Laevon had returned to his own dwelling and sat before the fire in the great hall. His mind was alive with too many thoughts for sleep.
The meetings with Tallia - they were the one thing he had to look forward to. Now she was planning to not return.
There was the masquerade ball, but it simply was not the same as their meaningful solitude … and he knew it likely never would be again.
He was disheartened greatly by this, but since Laeleth and Gabriel had arrived it was probably for the best. He should not allow himself to become so attached to these people or this place. It was only temporary until they could find somewhere more suitable to truly call home.
He watched the low, flickering fire - his long legs extended before it. Laevon felt unhappy, more unhappy than he had been in quite some time.
He had every reason not to be, but could not shake the ever growing annoyance in his mind that something was not right.
As he contemplated why this could be, he noticed the shadows shift in the room and immediately sat up. The candles lining the walls threw the dim light around, and he could see the dark form of Gabriel standing in the hallway.
Laevon was relieved and motioned him forward with his hand. “Please join me, Gabriel," he offered.
Without further invitation Gabriel did so and the two men sat before the fire for a moment without speaking.
“I have something I must say, Laevon,” Gabriel spoke first in a low, reflective tone.
“Certainly,” Laevon encouraged. “I was hoping to speak with you sometime as well.”
“Shall I begin?” Gabriel asked, and with a quick nod from Laevon related what was on his mind.
“Laeleth is worried for you," he began with a look of concern. "It is quite possibly wearing on her health, as she has been troubled and weak since we arrived."
Gabriel paused as he noticed a fleeting look of anxiety creep into Laevon's face.
"I thought that it was simply the fatigue of the journey, but her spirits remain low. She feels as though you are guarded around her ... or are keeping something intentionally from her. Is that so?” His voice was calm and non-accusing as he regarded Laevon closely.
Laevon sighed deeply as he reclined with his fist against his temple. He seemed somewhat agitated by all that Gabriel had just said. “I have noticed,” he admitted with a frown.“She does seem rather tired lately, and I was thinking it was only because of that dreadful journey. I am truly sorry it all happened the way it did."
He raised his eyes to meet Gabriel's and spoke quite sincerely. "I wish I had known, or could have done something about it."
Gabriel understood and nodded once. “You could not have known, Laevon, as it was not expected by any of us. No one blames you,” Gabriel assured him in a quiet way.
Laevon leaned forward in his chair, his arms upon his knees.
He considered something for a moment and then spoke again, “I also know Laeleth and I have never been used to keeping secrets ... but now ... I have one…” He admitted this reluctantly.
Gabriel let him continue, but his intense eyes never glanced away.
"It is not a bad secret," Laevon attempted to justify. "I would never put anyone - especially Laeleth at risk." He met Gabriel's serious expression with his own, and then smiled slightly as he continued. "It is only a rather foolish one, which I hate to even admit."
He then gazed intently at the fire; his fingers interlocked tightly as he went on with his confession. "I have become quite fascinated with the queen’s daughter - the princess Tallia. I have been meeting with her against anyone's knowledge, in the evenings at the edge of town.
Only just tonight she invited me to a masquerade ball in honor of her birthday. I believe she may have an interest in me as well, but cannot be entirely sure."
His face became more thoughtful as he recalled their meeting that night.
"She is not like her mother; she is not like anyone I have ever known." Laevon spoke gently and more to himself.
"If Laeleth knew any of this, she would likely be thrilled for me ... but that is just it!” His words were sharper now as he sat up straighter and stared directly again at Gabriel.
“I must not allow myself any feelings or any sort of attachments, for I know this place is not above suspicion. I have no reason to believe the princess is a threat, but I am especially wary because of her connection to the queen. We agreed to comply with Laeleth’s wishes, and I am not assuming that this is a permanent arrangement. I hope you know that," he stated quite pointedly as he did not wish Gabriel to think he was being reckless.
“The concern for our safety is ever present in my mind, as it is yours,” Laevon continued in his attempt of reassurance, but then sighed again as he sat back in a defeated way.
“I do not like keeping things from Laeleth, but I just have not found the right way to say anything about it as I am being quite cautious. She seems weary enough without adding any more cares to her mind.”
