“I have a tea I just recently acquired in Nevis that is supposed to be good for that sort of thing,” Balrus said excitedly. “Give me just a moment. I’ll prepare a set.”

“Stop!” Aldric yelled, his voice sounding more distressed than he’d wanted.

He was angry with himself. All things considered, being in this place had been good for him over all. He’d actually been able to sleep relatively soundly, at least compared to the years he barely slept at all. He kept himself busy enough that he didn’t have time to mope all day.

Despite all of that, all it took was one memory of Miraea to bring his psyche crashing back down again. Sorrow, rage, indignation, guilt, and loneliness all tried to claw their way out of his stomach.

His friends were silent, worry plain on all of their faces while they waited for him to speak. It only made Aldric feel like more of a mess.

“I’m fine. Just... It’s just been a while. Since we were all together like this. Brought back memories,” he mumbled.

Looks of realization crossed each of their faces as they regarded each other, followed by looks of melancholy and nostalgia.

“You’re right,” Balrus said. “Goodness, has it really been over seven years since all of us were in the same place? It really takes me back. Is this what it’s like to feel old?”

“Oh, please,” Zasia replied. “You can’t be any older than thirty, Balrus. You’re still drawing in eyes everywhere you go. Age hardly changes that, I’m sure.”

“Nice to meet you, Pot,” Kedrin quipped to Zasia, pointing to Balrus. “Meet my friend, Kettle.” Zasia scoffed in mock outrage, while Kedrin grinned and Balrus laughed.

Aldric wanted to join in with them, even a little, but his spirit wasn’t up to it. Some dark part of him believed the happy, carefree part of his life had already come and gone.

“Balrus, wasn’t there something important to talk about?”

Thankfully, his friends didn’t address the blatant attempt to change the subject. Balrus gave him a sad smile before speaking to the group.

“Like I had already mentioned,” Balrus said, bringing the discussion back on subject, “His majesty sent me here in order to gain anything I could that remained of your legacy, Aldric. It is his belief, and many others as well, that you left whatever you had been working on up to Zasia or Kedrin before you...er... ‘died’. They believe these two, besides myself, are the only ones you would leave such a thing with. I’m sure they’ve pestered you two in all manner of ways up till now.”

“Indeed. And he hasn’t left us anything,” Kedrin affirmed. “Nor does he wish to. As curious as I am about some things you’ve created, Aldric, I’m sure that knowing such things would only make us a target.”