Homecoming - (Part 3 of the Ignaius-Saga)

Surprise Reunion

After they had bathed, dressed, and eaten a late breakfast, Variel was surprised to be prompted for a tour. He knew the king had been here before, but he didn't question the suggestion and merely agreed. It meant he could spend more time with the man and that no one would mess with him; sad that he had to worry about such things in his own childhood home, but he tried to ignore that fact and simply began the tour.

Sure that Tanier already knew where they were going, Variel decided to put his own spin on it by flavoring their walk with little stories and bits of memories that each area of the keep inspired. He even got a chance to show the king his old room - which had not been filled - and the contraption he'd cobbled together from what he could get his hands on. It still worked, astonishingly. He walked in, pulled the string, and the light came on along with the sound of turning gears and belts. He admitted it wasn't practical, but that it had been more of a learning exercise and that he wanted to find a way to make it more convenient and suited for everyday use.

He also spent more time than usual in the garden and the field behind the keep where he used to ride. These were the places he'd spent most of his time - aside from his room - and so he had the most to say about them.

Eventually, though, they ended up at the training yard. Variel had told himself he would stay from it, especially while his brothers were present, but being at the king's side gave him a sense of security. No one would dare treat him like that in front of Tanier, at least no one here.

Tanier had intentionally asked Variel to show him around. It was not so much the place, but the man (and the boy he used to be) that he wanted to learn more about. He did learn about a few places that he never visited before as well and finally had an idea what this mysterious light with a belt was about. Actually this was the closest to a day (or at least a few hours) off that he had in a long time, but finally he could afford it. After they had marched to Stoneshield keep as fast as possible, there was nothing that needed urgent attention. He had wanted to come here for Variel's sake, even before the abduction, more so after it. He had wanted to speak to Alexton. And he was hoping for another meeting and hopefully more substantial input from the mysterious woman. But mostly what he did now was waiting, especially as he was a guest here. Of course there were always matters to attend, but even the usual constant influx of messages to the king had died down. He was sure it would keep up in maybe a week, but the more he enjoyed the freedom he had right now.

When they entered the training yard he inspected with the same free floating curiosity he usually applied to everyone and everything that came withing reach.

Alexton's other sons were present in the training yard, including Core. None of them seemed to notice the king's presence at first, as there was no grand entrance and they were foused on sparring. Core was standing on the sidelines with his arms folded, watching Merrit and one of the keep's younger guards fighting. He would occasionally call out advice to one or the other, showing no favoritism. It was clearly a learning exercise, not a contest.

At some point, Variel realized he was holding onto Tanier's arm while they stood there and watched the fight. He considered letting go for a moment, then decided against it. Everyone here knew what he was to this man - or had some idea at least - and he felt more secure like this. It wasn't as if he was doing anything overtly inappropriate.

When Variel took his arm, Tanier was surprised, as he had never displayed his affection that way before. Then he realized that this was not a display of affection at all, that the boy was in need of comfort, so he probably had bad memories connected to this place, recent memories, as it eventually turned out. He didn't stop Variel. Actually it was nice to stand there and watch, while no one really cared. And no matter why Variel was desiring to be close to him, he found it quite enjoyable.

When the match finished, excited clapping came from near one of the training dummies. Everyone turned to see who was being so obnoxious, and Variel instantly recognized that head of fiery red hair. There stood Nyx, having appeared seemingly from nowhere with no introduction or ceremony, just as she had the first time they'd met her. She looked much the same as she had a week before with her black garb and ponytail.

"Good show, boys! Mind if I join in the fun?" She walked forward and picked up a sparring sword, merry as could be.

Core raised an eyebrow. "Sorry, but who are you?"

"Nyx!" she announced, as if that should explain it.