Shady

“… You’re serious?” Zander asked after a moment.

“…oh.” That was uncomfortable. “Well… I’m happy to, if you ever change your mind on that.”

“…Both,” Zander admitted. “But I imagine she’ll cool off with us before long, if that’s what you’re asking. She just needs some time to get her emotions out.”

“…Is there anything I can do to help in the meantime?” Talia asked after a few moments of silence. “Make myself useful somehow?”

Kieran quickly averted his gaze, intimidated. Zander strode forward to walk next to Gaius and Derik gestured for Kieran to walk next to him behind the two of them.

“Okay.” Talia nodded. “That’s all I wanted to know, thank you.”

Kieran followed him out and gently closed the door behind them, staying a polite distance away.

Talia blushed and looked away with a shrug. “I… didn’t know if specific things happened on specific days.” Makata certainly had a schedule. It didn’t seem like Ash was that ...

Kieran walked ahead and held the door. Derik smiled a little and nodded his thanks to the boy, stepping into the hall, followed by Zander who did the same.

“Are there routines in the Keep I should know about?” Talia asked after a moment.

She nodded and played a card.

“Sounds good.” Derik nodded. “Thank you.”

“Whenever's convenient for you,” Talia agreed with a nod. “There’s no rush.”

“Oh… that’s nice.” She inclined her head. So they hadn’t missed it. It still may be an option.

“I think so,” Zander agreed with a nod, sighing and pushing himself up to his feet. Derik stood up as well. “Got somewhere the kid and I can land until ...