Azriel's Tale

Azriel's Tale - Chapter 23

CHAPTER 23:

Azriel sent the letter the following day. He sent it before Cassian or Rhys could see what he had written. And, rightfully so, they were pissed.

"What the hell, Az?!" 

"I know what I wrote. It was fine."

"I understand that Az," Rhysand snarled. It was rare to see him this angry. "But you never got a second opinion. You could be portraying something you don't mean." Azriel just nodded, not wanting to provoke his High Lord and brother any further. Cassian also did not say any more, he simply shrugged, his face full of annoyance, as he rose from his seat and left the room without a word. 

Despite his brothers' discouragement, Azriel was still confident in his judgement and his writing. Rhysand, looking to his Shadowsinger, finally spoke. 

"Okay, I trust you on this. But Az," He spoke with a force which made Azriel look at Rhys in the eye. "Do not do this again. Especially right now, when things are still new and fragile." Azriel nodded.

"Apologies for not speaking to one of you, but I'm confident in my judgement."

"As am I."

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Soon after his disagreement with his brothers, Azriel felt as though he needed to blow off more steam by training. Azriel, clad in his Illyrian fighting leathers, was ready to walk out the door. 

"Training again?" A small voice called from his rear. He turned, already knowing who awaited.

"Always." Elain smiled at Azriel. 

"I can't understand how you all train so much," She laughed quietly. 

"I felt the same way when I first joined the Illyrian camps. But, slowly I learned, it's all about stamina." He explained. Still smiling she responded.

"For centuries though?"

"Cassian would never let me miss a day," Azriel responded with a small laugh of his own. "He thinks Rhys and I are slacking." Soon, Azriel forgot all about training and went to sit with Elain in the living room. Soon they were quickly talking about their day, what was to come, what they both individually thought of the attacks and more. 

"What about Nesta? I rarely see her these days, how is she?" Azriel regretted bringing up her eldest sister, as her face soon fell.

"She is dealing with things. I want to help her in any way I can, but she has made it clear to all of us that she doesn't want our help," She rambled. "At least right now." Azriel nodded.

"You can't force her to accept your help." He summarised. Elain nodded sadly, clearly torn between in her internal conflict.

The two continued to talk comfortably for a little longer until Azriel politely excused himself to train. Cassian would know if he skipped training to talk to a female, especially Elain, as the general had been teasing his brother about their relationship relentlessly. 

 ---------------------------------------------------

Cassian and Rhysand were still a little cold towards Azriel. The shadowsinger understood, but it was beginning to affect his performance and his confidence. Amren had picked up on this. The shadowsinger had been slightly avoiding Amren as he had to put her task about observing Varian to the side whilst the Vallahan attacks had taken priority. 

"Are they still giving you grief?" Amren asked. They were sat in the living room in the townhouse, a week after Azriel had sent the letter. Azriel nodded.

"Pathetic." She snarled. Azriel huffed a laugh.

"I understand why they are angry." He responded. Amren herself laughed slightly.

"Of course you do." A silence fell over the pair and Azriel, rarely feeling uncomfortable in silence, began to feel the awkwardness. 

"About Varian-"

"Forget it." She dismissed quickly. "I was being paranoid. I asked him about it and he explained. Everything is fine." 

"Okay," he felt at ease. The case of Varian was causing him a slight amount of anxiety and he was pleased that they resolved it among themselves. The Illyrian was surprised that Amren was telling him this much about her personal life, especially her romantic life. Like Amren, Azriel was also an extremely private person and understood her need for space. So for her to confide in Azriel warmed him greatly.

Hey! I don't really know where I am heading with this story, so any prompts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! -Jessica.