Chapter 62 - The Durand Estate

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Coriund felt warmth rush to his face as he gazed at the angelic countenance of the young man before him. "Ah- um- yes! I was on my way to see you." Awkwardness settled between the two, who neither met each other's eyes, nor had anything else to say.

From behind his brother, Soren cleared his throat. "Perhaps, Sir Marteres, we could trouble you to escort us to our carriage? It will be more comfortable to discuss personal things in a more private environment." Soren's voice was quieter than his brother's, and a hint rougher. It was clear, though, that if he tried, he could sound exactly the same as his twin.

"Oh, of course!" replied Coriund readily. "Seeing as I was on my way to your estate anyways, I'd be most grateful to travel alongside the two of you."

"You weren't walking all the way here from your land, were you?" Sylvan asked, kind eyes full of concern.

"No, no," Coriund chuckled. "Actually, my carriage was stopped due to the disturbance the priests caused. I figured I'd check things out, and hire a carriage to take me the rest of the way afterwards. My decision seems to have worked out even better than I'd expected."

"I'd have to agree," Sylvan murmured, casting shy eyes to the ground as he walked.

"Tch... Sylvan," Soren called out from behind his brother. "I seem to have twisted something when the priest's knight cast me to the ground."

Sylvan's eyes widened in distress. "I can't believe I let you get wrapped up in all this... I'm so sorry, Soren. Will you be okay getting to the carriage?"

Coriund frowned as he studied the twins. Were his arm in better condition, he could easily carry such a small-statured man a few miles if he had to.

"I'm sure I'll be fine if I can rest my leg," Soren replied. "There's a cafe on the next corner- why don't I stay there, and the pair of you can go fetch the carriage and pick me up?"

Sylvan opened his mouth to reply, but Soren leaned onto his brother, interrupting him. Coriund couldn't help but notice that the young men were whispering between each other. Finally, Sylvan sighed, relenting. "Just be careful- don't let any priests come and stir up any trouble."

"You needn't worry," Soren responded with a gentle smile. "I'll keep to myself." With that, Coriund accompanied the twins to the cafe, and leaving Soren there to rest, he found himself walking the homely streets alone with Sylvan.

A ticklish sort of bashfulness filled the space between the pair once more. Coriund figured it couldn't be helped. After all, they both knew to what end Coriund's visit had been intended. 'I wonder how he feels about our parents' arrangements...' the knight thought to himself.

The pair both began to speak at once, laughing sheepishly as they realized they were interrupting each other. "Please, my lord Sylvan, you first."

The young man grinned warmly. "Okay, but please, call me Sylvan. I believe we'll be seeing quite a lot of each other from now on, after all."

"I'm honored," Coriund replied, nodding. "Please, feel free to refer to me as simply 'Coriund' as well."

"Well, thank you Coriund," Sylvan said thoughtfully. "For everything, really. Had you not stepped in, I don't know how that situation earlier would've gone."

Coriund's smile faded at Sylvan's words. "That priest seemed to know you- do they bother you often?"

"Well," Sylvan let out a dry laugh. "I suppose they feel I've driven them to this. It's been several years now since I began discussing Miellos with whoever showed interest. It wouldn't be a stretch to say the priests hate me for it."

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