Shadow

3

The next time Teval encounters one of Delian's team members, he's at the market, picking out a few fruits and vegetables to keep in his room for breakfast and snacks. He turns when someone stops next to him, jerking back in surprise to see that familiar frown on Lexton's face.

"You didn't answer my question," Lexton says.

"I was enjoying my soup," Teval replies before politely asking the woman running the stall to weigh a handful of items.

"So you did hear me," Lexton points out as he crosses his arms.

"Does it matter?" Teval asks and turns to look him in the eyes. "Also, was Jiyo's screaming not loud enough for you? Maybe you should join the academy if you're into that sort of thing."

"Seventy," the woman tells him, unfazed by the conversation, and Teval thinks it's fair, so he pays and receives a cloth tote to carry his food. Okay, maybe this day isn't so bad after all.

Teval turns back to Lexton's sour face. "What? You're not into being degraded? I guess we have that in common since I didn't like it either." He can tell Lexton is pressing his lips together to keep from laughing or exploding, he's not sure which. "What do you care?"

Lexton lets out a sigh. "I just thought it was odd at first that you would leave, but I suppose everyone has their limits," he replies as his gaze drops toward the ground.

Teval glances away, realizing that maybe he should take this opportunity to get to know Lexton instead of being petulant. Asking for a little sympathy wouldn't hurt. "Listen, I'm doing a temp job at the docks right now, but that won't really last me long. If you hear anything that would be up my alley, let me know."

"You'll hear it before me," the younger man answers.

Teval points at him. "That was a joke. Are you trying to joke with me? I've never heard you do that."

"Don't expect it again," Lexton deadpans.

"I would never expect anything from you." Teval smiles sweetly, pleased to see Lexton's frown growing again. They don't usually get to talk for this long, but all good things must come to an end. "Joking aside, let the team know as well.

Lexton lets out a huff through his nose. "I suppose I could help you out at least once."

"It's not so hard. You managed to do it when we were on the train," Teval teases. He claps Lexton on the shoulder and passes as the younger man seems to grind his teeth. "See you around." He waves as he trots away, carrying his delicious cargo back home.

Despite telling Alynna that Lexton hates him, Teval would like to hope that the younger man doesn't think too poorly of him. Considering their little rivalry and proclivity to snap at one another when they interact, the dislike is obvious. Someday, Teval will figure out how to work on that. Maybe it can happen when he's teaching Lexton better casting, if he can ever grow it into something like friendship.

"Friendship," he mutters in amusement. What a dream.

A few days later, someone knocks on Teval's door in the late afternoon, and he almost expects another of Delian's team members. He's pleasantly surprised to see his sister Riyan and drags her in for a hug.

"I missed youuuuu," he whines, holding her tight.

"You should probably allow me to let go of the stuff I'm holding," she says, her voice wavering from trying not to laugh.

"It's so boring out here by myself," Teval complains as shifts his hold, clinging to her side while she sets some bags down.

"Ask your friends to visit." Riyan ruffles his hair as he grins. "You'll be okay, brat."