Re:Creation Book 1: Allegiance

Fif:teen

"So, he was able to get the two of you out by himself?" Lysidia could hear the surprise in Vistara's voice. They'd all only just settled in before Vistara had inquired about the details of Lev and Khelmer's appearance in the city. Lev hadn't given many specifics, but it sounded as though Khelmer had broken them out with his power.

"That's amazing!" Cenna exclaimed. "After seeing what he can do, it makes sense, but even still, I hear that no one has ever escaped from the Prison District."

"That's because no one ever has," Vistara told her little brother, "though many have tried. Prince Lev-"

Lev held up his hand to interrupt. "Just Lev."

"I'm sorry?"

"Just calling me by my name is fine."

Vivienne let out a lighthearted chuckle from her corner of the rented room. "First Reif, now you. Is it customary in Myral to never use your titles?"

"It's not that," Lev responded with a shake of his head, "it's just that it's been so long since I was commonly referred to as 'prince,' or anything similar. It sounds strange now. I'd rather you just called me by my name."

"I see." Vivienne exchanged some curious glances with her siblings. It was clear that none of them were expecting such a weighted answer. "Well then, I should hope you don't mind simply calling us by name as well."

The other Ralhanas each nodded in agreement.

Lev shook his head again. "I couldn't -"

"Don't worry about it," Vayl chimed in. He and Telk had made their way back over to the bed they were sitting on. "It would feel a little strange for you to refer to us formally and for us to not do the same for you."

"Don't argue, Lev," Reif jokingly warned. "I've had this conversation before, and I can honestly say that you won't win."

"He's right, you know," Vivienne confirmed.

Lev simply nodded. "Thank you all."

Compared to Reif and Vivienne's attempts to brighten the atmosphere, Lev's tone and demeanor were rather dour in spirit. The blend of uplifting and gloomy only resulted in uncomfortable tension among the others in the room. Lysidia, however, barely put any stock into the awkwardness in the air. Most of her attention was focused on Reif and Khel, especially Reif.

What was Reif thinking by protecting an incarnation? Surely he knew how important their duties were. Leaving Khelmer alive and following Lev in spite of the threat of other rebirths were actions in direct conflict with the entire purpose of their existence. Reif understood that, didn't he? And he understood what it would mean for him to continue on like this, right?

Then again, Lysidia couldn't place all her frustration on Reif. He wasn't the one who let Khelmer go; that was her doing. As fate would have it, Ydris's incarnation lost consciousness, which was her goal to begin with, but her intention at the moment was to release him. Reif and Lysidia were practically brother and sister - even referring to each other as such - making it hard for her to deny that desperate look in his eye.

Maybe Reif wasn't the only one who needed to be stronger.

"Hopefully, once I speak to him, he will grant you better accommodations than what you currently have." Navari's comment left aware of how far the conversation had progressed while she had been taken by thought. "In any case, I will be back with an answer tomorrow."

"Any help you could give is more than appreciated," Lev replied. "Thank you so much."

"It is the absolute least I could do. Had I received the report on your imprisonment, as I should have, I would have made such preparations and sought to properly identify you sooner."