Just Another Day

"So, do you come to tournaments often?" Ina asked as she slipped next to Hilael. He cut a quick glance at her and said nothing. "Strong, silent type I see. I like that."

"If I talk, will you go away?" Hilael asked bluntly.

"Quite the opposite! I'd love to hear what you think for once," Ina said with a broad grin.

"I think you're annoying," he remarked.

"Not what I had in mind, but I'll take what I can get," Ina giggled.

"Why won't you leave me alone?" Hilael asked.

"I like you. I think you're nice," Ina replied.

"You don't know me," Hilael sighed with resignation.

"Well then, help me change that, and then I can give you a more thorough explanation why I think you're nice," Ina laughed. Hilael simply gave her a sideways glance. "Aw, c'mon now," Ina said lightly and playfully pushed his shoulder. "What's the worst that could happen if we become friends?"

"Lowborn dog gets his ass kicked by jealous highborns?" Hilael grumbled.

"Ah," Ina ssaid as she shifted uneasily. "Well, um, what if I could help with that?"

"I'm not going to drag you into my problems," Hilael said sternly.

"Can't drag what's running ahead of you!" Ina teased. "Upon my honor as the best upcoming scribe, I shall fight off would-be rivals together with you!"

"I don't fight," Hilael reminded her.

Ina just raised an eyebrow. "You can't let Shanku and Muso have all the fun."

"I don't. I don't find it fun. I'm a gatherer and healer, not a hunter or warrior."

"Oh, really?" Ina asked and her ears pricked up. Hilael silently cringed as he realized he had just let some personal information slip through. "Scribes and healers pair well, you know. I'm already well trained in the art of sketching and recording. Word through the ferns is that you handled yourself pretty well on the trip up to the Fernwick clan when that strange netherbeast attacked."

Hilael glanced back at her, mildly alarmed.

"Oh, don't worry. You're not going to be called on for demonstrations or anything," Ina chuckled. "But if you ever decide to share your secret for others to learn, I would like to be the one to write it down for you."

Hilael walked on in uncomfortable silence. It hadn't been his knowledge of plants and herbs that had saved his sister. The little fairy dragon currently keeping herself hidden near his sleeping quarters had lead him to what he needed. Now he had further suspicions on why this dame kept chasing him. Ina began to prattle on about her various observations on the games and generally make idle chit-chat in an attempt to engage him further, but Hilael was determined to stay silent despite her best efforts. In time, she left him to go seek out her own family for the night time festivities.