and glaring features.
I’m not sure if he’s confused on what dawdling means since he asked it in a way that requests clarification. Or, if judging by and examining his second question, his annoyance stems from the possibility that Yemi may have told a tale to get out of staying home with them.
“Of course she did. They’re only dawdling at the moment because I had to step out.”
“Oh yeah? What was so important?”
“That’s none of your concern. Is Nero home? I need to speak with him.”
His sneer is very unkind, but before he can question me any more, a hand lands on his shoulder and his crossed features snap to the man beside him.
“Well, good morning, Amick. What’s brought you to our humble abode?”
“Doren.” I tilt my head in return to him. “I need to speak with Nero. Is he here?”
“He is. Come on in.”
Sevryn grunts some colorful choice words as he stomps away. Doren ushers me through their threshold enthusiastically, without a care in the realm over his Valtrue member’s small tantrum.
The tension lingering in the air is heavy enough to make my nose itch as we enter their living room. The space fits Yemi’s personality well. Aside from the grumpy men sitting about.
Well, I’m not sure if Iric is moody like Sevryn is, but he sits in silence, staring out the back window.
“He must’ve gone to his room for a moment. Can I get you anything or is there anything I can help with?” Doren asks.
“No. Well, yes, but my Binder has forbidden me from questioning you for right now. So until she gives me permission to do so, then no, there’s nothing you can help me with.”
“Why has she forbidden you from talking to me?”
“Not talking. Questioning. She asked that I not bombard you until you, Yemi, and the rest of your Valtrue have had time to get situated.”
I wasn’t too pleased when she made me promise that last night, but alas, I’ll always keep my word to her.
“You’ll never get to ask those questions then,” Sevryn grumbles.
“Unfortunate.”
He rolls his eyes at me for whatever reason, and I pat my parchment against my palm as my impatience grows.
“Well, I, for one, believe we’re off to a splendid start.”
The unfazed calm on Iric’s face is completely opposite to the disagreement on Sevryn’s as they both turn to glance at Doren.
I’m not sure who to believe at this point.
I’ll have to ask Yemi myself and hope they’re moving in a direction that will get me my answers sooner rather than later.
