Silence. Moria had her head bowed, studying the game board. Gavril watched her, the expression on his face making Ashyn look away, before he said, softer now, "Yes, I understand that."
Which he did, of course. That was how he thought, as much as Moria, in his own, quieter way. Moria, bold and brash. Gavril, thoughtful and subdued. Tyrus, honorable and resolute. All of them willing to make the hardest gamble for what they believed in. Tyrus taking his brother's place under the sword. Gavril taking Tyrus's. Moria risking her life to avenge Gavril.
Could Ashyn do the same in the same situation? Likely not. Heroes made the bold moves. Heroes risked their lives. Others kept the troops at ease, tended the wounded, fed the hungry, and soldiered on, and the world could not survive without them any more than it could without heroes.
Before Ashyn could sit to watch the game, Tyrus burst in as if he'd been running, saying, "I know, I'm late, but we still have time before the--" He stepped into the room and exhaled. "Good. You're keeping her occupied. I was afraid I'd run through that door and find myself dodging daggers."
Moria didn't favor that with a reply. Tyrus was busy, as they all were, and it was just as often that Moria missed their scheduled engagements.
A new life. One that promised many challenges. But this was what they wanted, all of them. To play their role, whatever it might be.
"Finish your game," Tyrus said as he snatched up a sitting cushion.
"No, take her," Gavril said. "Please. She's restless, and it makes her a very poor player."
"I'm not the only one, Kitsune," she said. "On both counts. You ought to come watch us. Get some air and exercise."
Tyrus seconded the invitation, but Gavril demurred, saying, "I'll enjoy the silence."
"Ashyn's not leaving," Moria said.
"As I said, I'll enjoy the silence. Comparatively speaking."
Moria made a face and got to her feet.
"If
you change your mind . . ." Tyrus said.
"It'll be a long council meeting tonight," Moria added. "Take the exercise where you can."
"I'm fine. Go on."
They left, with Daigo following along. The door had not yet closed before Tyrus said, "Zuri!" and Ashyn smiled, knowing the dragon whelp must have soared out of nowhere again, having developed the habit of swooping on Tyrus and grabbing his ponytail, which was apparently her idea of an affectionate greeting.
"Uh-uh," Moria said. "Not this time, girl. I--"
Moria cursed, and Ashyn laughed to herself. Zuri's greeting for Moria was to walk behind her and goose her in the rear until she produced treats.
"One of these days I won't have treats for you," Moria said, but Ashyn knew she would, she always would. The dragon might be Tyrus's "beast," but she was as devoted to Moria as Daigo was to Tyrus.
Their voices faded, and they could not have gotten past the next building before Gavril tentatively rose, his gaze on the door.
"Go," Ashyn said. "It's a swordplay lesson. Nothing more. They'd like you there, and you would like to get out. Moria's right. You're as restless as Daigo."
He nodded and started for the door. He'd barely made it there before Ashyn blurted, "Are you happy, Gavril?"
She regretted the words as soon as she said them, and braced for him to stiffen, that good mood to evaporate as he pretended to have no idea what she meant.
He turned slowly. "Yes, I'm happy. For the first time in . . . Perhaps in my life." He rubbed his face, as if embarrassed by the sentiment, then said, "It's like . . . like I'm finally able to breathe. I know that doesn't make sense."
She reached and squeezed his arm. "It does. It completely does. You have a future again. A normal life. And friends. People who care about you."
He nodded, definitely looking embarrassed now.
"And Moria?" Ashyn said softly.
"Yes, she is a friend, as much as Tyrus."